What is an anchor plate and its purpose
Most often, one of two methods is chosen for installing plastic windows:
- Direct screwing of the frame into the opening using screws.
- Use of anchor plates.
The first option is considered more complex, because involves complete disassembly of the structure, including removal of the sashes (both fixed and movable). This makes it possible to drill the profile without interference, attaching it to the walls of the opening with self-tapping screws. After installing the frame, the window is reassembled: this procedure includes adjusting the sashes, installing fittings and double-glazed windows.
Screwing the frame to the opening directly
This kind of work is quite labor-intensive, so most novice craftsmen prefer the faster second method. It is important to remember that structures larger than 2 m² are recommended to be installed only directly (this option is more reliable).
Installation of a window frame on anchor plates
The material used to manufacture anchor plates for plastic windows is galvanized steel with a thickness of 1.5 mm, for which the stamping method is used. The products are equipped with a series of round holes for mounting screws. To allow pre-assembly bending, the plates in some areas are equipped with a guide notch. The depth of the bend directly depends on the thickness of the installation gap: it is selected according to the installation site.
Appearance of anchor plates
The most convenient way to fix anchor plates is to use 40x5 mm mounting screws on windows. To secure the flexible plates in the opening, you will need plastic dowels and locking screws. Each anchor must have at least two attachment points. Here you will need 50x6 mm screws.
Basic principles of installing a plastic window
There is a certain list of work that needs to be carried out step by step to install metal-plastic windows. The work algorithm looks like this:
- removing the protective cellophane coating from the outside of the window, this will help avoid “sticking” of the film to the glass, which can happen within a few days;
- vertical and horizontal must be observed, minimal deviation is allowed;
- the outer part of the frame is covered with a special film, which protects against the penetration of cold, the appearance of condensation, and extends the service life;
- There are several foam options that may or may not be used at certain times of the year;
- At low temperatures, installation of a plastic window is not permissible.
Rice. 3. Installation of a plastic window requires great attention and accuracy
Rules for installing a plastic window
There are certain requirements for installing rehau plastic windows:
- the window opening is installed exactly, with a minimum permissible error of no more than three millimeters;
- the installation seam cannot be arbitrary, only three layers, according to the standards, there are requirements for the width of the seam, if you do not adhere to the recommended standards, the quality of fastening will become poor, and there will be a risk of deformation;
- It is recommended to mount it in a frame using blocks to which the base is fixed.
At the moment, there are two options for installing windows: with complete disassembly and without disassembling the window.
Rice. 4. Features of fastening with anchors
Types of anchor plates
There are three main types of window anchor plates:
- Rotary.
- Fixed.
- For wooden windows.
Rotating products are used in situations where fastening a window block in an opening is difficult for one reason or another. Thanks to the rotating mechanism, the plate is positioned on the part of the wall that provides the most durable fit.
Rotating anchor plate
If everything is done correctly (accurately align the turn signal and the outer bent teeth), the product will be fixed as securely as possible. In this case, there will be no danger of profile deformation. The presence of a rotating element and the ability to bend the element makes it possible to use different mounting angles. Most often, arched, trapezoidal and polygonal systems are installed in this way.
Using a simple non-rotating anchor plate, plastic windows are installed inside the opening, with the ability to select the optimal mounting angle. To improve the strength of fixation, some models additionally have a claw hook.
Fixed anchor plate
As for anchors for wooden windows, they are not used for installing plastic systems.
Anchor plate for wooden windows
Classification
All plates that are widely available are divided into 3 basic types , each of which has design and functional differences:
Rotary. They are a composite structure of two steel elements connected to each other by crimping to form a hinge.
Parts can rotate in one plane.One of the parts of the plate is fixed to the frame, and the second can move, which provides a degree of freedom and the possibility of play during installation.
Rotating plates are used for stone walls made of bricks or foam blocks, since the movement of the window prevents delamination and loss of strength of part of the structural element.
- Fixed. The simplest and most inexpensive products are a standard perforated steel plate. When the element is fixed to the wall and plastic profile, a rigid seal is formed, which ensures the static position of the window in the opening.
- For fixing to wooden windows. It is one of the varieties of non-rotating plates. The difference between this fastener is that it is fixed to a wooden frame using sharpened ruffs that hold the steel part using friction.
The types of plates listed below may vary in length, thickness, weight, presence, number and diameter of holes for self-tapping screws.
Reference. The cost of parts depends on the amount of metal used in their manufacture, as well as the complexity of production of the element.
Rotary
Composite rotating elements allow you to achieve the following results when installing a double-glazed window:
- Movement of the window structure during installation, which ensures more accurate positioning of the window in the body of the opening during fixation and foaming.
- Possibility of moving the place where the frame is attached if there is a seam or other difficulties when fixing the plate to the outer wall.
- Compensation for movement due to temperature changes during window operation.
The rotating plate is almost never subject to deformation with loss of structure and local compression of the stiffener when external force is applied.
Fixed
The simplest external elements for attaching a window frame to the ends of an opening in a stone, brick or wooden wall. A number of technological and design requirements are imposed on non-rotating elements:
- The presence of bends and stiffening ribs provides increased rigidity of the elements, which prevents the development of plastic deformations under load.
- Several holes of different diameters for self-tapping screws with different dimensions.
- The presence of elongated perforation elements allows for play of the plate before fixing it in a static position, which ensures the versatility of its use.
Note! All fastening elements are subject to a single requirement for the presence of a coating that prevents the development of corrosion, which significantly increases their durability during window operation without the need for major repairs.
Pros and cons of anchor plates
The ability of anchor plates to quickly provide a reliable connection between the window unit and the wall is their main advantage. As a result of this, it is possible not only to save time and effort, but also to withstand seasonal and daily temperature fluctuations (this is fraught with deformation of the structure).
This type of fastening has other advantages :
- Easy to install. Unlike fastening through the frame, plates eliminate the need to completely disassemble the window system. This speeds up installation work by at least half.
- Selection of the optimal fastening site. Movable mechanisms allow you to fix the window at the most convenient angle.
- Possibility of installing the block exactly level. By adjusting the tension of the side screws, you can achieve precise positioning of the frame in space. In this case, there is no need to add pegs or adjust the openings.
- Maintaining profile integrity. The use of anchor plates eliminates the need to equip the profile with large mounting holes around the perimeter. As a result, the frame does not lose its tightness, which protects against external moisture entering the window mechanism.
Anchor plates installed on a window frame
- Speed of dismantling work. If necessary, the plates are unscrewed and the window is removed. This happens much faster than with through bolts.
- Possibility of reinstalling the block. Since the profile is not drilled, the window system on plates can be reinstalled in another location.
- Use on walls made of different materials. In addition to concrete and brick surfaces, anchor plates adhere well to wood, foam concrete, gas silicate blocks, etc. They are especially convenient in cases where multi-layer walls are used in the house: rod fasteners (screws, anchor bolts) are powerless in such situations.
- Possibility of camouflage. Anchor devices open up the possibility of using platbands, window sills and overhead slopes that well mask installation gaps. In this case, there is no need to recess the plates into the surface of the slope, followed by sealing the resulting depressions with plaster or putty.
- Reliability of fastening. The plates withstand significant operating loads well, including strong wind and recoil when opening the sashes.
- Cheap fasteners.
Anchor plates also have weaknesses :
- Restrictions on the weight of the window structure. Reliability of fastening to the plates is guaranteed only for small and medium-sized window units. It is better to install heavy structures (most often balcony type) by screwing them through the frames. This also applies to cases where several rows of windows are located on top of each other.
- Danger from frequent opening of the doors. In this case, the window frame experiences additional loads, which can negatively affect its integrity. Those doors that open very often are recommended to be additionally reinforced with bolted fastening.
- Violation of decorativeness. It is not always possible to disguise the anchor plate. First of all, this applies to cases of using plaster or putty as the final finishing of slopes. It is not always possible to embed fasteners into the slope surface, especially when it comes to concrete walls.
Why and how to choose the right one?
Selecting the required number of anchor plates with the optimal strength indicator is a crucial step on which the safe and comfortable operation of the window opening will depend. When purchasing these parts, you should pay special attention to a number of nuances:
- The thickness of the plate, on which the rigidity of the element and its resistance to the applied load from the weight of the frame depend. This parameter also affects the number of anchor plates.
- Dimensions of the external element, depending on the wall material and the depth of the frame.
- The presence of a hinge, if it is necessary to install the window with an offset.
- Type of fastening, selection of necessary hardware, dowels.
- There should be no traces of corrosion on the metal surface, as well as the ends of the plate.
When choosing anchor plates, you should also pay attention to the chemical composition and type of metal used, which affects the retail cost of the product. If the element is too cheap, this may indicate the use of low-quality steel, which will become unusable after just a few years of use.
Installation of windows on anchor plates
Before you start, you need to acquire the following tools:
- Impact drill or hammer drill.
- An electric jigsaw or a hacksaw for metal.
- Hex wrench for adjusting fittings.
- Anchor plates.
- Measuring devices (level, tape measure).
- Fastening materials (screws, self-tapping screws).
- Silicone sealant.
Recommendations for using anchor plates for installing plastic windows:
- It is prohibited to fix windows with mounting glue, foam, etc. Only self-tapping screws are allowed to be used as fastening materials.
- Drilling must be done very carefully, avoiding contact between the drill chuck and the plastic frame. To avoid damage, it is recommended to use a long drill bit and a special plastic backing.
- It is advisable to use the activation of the impact mechanism only on concrete walls.
- A brick wall with vertical voids is drilled at the joint interblock sections.
- Screws can be screwed in using a screwdriver. Particularly convenient are models that have a built-in movement limiter, which allows you to control the depth of immersion of the self-tapping screw into the frame.
Types of fastenings for plastic windows
- anchors or frame dowels;
- dowels or screws for concrete;
- anchor plates.
Frame dowel
This type of fastener is professional and is characterized by high reliability. The frame dowel consists of 3 elements:
- threaded screw;
- outer sleeve;
- inner sleeve.
The screw is mounted as follows: the sleeve is inserted into the prepared hole, the screw is screwed into the sleeve. When screwed in, the sleeve expands the sleeve from the inside, securely fixing the anchor.
At the same time, the reliability of fastening is also a disadvantage. The screw is screwed in so tightly that it will be almost impossible to remove it without destroying part of the wall. Dismantling of connections may be required when replacing old window units with new ones or when correcting installation errors. Dismantling the anchor connection to adjust the structure vertically and horizontally is quite problematic.
It will not be easy to secure a window with frame dowels in a house where the base has a multi-layer structure. For example, in panel houses, the walls have a layer of heat-insulating material inside, into which it is not possible to screw an anchor. The screw will fall into the insulation and the spacer will not open.
The size of the anchor is selected depending on the size of the gap between the frame and the slope. Anchors with a diameter of up to 10 mm are suitable for installing plastic windows. The fastening element is installed on the inside of the block under the double-glazed window. Based on the fact that the frame thickness is 40 mm and the screw enters the wall the same amount, the minimum mounting length is 80 mm. If there is 2-3 cm between the slope and the frame, then you need an anchor 11 cm long, and if it is 6-7 cm, then you will need a length of 15-16 cm.
Screws for concrete
In everyday life they are called turboprops, dowels, and concrete screws. The features of this type of fastener include excellent holding forces, which allows them to be successfully used to secure plastic windows.
- fastenings are highly reliable in concrete, brick, monolith;
- connections can be disassembled to adjust or replace elements.
There is only one drawback: dowels cannot be used for installation on walls with a non-uniform structure. The screw will fall into the insulating material.
Anchor plates
They are considered the most modern way of fixing window blocks. This type of fastener was created taking into account seasonal temperature changes and the elasticity of the material. Anchor plates are the only type of fastener that can reliably hold a three-dimensional window in multi-layer walls.
These plates are available in two types:
Installation of the device is quite simple: one side of it is fixed to the end of the frame, and the other is screwed to the base with a regular screw 50-80 mm long.
Advantages of using anchor plates:
- The frame does not need to be drilled through, as happens when using dowels or dowels.
- Rotary models can be easily reoriented without drilling extra holes if during operation the drill hits a reinforcement rod.
- In a panel house or one built from “experimental” materials, the use of anchor plates is the only way to securely fix the window unit.
The disadvantages include the insufficient reliability of fasteners when using a small and narrow plastic dowel. This is actually not true. Installation of window blocks is carried out with the obligatory foaming of the gaps with construction foam. When hardened, it additionally fixes the window at a predetermined level.
Installation of anchor plates
The first step is to install the anchor plates. The optimal distance between individual fasteners on the frame is no more than 100 cm. It is recommended to equip windows of considerable height with an additional fastening unit. The distance between the outer plate and the corner of the window should not exceed 25 cm, otherwise this may result in loss of stability of the block. Before marking, the outer plane of the frame is freed from the protective film. There are special protrusions in the profile for installing the toothed elements of the plate.
Installation of anchor plates on the frame
To make the fastener more reliable, it is reinforced with a window screw. Next, the plates are installed in the same way along the entire profile, observing the above recommendations for the distance between the individual elements. When bending the plate in the notched places, you need to ensure that the first bend is adjacent to the frame, and the second is above the wall mounting point.
Possible difficulties
The durability of glass block and indoor comfort depend on compliance with installation rules. Installation of PVC windows on anchor plates must be carried out under the supervision of a professional. If the technology is violated, negative situations arise that a novice installer will not notice.
If the profile is not set at the correct level, the doors will open on their own. The problem can be partially eliminated by adjusting the fittings, but the design will still continue to function with errors. It is better to spend 10-15 minutes making adjustments before installation than to correct defects.
Using fasteners for an extension Source techno-comf.ru
The construction foam on the street side must be covered. Over the course of a year, changes in temperature, humidity and sunlight destroy the structure of the polymer mass. If in the first weeks the substance does not allow drafts, dust and cold into the room, then after 10 months the tightness of the opening will be broken.
When installing anchor plates on the frame, you must carefully screw the fasteners. If you accidentally damage the profile, the integrity of the structure will be destroyed. Plastic windows:
- will begin to sweat;
- freeze in the cold;
- Mold will appear on the slopes.
To prevent the block from depressurizing, it is better for novice installers to use small wood screws. Compact fasteners with dowels hold well not only in wood, but also in bricks and concrete. An accidentally bent part can be easily removed from the wall or profile.
When working with dense partitions, the plates can be attached to the structure with an anchor. The classic element consists of a steel sleeve, a fitting and a marking for a screwdriver. As the part rotates, the screw expands, securing the fastener in the wall and in the plastic. The disadvantage of the model is its high cost.
Professionals fasten the plates with dowels instead of anchors. Self-tapping screws for concrete are larger in size than models for wood. Fasteners inserted into the dowels will securely fix the structure in the opening. To ensure that the part fits perfectly into a dense base, holes are pre-drilled. Under heavy loads, fasteners often break.
Frame installation
Installation of the window frame must be accompanied by compliance with all proportions and distances. The distance from the frame to the opening ranges from 20 to 35 mm. Narrow openings have to be equipped with additional mounting spaces for fasteners.
Preparing the window opening
Having prepared the opening, the frame is inserted into it. Correction of its vertical position is carried out by driving wooden or polymer pads up to 30 mm thick under the horizontal sections.
Installation and fixation of the window frame in the opening
Having exposed the structure, you can fix it to the opening. Dowels of 6x40 mm are usually used on brick and concrete walls, and 42x45 mm on wooden walls. To avoid distortions, it is recommended to follow the sequence when fastening. It is best to secure the bottom corners first, which will allow the frame to be level. The top fastening is carried out at the final stage. It is recommended to secure each anchor plate with two bolts.
Fixing the window with anchor plates
Fasteners for plastic windows - an overview of the necessary materials and fasteners for window installation
Any product needs to be securely fixed in its place. In the case of plastic windows, several products perform this role. There are several types of fasteners for plastic windows. The comfort of your indoor life will depend on the correct choice of quality materials. In order to choose the right fasteners, you can look at the photo of window fasteners.
What types of fasteners are there for plastic windows?
In order to fix window frames, a window or frame anchor is used. It can be easily distinguished from other clamps by the following characteristics:
- Threaded screw.
- Sleeve or metal shell.
- Inner sleeve.
It is used as follows: while screwing in the screw, the sleeve will paint the metal shell. This ensures reliable fixation of the mount.
The main disadvantage of this fastener is the inability to pull it back out. Thus, its advantage (reliable fixation) also becomes its disadvantage.
That is why, when using anchors as fasteners, it is necessary to immediately install the window frames correctly, so that later you do not have to redo all the installed products.
The length of the anchor can be one hundred to two hundred millimeters. Its thickness is from eight to ten millimeters. When choosing an anchor, it is necessary to take into account the distance of the slope to the window frame.
The anchor bolt must be attached to the inside of the frame. This DIY installation of fasteners for windows will be quite complicated.
Screws for concrete walls
A regular screw may be suitable for fixing a plastic window. Their great advantage over the anchor is considered to be simple dismantling (if necessary, of course).
In terms of technical characteristics, it is similar to an anchor boat - its length ranges from one hundred to two hundred millimeters, its diameter varies from eight to ten millimeters. The length of the screw should be exactly the same as the anchor screw.
The plastic window can be fixed using anchor plates. They are divided into those that can rotate and those that cannot.
Among the advantages of the anchor plate:
- Does not require additional through drilling of the frame, as is the case with an anchor bolt or concrete screws.
- If there is reinforcement in the wall, this in no way affects the fastening itself. The plate can be rotated.
- Such fasteners are used in difficult houses, which include buildings of the P-44 series.
The standard plate has the following dimensions - from one hundred to two hundred millimeters. Attach it to the outer edge of the plastic window.
When choosing fasteners for plastic windows, pay attention to the width of the PVC profile. Each manufacturer produces window frames with different profile widths
How to properly install plastic windows
A brick house is considered one of the warmest and most reliable. Unfortunately, it is quite difficult to install plastic windows in such houses. This is due to the fact that when using a frame dowel, it is necessary to make the necessary holes only on site, and not in advance. Otherwise, there is a risk that the anchor will not end up in the mortar that the builders place between the bricks.
The frame dowel must extend into the brick by at least six to ten centimeters. If the material is hollow, a two hundred and second anchor may be suitable.
Anchor plates can be used for fastening plastic windows in brick walls if there is complete confidence that the brick is not hollow
Unfortunately, sometimes construction companies sin by using solid bricks of poor quality. In this case, attaching the plate by non-professionals will be quite problematic. If you want to choose the most reliable fasteners, you can familiarize yourself with the catalog of galvanized fasteners.
How to fix windows in a wooden house
An anchor plate is considered an ideal option for fastening plastic windows in wooden houses. Their advantages include:
- Quick installation of plastic windows in wooden walls.
- Compensation for temperature expansions.
- Does not affect window connectors during house shrinkage.
Thus, the advantages of fasteners for wooden windows are immediately visible.
Aerated concrete and fastening of plastic windows
In order to secure window frames in loose concrete, it is necessary to use dowels with the maximum length. Otherwise, you can use anchor plates that are attached to special dowels.
It is up to you to decide which fasteners are best to choose for window installation, but it is recommended to consult with professionals who will take into account the specifics of your walls and the material of the window frames.
Foam laying
Having completed the main installation work, you need to fill the gaps between the frame and the walls of the opening with foam. It is better to fill large gaps in two passes, with a pause of 1.5-2 hours. There are several types of polyurethane foam on sale with different characteristics. When choosing a suitable option, they are guided mainly by the weather characteristics of the region. Most often, there are instructions on this matter on the packaging.
Laying polyurethane foam
It is best to insulate the inside of the installation joint with polyurethane foam, construction sealant or butyl-based vapor barrier insulation tape. It is recommended to lay the foam very carefully: a lack of material will not allow you to achieve good tightness of the room, and an excess amount threatens to deform the window profile. After hardening, the foam protruding beyond the cracks is cut off using a sharp knife. It is better to do this after 48-36 hours.
Installation of window sill and ebb
According to the rules, the window sill can be installed 24 hours after foaming the cracks: this gives time for the material to dry well and set. In practice, this recommendation is often ignored (especially if the installation team is working). When choosing a suitable window sill, you need to consider only those options whose width exceeds the thickness of the outer wall. A plastic product can be easily cut to length with an electric jigsaw or a hacksaw for metal.
Having adjusted the window sill, it is leveled and secured. The void that forms underneath must be filled with foam by placing several weights (cans of water, bricks) on the surface. The product is left in this position until the next day.
Window sill installation
In parallel with the window sill, the installation of the low tide is carried out. It is inserted into a niche under the main frame and screwed onto the window sill strip. As a result, additional protection is created against external moisture entering the room.
Low tide installation
Measurements for Quarter Windows
We measure the horizontal shortest distance between the quarters. Then you need to add one and a half centimeters on each side. This is the width of the finished window. Vertical measurements begin from the bottom of the opening, and to the beginning of the upper quarter. This is the actual height of the future window. The window sill and ebb are measured in the same way as the window sill and ebb measurements for windows without a quarter. You should end up with several numbers:
1. height of the future window;
2. width of the future window;
3. the length of your window sill;
4. the width of your window sill;
5. optimal ebb length;
6. optimal width of the ebb.
If your living space is not new, and you have not yet removed the old window, then the measurements are the same as for a new house. The only difference is that you replace the window opening with the outer measurements of the window frame.
Exterior finishing
After installing a plastic window on anchor plates, it is necessary to design the outer slope. In this case, both decorative and practical purposes are pursued, because uncovered foam tends to gradually deteriorate when exposed to weathering. The simplest option is to use plaster or starting putty for this. When applying the solution, it is important to ensure complete coverage of the installation joints. As for the interior decoration of the slope, it is usually carried out at the same time as the general renovation of the premises.
Plastering window slopes
Installation process
The process of installing PVC windows in a wooden house requires strict adherence to technology. The first step is to carefully take all measurements. First determine the distance from the floor to the window sill. To do this, you will need to take into account the height of the person. Equate the resulting distance to 80 or 90 cm.
When taking measurements, it is necessary to take into account the comfortable distance to the window. The window sill should be higher than the dining table or desk. When everything has become clear with the location of the window sill, it’s worth moving on to inserting the openings
They will be 5 cm below the window sill. This distance must be ensured for polyurethane foam
When everything has become clear about the location of the window sill, it’s worth moving on to inserting the openings. They will be 5 cm below the window sill. This distance must be provided for the mounting foam.
Cut the opening using a level. Using a plumb line, mark vertical marks. The upper limit is determined taking into account the height of the structure. PVC frames suggest an increase in the opening by 14 cm above the window structure. The width of the opening should also be 12 cm larger than the frame.
When the preparation of the openings and casing is completed, you can proceed to the installation of double-glazed windows. In this case, it is worth considering one basic rule - you cannot drill through the frame, as this can break the tightness and thermal insulation. It is best to use special fasteners for this. Installation work can be simplified if you remove the sash from the frame. This makes it possible to lighten the design.
The frame installation process is carried out using a level. This will make it possible to get it to fit correctly. After installing the frame, you can proceed to fixing the slopes. At the same time, do not forget about the gaps for the polyurethane foam. When the frame is already installed, you can pick up a gun with polyurethane foam and walk it around the perimeter of the opening.
When installing PVC windows in a wooden house, you must take into account the following features:
- The PVC window tray must be positioned strictly horizontally. To level it, you must use plastic plates.
- The strength of the fastening when installing the window sill can be increased if notches are made on the sides of the frame. Their depth will be 8 mm.
- The window sill must be secured using self-tapping screws.
- Before directly installing a PVC window in the house, you need to secure the handle of the double-glazed window. If it is in a horizontal position, this indicates that the sash is open. To fix the handle, use the bolts. Then set it to the lower position.
- When the structure is fixed with self-tapping screws, a beam 1 cm wide should be placed between the window and the frame.
- When installing double-glazed windows, it is necessary to provide adjustment plates. They will be concentrated between the plums. This will allow for the necessary removal of condensate.
- The glass unit must enter freely. If the structure is skewed, cracks may occur in the glass.
- Upon completion of all work, it is necessary to take PVC glazing beads and secure the double-glazed window. Eliminate the space between the opening and the window using polyurethane foam. When it hardens, remove its excess, install drainage and platbands.