Hinge covers: purpose, selection and installation
Hinge covers serve a purely decorative function, but at the same time they are necessary parts of the window. They are used to hide fittings and make the appearance of windows and doors more representative. If there is a need to transform the appearance of the window
, hide ugly hinges, then the linings will cope with this task perfectly. Plastic windows leak and there are puddles of water on the windowsill. How to attach blinds to plastic windows without. Overlays also have a functional use: when used, minor gaps in the window are closed, and heat does not penetrate through the structure. Overlays serve as a good barrier to cool air.
Wide choice of color palette for decorative overlays
What are hinge covers for?
It is more targeted to use covers on the hinges of metal-plastic doors, because they also need protection from dust. Doors are opened and locked much more often than windows, hinges are subject to stronger mechanical stress and wear out faster. Because they need protection more, and even more than windows.
Tightly fitting cover prevents dust and water from entering the mechanism
The overlays have both a decorative and practical function. Therefore, you shouldn’t save money on them; it’s better to immediately order windows with trims and other fittings from the manufacturer, so that later you don’t have to suffer from searching for parts that match the color and size. Insulation and insulation of plastic windows. How to insulate plastic windows for the winter. If you received windows without trims, the best solution would be to immediately purchase and install them. Installing the overlays does not cause any difficulties even for a child: they simply sit on the hinges, pressing tightly against the structure and eliminating all gaps.
The main practical functions that the linings perform:
- Protection of window or door hinges from construction debris, cement dust, and plaster. The presence of foreign objects negatively affects the performance of the mechanism that regulates the sash (if we are talking about a window), which is located inside the hinge group.
Installation of the hinge cover is carried out in one movement
- The linings prevent water from entering the hinges, keeping the metal dry and intact, protecting it from corrosion and rust. The linings are not harmful to precipitation in the form of rain and snow; they firmly protect the structure of the window or door from corrosion. Plastic windows http aluminum structures on the market there are a lot of companies and very. Their implementation significantly increases the service life of plastic windows.
- They eliminate the risk of hardware breakdown due to room dust getting inside the mechanism.
- When washing windows, water will not flow into the hinges, thereby the lining will extend the service life
of the entire structure.
Decorative layouts for windows - sprats
Decorative layouts, or frames, are placed inside a double-glazed window, making them resistant to the vagaries of weather, mechanical stress, moisture, sunlight and different temperatures.
Sprats shape and width
The sprockets are connected to each other by various connecting elements, which can have an X, T, Y and L-shape, or be made in the shape of some kind of figure, for example, a flower. Thanks to this, the designer’s creative hand can unfold inside the double-glazed window: create various complex designs, form some kind of pattern, or simply emphasize the outline. Shprosa width – 8 mm, 18 mm, 25 mm. The diameter depends on the thickness of the glass unit. The shape of the sprats can be oval, rectangular or curly. A wide range of colors allows you to fit windows with decorative layouts into any interior.
Hinge covers also have aesthetic functions:
- They hide metal structural elements that are unattractive to the eye. Not only do the hinges look rough because the metal is not sanded or painted, but they also have a distinct color difference that is eye-catching. If moisture gets inside the hinge and it rusts, rust stains can stain the plastic as well.
- The overlays come in a variety of colors: gold, silver, classic white, and also imitating bronze and titanium coating. At the end of the loop there are plugs for the windows. Designed for installation on plastic windows. Whatever original colors you choose for windows or doors, they will always help hide ugly fittings, creating a cohesive look that is pleasing to the eye.
Usually, when installing fittings, you have to read long instructions, but with overlays everything is much simpler. Simply put the cover on the hinge and the window is ready for use.
Application of spross
Shpros are an excellent solution for apartments, offices and houses with large windows that you want to visually break into several elements. They are quite easy to maintain and give any room an interesting look.
Currently, a wide variety of forms of sprockets are used. They can be rectangular, round, semicircular and so on. The semicircular arch may be reminiscent of temple windows, the pointed arch is Gothic, and the horseshoe represents the Moorish style.
The presence of such strips in a double-glazed window in no way complicates the process of using or caring for windows, does not contribute to the accumulation of dust and does not interfere with their cleaning.
The choice of windows with and without frames should be made individually, relying on your taste. Since for some the main role is played by the appearance of the window, for others functionality. But in any case, special attention should be paid to window frames, because the main thing is that, along with a beautiful view, they have excellent performance characteristics.
With the help of modern production technologies and materials, it is possible to create a wide range of window designs, from traditional ones with classic openings to a more spread-out surface with thin and narrow ribs, which ensure maximum illumination of the room. At the request of the home owner, window structures can be decorated with sprockets. But having decided to use such decor, you should remember that it significantly changes the appearance of the building and the level of thermal insulation. Moreover, it makes cleaning windows more difficult. Therefore, the decision to choose windows with shutters must be made carefully. Since the window is a long-term investment. And therefore, in this matter: installing windows with or without frames, awareness is required.
For windows with spraters, additional attention is required, and the layout on the windows itself can be anything. It is best if it is carried out following the recommendations of the architect. Self-adjustments must be made very carefully.
If you choose the wrong layout, it can disfigure the interior of the house, not to mention the exterior. It is advisable, when purchasing a window, to use computer programs with which you can easily set the window type, change the location of the bars and the color scheme.
Types of linings by material
There are several types of door and window hinge covers:
- The most popular and affordable option is PVC products. They have a neat appearance and fit perfectly with most window models from the budget price segment. They can be purchased at any hardware store. After replacing wooden windows with plastic ones, you can easily check them at any window. As a rule, they are produced in several basic colors: white, light brown and brown.
Metal plates have a durable color coating and a long service life
False sash or external layout for windows
Unlike decorative layouts, external, or false bindings, are attached to the outer part of the glass unit. They are easy to use, universal, suitable for all types and sizes of windows, and ease of installation allows you to install them yourself.
As a rule, false sash strips serve to visually divide the window; their widths are 25 mm, 27 mm, 36 mm and 45 mm. The depth of the false lining depends on the thickness of the glass unit, since the sashes and the installed lining must be in the same plane. At your choice, the planks can be glued on one or both sides. It is possible to laminate the planks to match the window color.
Window decoration plays a significant role in interior design these days. With the help of frames and false bindings, you can create many interesting and creative solutions for decorating double-glazed windows. External and decorative layout will become a worthy decoration for your windows and home in general.
Adjusting window fittings
After installing plastic windows, regardless of their price, adjustment of the fittings is required from time to time.
Signs you need to adjust your windows
If the windows need to be adjusted, it is easy to notice. Let's look at the common signs:
- you need to make a lot of effort to open or close the window;
- the sash has sagged or warped;
- there is constant draft from the window, perhaps even visible cracks have appeared;
- switching windows between winter and summer mode does not give the desired effect;
- the window handle is loose, does not turn completely, or even jams at some stage.
If you notice any of the above, then the adjustment should be made immediately, since in the early stages you can do it on your own, but in complex or advanced cases you can no longer do without calling a specialist and additional costs.
Which components may need adjustment?
In order to solve the vast majority of window problems, it is necessary to eliminate its distortion. To do this, you need to identify one or more problem points and adjust them:
- vertical position of the sash,
- horizontal position of the upper part of the sash,
- horizontal position of the bottom of the window,
- pressing the sash to the frame.
Vertical adjustment
To do this, you will need a set of hex keys and free access to the bottom hinge on one side. First you need to remove the plastic plug from the hinge. When the adjusting screw is turned clockwise, the window sash rises; when turned counterclockwise, the window is lowered.
Vertical adjustment using Esse fittings as an example
Horizontal adjustment
To adjust the horizontal position of the sash, you will also need a hexagon. Special sockets are provided on both the lower and upper hinges. The bottom hinge can be adjusted when the window is closed or open, thanks to the key hole on the inside and outside of the hinge. Turning the adjusting screw clockwise relative to the inside of the lower hinge moves the sash closer to this hinge; manipulating the adjusting screw in the opposite direction moves the sash away from the lower hinge.
Do-it-yourself window frames
It is easier and faster to decorate double-glazed windows with interglazed decor in the form of aluminum plates. Even a beginner in the construction business can cope with the task. You can additionally decorate the surface with elements that match the interior of the house or a separate room.
If you plan to do the design work yourself, then it is better to choose plastic strips. Even before the installation stage, create a sketch, which then needs to be transferred to the glass with a special pencil or construction marker. The markings should be done carefully; any deviation will spoil the decorative appearance of the layout.
Separation clearance is carried out in stages:
- At the very beginning, you need to take measurements of the window frame, and then measure the required length of the profile. Cut off the outer part using a sharp knife.
- Apply the elements to the surface of the glass, this is done to check the accuracy of the size of each individual strip. If you don't do this right away, it will be more difficult to correct the mistake later.
- Carefully remove the film from the profile and secure the decorative strips to the surface. You should not put pressure on the plastic slats; they are easy to damage.
- To give strength, it is necessary to treat the joints of the planks with silicone sealant.
This completes the work of decorating the glass with decorative overlays. You can admire the new window openings.
Another way to install false trims is to build a wooden frame and nail it to the window frame. The nails can be replaced with hinges, then the decor can be removed while washing the glass. The design does not touch the glass unit, dirt does not collect, so frequent cleaning is not required.
Please note that overhead types are not suitable for double-glazed windows with sliding and turning systems. In this case, only layouts that are installed inside the frame are allowed.
It is difficult to install structural types of shrouds yourself; it is a long and labor-intensive process. Without special skill, it is unlikely that you will be able to obtain a high-quality design that meets all requirements. It’s easier to order ready-made frames than to make them yourself.