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Many people ask through feedback to tell us about imposts in plastic windows. Finally found an evening to write an article for the blog. I hope someone finds it useful!
Having appeared on our market relatively recently, plastic windows quickly gained recognition among Russian consumers, which in turn affected their full-scale production throughout the country.
If we consider a plastic window from the technical side, we can definitely say that it is a complex structure that has many technical solutions.
They depend on a combination of many factors, such as: location, climatic conditions, purpose of the room, the size of the openings and, of course, the wishes of the customers.
The modern consumer has changed his attitude towards plastic windows; he began to delve into the features of designs and be interested in their differences.
Manufacturers of plastic windows today compete with each other not only in the price range, but also in the desire to convince consumers that their product has the best operational and technical advantages in comparison with others.
More on the topic Panoramic windows in a private house
This did not affect such a structural element of plastic windows as the impost. But the fact is that the subject of controversy has become the technology of fastening the impost, in other words, which is better, a “welded impost” or an impost with a mechanical connection.
What is an impost? An impost is a vertical part of a window frame that serves as a support for the sash (unless it spans the entire window opening) and visually divides the plastic windows into several parts.
A standard window provides for the location of the impost in the middle and as a result the window is divided into two parts.
The technologies used to produce plastic windows provide two ways to attach the impost to the window frame. The first is welding the impost into the window frame from below and above, the second is fixing the impost using mechanical fastening. Both methods have their own advantages and disadvantages.
All statements that welding the impost provides a more rigid fixation are not true.
The reason is that the main part of the window frame of a plastic window, which affects the rigidity of the entire structure, is a steel reinforcing element located inside the plastic frame, and not polyvinyl chloride walls, the rigidity of which is several orders of magnitude lower.
When welding the impost, it is fixed with polyvinyl chloride walls 3 mm thick, and when performing a mechanical connection of the impost, a steel bolt with a diameter of 6 mm is used, which is screwed into a solid embedded part located in the reinforcement chamber of the impost itself.
Therefore, the choice of one or another method of fastening the impost does not affect the strength characteristics of window structures.
Source: lzsk.ru/faq/raznovidnosty_imposta_plastikovih_okon.html
What is this?
As for plastic windows, today these are far from standard designs. They are divided according to many features. However, the main terms still remain general. Impost is one such concept that applies to all window systems.
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In order to make the right choice and not regret the installed window, it is still worth being aware of the specific terms that window workshop employees use. And the one we are discussing is among the most important here.
An impost is an internal plastic profile. In other words, this is the name of the reinforcement, which can be mounted vertically or horizontally inside the profile. In simple terms, an impost is a support, a kind of bridge for window sashes. Now - to the next topic.
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Windows with decor inside the glass unit - stained glass broach.
The window frame inside the double-glazed window can be replaced by a stained glass broach. This is an element of artistic stained glass : a metal tape with a self-adhesive surface, which is applied to a clean and dry glass surface. Stained glass broaches do not fade over time from the sun, do not come apart from rain or high humidity, and will serve you for many years.
If the layout in a double-glazed window allows you to make the correct geometric shapes, then the stained glass broach allows you to make almost any design that you came up with or suggested by your master of artistic stained glass at the Attic Windows company
Stained glass stretching is best done in a three-pane glass unit on the inner glass. Then caring for the double-glazed windows will be exactly the same as if there was no decor.
The cost is calculated individually depending on the design.
Profile fastening
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Moreover, each profile system will have its own technology for fastening these elements:
- The steel frame mullions stand out for their high strength. They are welded into the profile from above or below. Then they are additionally reinforced with PVC walls.
- Connecting the impost to the profile with end screws. It also uses a high-strength steel element. The screws will be screwed into the part with which the reinforcement chamber of this system component is equipped. What is important here is the correct location of the window block attachment points on the impost area.
Before joining it to the frame, the latter, which has an L-shape, must be milled. For fastening, use a standard type of screw (5x40, 4x40). The choice of one or another mounting option depends on the type of window system.
In what cases is it advisable to order frame structures?
When making a balcony door with 2 active leaves, manufacturers recommend using a false impost and a hinged opening system, you can learn more about it in the review on OknaTrade. This type of construction is considered optimal because it allows you to fully use the entire width of the opening, which in this case is not divided in half using a vertical impost the entire height of the block. As for windows, this technology is most often used for glazing balconies and loggias. Moreover, the feasibility of its use depends on the dimensions of the opening. Also in this case, you need to take into account the order of opening the doors and the difficulties with using mosquito nets.
Welding or fixing?
Which of the above methods should you choose? Welding the impost into the window frame from above and below, or mechanical fastening with screws? Both methods have both advantages and disadvantages.
We must remember that the main component of the entire window frame, a plastic window, which directly affects the rigidity of the structure as a whole, is the reinforcing steel element. It is located inside a plastic frame. Polyvinyl chloride walls have a rigidity that is several orders of magnitude lower.
From here it becomes clear that welding the impost will not provide a more rigid fixation. The fact is that in this case it is fixed only by PVC walls, the average thickness of which is within 3 mm.
What about mechanical fastening? In this case, the master will use steel bolts, the average diameter of which is 6 mm. This element will be directly twisted into a solid embedded part. What is important is that it is located in the reinforcement chamber of the impost itself.
We now see that the choice of fastening will not in any way affect the strength of the entire window structure.
Installation technology
Imposts are fastened in several ways:
- welding the profile;
- mechanical connection.
The first method involves welding a steel part of the strip into the lower or upper profile with further fixation with polyvinyl chloride walls.
The second is the most common and is carried out using end screws screwed into a solid reinforced part of the strip.
In order for the impost to fit as tightly as possible to the frame profile, its blank is milled at the ends along the entire contour and only after that installation begins. Each fastening method is equally strong and reliable.
Source: okna-trest.ru/articles/plastikovye-okna-chto-takoe-impost.html
Pros and cons of impost
In fact, the element we are considering is nothing more than a horizontal or vertical crossbar. The window impost divides the latter into two or more parts, into each of which one of the elements will be inserted: a window sash or a double-glazed window (a non-opening blind sash).
What are the advantages of using such a design? Window masters highlight the following:
- Possibility of installing several window sashes.
- In this case, the window sashes can be of two types - both rotary and tilt-and-turn, at the request of the customer.
- The ability to open window sashes in any sequence - the impost makes them independent of each other.
- Several options for fixing the mosquito net. It can be installed on one or both sashes.
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At the same time, attaching the impost has only one drawback - there is no possibility of a panoramic view from the window. The picture is spoiled by a vertical or horizontal crossbar.
Decorative modification
A decorative impost that does not have fittings is rarely performed. This divides the blind sash vertically. In some cases, the product is mounted between two non-opening areas, but solely for decoration purposes. For example, when emphasizing the symmetry of a window. In this case, the blind sash does not swing open and is not equipped with fittings, which is why sagging of the structure is practically eliminated. The dimensions of the profile are usually made in accordance with the dimensions of the frame, the length of the entire product reaches 6 m, the depth is 5.8–7 cm.
Pros and cons of the shtulpa
Looking at the photo of the impost, you probably noticed that such an element will always “cut” the view from the window along or across. If a beautiful panorama is important to you, then you can order an alternative to this element.
Such a substitute is shtulp. This is the name of the profile that will be attached to one of the sashes from the outside. It has two purposes - sealing and holding the valves in the closed position.
An undoubted advantage of the shutter is that when the doors are opened, you will enjoy a panoramic view without crossbars. However, such pleasure has a number of undoubted disadvantages for the customer:
- The doors can only be opened one at a time. Thus, the one without the shtulp is dissolved first, and then the sash with the shtulp. The left frame will be attached to the left sash, the right one, respectively, to the right.
- The sash with the frame installed can only be turned. It will no longer be possible to fold it back.
- In this case, the mosquito net is installed not on one sash, but on the entire panoramic opening. In some cases, this leads to a number of additional costs, since it becomes necessary to use a wider profile for its manufacture.
Advantages of frame windows
Hinged windows increase the amount of natural light entering. This helps to visually expand the boundaries of the room and save on energy.
Advantages of windows:
- Increased viewing area, absence of “obstacles”. Even when closed, visibility is better: the frame is narrower than a standard lintel.
- The minimum number of components reduces the risk of needing repairs.
- Installation is possible in an opening of any size.
- Long service life.
- Good thermal and sound insulation performance.
- Suitable for installation in openings of non-standard shape (oval, round, triangular, arched, semicircular) and large width.
- Wide choice of colors. The structure can be decorated with stained glass, laminated, or tinted.
- Conventional, multifunctional and energy-saving double-glazed windows can be inserted into a frame with a false impost.
- Easy to maintain thanks to the hinged window mechanism. The doors open inward, so cleaning them is not difficult. There are no hard-to-reach areas.
- Protection from intruders. All fittings are located inside, a closed window is a monolithic structure, and it is possible to get to the locking mechanisms only after disassembling the frame. Four or more security points make the hacking process difficult.
Such windows will bring to life even complex and non-standard design solutions. They save usable space, so they are suitable for owners of small apartments.
It is important to choose a reliable manufacturer; for example, Rehau frame windows of the standard, premium, and luxury classes are good. These are Rehau Blitz, Sib, Delight respectively.
Features of splitting a window with an element
A window mullion is a horizontal or vertical strip that will divide your window into two or more parts. The master will insert a blind double-glazed window or window sash into each of them according to your wishes.
There is no specific location for installing the impost. Therefore, you can make one sash narrower than another for as long as you want. Make a wide blind double-glazed window and a narrow sash for ventilation. Or, on the contrary, design the parts of the window equal, so that it is convenient to wash the glass from the outer part of the structure.
These variations help save money. Installing blind double-glazed windows and narrow sashes is much cheaper than installing two equal ones or one wide one. It also helps to improve the lighting of the room. Wide solid glass lets in more light.
Scope of application of frame windows
Framed wooden and PVC windows will be appropriate in apartments or offices. Their installation is recommended in housing on the first and second floors, on loggias and balconies. They are relevant for garden houses and real estate such as cottages.
They look good in hotel rooms, holiday homes, resorts, and shopping centers. Indispensable in openings with complex geometries and for the implementation of non-standard design projects. Used in the restoration of ancient houses.
PVC frame windows provide maximum natural light, look good, are reliable and safe. If there is an amazing picturesque landscape outside your window, then such designs will allow you to enjoy it to the fullest. They will become a worthy decoration of any interior. This configuration is becoming more in demand among lovers of original design solutions.
Often, hinged doors are installed on a balcony or loggia, especially if the opening is of considerable width. At the request of the owner, part of the wall of the room adjacent to the balcony is dismantled. The hinged doors will be transformed into a light and airy “French window”. And the usable area of the apartment will increase.
Vertical elements
The most common imposts of plastic windows. They are used universally for all structures that involve more than one sashes. Here the impost is one of the main elements. The fact is that it is to it that all the fittings will be attached, as well as the window sash in the structure.
There is usually only one impost - it divides the window into a part with a sash and a part with a solid glass unit. But non-standard solutions are also common: three-leaf windows with two imposts, four-leaf windows with three, etc. False profiles are also possible. That is, in such cases there are no profiles at all, and the doors open into each other.
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Horizontal elements
A special type of element that divides the structure not standardly vertically, but horizontally. Usually one such impost is used, dividing the window into two parts. For example, on the lower blind wide glass unit and the upper small window.
Why are horizontal imposts mainly installed? In order to attach fittings to an element. Much less often - for decorative purposes. Another practical application is to split a glass unit that is too heavy.
If the height of the structure exceeds 170 cm, it is already heavy. In such cases, it is impossible to do without installing a horizontal impost. Here the fittings will be held by it, and not by the frame, as in standard designs.
For Russian brick houses built during Stalin's era, it is standard to install plastic windows with horizontal imposts, since the window openings in such buildings are quite high. The upper parts are usually left blank, and an opening window sash is installed in the lower parts.
Results
By installing a plastic frame window, each interior can be made aesthetically pleasing and individual. As for use, this type of design will be incredibly practical and resistant to burglary, since the locking system is securely hidden from strangers. All qualities are ensured by high quality fittings. It is clear that double-glazed windows will also be excellent, and therefore do not refuse installation by specialists in order to prevent distortions, damage to the window structure, etc. A window without an impost will be an ideal solution not only for balconies and city apartments, but also for cottages.
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Balcony doors
For such structures, the installation of imposts is strictly required. Some customers think that the impost here performs only an aesthetic function. Yes, it beautifully decorates the door, separating the upper double-glazed window and the lower sandwich panel. In this case, the craftsmen agree with the purely aesthetic function of the element.
Another thing is completely glass balcony doors (in cases where the glass goes from the threshold to the very top slope). Here the purpose of installing an impost is completely different - to correctly distribute the weight of the glass unit.
You can't do without calculations here. Let's take standard figures: the height of the balcony door is 2.2 m (in general, in apartment buildings it is difficult to find balcony openings whose height is less than 2 meters), width is 70 cm.
Hence the total area of the balcony door is 1.54 m2. A standard (with two chambers) double-glazed window with an area of 1 m2 will weigh 35 kg. It is easy to calculate that the weight of the required structure in our case will be almost 54 kg.
Window manufacturing companies that care about the quality of their work will not undertake to install solid window structures that weigh close to the maximum - 55 kg. In some cases, if the customer insists, the installation takes place, but without any guarantees.
Therefore, the only correct way out of the situation is to install a horizontal impost. The element will take several kilograms away from the weight of the door, since it is much lighter than double glazing. In addition, it will help to properly distribute the weight of the latter. The third plus: installing two separate double-glazed windows is always more reliable than one solid one.