Set a window? You've never heard of it and don't know why this process is necessary? Windows are exposed to numerous influences and the mechanical elements, including bearings and locking pins, can become distorted over time and therefore need to be readjusted. This is important because this is the only way it can be closed easily and thus provides the necessary shielding from the outside. Even if you've never reset your windows, you don't have to worry. With just a few simple steps and the right preparation, you can easily adjust your windows and carry out this form of maintenance yourself.
Set window: time
Before you can adjust the windows following the instructions below, certain symptoms must appear that indicate a possible problem with the element. Look out for the following signs:
- Window drags on frame when opened or closed
- more force than usual is required to open or close
- the window only moves when it is raised or pushed down
- Window handle is no longer vertical or horizontal after closing
- the window can no longer be closed even with great effort
- the metal of the fittings shows traces of grinding
If one or more of these signs appear, you should adjust the window. However, you must first check the window for possible damage or small parts that could limit its function. Are there small stones or dead insects (that happens!) stuck in the joints? Are some of the rails bent and need to be straightened? Is a screw loose and is this why the window is not hanging properly? All of these points can significantly influence the function and should be remedied beforehand.
Preparation and tools
Before you can adjust the window, you need to make some preparations. This includes choosing the right tools and oiling the screw connections, joints and the remaining moving mechanical elements of the window. If there is no damage to the window as mentioned above, it may be that the mechanism just needs to be oiled again. For oiling you need a lubricant that is free of acids and resins:
- Silicone spray: costs around 10 euros per bottle
- Penetrating oil: costs around 5 euros per bottle
Use this according to the manufacturer's instructions. Then look at the setting options on the window. The following types of screws are used:
- Allen screws
- Hex screws
- Phillips screws
- rare slotted screws
This is important because this is the only way you can choose the right screwdriver that can be used for adjustment. For example, if your windows are adjusted with hexagonal screws, you may need to purchase the screwdriver beforehand. Phillips screws are the exception here, as even poorly equipped households usually have different sizes available. After that, you can follow the instructions below to get the
Tip:
Also take a look at the window seals, because as soon as they are damaged or no longer stick properly, they should definitely be replaced. All you have to do is order new sealing tapes in the appropriate size and change them.
Setting windows: instructions
After you have completed the preparation, you can now start setting the windows. Keep your tools ready because you don't need anything else. You can quickly do this work yourself if you follow the following instructions:
1. Before you adjust the window, it must be looked at again. Since windows have several components for adjustment, it must first be clarified which position is involved. The following instructions must be observed:
- Window hangs crooked: height needs to be adjusted
- Window is rubbing or hitting the frame: window must be repositioned in the middle
- Window wobbles after closing or cannot be closed properly: window pressure needs to be adjusted
Please make sure to check each individual window for this. Even if you have four windows of the same type in a room, they don't necessarily have the same problem. For example, the weather on one side of the house may have a much greater impact on the window, affecting the adjustment needed. For this reason, they must be tested individually.
2. If the window sash is hanging crooked, it must be adjusted using the appropriate bearing to bring it back into the correct position. The following instructions must be observed here:
- Corner bearing (bottom): Window hangs towards the stop side
- Scissor bearing (top): Window hangs towards the opening side
The scissor bearing rarely needs to be adjusted, most problems come from the corner bearing. However, the bearings are adjusted immediately. On some models you have to remove a small plastic cover beforehand and then tighten the screws with the screwdriver. Be as careful as possible because every manufacturer uses different designs. For this reason, it is not possible to say directly which of the screws are responsible for the adjustment. Tighten or loosen the screws in small steps and check the result. Feel your way forward until the window sits normally again.
3. To position a window in the middle, you must use the same bearings as described above. However, other screws are used for this, which you also have to try out. In some cases the same screws are even used, although this is not the case with all manufacturers. Remember: the more carefully you proceed, the more accurate the result will be and you won't accidentally make the problem worse.
4. Last but not least, the adjustment of the pressure is now described. This ensures that the window closes and does not wobble due to wind or vibrations. To do this, you need to adjust the locking pins that are located on the inside of the window. These are the small, cylindrical cones. Large windows have multiple locking pins. Insert the screwdriver and turn in the necessary direction. If the pin is turned into the window, the pressure increases and vice versa. Try a little until you get the right result. But do not unscrew the tenon.
Professional window adjustment: costs
If you don't want to adjust the window yourself because it's too time-consuming or you have a lot of windows, you can easily have it adjusted by a specialist company. Window maintenance is offered by numerous glaziers, carpenters, tradesmen, installation companies and even energy companies who charge different prices depending on their location. It is usually cheaper if you choose a service in the immediate vicinity, as this can save travel costs. On average, you can expect the following costs in Germany:
- 1 window with a maximum of 2 sashes: 2.5 - 4.5 euros per element
- 1 window with more than 2 sashes: 7 – 10 euros per element
- Material: 5 – 15 euros
- Hourly wage: usually 20 euros
- Spare parts: depending on possible damage or wear parts
Professionals set a window in about ten minutes. However, since no tradesman makes an appointment for ten minutes, the possible appointments start on average at 30 minutes. For a normal window, the costs would be around 17.50 to 30 euros, excluding spare parts and travel costs. Typically, additional costs must be charged for the journey. These are divided into:
- Fixed price within a certain radius, then slightly higher prices for locations further away
- free within a certain radius, then significantly higher prices for locations further away
- Price per kilometer
For this reason, it is advisable to choose a service in the immediate vicinity. So you might even be able to make use of the free journey.
Tip:
Look for a service that offers so-called tariff packages. With these you pay a fixed price for, for example, four windows, regardless of whether the professional needs 60 or 90 minutes to adjust them, which leads to possible cost savings.
