How to Properly Adjust Windows in a Mobile Home for Long Service Life and Energy Savings

1. 1. How and when should windows be adjusted?
   Every window, whether plastic or wooden, may require adjustment over time. This includes adjusting the pressure of the sash against the frame or correcting its alignment. Adjustment is especially important if you experience air leakage, difficulty opening or closing the window, or if you want to prepare your mobile home for hot summer or cold winter months. Window and balcony door adjustment can be done by yourself without calling a specialist. All you need is our guide, a few basic tools, and a bit of patience.
   
   2. How to adjust plastic windows for summer or winter?
   Temperature affects window materials, causing them to expand in summer and contract in winter. In summer, plastic windows expand, which may cause rubbing during opening or excessive tightness and poor air circulation. In winter, windows contract, which can lead to air leakage and heat loss.
   The solution is to adjust the sash pressure depending on the season. Winkhaus fittings, equipped with pressure rollers (autoPilot and proPilot) and locking cams – octagonal mushroom pins (activPilot), allow adjustment of the sash pressure against the frame. In summer, the pressure should be reduced for easier opening; in winter, it should be increased for better sealing.
   
   3. How to adjust a window that rubs when closing?
   If you feel resistance when opening or closing the window, the sash may have shifted or sagged. This is common with large windows such as balcony doors.
   First, check whether the window closes evenly around the entire perimeter. If you find a spot where the window rubs, mark the critical points and measure the overlap depth of the sash over the frame (for most profiles, it should be about 8 mm).
   
   4. Instructions for adjusting Winkhaus fittings
   To adjust windows with Winkhaus fittings, you will need a 4 mm Allen key and possibly additional tools. To raise or lower the window, open it, remove the hinge cover, and turn the screw clockwise to raise or counterclockwise to lower the sash.
   For sash pressure adjustment, some hinges allow adjustment using a 2.5 mm Allen key.
   
   5. Why is it important to adjust wooden and plastic windows?
   Proper window and balcony door adjustment ensures long-term comfort and protection against unwanted heat loss in a mobile home. Correctly adjusted windows reduce heating costs and improve indoor climate. Seasonal window adjustment helps maximize window efficiency throughout the year.
   
   BASIC WINDOW ADJUSTMENT
   Correct sash positioning is a simple way to ensure maximum and long-term comfort of use. Below are a few simple tips. WATCH THE WINDOW ADJUSTMENT VIDEO HERE.
   
   Summer: locking cam (mushroom pin) adjustment
   Summer adjustment consists of turning the mushroom pin with the ACTIV HV-11 key so that the thinnest side faces the rebate (towards the interior). This reduces the pressure of the sash against the frame.
   

Winter: locking cam (mushroom pin) adjustment
Before winter, it is recommended to turn the mushroom pin with the ACTIV HV-11 key so that its thickest side faces the rebate (towards the interior). This improves sealing and protection against heat loss.

Spring and autumn: locking cam (mushroom pin) adjustment
It is recommended to turn the mushroom pin with the ACTIV HV-11 key to the position shown in the image.

NOTE: Each window has several mushroom pins (locking cams). Proper adjustment requires the correct position of EACH one.

Height adjustment on sash hinge (Allen key 4 mm)

Sash pressure adjustment against the frame (Allen key 2.5 mm)

Horizontal adjustment of frame hinge (Allen key 2.5 mm)
The frame hinge screw adjusts the horizontal position of the lower part of the sash (allows shifting left or right).

Side adjustment on scissor stay (Allen key 4 mm)
Adjustment of the upper hinge (scissor stay) allows horizontal positioning of the upper part of the sash (left or right).

Window fitting adjustment does not always require adjusting all hinges. It depends on the type and direction of the sash relative to the frame.
After adjustment, check that the window opens and closes properly. You can also remeasure the overlap depth of the sash over the frame.

WARNING: These instructions are intended for tilt-and-turn and side-hinged windows and balcony doors with high-quality German Winkhaus fittings.
Tilt-only windows usually do not require adjustment, as the hinge placement at the bottom prevents sash sagging.