Do-it-yourself soft windows: what they are made of for gazebos, verandas, terraces, ready-made kits for manufacturing, step-by-step instructions on how to make them yourself from PVC

An open terrace or a spacious gazebo is a necessary attribute for a comfortable holiday in the country.
Some site owners often place outdoor furniture, a kitchen or a barbecue in such spaces.

However, the climate of central Russia is not always pleasant for residents, since cold winds and heavy rainfall can occur at any time of the year.

In such cases, summer residents are saved by soft plastic windows, which cover the open space, providing comfort. These products are made from films and can be purchased at almost any hardware or construction store, or the owner of the property can learn how to make soft PVC windows with his own hands.

Is it possible to do it yourself?

Every summer resident who has the necessary material at hand, a set of simple tools and little experience working with polymer windows can make a soft PVC product with their own hands.

As a rule, soft windows made of plastic film are installed in the following types of premises in private residential buildings, and, in some cases, apartments:

Freestanding gazebos.
Terraces attached to a residential building that do not have fixed window structures.
Verandas, if this room was originally planned as an open usable space.
Balconies and loggias in residential buildings, provided that the owners want to cover the cold rooms of their apartment or house only during rainfall.
Porches of residential buildings, if the size of the space allows them to be used not only as an entrance group.
Temporary awnings, tents and other collapsible structures.
Street cafes, extensions to restaurants that operate in the summer.
Open rest rooms in separate baths.
Outdoor shower, in the absence of a centralized bathroom in the house.

Soft PVC windows do not in any way protect people under a canopy or in an open room from the cold, since they do not have an air gap. Enclosing structures protect the premises only from moisture, dust from the street and gusty winds.

What is the comfort of using soft windows?

When going on a summer vacation to the country, dreaming of a pleasant time on the veranda of private city properties, you have to remember about the possible discomfort caused by such phenomena as ubiquitous insects, wind, dust, rain, scorching sun rays. All this makes it very difficult to rest, relax and communicate calmly with family and friends.

In addition, in the autumn, the terrace, veranda, loggia or balcony of a high-rise building is filled with dirt and fallen leaves. Rain streams fall there, and in winter the room is often filled with snow. All these factors negatively affect the materials from which such summer buildings are constructed and decorated, and on a loggia or balcony it becomes impossible to arrange storage for temporarily unclaimed items.

Balcony protected from the vagaries of the weather by soft windows

If a balcony or loggia can still be protected with glazed frames, then large areas of enclosing structures for gazebos and terraces will not be cheap, especially if you install modern, durable windows with double-glazed windows. To protect open buildings and extensions from a variety of unpleasant natural phenomena, soft windows were developed as an alternative to “classic” glazing, which, if necessary, can be easily and quickly dismantled.

Do not think that ordinary thick polyethylene film can be used to make these original structures. Such material quickly becomes cloudy from ultraviolet rays, tears from gusts of wind, and over time simply turns into useless and ugly rags. For soft windows, much more durable and practical canvases are used. To verify this, let’s consider the features and characteristics of such products.

What they are made from: materials

To make soft PVC windows with your own hands, a home craftsman will need the following materials :

The main material that needs to be purchased to assemble soft windows is polymer film. For comfortable operation, experts recommend giving preference to a product with the following technical characteristics:
The film thickness should be at least 600 microns, since thinner material is subject to rapid wear and destruction under strong gusts of wind.
The density of the material should be selected from 500 g/m2 or more to ensure increased durability of the coating.
A product from a trusted manufacturer must be accompanied by a quality certificate indicating the approximate service life. You should purchase a film that can be used for at least 10 years, which indicates its increased resistance to temperature changes, ultraviolet radiation and other aggressive environmental influences.
Considering that the polymer product will be used outdoors, and its dismantling for the winter is a labor-intensive process, it is recommended to purchase a material that can easily withstand temperature changes from +50 to -50 °C.
The film, which is supplied in rolls, must also have a fixed bend of at least 50 mm - an edging that protects the edges of the structure from premature wear.
When making a stationary structure into a wooden structure, you also need to buy bars or slats with a cross-section of at least 50x20 or 40 x 30 mm, onto which the film will be stretched.
To press the film onto the frame, you will need glazing beads or lightweight slats with dimensions from 20 x 5 to 30 x 10 mm.
If the owner of the property provides a rising window, the film must be attached to a wooden or aluminum rod with a rotation mechanism, which is usually accompanied by a remote drive - a rod with a handle and a hook.

All materials must be of high quality, free from visible defects, traces of dirt and wear. When purchasing, you should also pay attention to the brand and the presence of positive reviews about the company’s products online.

Ready-made kits for verandas and gazebos

Considering the high popularity of plastic windows among summer residents, many manufacturing companies engaged in the production of films and PVC products supply ready-made sets of these products to the market.

The standard set, which can be purchased at any construction market, includes the following parts :

Polymer transparent film that meets all the characteristics listed above.
Most often, the material that is initially made to create soft windows has a thickness of 700 microns. The dimensions of the product are selected depending on the size of the opening in the structure.
The most common sizes of PVC material are 1500 x 1500 – 3600 x 2400 m.
Edging made of dense materials around the perimeter of the film. As a rule, it is made of leatherette or thick oilcloth. Holes are placed along the perimeter of the edging, which are fastened with stainless steel rings (eyelets). These elements are necessary for reliable fixation of the film using staples and belts.
Accessories for installing soft plastic windows are a tarpaulin or oilcloth belt, as well as a set of steel brackets that are attached to a rigid base around the perimeter of the opening.

Kits for making plastic windows are the best solution for installing translucent structures in open spaces. The only disadvantage of such models is their modular dimensions, which does not fit every planning solution for a terrace, gazebo, veranda or porch.

Characteristics, advantages, disadvantages

Soft windows are not the most budget-friendly pleasure and some people perceive them with hostility.

GagsuvForumHouse Member

Come on, come on, marketers, get to work. Studying the issue showed that this is complete junk for the price of a double-glazed window. The junk is real, very expensive.

Elena65FORUMHOUSE member

However, I don’t understand why this is needed. It’s better than sitting “in cellophane” in the house, these fasteners do not add beauty, and who cares about the safety of the floor - for four years now the floor has been like new, covered with yacht varnish.

But, “Everyone has their own taste: one likes watermelon, and the other loves pork cartilage.”

ms999FORUMHOUSE Member

Plastic windows are junk for the gazebo, at least for mine. I rent special equipment and have nothing to do with marketing. Everyone decides for themselves what is best for them. I chose this option. I keep them open when it’s warm, if there’s wind, I leave them only on both sides so that there’s no draft, but when it’s cool, like now, it’s great. I can’t tell by the door, I don’t use it, it’s usually closed.

tt7x62FORUMHOUSE Member

ms999, thanks for the advice! I finally took the plunge and ordered these windows. It turned out great! However, look for yourself.

And the costs of soft windows will be offset by attractive characteristics.

Versatility - you can “glaze” both relatively small openings on terraces, verandas or attics, and large spans in stove complexes, gazebos or public institutions.
Large selection - manufacturers offer both a huge range of ready-made windows of standard sizes in various designs, as well as the possibility of making them to order.
Insulating properties – high-quality, properly installed soft windows will protect from wind, rain, snow and frost, since the film is impenetrable. You can gather in gazebos or terraces with such a frame all year round, regardless of the outside temperature. For seasonal gatherings in good weather around a fire, a patio is also perfect.
Wide operating range – use is acceptable at temperatures from -40 to +80⁰С, without loss of original properties.
Durability – the service life of high-quality flexible windows is up to 10 years, of course, not comparable to window blocks, but not even a couple of seasons.
Practicality - the inside of the window can be wiped with a damp cloth (mop, special glass cleaners) soaked in a solution of a mild detergent; it is convenient to use high-pressure washers on the outside. After rain, there are no streaks left on the film, and there is no need for constant maintenance.

It is not without its drawbacks (except for the fact that not everyone can afford it).

Creases and deformations are typical for films that are not of the best quality or due to improper installation. In addition to deteriorating the appearance, the insulating properties are also impaired.

Alex_underFORUMHOUSE Member

The only thing that doesn’t suit me is that they don’t fit tightly to the wall - there are creases through which snow and sometimes rain get in.

High thermal expansion - when heated, the film sags, while in the cold it stretches. If you miss the measurements or stretch, at best, small folds will appear in the summer, but at worst, if overstretched, a rupture is possible. And this factor must be taken into account when ordering.

ms999FORUMHOUSE Member

Now I am absolutely sure that my soft curtains will not tear - I specifically asked not to pull too hard. If you pull it tightly, they are like glass, but when you need to remove or hang them, it’s problematic because of the tension, maybe they don’t look so perfect, but they won’t tear and are easy to remove and hang.

Impermeability - when closed, soft windows are impenetrable not only to precipitation, but also to air exchange, just like windows cannot be set to ventilation mode. But, it is possible to combine it with a mosquito net and cover it with film for the winter.

Tools and consumables

To independently manufacture and fix soft plastic windows, the owner of a summer cottage will need the following tools and consumables, which are present in the pantry of almost every home craftsman:

For taking measurements of openings and marking the canvas

This type of tools includes:

Laser or mechanical roulette.
Construction level to control the correct installation of windows.
Steel ruler 1 m long.
Carpenter's angle for measuring right angles.
Permanent marker for marking PVC film.

For cutting material

Necessary if you purchase a simple film instead of a ready-made set:

Household scissors.
A stationery or construction knife with a retractable blade.

To assemble the structure

Devices for assembling and installing the finished product in the opening include:

A drill with a set of drills for wood, concrete, brick or metal.
A jigsaw or a hand saw with a fine tooth for cutting wooden planks of the future frame.
A screwdriver or screwdriver with a set of bits for fixing hardware.
Hammer with a hammer weight of 300 g.
An awl, if you intend to fasten the product to belts and staples.

Consumables

List of consumables:

Nails.
Self-tapping screws.
Silicone or acrylic sealant.
When attaching the product using adhesive compounds, use a can of liquid nails.
If it is necessary to paint the product, use wood stain or varnish.

In addition to the above tools, the home craftsman should also stock up on protective equipment, which satisfies safety regulations when performing work in this category. The set of such products includes a respirator, safety glasses with clear lenses and coated work gloves.

How to choose soft windows, what to look for?

It remains to give a few tips that will help you choose the right soft windows.

When choosing flexible windows, you need to pay attention to their technical parameters, such as thickness and density, and to the manufacturer of the material used to make the panels.

Production of flexible windows using Achilles film.

Manufacturers offer windows made from films from different manufacturers. And it is very important to get a high-quality product - only in this case will the windows last the stated period. Therefore, when placing an order, it is necessary to request from the manufacturer documents on the material used for manufacturing, otherwise you may run into a cheap analogue, which is far from being comparable to real branded products.

The highest quality polyvinyl chloride films on the domestic market are considered to be Japanese, Korean Politex and Spanish Expafol. Conscientious manufacturers offer customers exactly one of these material options.

It is quite difficult to distinguish an original from a fake at first glance. Most often, the negative aspects of the film appear during the operation of the windows. For example, a cheap film made in China may sag, become unplastic, or become cloudy after just a year.

When picking up your order, you must inspect the products, paying attention to the following factors:

Degree of transparency. The proprietary material is highly transparent and has a completely homogeneous structure.
Analogues may have layers, unequal thickness, foreign inclusions and sagging.

When choosing a tinted film, its quality can be checked using the same characteristics. By the way, defects on it will be even more noticeable than on the transparent version.

* * * * * * *

So, if you decide to glaze a balcony or loggia, but there is not enough money for this yet, soft windows are quite suitable as an alternative. A terrace or veranda, as well as a gazebo in a suburban area, will be reliably protected from heat, wind, rain, dust and harmful ubiquitous insects if film windows are purchased. They are also suitable for covering a small greenhouse, and also as an awning installed over a parking lot on the site. But in this case, you will have to choose a tinted version of the material.

The information in the article will be supplemented by a video on the advantages of soft windows.

How to measure correctly?

The quality result of the manufacture and installation of soft plastic windows largely depends on the measurement of the opening. When determining the actual dimensions of the window, you must adhere to the following algorithm :

A square or rectangular window should be measured at least at 3 points - at the corners and in the center of the opening.
If one of the dimensions exceeds 1500 mm, the measurement line is divided into several segments so that the distance between them does not exceed 600 - 700 mm.
When measuring a triangular or trapezoidal attic window, it is necessary to divide the opening into several simple shapes - a triangle and a square (rectangle).
When taking measurements from a non-standard opening, you should not use a protractor, since it is enough to determine the lengths of all sides along the perimeter of the structure, as well as the height - the perpendicular lowered from the top of the upper corner to the base. When transferring these lines onto film, the angle is formed automatically.
To measure a round or semicircular arched window, it is enough to determine the radius or diameter, and then substitute the value into the standard geometry formula 2pr, which means the circumference. Thus, the semicircle will be half of this value.
When measuring a pointed arch or other original configuration, you will need to divide the space to be filled into many simple figures, or prepare a stencil from a lower-quality film for subsequent outlining of the opening configuration.

When cutting the material after marking, the craftsman should take into account the size of the bends with which the edging is created, as well as the overlaps outside the outline of the opening. As a rule, when creating a edging of 50 mm, it is necessary to leave an overlap outside the marking line of at least 100 mm.

Features of the operation and care of soft windows

The materials used in the production of soft windows are unpretentious, both in operation and in maintenance. Below we will present several basic and easy-to-follow rules that should be followed:

It is necessary to care for soft windows without removing them from their hard base.

Soft windows should be washed only if they are very dirty. You should not use aggressive chemicals to clean them, since ordinary warm water, to which you can add a little liquid soap or non-aggressive dishwashing detergent, is suitable for this purpose. In this case, you can use a sponge and soft cloth, and to remove stubborn dirt - a brush with soft bristles.
It is undesirable to dismantle soft windows for the winter period unless absolutely necessary, since they can withstand temperatures down to minus 40, and some products - up to minus 70 degrees. Their all-season use should not affect their longevity.
If the windows were removed for the winter (for example, no one lives in a country house at this time), then they must be carefully folded or rolled and stored in this form at above-zero temperatures.

From the above it is clear that there are practically no special problems in caring for soft windows. The only thing that needs to be provided if you plan to store them folded is a place for neat storage until the next season.

Step-by-step manufacturing instructions

To manufacture and install soft windows with your own hands, you need to complete the following technological map (using the example of installation using the “loop-belt” method):

Before making a window, a flat and smooth horizontal surface is prepared.
A roll of PVC film is rolled out on a flat surface. If the work is carried out on site, all stones or other objects with sharp edges that could damage the material should be removed from the assembly area in advance.
The surface of the material is marked and marked with a marker. Each cutting line must be clearly outlined on a ruler, without distortion.
After marking, you should check the orthogonality of the corners, which may be distorted due to the soft material.
Parallel to the marking, the overlap line necessary to create the edging is marked and applied.
The film is carefully cut strictly along the marking lines, observing overlaps, using scissors or a construction knife.
An edging is folded along the perimeter of the product, which is pressed against the main plane of the film and covered with a cloth or sheet of paper.
The edging is fixed using an iron or a special device - a tinker.
Eyelets are punched along the entire perimeter of the two-layer structure, which should be installed using a construction stapler. The device, which can be purchased at a hardware store, comes with special reinforcing rings made of brass or other metal that is not susceptible to corrosion.
The eyelets must be placed in such a way that on each side of the future soft window the first hole is no further than 50 mm from the corner.
Along the entire perimeter of the opening, on the outside, staples are mounted, which can be purchased ready-made, or bent independently from metal plates after cutting them, using a rigid steel rod and a hammer.
First of all, the upper part of the window structure is fixed, after which the craftsman should wait from 1 to 3 days for the material to completely straighten under the influence of gravitational forces.
At the last stage, using grommets and a belt, the side and bottom parts of the window structure are attached.
If you are installing a window on a finished frame, you must first cut and assemble the framing structure on a horizontal plane, and then fix the material onto the clamping strips using furniture nails.

When stretching a PVC sheet, it is necessary to control the force, since too much tension can cause the formation of cracks in the entire structure, followed by its rupture due to temperature changes.

Video instructions for creating windows:

Installation rules

It is advisable to make roller windows in the warm season, since in the cold the polymer loses its elasticity and it will not be possible to properly stretch it onto the frame.

To achieve a mirror-like smoothness of the canvas, you should move the staples to the outer side 5 mm from the projection of the eyelets and forcefully pull it onto the staples.

If you decide to attach a fabric with a zipper to the opening, it must be well designed beforehand so as not to put any effort into using it after sewing it in. An excellent way to achieve a smooth ride is with graphite powder or lubricant.

Bugs and difficulties

When manufacturing and installing soft PVC windows, beginners often make mistakes. To avoid them, experts advise taking into account the following nuances :

Before applying markings, the corners of the film unwound from the roll should be fixed in such a way as to smooth out all the folds.
Cutting should be done slowly, carefully following the marking line.
When fusing the edge, it is important not to overheat the material so that it does not collapse from high temperature.
It is recommended to fasten the brackets for fixing the side and bottom parts only after the panel has sagged after its installation at the level of the opening lintel.
To create eyelets, you should not use a construction knife - the hole should be circular, which will prevent it from lengthening over time.
When installing steel parts, stainless steel products should be used, since traces of corrosion on PVC film are almost impossible to remove, and they greatly spoil the appearance of the finished structure.

When installing windows, you should also consider the windward and leeward sides. If the structure is mounted in one or two parts of the exploited space, the risk of sail formation increases in strong winds, which contributes to the rapid destruction of the product.

Advantages and disadvantages

Owners of private property highly appreciate the technology of soft windows and are increasingly giving preference to it when arranging residential and utility rooms.

The popularity is justified by the following advantages of the products:

Quite affordable price. On average, including components, it is 1200-1500 rubles/m².
Easy to install. It can be easily handled by a person who does not have professional knowledge and skills.
Fast installation. There is no need to work with adhesives and mortars.
High degree of transparency. In the best models it is almost as good as standard glass.
Absolute safety regarding the composition of the material and the absence of sharp and dangerous fragments.
Excellent tensile, compressive and tear strength.
Resistance to fungus and mold. Insects and animals are not interested in film and even avoid it.
Immunity to the destructive factors of a destructive environment - heat and cold, water and ultraviolet radiation.
Easy to care and maintain, not requiring the purchase of expensive products.
Wide color range of both film and components.

The main disadvantage is that the film is easy to cut, and after that it cannot be restored. The surface of the material is soft and becomes cloudy over time. For those who prioritize presentability and efficiency, PVC windows may not be suitable, since in these parameters they are inferior to their modern glass counterparts.

Approximate costs

To create PVC windows with your own hands, the craftsman will need the material listed above. Below are the average prices for these products :

PVC film 500 microns – from 100-150 rub./m2.
PVC film 700 microns - from 200-250 rub./m2.
Ready-made kit for installing a soft PVC window - from 0.8-1.0 thousand rubles/m2, from 2 thousand rubles. for a complete set with dimensions 1.5 x 1.5 m, brackets and belts.
Belts and brackets included - from 300-500 rubles. for 1 set of 20 units.
Straps for fixing with a buckle, canvas - from 80 rubles. for a unit.

Prices may vary slightly depending on the brand and the internal policy of the outlet.

What are soft PVC windows for gazebos and terraces

A flexible window is a special film that is a replacement for modern double-glazed windows. It is made from lavsan and is additionally treated with liquid polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which gives it thermal insulation properties. This product has a number of other names: soft windows, liquid, transparent, tension, street curtains.

Soft windows will quickly turn an open terrace into a closed veranda Source softglass.ru

Soft windows for gazebos and terraces - nuances

The shelf life of the film used for soft windows is long, 7-10 years. This is its advantageous difference from other similar materials, which within a year begin to lose their properties.

Soft windows for gazebos retain their original appearance for many years Source prostirco.com.ua

Flexible windows are suitable at any time of the year and protect the gazebo from wind, snow, hail, sun and rain.

In winter, you can install a heater. The thermal insulation properties of flexible windows allow you to retain heat.

Another advantage of this design is the ability to withstand temperature contrasts from -30 to +70 ° C and the ability to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape at the dacha.

Technology for making protective PVC curtains for gazebos with your own hands

It is not necessary to buy ready-made curtains in the store; you can make them yourself. First, you need to take measurements of the openings that need to be covered with curtains. The diagram below will demonstrate how to do this correctly.

Scheme for measuring gazebo openings for installing PVC curtains

PVC film for making curtains can be bought at a hardware store. The roll is cut into sheets of the required width. If necessary, two canvases are soldered together using a colored additional seam. The width of the adhesive seam should be at least 3-5 mm.

An example of a soldered PVC sheet

There is also the option of soldering the sheets with an overlap. The optimal seam width is 3 cm. In terms of strength, such a curtain will be slightly inferior to the first option.

Attention: soldering of PVC sheets is carried out with a special hot air gun.

Soldering PVC sheets with an overlap

To fasten the curtain in the opening, thick tarpaulin fabric is sewn along its perimeter, in which eyelets for attaching the canvas are installed using a special gun.

An example of how to make protective PVC curtains for a summer gazebo

How to fix a PVC product in an opening? To do this, metal loops must be welded around the perimeter of the pit. Then the nylon cord is threaded alternately through the loop and into the eyelet of the curtain. Thus, lacing is performed around the perimeter.

Fastening PVC curtains in the opening