More and more people are choosing plastic windows for home repairs. This is due to many positive qualities, among which - tightness. And this becomes the reason for the violation of air exchange in the room. Microventilation of plastic windows allows to solve this problem. The nuances of the device and the installation of this function are described in the article.
Why is there a problem?
When the weather is hot outside the window and there is nothing to breathe in the room, this is most often due to the installation of modern translucent structures. The profile protects the room from winds. But this tightness does not always save, and in the heat it can cause severe harm.
For good ventilation, microcirculation is required. Many spend money on special devices with which air enters the apartment, but this is easy to do on their own, without masters.
The concept
Micro-ventilation in plastic windows is a ventilation function that allows fresh air to enter the room. Often this system is used in winter, when street air is a necessity, and opening the wings is dangerous due to drafts. A small opening of the window will allow high-quality ventilation of the room without harm to people.
When is micro-ventilation required?
For PVC windows, the named function is needed if the following problems are observed with a closed structure:
- It is difficult to breathe in the room: the air is stale.
- There is mold that cannot be completely removed.
- Windows sweat: in the cold, moisture accumulates on the glass, sash, slopes, window sill.
- Items and linen are unreasonably wet.
- Products after drying take a long time to dry.
And micro-ventilation can be replaced as follows:
- Tiled installation. It provides a large amount of fresh air.
- Wall valve. Delivers less air.
- Wall recuperator. Heats the air without the cost of electricity.
Judging by the reviews, micro-ventilation is quite popular, since it becomes much more comfortable in the room with it.
Device
This feature works thanks to a special hardware element. Thanks to its installation, a small hole appears between the frame and the sash, which has a size of 0.5 cm.
Through this opening, fresh air enters the housing. If there is a strong wind outside, you should not worry that the window will slam shut and the wings will be damaged. According to experts, the named mechanism for micro-ventilation of plastic windows is qualitatively fixed.
Advantages and disadvantages
Microventilation of plastic windows has many positive qualities:
- Fresh air passes into the room in winter, avoiding hypothermia.
- In summer, hot air will not enter housing.
- The windows are protected against fogging, there is no condensation.
- No drafts.
- The mechanism works for a long time.
- Humidity in the room will be normal, which will not allow harmful mold bacteria and fungi to start.
- The room will be free from stagnant air and unpleasant odors, which will contribute to constant air exchange.
- Windows can be left open, even if you leave the room for a long time.
The system has almost no drawbacks. You can only notice the presence of dirt and dust on the mechanism, which is fixed to the window sash. In addition, in a room with such a device there is no high-quality sound insulation.
The mechanisms
There are several micro-ventilation mechanisms in plastic windows. One of them is a comb. It is presented in the form of a small plastic strip, which has wave-like teeth. The flap of the window is fixed with grooves in the comb. And the distance that appears between the sash and the frame is different. It all depends on the choice of groove. The comb is installed after the installation of windows. According to reviews, this is the most popular method of micro-ventilation.
The advantages of the comb include the following nuances:
- The frame will be whole.
- The hosts will be able to monitor the flow of air, opening a window at 30-60 °.
- Affordable price.
The comb is also called the limiter, which is installed on the sash. It easily adjusts the micro-ventilation of plastic windows. According to reviews, such a detail is convenient to use.
A micro-ventilation valve for plastic windows is also used, which is installed on top of the sash. This part does not violate the integrity of the frame and does not affect the soundproofing properties. With this device, air is supplied into the room, and the valve membrane takes into account the temperature difference between the outside and the inside.
The valve is divided into manual and automatic. In the first case, the user can regulate the air flow independently, and in the second case, the valves themselves operate within 30-70% of relative humidity. The micro-ventilation part in the plastic windows helps the air to flow through the top of the sash without affecting the sound insulation in the housing. This shows its noticeable advantage over the built-in valve.
There are special fittings for micro-ventilation of plastic windows. It is hidden in the profile and provides a small flow of air. When installing slit micro-ventilation in plastic windows, such a gap is not more than 3 mm, but this is enough for high-quality air circulation. This mechanism is installed only on shtulovye windows, if the width of the canvas is not more than 5 cm. It is fixed on a section of the frame near the handle, and with its rotation through 45 ° the sash opens.
A multi-stage ventilation system is also used. In this case, the swing-out mechanism includes a latch, thanks to which the sash is 0.5-3.5 cm from the frame. According to customer reviews, all of these systems are effective for home use.
Mechanism selection
When choosing a ventilation system, it is necessary to highlight some points:
- Installation method. External products are easier to install than those that need to be fixed in the frame. In addition, they are cheaper.
- Control. Using external mechanisms, micro-ventilation in plastic windows is adjusted. And the built-in valves do this automatically.
- Thermal insulation properties. Mechanisms created from metal elements must be insulated from the side of the room, since ice forms on them.
- Soundproofing. This factor should be taken into account to prevent extraneous noise from entering the room.
Hardware
To install the mechanism, the presence of:
- A special valve that has movable membranes inside. This is necessary to control the level of air penetration into the room.
- Combs, which is presented in the form of a small plastic hook with 3 round notches.
- The folding brake, including 2 parts, which are fixed on the sash and frame. With it, the opening angle is blocked.
- Angular transmission. This mechanism blocks the hinged and pivoting position of the sash. It is similar to a comb, but has more grooves.
Installation and adjustment of the comb
If there is no micro-ventilation mode for plastic windows, then it is installed independently, following simple instructions. The duration of the work and their complexity is determined by the selected type of device.
In windows, the handle is usually located in 3 positions. If a comb is mounted on the frame, intermediate positions of the handle occur. How to make micro-ventilation in plastic windows with its help, we will describe further:
- It is necessary to turn the trim on the window handle 90 °, loosen the screws, due to which it is fastened to the window, and remove it.
- On the mounting site, you need to attach a rod that will fix the comb, and fix the handle in the same place.
- The comb is applied to the window, given the position of the stem. It is necessary to outline the areas where it will be fixed.
- The comb is screwed to the frame with self-tapping screws.
This is the most convenient micro-ventilation installation method. Even beginners can do this job.
Supply valve
To complete the installation you will need a Phillips screwdriver, marker, ruler, clerical knife. The procedure is performed according to the following instructions:
- The sash opens and a part of the seal is removed with a knife in the area where the valve will be installed.
- Glue the gasket sold with the valve in the kit to the place that appears and fix 3 plugs.
- Then it is required to qualitatively fix the valve and fix it with self-tapping screws, passing them through the brackets.
- In place between the brackets is placed a sealant.
A gap appears between the valve and the seal, allowing air to pass through. This valve is controlled by an automatic system or manually. It is important that in winter it is not completely blocked, otherwise ice will form on the window. The product must be cleaned after 6 months, eliminating dust. For this, household chemicals are used.
To adjust the mechanism you need a special screwdriver. It is necessary to correct the upper and lower loops, checking in advance that there is no sagging.
Micro-ventilated windows
Now produced windows that already have the function of micro-ventilation. Moreover, the system is even in budget models. You can purchase a window with such a system from the following companies:
- VEKA;
- Salamander;
- REHAU;
- KBE;
- MONTBLANC.
If micro-ventilation is in the window, then this function is easy to use. To do this, turn the handle 45 °. A special mechanism, which is present in the double-glazed window, secures the sash in the required position. A gap of no more than 3 mm appears between the frame and the sash. Fresh air will easily enter the room.
There are mechanisms that help fix the window sash in intermediate positions. Then the handle rotates 15, 45 or 60 °. Thanks to these methods, it will be possible to easily regulate the microclimate, and then the room will always be comfortable.
Microventilation is a useful feature. It will be indispensable for houses and apartments where elderly people, children, patients with respiratory problems live. Proper air circulation is the key to the health of the whole family.