Installing a plastic window involves the use of special materials, devices and tools. PVC windows have a strong foothold in the construction market. Every year their designs are improved, and at the same time manufacturers offer modern equipment for manufacturing and materials for installing windows.
Materials for window installation include: anchor plates, mounting foam, wedges and spacers, seals and fasteners . Window manufacturers can complete the product with individual elements. At the same time, the components must be of high quality so that when installing windows, all requirements for heat, sound, steam and waterproofing are met.
Mounting wedges and spacers
To install plastic windows, the components are made of durable plastic, since they have to withstand a high load from the window structure, which will rest on them during installation. Spacer pads perform the same function. These elements are placed along the entire perimeter of the window frame to fix its correct horizontal and vertical position. Wedges are used as support while the foam hardens. After the foam has completely dried, the components are removed. The resulting hole is sealed with foam.
While the foam hardens, wedges are installed between the frame and the opening.
The use of wedges and spacer blocks during the installation of plastic windows is mandatory, since in the process of filling the seams between the frame and the opening with polyurethane foam, the process of its secondary expansion is inevitable. Wedges reliably fix the window structure in a certain position and prevent the possibility of its changing under the influence of foam.
Tools required for installation and requirements for them
When installing plastic windows with your own hands, the master will need a certain set of tools, which includes the following items:
- Tape measure, laser or bubble level, construction angle, ruler, marker - for correct marking before installing the window.
- A hacksaw with a fine tooth, a grinder, a jigsaw - if necessary, cutting elements.
- Metal scissors, if necessary, cutting fastening plates.
- A hammer drill for making holes at the end of the opening of the enclosing structure.
- Hammer for driving dowels into the hole.
- A screwdriver with replaceable bits or a screwdriver for fixing the self-tapping screw.
- A mounting gun for applying sealant or foam into the gap.
- A chisel with a hammer if the window is mounted in an opening with an uneven surface that requires modification.
A rag for applying degreaser.- Suction cup for transporting glass structures.
- A set of plastic spatulas used to smooth out the sealant.
- Construction knife for cutting off excess polyurethane foam.
- A wooden or rubber mallet for fixing glazing beads.
When installing wooden windows, you may additionally need a chisel, abrasive discs on a drill, as well as brushes for applying paint and varnish. In the case of installing metal flashings, the craftsman should also stock up on a gun for blind rivets.
How to choose?
When choosing a tool for installing PVC windows, experts recommend following certain requirements and paying special attention to the following nuances :
- The tool must be in good working order, well sharpened, ready for use, and not require repair.
- When using an old tool, it must be washed from traces of previously carried out installation work.
- When choosing a set of drills for making holes, you need to take into account the wall material.
- The cutting tool must be selected strictly for the material used.
- The driving of plastic beads for fixing the glass unit is carried out with a tool with an elastic working body, in order to avoid damage to the decorative surface of the material.
- The screw bits or the tip of the screwdriver must fit exactly under the fastener.
When installing windows, experts do not recommend using improvised means. For each type of installation operation, a specialized tool must be used, the use of which ensures the expected result, without the formation of defects.
Polyurethane foam
Polyurethane foam-based polyurethane foam is used to fill the seam between the frame and the opening. Once in a humid environment, under the influence of oxygen, the contents of the cylinder after a certain time form a solid, durable porous material that reliably fixes the window structure in a given position.
Using polyurethane foam, the window block is fixed in the opening
Polyurethane foam differs in seasonality of use: winter, summer and all-season. When installing PVC windows, it is important to use foam that has a low expansion coefficient - this will avoid deformation of the structure or disruption of its orientation in space .
Due to the vapor permeability of this material, moisture escapes and the formation of condensation indoors is eliminated. And to protect the window structure and slopes from excess moisture, a special self-expanding tape is installed to cover the installation seam.
Fasteners for PVC structures
Plastic structures are installed using anchors, self-tapping screws (in some cases with dowels) or anchor plates.
Anchors
This type of fastening is available in two versions: a classic anchor and an anchor for hollow materials.
- Classic anchor. Consists of an outer galvanized sleeve, a Phillips screw and a bushing. The principle of operation is as follows: initially the screw and part of the sleeve screwed onto it are inside the sleeve, which expands when the screw rotates in a certain direction, thus fixing the anchor in the seat. A regular anchor is great for fastening in dense materials (brick, concrete, cinder block).
- For hollow materials. In general, this anchor is similar to the classic one - the differences are in the design of the sleeve and the sleeve, which now does not expand the sleeve, but deforms, squeezing along the axis (deformation is possible thanks to special slots). When twisted, part of the anchor significantly increases in diameter, which allows it to be fixed in loose environments. In dense materials, such fasteners also hold up well.
Vapor permeable sealing tape
PSUL provides self-ventilation of the seam between the frame and the opening. Due to its porous structure, polyurethane foam allows not only air to pass through, but also moisture, which can lead to the accumulation of moisture on the surface of the slopes and their dampening. The use of PSUL allows you to avoid these troubles.
Ventilation of the gap between the opening and the frame is ensured by PSUL
Window installation tape is porous polyurethane foam treated with a special compound. One side of the PSUL has an adhesive layer. Delivery to the installation site is carried out in rolled form. The material must be unrolled immediately before installation, otherwise it will lose its properties.
PSUL is glued to the window structure, having previously removed the protective coating from the adhesive layer. This tape is sealing and self-expanding, that is, after the tape is impregnated with oxygen, its linear dimensions increase. As a result, the expanding tape completely covers the seam.
It is important to take into account that for high-quality overlap of the installation seam it is necessary to use a PSUL of the appropriate width . Increasing in size, the tape acquires its vapor barrier properties and ensures the removal of moisture from the installation seam, and also protects it from precipitation.
Installing a vapor barrier tape is a prerequisite when installing windows
Self-expanding tape is produced in a compressed state. It seals the inner seam against moisture penetration. This protects the slopes and the installation seam from mold. Vapor barrier for PVC windows is a mandatory type of work.
Summarizing
Having studied the sequence of installation of PVC windows, we can conclude that their fastening may directly determine the protection of the house from heat loss and drafts. Mistakes are often made that lead to disastrous consequences. First of all, you need to accurately determine the size of the frame and window sill, only then order and install them. Experts will help you make the right choice and tell you how to care for the glazed opening.
Rice. 18. A competent specialist will do everything right and you won’t have to quickly eliminate the consequences of a poorly done job.
Waterproofing tape
The GPL tape is also designed to cover the installation seam from the inside of the room. It is made on the basis of polyethylene foam film, which has a thin layer of aluminum foil. On the opposite side there is an adhesive layer for fixing the tape.
Waterproofing tape ensures the tightness of the seam on the inside
The adhesive layer has good adhesion to wood, concrete and brick surfaces. After gluing, the assembly seam is provided with absolute sealing, since the tape does not allow moisture or air to pass through.
The top layer of GPL tape is not affected by alkali and other chemical reagents. It does not lose its properties from exposure to direct sunlight.
Diffusion tape
Installation of plastic windows requires the use of additional materials, such as diffusion tape. It is used for external finishing of the assembly joint together with vapor barrier tape or foam. In addition to providing vapor permeability, this material reliably protects the gap between the frame and the opening from moisture and exposure to direct sunlight, under which the polyurethane foam tends to collapse .
The diffusion tape is mounted outside the window opening
When finishing joints, diffuse material retains natural ventilation when unimpeded air exit from the middle part of the bottom seam is ensured.
Construction of plastic windows
To properly understand the installation process, you need to have an understanding of window design. Let's start with materials and names. Plastic windows are made of polyvinyl chloride, which is abbreviated as PVC. Hence the second name - PVC windows.
The main element of any window is the frame. For plastic windows, the frame is made from a special multi-chamber profile. It is divided by partitions into a number of cells - chambers. The more of these cells, the warmer the window will be. When they talk about how many cameras there will be in a plastic window, they have the number of cells in the profile.
Windows from the same manufacturer with different numbers of cameras in the profile
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In the middle of the structure, in the largest chamber, a blue insert is visible. This is a reinforcing element of increased rigidity. It gives the profile the required strength. In plastic windows this insert is made of plastic, in metal-plastic windows it is made of metal (usually aluminum). That's the whole difference between them.
The structure of a metal-plastic window
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There is also a division of profiles into classes: economy, standard and premium. The best choice if you need normal windows is the standard class. In economy class, the partitions are too thin and they begin to freeze almost from the moment they are installed. Premium has a high price due to options that, in fact, are not needed.
If you want to have the best profile for plastic windows, take the standard class of any factory. There is no particular difference between products from different companies. They have long been standardized and all managers’ stories about the advantages are fairy tales. If they are made on factory equipment, there is no difference between them: all factory profiles have long been standardized.
Window profiles are white as standard, but can also be brown - to match the color of any wood, and even pink - upon request. Windows made from colored profiles are more expensive than similar white ones.
Window structure
To understand what is being discussed in the description of the installation process, you need to know the name of each component of the structure.
What does a plastic window consist of?
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It consists of:
- Frames. This is the base of the window.
- If the window consists of several parts, the frame is divided into parts by an impost - a vertical component. If the window is made of two parts, there is one impost; If there are three parts, there are two, etc.
- The opening part of the window is called the sash, the stationary part is called the capercaillie. A double-glazed window is inserted into them - two, three or more glasses, hermetically sealed together. A foil tape is laid between the glasses to ensure tightness. There are double-glazed windows with special properties: with reinforced glass, tinted and energy efficient, which, according to manufacturers, reduces heat loss through the windows. There are also double-glazed windows with inert gas pumped between the glass panes. It also reduces heat loss.
- Double-glazed windows are pressed to the frame with a cap - a thin plastic strip. The tightness of the connection is ensured by a rubber seal (it is usually black).
- Locking fittings are installed on the sashes. This is a specific set of mechanisms that provide opening and locking. They can be different, as they provide different functionality: opening, opening with ventilation, opening + ventilation + micro-ventilation.
- To ensure tightness, rubber seals are installed on all parts - frame, impost and sashes.
At the bottom of the outer side of the frame (the one facing the street) there are drainage holes that are closed with special caps. Through them, condensation that forms inside due to the difference in temperature outside and indoors is discharged outside.
Drainage holes
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The window also has a sill - a board on the outside that removes precipitation and a window sill on the inside. The side and top parts on the street and indoor side are sealed with slopes. They can also be made of plastic or made using a different technology.
Fasteners
These include dowels, anchors, strips, perforated plates, supporting consoles and self-tapping screws.
Anchors
The use of anchors allows you to maintain the integrity of the window frame when installing a plastic window . They are mounted by drilling through holes in the window frame.
Window installation using anchors is considered the most reliable
The material used for making anchors is galvanized metal. Using anchors, the frame is secured to the wall so that the window is securely installed in the plane of the window opening.
Adjustable anchors
This type of anchor is used for “warm” installation, when the window frame structure protrudes beyond the wall. A leveling layer is applied to the window sill, then anchors are secured to it.
Using the anchor bolt you can adjust the position of the window frame
Such fasteners are also called anchor bolts, which consist of two parts. Each part has a longitudinal groove and holes on the edge. The presence of longitudinal grooves in the plates allows you to adjust the position of the window frame when it is secured with anchors in a certain position. This allows you to choose a perfectly level position of the window structure in space and securely fix it.
Dowels
According to experts who install plastic windows, the use of dowels ensures a more stable position of the structure than using anchors. However, they do not recommend using them to secure the bottom of the window. A dowel is a plastic sleeve with side slots and threads inside . When a self-tapping screw is screwed into it, the plastic petals open and the dowel is securely fixed in the body of the concrete or brick wall. The dimensions of the dowel - width and length - depend on the structure of the wall material. For fragile foundations, large dowels are used.
The dowel ensures reliable fixation of the self-tapping screw in the wall
These fasteners are made of elastic elastic plastic that can withstand high tensile and compressive loads. Dowels are used when attaching anchor plates to the wall surface; this allows you to rigidly install and fix the window frame.
Self-tapping screws
When attaching anchor plates to dowels, concrete self-tapping screws are used - they have large, pointed threads and a head in the shape of a star or hexagon.
The anchor plates are secured using self-tapping screws
When it is necessary to secure perforated metal strips, metal screws are used. To secure any elements using this type of fastener, you must first drill a hole of a smaller diameter. When carrying out work, it is necessary to use modern high-quality installation tools.
Taking measurements and ordering PVC windows
This is a very important stage. You can measure the window opening yourself using a tape measure. You need to take measurements very carefully so that the inserted window sits firmly and there are no gaps. The window sill should also be measured, having previously decided on its width. When choosing a plastic window, it is better to order a thinner window sill so that heat comes from the radiator and condensation does not accumulate on the glass. If you are not sure that you can take measurements yourself, it is better to immediately contact the specialists who will make the future window.
You should order this item only from trusted people, since the condition of the window openings will depend on its quality. If the window is chosen incorrectly, then there will be wind in the cracks, the glass will fog up and mold may form.
Rice. 2. Take all measurements carefully.
The procedure for measuring windows
You should start with the width. It is measured from wall to wall. Then add 6 cm to the resulting figure, all together this will be the width of the frame. The height is measured along the wall from the window sill to the top edge of the opening. You need to measure it from the windowsill. If it is not there, you need to calculate how thick it will be and measure the height of the opening from this point. After all this, measure the width of the drainage basin, that is, the part that is located in plain sight. To do this, you need to determine the width of the window frame and add 200 mm to it.
Rice. 3. It is quite possible to correct mistakes made when measuring a window frame.
Features of window measurements
Measurements should be taken from both sides of the opening. This is necessary to determine its depth. Pay attention to whether the opening is skewed. If this nuance occurs, you will need to increase the window size by the amount of skew. A drainage system must be installed outside, and sometimes it is required inside as well. This must be taken into account when taking measurements from the frame. Otherwise, the frame may block the drain. The joint between the frame and the drainage hole must be sealed. You can use silicone for this.
Rice. 4. Be sure to measure the opening on both sides.
Measuring windows for a balcony
Having called a measurer, ask how to choose the correct configuration and ask to take into account all the components for glazing the balcony. If it is necessary to install internal cladding or insulate the balcony after installing the windows, you need to install an extender on the frame, since without it the window cannot be opened. There is no need to install a window larger than 75 cm. This will negatively affect the wear resistance of double-glazed windows. In general, there are many nuances; it is better to contact a competent measurer who will do his job accurately and efficiently.
Rice. 5. To measure balcony windows, it is better to call a specialist with experience.
Removing old windows
Having decided to replace an old window that has served for a long time and requires retirement, you must first dismantle it. Without this, you will not be able to install a new window. To dismantle the old one, you need a measurer with experience who will do everything right. It will be almost impossible to do it with your own hands.
Dismantling steps:
- Removing the sashes.
- Sawing the frame.
- Removing the old frame.
- Removing the window sill and ebb.
- Preparing the opening (removing insulation and cleaning the opening).
When dismantling windows, you need to remove furniture from the window and cover the work area with sheets of plywood.
Rice. 6. The old window must be dismantled carefully so as not to damage the opening.
Features of measurements in private houses and old buildings
If it is necessary to reinstall windows in an old building or private home, first of all, you need to remove the slopes from the opening. A common occurrence is that the opening does not match the frame. If the first layer, cracks may form, which without insulation will allow air to pass through perfectly, creating a draft, and will also allow moisture to penetrate from the outside and dangerous fungus will grow on the window. Often cracks are masked with cement mortar or insulation. All this may fall out when dismantling the old window. If the insulation layer was large, this will make it possible to install a larger window than it was.
Rice. 7. Windows installed at the same level will look geometrically correct.
Selection and ordering of PVC windows
The choice of a plastic window must be approached with all seriousness. First of all, decide how many cameras it will have. You should not take a single-chamber window, as it can fog up and mold will form there. Pay attention to the quality of the fittings. Handles, hinges, bolt mechanism and other components must be firmly attached and not loose. If the handle does not close the sash tightly, there will be blowing from the window during the cold season. You should choose a profile that fits clearly into the opening, so that there is no need to fiddle with closing the resulting gaps.
You should order PVC windows only from trusted companies. Some people are careless when measuring and installing, missing important nuances and, because of this, fixing the window unsteadily, which will lead to a number of problems.
Rice. 8. Plastic windows are divided into types depending on the number of sashes and the opening method.
Supporting Consoles
They are made in the form of profile metal plates with holes, which are used for fastening the profile on one side and the anchor on the other. The use of supporting consoles allows the installation of large-format window structures with complex configurations and heavy weight .
Supporting consoles are used when installing large-sized window units
The material used to make the supporting consoles is coated with a layer of zinc, so they are resistant to moisture. An example of a single cantilever is a flat rod bolted to a wall. Its height can be adjusted.
Stand profile
It is made of the same material as the window profile and is attached to the bottom of the window frame. It is used when installation of ebb or window sill is required. The stand profile adds 3 cm to the overall height of the window structure. This is important to take into account when taking measurements.
The substitution profile is used for installation of ebb and window sills
The use of a stand profile helps to protect the junction of the lower part of the window and the wall, eliminating thermal bridges and the appearance of condensation.
How to measure a window.
Any replacement of windows begins with determining the size of the window unit. For this stage, it is better to call a measurer who has the necessary experience in this matter. Basically, measuring services from window manufacturers are free. But if you decide to take measurements yourself, then you need to know that there are two types of window openings. And the window unit is measured differently for them. Therefore, before taking measurements, you need to remove the plaster from the window opening and determine what kind of opening you have.
Dismantling old plaster is also necessary to increase the accuracy of measurements.
The first type of opening is a quarter window. A quarter is a special protrusion on the window opening, against which the window frame is pressed during installation. This protrusion is located closer to the street, and the window frame from the inside of the room is pressed against it.
Picture 1.
Determine the internal width of the window opening: C = B1 + A + B2
Determine the height of the window opening. To do this, you need to measure the dimension H from the ebb at the point of contact with the frame (point M) to the upper quarter. Using a feeler gauge, take several control measurements of the upper quarter (size B3) (Fig. 2).
The height of the window opening will be equal to: U = H + B3
The second type of opening is a regular rectangular opening. It's a little easier to take measurements here. Don't forget to remove the layer of plaster before taking measurements.
Window block width = A – (2 × 20) mm, where 20 mm is the optimal installation gap (Fig. 4)
Height of the window block: = H – 25 mm (Fig. 5).
The last stage in the measurements is measuring the low tide and window sill.
Window sill length = window opening width + 200mm. In the case of an opening with quarters, this is C+200mm. In the case of a regular opening, this is A+200.
The width of the window sill should be such that its edge overlaps the heating radiator located under the window by approximately 70%. The window sill should not completely cover the battery. Warm air from the battery should rise freely along the window.
Length of ebb = maximum width of window opening on the street side +100mm.
Silicone sealant
When installing a window sill, the use of silicone sealant is mandatory, as it fills the joints and seals them reliably. For these purposes, it is possible to use liquid plastic, since it has a more durable adhesion to the surface and does not lag behind the influence of moisture over time, like a sealant. In this case, the highest quality insulation of seams is achieved.
Silicone sealant is used to seal joint seams
It is important to use only high-quality materials and equipment for installing a plastic window, then the window will perform its functions, reliably protect the room from environmental influences and provide optimal microclimatic indicators.
How to choose components for windows
The two main parameters when choosing elements are quality and price. Comparing these two indicators is the most difficult task. Our consultants will offer the best solution to a specific problem.
The functionality of the window depends entirely on the operation of all elements. In order for a high-quality window to use all its potential, each element must be in its place and perform its task correctly. To experience all the advantages of a double-glazed window, you need to equip it with reliable automation and fittings.
