Solving problems with the ventilation mode of plastic windows. Modern plastic windows with micro-ventilation Device for micro-ventilation of plastic windows

In the construction world, the installation of metal-plastic windows with double-glazed windows has long been considered the norm. It is much more convenient to use such glazing than ordinary wooden windows. Metal-plastic structures are easy and quick to clean, there is no need to paint them, and they serve for quite a long time.

The undoubted advantage of PVC glazing is its tightness. And this same feature is a bit of a problem. Keeping the temperature in the room, metal-plastic windows also do not allow moisture to pass through and do not allow fresh air to flow in. The micro-ventilation function will help to get rid of this problem.

How can micro-ventilation be arranged

The solution to the issue of air access to the room has 3 classic solutions:

installation of special fittings;
sash opening limiter device (comb);
installation of the supply air damper.

All solutions for adjusting micro-ventilation in plastic windows have their pros and cons, while all of them solve the main task - air ventilation in the room without drafts.

After considering all the details, you can decide on a solution suitable for a particular situation.

window fittings

Metal parts will ensure the opening of the window in different planes

When assembling the window, metal parts are installed in the groove on the profile, which provide various opening positions and hold the sash in the closed position. A micro-ventilation mechanism can be included in this system. Ideally, it is installed immediately at the time of assembly at the factory.

But if the window was mounted a long time ago, it is quite possible to install the mechanism in place. To do this, you should contact the experts. Any company involved in the repair of metal-plastic structures provides this service.

The mechanism fixes the gap between the sash and the frame, sufficient for air to enter (no more than 3 mm). It usually opens by turning the handle 45 degrees. There are mechanisms for multi-stage fixation (turning the handle by 15, 45 and 60 degrees).

This is the best solution, but not everyone will be able to implement it on their own.

Opening limiter

Methods of micro-ventilation in double-glazed windows

Installing a multi-stage opening fixation mechanism is the most budget option, and this is its main advantage. The comb itself is inexpensive, and anyone who knows how to use a screwdriver can install it.

Before installation, mark the places on the frame for drilling with a pencil. The tongue is usually installed under the handle:

remove the decorative trim, unscrew the handle;
attach the latch tab;
put a handle on top and screw the screws into their original places, put on a decorative trim;
screw the comb mechanism to the window frame.

This method has disadvantages: the likelihood of damage to the window profile and the rapid loss of the internal temperature of the room, even with a minimum gap.

micro-ventilation valve

The most technologically advanced solution to the problem of air flow is the installation of a micro-ventilation valve. It is mounted on the upper frame in the center of the sash part. You can do it yourself, detailed instructions are attached to the mechanism. Manual and automatic valves are available for sale. They differ in price and adjustment method.

Before any type of installation, replace the seal rubber with the one supplied with the assembly. To learn how to install a micro-ventilation valve, see this video:

When choosing this solution, it will not be possible to save, the cost of structures is quite high. But by installing the valve, you get constant air ventilation, the intensity of which can be adjusted.

At the same time, there is no noise, dust and insects inside the room. It is worth noting that ventilation through the valve will occur with the window closed, which is important for parents of small children and pet owners.

So, the easiest to install and budget is the option of installing an opening limiter. The most expensive and most functional is the valve device. The installation of a micro-ventilation system in window fittings will be average both in terms of price and capabilities.

September 18, 2016
Specialization: a professional in the field of construction and repair (a full cycle of finishing work, both internal and external, from sewerage to electrics and finishing work), installation of window structures. Hobbies: see column "SPECIALIZATION AND SKILLS"

Probably, many of us have encountered a situation where the plastic window does not close from the ventilation mode, or the ventilation does not occur with the intensity that we need. In general, the issue of providing ventilation in a room where plastic windows are installed is quite interesting and extensive.

Therefore, here I will share the most important information that will be useful not only for craftsmen, but also for ordinary owners of PVC structures.

Ventilation methods

Method 1. Standard ventilation

So, if you have a plastic window installed, then the easiest way to ventilate the room is to open the sash. Modern PVC structures have two opening modes:

rotary - the sash fully opens the opening, turning on both hinges;
folding - the sash tilts into the room. In this case, the upper corner comes out of the loop and is held by a special piece of fittings.

In fact, the sash can also move up or to the side, but such systems are almost never found in our country. This is due to the fact that the sliding mechanism cannot provide sufficient tightness and pressure of the sash to the frame, and therefore the heat loss through such a window will be very large. In general, the climate is not conducive.

With a rotary opening, air exchange is very intensive, therefore it is used mainly for “volley ventilation”. Usually limited to folding mode:

The sash is set to the closed position.
Turn the handle up and at the same time pull it towards you.
The sash tilts, forming a fairly wide gap through which fresh air enters the room.

It should be noted that not all windows have the ability to install the sash in the folding position - a separate element of fittings, which is placed in the upper part of the harness, is responsible for its implementation.

That is why it is better to think in advance whether you need this function: in principle, it is possible to convert a plastic window to ventilation, but this is associated with additional costs, and you are unlikely to cope with this task on your own.

Hinged ventilation has one significant disadvantage - sometimes the plastic window does not open for ventilation or the sash, as they say, “falls out”, hanging on one lower hinge. This situation is very common, its causes are eliminated quite simply, and I will talk about this in a separate section.

Method 2. Microventilation

Traditional ventilation by setting the sash in the hinged position is very effective, but it also has disadvantages. So, in winter, an intense air flow leads to rapid cooling of the room. In addition, you should not leave, leaving the sash ajar - attackers will open such a window in just a few seconds.

In both cases, there is an alternative - slot ventilation or microventilation:

Air access to the room is provided due to the fact that when the handle is turned 450 upwards, the sash moves away from the frame by literally a few millimeters.
A small metal part is responsible for this, which is built into the fittings and engages with its elements, which ensure the movement of the hinged sash.
When the micro-ventilation mode is set, the window looks tightly closed from the outside. At the same time, the air continues to flow regularly - albeit in small portions, but without leading to hypothermia of the room.

Method 3. Stepped opening

Normal opening is good, micro-ventilation is also good, but sometimes both options are not suitable. That is why many manufacturers of PVC structures supply windows with either two-position opening controls or special devices that allow you to adjust the angle of the flap.

The opening regulator is located in the upper part of the frame on the inside and is a variable length lever:

If you open the regulator completely, the sash will open as wide as possible, providing an intensive air flow.
If the regulator lever is shortened, then the sash becomes the so-called winter ventilation - the gap is 1 - 2 cm, which makes it possible to minimize the hypothermia of the room.

An example of such a device is the Winter-Summer system in Siegenia aubi favorit fittings.

Stepwise opening also works quite simply:

The so-called "comb" is responsible for the functioning of the system - a small part that is built into the fittings.
When opening the window to tilt, we turn the handle to an angle of 450 (as when installing on micro-ventilation).
In this case, the handle goes through four or five positions, each of which has its own sash opening width. By installing it in the chosen position, we will provide the intensity of ventilation we need.

The features of most fitting systems do not allow you to simultaneously install both micro-ventilation and a step-by-step mechanism. However, as a rule, the extreme position of stepped ventilation approximately corresponds to the thinnest slot, therefore these systems are largely interchangeable.

In addition, to implement the step-by-step opening function, you can install the simplest mechanism - a plastic comb. This part is a gear rack, which is placed on the frame and, when opened, engages with a reciprocal protrusion mounted on the sash (attached under the handle). Outwardly, of course, it does not look as neat as the built-in stepped ventilation mechanism, but it performs its function.

The advantage is the fact that the comb can be placed on any window - as long as its sash opens to the tilt / turn position. At the same time, a master is not required for installation: there you just need to tighten three or four self-tapping screws.

Ventilation valves as a special tool for air exchange

The principle of operation of the devices and their advantages

If you do not want to face problems like “the window is jammed”, “it blows from the open opening”, then instead of traditional ventilation, you can install a special ventilation valve:

The window ventilation valve is a device that is usually mounted on top of the frame and closes the through hole.
Inside the valve is a mechanism that regulates the intensity of air flow into the room.
The simplest designs are equipped with mechanical adjustment: if we need, we open the valve, if not, we close it, completely or almost completely blocking air exchange.
More complex valves operate due to a hygroscopic sensor: the higher the humidity in the room, the more intensive the ventilation.

All valves of this type provide only fresh air. For their normal functioning, it is very important that the hood works normally in the room - natural or forced.

Such devices have several obvious advantages:

You can set the ventilation intensity once, and adjust it only when the weather conditions change.
When airing, the window remains closed, so the level of protection against unauthorized entry is not reduced.

Air enters the room gradually, and in small volumes. In addition, the ventilation hole is located in the upper part of the room. Therefore, cold air masses of air mix with warm air under (pure physics!) And the apartment does not cool down as much as with normal ventilation.

The biggest downside is the price of the devices.. So, the VENTAIR THERMO valve will cost us about 1800 rubles, and the simplest model from AERECO (with humidity regulation) - 2 - 2.5 thousand rubles.

How to install a valve on a window

The ventilation valves themselves are expensive, but in addition to buying the device, we will also have to spend money on installing it. However, if you have the skill, you can do it yourself.

I carry out the installation of supply valves according to the following scheme:

The sash is removed from the hinges and installed vertically on a flat surface.
From the top of the sash I remove the elements of the fittings - they will interfere with the work.

I apply the mounting plate - the part that is used to fix the valve - to the sash protrusion from the outside, after which I mark the size and position of the ventilation holes with a marker.
By marking with a drill, I drill 4-5 holes. Then, with a thin saw or electric jigsaw, I connect the holes, forming a long groove or two grooves separated by a thin partition.

I fix the mounting plate on the sash with self-tapping screws. The junction of the plank and sash using moisture resistant silicone.

So that during intensive ventilation the air does not whistle, I also cover the opened chambers in the window profile with silicone.

I repeat the operations on the frame, but instead of the mounting plate, I install a visor from the outside. The design of the visor can be very different, ranging from a simple canopy to a complex system with an acoustic curtain that reduces the volume of passing sound.
I return the dismantled fittings to their place and hang the sash on the hinges.

I snap the valve itself onto the fasteners of the mounting plate so that the vent is directed at an angle upwards.
Using the slider or handle, I adjust the ventilation intensity, choosing the optimal mode.

This instruction is for guidance only, since the installation technology for different valves may differ (for example, there are models that are mounted without a mounting plate, directly on the window). But in any case, following it, you can install a device to provide forced ventilation through a plastic window.

Solving the problem with a wedged sash

Talking about ventilation through windows, one cannot get around the problems associated with this process. So, very often they ask what to do if a plastic window is jammed in the ventilation mode?

The reason for this situation is as follows: if you try to switch the sash to the hinged mode from the rotary mode without closing it tightly enough, then the lower corner may simply not be fixed. As a result, the sash hangs on one hinge and a lever that limits the opening.

The problem is solved as follows:

We lift the jammed sash and press it against the frame, returning it to the closed position.
Separately, we press the lower corner of the sash, which is opposite the lower hinge.
We turn the handle, transferring it to the “closed” position - i.e. lever down.

If the handle is jammed, i.e. it does not turn, you do not need to act "by force" - just break the lever. This situation most often occurs when the sash is skewed, so you should first try to carefully eliminate the skew. To do this, it is usually enough to slightly shift the sash, applying force to the overlay, and after opening, adjust the position of the hinges.

After that, we repeat the attempt to open in the ventilation mode - everything should work out!

To avoid such a development of events, it is worth installing such a detail as an erroneous opening blocker. It prevents any attempt to bring the sash into the pivot position until it is completely closed and all hinges are engaged.

Sometimes the reason that the plastic window does not open well for ventilation is the wear of the fittings. In this case, the best solution would be to remove dirt (a mixture of dust and oil often forms a dense crust on the trunnions and mating elements) followed by lubrication.

After lubrication, it is worth turning the handle several times, believing how freely the window opens.

Well, if this does not help, then only a specialist in fittings will probably help here - therefore, you should contact the master.

Conclusion

If in your house or apartment the window for ventilation never opens, you should not be surprised at feeling unwell. Ventilation is required to provide fresh air.

And modern metal-plastic structures have many mechanisms that can provide this ventilation. The video in this article will help you understand their range. , and all your questions regarding window ventilation, I will answer here in the comments or on the forum.

September 18, 2016

If you want to express gratitude, add a clarification or objection, ask the author something - add a comment or say thanks!

Plastic windows are a modern solution for the improvement of every home. The disadvantage of PVC products is the lack of fresh air. This problem can be solved by conventional micro-ventilation. To do this, turn the window handle at an angle of 45 °.

The room must be ventilated 4 times a day for 15 minutes. Otherwise, the following ventilation of plastic windows is performed:

slot micro-ventilation, which involves the installation of a special mechanism in the profile of the structure, the size of the gap is 2-3 mm;
comb or multi-stage micro-ventilation, which consists in mounting different slots, this technology is not used in the folding system;
valve (mounted at the top of the window).

Installing a comb is considered the cheapest method of home ventilation. Installation work is carried out on the window profile. The comb is made of plastic. The technology under consideration has 2 disadvantages:

Deterioration of heat and sound insulation.
The fragility of the structure.

Slotted micro-ventilation of plastic windows provides for the installation of the system in the window profile (during production). Of the minuses of this technology, experts single out the formation of a gap (between the sash and the frame), through which dirt and dust will enter the room. A plastic window can be provided with forced ventilation. The mechanism used to supply the home with oxygen is convenient to use and has high efficiency.

A valve is mounted in the upper part of the sash. It provides constant circulation of air masses in the house. When installing the considered mechanism, the sound-proof and heat-insulating properties of plastic windows do not change. The valve is self-adjusting, but it is not adapted to work with significant temperature fluctuations. Therefore, growths of ice and snow form in the structure, the operation of the mechanism and the thermal insulation of the house are disrupted.

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Advantages of ventilation

The ventilation system provided in the plastic window has the following advantages:

preventing hot air from entering the house on hot days;
reliable protection against drafts;
air hygiene support;
ensuring constant air exchange in the house;
prevention of hypothermia in the children's room;
protection against formation of condensate on window sills;
long service life of the mechanism;
the ability to fix the window sash.

You can install such micro-ventilation with the help of professionals. Upon completion of installation work, specialists conduct briefings. If you turn the handle of the window frame by 45° and pull it towards you, then a gap of 1-3 mm will appear (after clicking). System installed successfully. Some mechanisms are mounted in the sash profile. In this case, micro-ventilation is triggered by turning the knob down by 135°.

Adjustment of such a system is carried out with the help of professionals. Otherwise, you will need a Torx screwdriver. Adjustment of the mechanism is carried out in two places (upper and lower loop). Pre-check the diagonals against sagging. From the lower element, the indicator should be longer (0-3 mm) than from the upper loop.

The popularity of plastic windows, their widespread use are quite justified, since they have a number of positive characteristics, one of the main of which is tightness. In turn, this leads to the fact that the air exchange in the room is disturbed.

Proper air circulation is, of course, very important for normal human life. Therefore, manufacturers of plastic windows solve this problem quite simply using the micro-ventilation function.

What is micro ventilation

Micro-ventilation is a special ventilation system that allows fresh air to enter the room. Especially often the system is used in winter, when air from the street is simply necessary, and it is not possible to open the doors due to the occurrence of drafts that are dangerous to health.

Device

This function is activated using a special piece of fittings, as a result of which a small hole of about 0.5 cm in size is formed between the frame and the sash.

Fresh air enters the room through this hole. If there is a strong wind outside, you can not worry that the window will slam shut abruptly and the sashes will be damaged. The micro-ventilation mechanism is reliable and well fixed.

Pros and cons

We can name the following positive aspects when using a micro-ventilation system:

Fresh air supply without overcooling the room in winter.
In summer, hot air will not enter the room.
Window protection against fogging, no condensation.
No drafts.
Long service life of the mechanism.
Normal humidity in the room, as a result, the absence of harmful bacteria, mold and fungi.
There is no stagnant air and unpleasant odors in the room, constant air exchange.
Windows can be left open in the micro-ventilation mode, even if the room is left for a long time.

There are practically no disadvantages to this ventilation system, the following can be distinguished as disadvantages:

Settling of dirt and dust on the mechanism itself, installed on the window sash.
The lack of sound insulation in such mechanisms of low quality.

Mechanisms

There are several standard mechanisms for implementing a micro-ventilation system:

Comb (multi-stage system). It is a small plastic bar with wavy teeth. The hinged sash of the window is fixed with a groove in the comb. The distance formed between the sash and the frame may be different, depending on which groove is selected. The comb is installed after the windows have been installed.

This is one of the most popular micro-ventilation mechanisms because it is easy to install and use and has a number of additional benefits:

The frame remains intact.
Using a comb, you can control the flow of air by opening the window at a distance of 30 to 60 degrees.
Low cost. In other words, a comb is a limiter installed on the sash, which makes it possible to open the window to a selected distance.

Climate valve. This mechanism is installed on top of the sash, just like the comb, it does not violate the integrity of the frame and does not affect the soundproofing characteristics. Such a device provides an influx of fresh air into the room, and the valve membrane takes into account the difference in temperature conditions outside and inside. The climate valve can be manual and automatic, in the first version, the user can regulate the air flow, and in the second, the valves work independently in the range from 30 to 70% relative humidity.

The option of micro-ventilation using a climate valve is now quite popular, since air enters through the upper part of the sash without affecting the sound insulation in the room.

Special fittings, the mechanism of which is hidden in the profile. This type of device is called slotted micro-ventilation. The gap for air penetration does not exceed 3 mm, this is quite enough for the normal circulation of air masses. This is the only mechanism that can only be installed on sash windows if the width of the window leaf does not exceed 5 cm. The device is built into the frame section near the handle, and when it is turned by 45 degrees, the sash opens slightly.

Multistage ventilation system. With this mechanism, a latch is placed in the tilt-and-turn system of a plastic window, with the help of which the sash can be located from the frame at a distance of 0.5 to 3.5 cm.

What to consider when choosing a micro-ventilation mechanism

There are a number of points that should be considered when choosing such a ventilation system:

Device installation method. External mechanisms are easier to install than those that are built into the window frame, in addition, they are several times cheaper.
Mechanism management. External mechanisms allow you to adjust the air flow into the room at your discretion, and the built-in valves adjust this balance automatically.
thermal insulation characteristics. Mechanisms made of metal elements should be insulated from the side of the room, since frost can form on them.
soundproof characteristics. Attention should also be paid to this factor in order to avoid extraneous noise entering the room along with fresh air.

Required fittings

To install the mechanism, the following elements may be needed, depending on the type of micro-ventilation chosen:

special valve, having movable membranes inside, this allows you to control the level of air penetration into the room.
Comb, which is a small plastic hook with three rounded notches.
collapsible brake, consisting of two parts that are attached to the sash and frame, it blocks the opening angle.
corner gear, a mechanism that blocks the tilt and turn position of the sash, it looks like a comb, but has more grooves.

How to install and adjust micro-ventilation

If the room already has good plastic windows, but the micro-ventilation mode was not provided for in them, you can mount it yourself by following a series of fairly simple instructions. The time of work and their complexity depends on the type of ventilation device chosen.

Step-by-step instruction

1. Installing the comb mechanism

In plastic windows, usually the handle can only be in three positions: horizontal (the window is fully open), vertical up (ventilation mode) and vertical down (the window is closed). If a comb is installed on the window frame, intermediate handle positions will appear.

You can buy a comb at any specialized store and install it on the window yourself as follows:

Turn the trim on the window handle 90 degrees, unscrew the screws that secure it to the window and remove it.
Attach a rod that performs a locking function to the attachment point and screw the handle to the same place.
Attach the comb to the window, taking into account the position of the rod, and mark the places where it will be fixed.
Screw the comb to the window frame using self-tapping screws.

This is the easiest way to install micro-ventilation on a window.

2. Installation of the supply valve

For installation work, you will need a Phillips screwdriver, a marker, a ruler and a clerical knife.

Stages of work:

Open the sash and remove part of the seal with a knife in the place where the valve is to be installed (both on the frame and on the sash).
On the resulting place, stick the gasket, which is sold together with the valve in one set, and install three plugs.
Securely fix the valve and fix it with self-tapping screws, passing them through the brackets.
Place a seal in the space between the brackets.

The gap that forms between the valve and the seal will allow air to pass through. Such a valve can be controlled by an automatic system or manually. The main thing is to ensure that in winter the valve is not completely closed, otherwise frost will appear on it. The device should be cleaned every six months, removing dust; household chemicals should not be used for this purpose.

To adjust the mechanism if it deteriorates, you can use a special screwdriver. It is necessary to correct the upper and lower loops, after checking that they do not sag.

The micro-ventilation mode is a serious useful advantage. Micro-ventilation will be simply indispensable in apartments and houses where elderly people, small children, patients with problems with the respiratory system live. Proper air circulation in the room is the key to the future health of the whole family.

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