Houses built in the classical style have a large number of radius architectural details.
One of the most popular techniques for decorating a façade in a classic style is the use of arched windows.
What kind of design is the arch and its photo
Arched windows are translucent structures that have a radius configuration of the upper impost of the frame . Such elements for filling window openings can be made in the form of a semicircle, a segment, or have a composite structure consisting of rectangular and radius parts.
This is what arched windows look like:
Where can they be used?
Arched windows can be used when filling openings in the external walls of the following buildings and structures :
- Private residential buildings decorated in a classic style.
- Multi-apartment high-rise buildings, provided that the structural elements of the category in question are provided for in the architectural design.
- Lofts and other spaces in high-rise buildings that provide improved views.
- Pediments on attic floors formed by a pitched roof.
- Dorms, antidorms and other elements of roofing translucent structures.
At the same time, arched window blocks cannot be installed in the following types of external walls of permanent structures :
- Any buildings whose wall material does not allow the creation of an arched opening.
- Facades designed in modern or high-tech style, with the exception of the presence of exclusive architectural solutions.
- Openings in standard apartment buildings, provided that changes in the configuration of window openings have not been approved by local authorities.
Before making a decision to install radius windows, the consumer should take into account that such structures are products in a higher price category, require more labor during installation, and are more likely to fail.
Where is it used?
Nowadays, double-glazed windows are more often used, which have a long service life. In terms of operational characteristics they do not differ from standard blocks. In addition to design, the advantage is that they help fill the room with natural light and visually increase the space.
They are used in both private and multi-storey buildings. Suitable for living spaces in the loft, modern, and minimalist styles. They fit perfectly into the architecture of railway stations, theaters and other public places.
They are in great demand when restoring ancient city objects. After all, when carrying out work, the main condition is to preserve the appearance and style of the building.
They look original in the attics and second floors of private houses. Even in houses built by Stalin, old windows are often replaced with structures of this type.
Requirements
All arched windows installed on civil residential or public buildings are subject to the following requirements, in accordance with current regulations :
The profile strength, thickness and number of chambers must fully comply with the required characteristics obtained on the basis of static calculations under the influence of wind load.- Geometric invariability of a flat frame.
- Symmetry about the vertical axis, the presence of a geometric center.
- Possibility of unhindered maintenance and glass washing, which is especially important when installing products at high elevations.
- Compliance with the required energy efficiency indicators.
- Soundproofing of premises in accordance with SanPin requirements.
- Environmental friendliness - plastic elements or paint compositions should not emit harmful substances.
- Durability of window structures, which is confirmed by the manufacturer’s warranty.
- The light transmittance of double-glazed windows must fully meet the requirements of the project.
During production, each product undergoes multi-stage quality control to comply with the above requirements. Many companies that have been operating on the market for a long time manufacture their products in strict accordance with specifications developed on the basis of current GOSTs and SPs.
Tools
To process slopes, you will need not only plaster, but also a mixer for mixing the composition, several spatulas, a roller, a brush, a polisher, masking tape, a sharp knife, a hammer, and a chisel.
Additionally, prepare a stepladder in advance if the work is performed at height. If the installers installed the window incorrectly, they additionally use foam, reinforcing mesh and sealant.
Technical characteristics, typical sizes
Most arched window designs meet the following technical specifications:
- Profile material – PVC, natural wood.
- The width of the load-bearing frame imposts is from 60 mm.
- The angle of the forming segments of the radius part of the window is from 120 to 180 degrees.
- The number of cameras in a profile is from 3 to 6.
- The presence of folding transoms in the curved part, rotary or tilt-and-turn sashes in the rectangular segment.
- Number of glasses – from 1 to 3.
Glass thickness is from 4 to 6 mm.- The maximum weight of a swing door is 70 kg.
- The maximum permissible size of the opening sash is no more than 1200 x 2000 mm.
- The width of a blind arched window can reach 2400 mm, which is equivalent to the same diameter of a semicircle.
- The maximum width of a window with one sash is 1200 mm, with 2 sash – 2400 mm, with 3 – 3600 mm.
- The optimal dimensions of rotary sashes are from 600 x 1200 to 900 x 1800 mm.
- A composite window structure in an arched design can reach 6, 7, 8 m or more, with a constant width.
Considering that most radius window units are manufactured to individual orders, the overall dimensions of the products do not depend on the type of architectural extensions and the content of the project.
Tips for choosing the right one for a private house and apartment
To choose a high-quality window design with a radius configuration, you need to pay attention to the following important nuances :
The thickness of the profile, the number of chambers, which determines the degree of energy efficiency.- Type of fittings for movable sashes - the best choice would be to purchase mechanisms designed for 40 - 60 thousand opening/closing cycles.
- Glass thickness - when purchasing a product with dimensions of more than 1500 x 1500 mm, it is recommended to choose translucent elements of at least 5 mm.
- When choosing a window, you should also check the constant curvature in advance and determine the point of symmetry, which should be located strictly in the middle of the width of the structure.
- The lamination must be glued thermostatically, which prevents it from delaminating during operation.
- The frame must be securely joined at the corners, without the formation of burrs or gaps.
- Wooden profiles should not have knots, cracks or other signs of damage.
One of the most important selection criteria is the brand, country of production, year the company was founded, as well as the presence of positive reviews about the manufacturer’s products on online forums.
How to measure?
To measure an arched window, you need to use several proven techniques :
- The rectangular part is measured in length and width, in at least 3 places on each side.
- To take measurements of a radius segment, it is necessary to determine the size of the diameter, then draw an axis of symmetry and lay out equal perpendiculars along the width of the opening. At each of the resulting points, the height from the nearest horizontal plane is dirty.
- To determine the actual length of a segment or semicircle, it is recommended to use self-adhesive tape.
- All field measurements must be verified by theoretical calculations.
To check the geometry and measured dimensions, simple geometric formulas are used to determine the circumference. Ordering a window structure after theoretical calculations, subject to determining the diameter or radius, is not allowed, since during the manufacture of the opening, builders may make minor errors.
Bending drywall
There is also the option of wet bending drywall. Using this method will save money, however, the process of performing the work itself is very labor-intensive. Two arch templates are cut out and secured to the bottom, leaving a small space for finishing the drywall. The strip is placed on top of the templates and moistened with water using a brush. The resulting drywall is easily bent and can take the shape of the templates. The dried structure is treated with plaster, and then moved into the arch and finally fixed.
Afterwards, the side slopes are installed, puttyed, sanded and painted and wallpapered.
Installation features
When installing arched window structures, it is recommended to observe a number of technological features :
- Anchor plates are attached to the arched profile at the corners, at the top point, and also after 300 - 400 mm along the length of the element.
- An installation gap of at least 20 mm must be formed between the frame profile and the end of the opening.
- The arched part of the lintel must be modified in the presence of protruding mortar or other elements of building structures.
- When installing a window, it is necessary to verify its position in 2 planes with a building level, strictly before filling the gaps with foam.
- Before installation, both solid double-glazed windows and movable sashes are removed from the frame.
- For normal operation of the sashes, it is necessary to adjust the fittings.
After installation, the window structure can be used in normal mode no earlier than 12 - 24 hours, which are required for the polymerization of the sealant and foam in the gaps.
This video describes the installation of an arched window:
Slope finishing
After installing the radius window block and complete polymerization of the foam, it is necessary to complete the arrangement of the openings by finishing the slopes. This work is carried out using the following materials :
- Plastering followed by painting.
- Pre-cut sheet of drywall.
- A plastic decorative element of a curved configuration with the desired radius.
- Galvanized sheet, painted to match the interior color.
- If there is a segment with a radius of more than 3 meters, plywood is allowed.
Before installing the decorative element of the arched slope, it is necessary to prepare the plane of the opening end :
- Dismantling of remains of building structures.
- Alignment of the mounting plane.
- Coating with concrete contact
- Applying plaster to the end of the opening.
- Smoothing the plaster layer using a rule or vibrating screed.
After completing the rough finishing, you need to wait a day for the cement-sand or gypsum mixture to completely harden.
Selection of slopes for arched windows
Slopes are necessary not only to complete the appearance of the window from the inside and hide some installation work, but also to protect fasteners, sealant and foam from the influence of external factors and gradual destruction.
Slopes for windows come in several types:
- plastering;
- wooden;
- plastic;
- plasterboard;
- from sandwich panels.
The arch at the top of the window requires more attention to the issue of slopes. The simplest, cheapest and fastest option is to decorate the opening with a plaster mixture. It does not need to be adjusted to the shape of the window in a special way, and even a novice craftsman can handle the installation work.
The second most difficult option is plasterboard slopes. There are special technologies for bending gypsum board sheets specifically for the design of arched openings. An experienced master will be able to achieve almost any desired shape. Subsequently, the drywall is also plastered, painted or sheathed with wooden slats, depending on the wishes of the customer.
Wooden and plastic models of slopes are made specifically for arches. Most often, these elements can be ordered from the manufacturer of your arched windows - they will help with measurements, and with the choice of a more suitable material, and with installation.
General pros and cons
The popularity of radius window blocks is growing every year, due to the presence of many advantages:
The best way to emphasize the style of the building and give the facade an elegant appearance.- Ensuring maximum species characteristics.
- Increasing the level of insolation of premises.
- Reducing the concentration of angular stresses when organizing an arched opening.
- If there is a transom with a remote drive, the optimal air exchange rate in the room is ensured.
At the same time, such elements for filling openings have some subjective disadvantages:
- Difficult to install.
- High cost of profiles and double-glazed windows
- Low degree of maintainability,
- Difficulty of operation.
- The presence of blind parts, which makes cleaning windows difficult.
Despite the shortcomings, such products with a radius configuration are increasingly included in the design and used for glazing various parts of the facades of residential and public buildings.
Average prices in the Russian Federation
Considering that there are hundreds of manufacturing companies operating on the market in our country, actively competing for each client, the average prices for arched windows are approximately the same and amount to the following amounts:
- PVC products in a semicircular design with blind doors - from 8 thousand rubles. for 1 m2.
- PVC products in a semicircular design with opening doors - from 10 thousand rubles. for 1 m2.
- Wooden arched windows - from 15 - 18 thousand rubles. for 1 m2.
- Composite window structures made of plastic – from 9 thousand rubles. for 1 m2.
- Composite window structures made of wood – from 15 thousand rubles. for 1 m2.
- Aluminum arched windows in cold design – from 11 thousand rubles. for 1 m2.
- Aluminum arched window structures in a warm design with double-glazed windows - from 14 thousand rubles. for 1 m2.
Average prices for radius window units depend on a number of design and technological factors:
Dimensions and glazing area.- Profile material.
- Glass type.
- Thermal characteristics.
- Category of accessories.
- Sound insulation indicator.
- Availability, type of drive and number of movable sashes.
- Number of internal imposts of decorative layout.
- Type of design.
- Window contraction form.
- Use of standard dimensions or production of blocks according to an individual project.
- Number of structural elements in one order.
In addition to the listed factors, the price is also influenced by the internal marketing policy of a particular manufacturer, as well as the method of manufacturing the window structure.
conclusions
Arched windows are stylish and luxurious. They take time to select the optimal shape and dimensions, as well as select and install cornices or curtains, but the result is worth it! Share your ideas in the comments - what styles can be decorated with arched structures, and tell us if there are such solutions in your home? You will find more interesting information in the video in this article.
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October 5, 2016
Design,Windows
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