DIY rules for fitting aluminum sliding windows and step-by-step instructions
Incorrect operation of aluminum windows leads to blowing and violation of aesthetic appearance. After installation or during subsequent operation, it is necessary to carry out adjustment of aluminum sliding windows with your own hands. If you follow the step-by-step instructions, the procedure will not be particularly difficult. It is better to inspect and adjust the location of the windows before the onset of frost in order to prevent the apartment from freezing.
In which cases an adjustment may be necessary
The need to adjust the location of the structure arises in situations where the daily use of aluminum sliding windows is inconvenient. According to the specific situation, the corresponding items are adjusted.
The balcony frame is difficult to move
If the balcony window frame moves only with some effort, it needs to be adjusted. It is possible to solve the problem by lowering the rollers, which will change the position of the door leaf and simplify its movement.
The latch does not close
A common problem is a bad latch on the frame. The fault may be due to the following:
- the strike plate and the tongue of the bolt are located at different heights;
- the tongue of the mechanism is deeply recessed into the chassis, so there is no sticking to the bar.
In each of these situations, an adjustment of the window structure is necessary. You will need to use hex keys to complete the procedure.
How to fit well
Tuning nuances depend on which element of aluminum sliding windows is malfunctioning. To adjust the rollers and latches, you must first study the instructions and prepare a basic set of tools.
Roller skates
Roller mechanisms are located on the upper and lower parts of the aluminum sliding structure. They are placed in slides along which they move, opening and closing the window. If, when attempting to expand, the structure does not lend itself to force or does not move easily enough, adjustment is required as follows:
- They find the set screws that are under the bottom frame guards at both ends. To fit standard size screws, you need a 4mm hex socket.
- Place the hexagon in the opening and scroll left.
- Adjust the height of the shutter on both sides by continuing to turn the screws and moving the roller mechanisms. At this stage, it is recommended to use the level of the building in order to avoid a slope in the diagonal direction.
After fixing the location of the rollers, you need to check the condition of the aluminum sliding structure. For this, the window is closed and opened several times, making sure that it works correctly.
Latch
The latch adjustment procedure depends on the type of problem.If there is no adhesion of the tongue to the bar due to placement at different levels, then it is enough to move the counterpart to the required height. For this, unscrew the bar using a hexagon with a base of 2.5 mm. When the bar moves smoothly along the frame, it is installed so that the lower edge of the front counterpart the chamfer is at the same height as the top of the latch tab.
In a situation where the problem is associated with a strong deepening of the tongue in the balcony window frame, you need to carefully move the opening handle down, put a 3 mm hexagon in the vacant hole and turn the screw. Turn the hex wrench in the opposite direction to the fittings.
If the handle is located on the left end part of the window sash, the key is turned to the right and vice versa.
After loosening the fixing screw, the tab is carefully pulled to the desired level, and then the screw is tightened in the opposite direction. Provided that the adjustment of the sliding structure is carried out correctly, the door leaf will close tightly with the latch. After the adjustment is completed, you should immediately check the operation of the structure.
Rules of operation
Competent operation helps to reduce the risk of breakage of aluminum balcony windows. When using the design, you must adhere to the following list of rules:
- To move the frame along the guides, you must hold the two vertical uprights. When moving the structure, you should not leave your hands between the sashes, and when closing - between the sash and the guide profile, as this can cause a traumatic situation.
- Before opening the window, you need to make sure that there are no foreign objects in the guides.The presence of pieces of ice, stones and other small particles falling under the roller mechanisms and the lower part of the leaf can cause the frame to rise and fall.
- It is possible to avoid unwanted fogging and the appearance of ice in the cold period if, when opening a window in a room facing the balcony, at the same time open the sash of the glazing system from the balcony 10 to 15 cm. the Windows.
- Doors should be opened and closed without sudden movements, which can lead to knocks, violation of the mounting adjustment, mechanical damage to individual elements.
- If it is necessary to remove the aluminum sliding structure, it is better to turn to a professional, since this procedure is very complex. Otherwise, there is a risk of damage to the structure or its individual mechanisms.
Compliance with the basic rules of operation and maintenance prolongs the service life of aluminum sliding structures. In addition, competent use provides convenience and safety.