Greetings to all guests and regular readers of the construction blog. For some of us, replacing windows in a house or apartment is a real necessity. Therefore, I will share with you simple tips on how to do it right. First of all, you need to understand that there is nothing complicated in installing plastic windows, and you will not need special equipment or in-depth knowledge. You just need to remove the old windows and install new ones. At the same time, you will also save a lot, since installing plastic windows is not cheap. Today we will figure out how to install a blind plastic window with our own hands. To begin, take measurements. You need to measure the length and width of the window sill, window and ebb. This must be done both from the inside and from the outside. When you have the necessary data, you can go to the store. But when purchasing windows, it is important to request warranty service from the seller for the product.
When the new windows are ready for installation, you need to dismantle the old window, after which you can insert a new one.
There are several installation methods:
- With unpacking - involves completely disassembling the window before installation, inserting only the frame, and then putting the parts back together.
- Without unpacking, accordingly, it means installing the window without disassembling it.
I recommend choosing the latter method, since separating all items from the window frame and putting them back together is fraught with damage due to lack of experience with some parts. After dismantling the window, you need to apply markings on the window frame to the places where the fasteners will be placed, after which you need to attach them. Afterwards, recesses for fastening are made in the window opening, and the window is leveled. Next, you attach the window frame to the opening, then attach the sills. Most likely, after these actions, you will find gaps between the window opening and the frame; they need to be blown out with foam.
If you removed the window sill, now you need to put it back in place. And complete the adjustment of the window fittings, checking everything carefully.
These simple steps helped us figure out how to install a blind plastic window with our own hands. Now you will have a clear picture of this process, and you will keep in mind that it is not complicated and can be completely done on your own.
Quite recently, in one of the articles, we looked at an important construction aspect - at what stage of the renovation are interior doors installed? I advise everyone to read for information - at what stage of the renovation the interior doors are installed. Happy renovation!
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Step-by-step instructions for correct measurements
When you place an order, you will be asked to indicate the following dimensions: the width and height of the structure, the width and length of the slope and window sill.
Before ordering a window, you must take correct measurements of the structure.
Before you start measuring, do not miss an important point - what type of opening you have: with or without a quarter. Look carefully at the window opening: if the outer part is narrower, it means there is a quarter-sized opening in front of you . The measurement is carried out as follows: you need to measure the narrowest part, you will need to measure in several places, find the smallest value, add 3 cm to it. The height is indicated as it is. If your opening is even, then the measurements are done as follows: after measuring the width, subtract 3 cm; Having measured the height, minus 5 cm. Read a detailed article about measuring windows.
Before taking measurements, you need to determine the type of window: with or without a quarter
To determine the size of the window sill, you need to add about 10 cm to the width of the opening inside the window. For low tide, the same is done, only along the outer part of the window. Everyone chooses the width for the window sill for themselves: it is better if it protrudes slightly beyond the radiator.
In addition, when placing an order, you need to decide what components your design will be made of: what options for two-, three- or single-leaf windows you need, how they will open, on which side the capercaillie is located. Don’t forget to decide on the type of fittings (handles, locks, ventilation mechanisms).
If you order several designs at the same time, the width of all openings may be different, but the height should be the same; you must choose the smallest size. Please note that window openings can be located at different distances from the floor. In apartments, the distance from the floor to the window is approximately 80 cm, while on the balcony the windows can be from the floor. Accommodation in a private house can generally be anything at the discretion of the owners.
DIY fixed windows
Removing the old window
Preparation for installation
1. Dismantle the old window frame, its window sill and plaster down to the brick.
Important! If the old window frame is difficult to remove, then cut the frame a little with a saw and remove 2 small parts, and dismantle the rest.
2. If the blind window (photo below) was delivered assembled, then use a knife to separate the glass unit from the frame and remove the plastic bead.
We make a box, if there is none, everything is ingenious
If there is no box built into the wall where your window will be installed, then you will also have to make it yourself. It serves to ensure that the load from the weight of the walls does not fall on fragile window frames, which is quite dangerous. There will definitely not be anything complicated here, everything is simple, you need a regular box of dimensions that you must measure yourself.
The box must be mounted in the wall so that it is completely motionless. That is, you need to drill holes where anchors or dowels are inserted, and tightly screw the box to it. It is recommended to fill all cracks with polyurethane foam, which is quite advisable if you subsequently do not forget about heat and waterproofing.
DIY wooden window frames, video, comments
First you need to know that in your work you will need a special beam, 6x4 centimeters in cross section, and maybe even larger. It all depends on the main size of the window unit. The shape of the profile for the frame can be varied, it all depends on the expected number of glasses, their original thickness, as well as the size of factory beads purchased in advance.
Replacing a blind double-glazed window with a sash
Converting a fixed window into an opening one
By the way, you can make an opening window out of a blind window. There are two methods: replace the entire window or cut the sash into the existing window. Let's take a closer look at method 2, since the first - replacing with a new window - is described above.
The work of replacing a solid double-glazed window with a sash will take approximately 1 hour. They cut the sash into an “old” blind window using similar materials and tools as in factories for the production of PVC windows. This method is cheaper than the first - installing a new window.
In what cases is it advisable to install fixed windows?
When there is no need to install a structure with opening sashes, it is recommended to install a blind plastic window. This solution will allow you to save a lot of money and rationally manage the space in the window opening area. Most often, such modifications are installed in the private sector and premises located on the first floors, but there are exceptions. Fixed windows have the same high level of heat and sound insulation as standard models with active sashes. To ensure good performance, it is enough to select a good profile system and double-chamber or energy-efficient double-glazed windows, and then carry out installation in accordance with GOST.
Making a wooden box
When I decided to make a wooden window with my own hands, I wondered what type of wood would be best to use. On my own behalf, I would like to recommend using pine - it is quite affordable due to its cost. If you, like me, decide to try making a wooden window frame yourself, then give preference to this material. Oak can be considered a good alternative, but it is more expensive than pine and I was afraid to use it for the first time.
Important! If you decide to experiment, then you should not immediately purchase expensive materials. It is quite possible that nothing will work out for you and the wood elements will be damaged
Stock up on the necessary tools in advance, although many home craftsmen have all these items in constant use:
Always check the condition of the boards before purchasing. They should not have cracks or chips, protruding knots or any deformations. They must also be completely dry. Step-by-step technology:
Important! All cracks must be filled with foam. With this type of fastening, the mobility of the tree during temperature changes is not taken into account.
Design of fixed windows and their advantages
A blind sash is a structure that consists of a frame profile and a glass unit permanently fixed in it using clamping beads. Such elements are completely motionless, as a result of which the windows cannot be opened. Depending on the dimensions and design, a window of this modification may consist of one or several blind sashes - sometimes, with a large glazing area, it is necessary to divide the opening into several separate sections; for this, vertical or horizontal imposts are additionally used.
Windows without active and passive sashes, which can be read in more detail in reviews on WindowsTrade, are made not only from polyvinyl chloride, but also from wooden or aluminum profiles. They can be square, rectangular, arched, round, triangular, rhomboidal and trapezoidal, oval and have a flat, convex or concave shape. These structures have no restrictions on their scope - they are actively used in residential, commercial and industrial facilities. Regardless of size and design, fixed windows have several advantages:
- the most favorable cost of glazing - if the window is solid, the PVC profile is consumed in smaller quantities and expensive fittings, as well as a mosquito net, are not required;
- excellent tightness and minimal possible heat loss - the absence of active flaps reduces to zero the likelihood of depressurization provided that the installation is well-done;
- higher light transmittance, which is explained by the minimum possible number of components in the window frame;
- the ability to make maximum use of the entire window sill area;
- the minimum possible weight of the structures allows you to glaze openings with a large area;
- long service life - due to the absence of mechanisms in the stationary structure, there is absolutely nothing to break.
If the room does not have window structures with active opening sashes and there is no artificial ventilation system, fixed windows must be installed immediately with built-in micro-ventilation valves.
Types of plastic doors
Doors, like windows, can also differ in a number of parameters: purpose, types of door leaf and threshold, etc.
Purpose
According to their purpose, doors are divided into:
- input;
- balcony;
- interior
External doors are insulated (made of a 5-chamber profile), often reinforced with steel sheets or bars. The profile wall has a thickness of at least 3 mm.
External plastic doors are made with insulation and reinforcement with a metal grid or sheet
In terms of heat and sound insulation characteristics, a balcony door does not differ from an entrance door, but it is less protected from burglary and has a mechanism that allows it to be kept ajar for the purpose of ventilation.
Balcony doors differ from entrance doors in the presence of a mechanism that keeps them in ventilation mode
The interior door is the simplest and cheapest. It has no insulation or burglary protection.
The interior plastic door differs from the entrance and balcony doors in its simplicity of design
Blade type
There are two types of canvas:
- Completely deaf. This fabric is a sandwich panel: foamed polymer insulation is covered on both sides with sheets of plastic. In interior models, air chambers can be used instead of insulation.
A solid door leaf consists of a pair of plastic sheets separated by a layer of insulation - Partially or fully glazed. As glazing, a double-glazed window of the same design as in metal-plastic windows is installed.
Two types of double-glazed windows are used in doors:
- single-chamber: for interior doors;
- two-chamber: for external doors.
Threshold type
Metal-plastic doors can be equipped with three types of thresholds:
- Frame. It is part of the frame, accordingly, it is rigidly connected to it and has a plastic coating
- Steel reinforced. Particularly durable threshold, which is equipped with entrance doors.
- Aluminum. Like frame, it is used in interior doors. The internal cavity can be divided into several chambers (insulated version).
The advantages and disadvantages of frame and aluminum thresholds determine their scope of application
Opening method
Many options available:
- Hinged: the sash rotates relative to the vertical axis in one direction.
- Pendulum: the door opens in both directions.
- Carousel: rotates in a circle.
- Sliding: the canvas moves to the side, as if hiding into the wall or moving along it.
- Folding: the canvas consists of several sections and can be folded like an accordion.
The sliding door leaf can be hidden in the wall structure or move along its surface
Strength class
There are three classes:
- class “A”: the most durable doors;
- class “B”: medium in strength;
- class “B”: the least durable.
Cons of fixed windows
If fixed windows were ideal structures in all respects, then, given their favorable cost, they would be installed everywhere. However, this does not happen, and for several reasons:
- in order to wash blind attic windows, it is necessary to climb onto the roof, and from some high-lying similar structures it is generally possible to remove contamination only with the help of the services of industrial climbers;
- micro-ventilation valves are not always able to provide a full flow of fresh air, so in some cases you have to put up with discomfort or spend money on installing an artificial ventilation system;
- there is no possibility of unhindered exit through the window openings to the outside, which can be critical in the event of a fire.
It is recommended to install fixed windows
Despite certain disadvantages of fixed windows, there are quite a lot of situations when their installation is recommended. Installation of such structures is advisable in the following cases:
- when a room is glazed with several structures with active shutters, for the purpose of reasonable savings, depending on the number of openings, one or two blind windows can be installed;
- when glazing a dacha or the first floor of a residential cottage - in this case, partial glazing with fixed windows is also allowed;
- if the room has many openings with a small area;
- When implementing a project for panoramic glazing or manufacturing windows with a large area, it is recommended not to equip structures with active sashes.
Almost all fixed windows, the installation of which is advisable in one of the situations listed above, do not miraculously get rid of their natural shortcomings. It’s just that in these cases the advantages of installing them are significantly greater than the disadvantages.
Installation of window sills
Installing a window sill is in many ways similar to the procedure for attaching a low tide. Instead of waterproofing, in this case a vapor barrier film is used.
The window sill is mounted on wooden guides, installed at right angles to the window structure and along its entire length. The distance between adjacent elements is 0.3-0.4 m. When installing, it is important to maintain an inclination into the room of 2-3 degrees so that condensation does not accumulate in the corners, but flows freely.
After aligning the position of the window sill, it is inserted under the lower edge of the frame. The lower gap is foamed, and a heavy object is placed on the product. When the foam hardens, it will be well fixed in place.
Features of the fittings design
Accessories for plastic double-glazed windows - a whole list of mechanisms. Let's talk about them.
- Handle and fastenings for it. Sets all parts of the structure in motion. Install the handles in the center of the sash or at a short distance from the bottom edge.
- Angular gears. These are 4 plates, not connected to each other, located in one cage. The fittings are selected taking into account the distribution of uniform load on the frame and sash.
- Scissors. Their main task is to secure the window in the open position. The scissors consist of two parts, which are fixed on the frame and sash. When the window is closed, the parts are connected by a pin. When open, they are held in place by a special rod.
- Top loop. Necessary for securing parts of the sash to the frame. All parts are united by the scissor part of the frame and interact with the fastening elements when the window is open.
- Bottom loop. The fittings are used to fix the sash at the bottom. The sash rests on this hinge when turning.
- Folding plate for locking. Attaches to the bottom corner of the frame. Located on the side opposite the hinges. The plate creates a stop for the sash, which is folded back for ventilation. The fittings are mounted on the frame and work simultaneously with the folding locking mechanism.
Purpose of casing and its types
The tree reacts to drying unevenly. The linear dimensions change most of all across the direction of the fibers, while the longitudinal dimensions remain almost unchanged. When a wooden house made of logs or beams shrinks, the height of the wall and, accordingly, the height of the openings (windows, doors) decreases. To prevent the window from “shrinking” and its movable sashes from jamming, install a rough wooden frame - casing.
It compensates for the effect of shrinkage due to the following factors:
- sliding method of vertical fastening to the wall in the opening;
- the gap between the top board of the rough frame and the top rim of the opening itself;
- using exclusively dry wood for staking, which has already passed the drying stage.
There are different types of sockets, differing in the way they create a sliding fastening. Although the basic principle of fixing the casing frame in the opening is the same - it is a “tenon and groove” type connection.
The following options can be distinguished:
- Grooves are cut at the ends of the side walls of the opening.
The casing frame is made in advance from ordinary planed boards. Embedded bars are prepared for it, the cross-section of which should be less than the width and depth of the groove.
The bars are placed in grooves so that they slide freely in them. The casing frame is attached to the bars.
The advantage of this method is its ease of manufacture. Disadvantages are the gap between the embedded bars and the casing, as well as the risk that the screws may come out from the side of the block and jam it in the groove of the opening. - Grooves are cut in the side walls of the opening. For the side posts of the casing frame, a profiled block with a “T-shaped” section is used.
The frame is assembled on site (in the opening itself), placing the pins of the side posts into the grooves of the opening.
The advantage is the absence of gaps in the casing frame. The disadvantage is the complexity of assembly. - Spikes are cut into the side walls of the opening.
Grooves are made in the side posts of the casing frame. The casing is assembled on site.
The advantages and disadvantages are the same as in the second option.
If we talk about the inside of the casing frame, it can be the same as the window opening of a brick house - smooth or profiled (with a quarter).
This part of the casing determines the method of installing the window itself.
Installation of handles
Installing fittings on PVC windows always involves installing handles. The design of the products is identical. In addition to the external rotating part, the system has 1-3 metal rods and a platform that helps install the fittings on the profile. The frame usually already has holes drilled for the rods, so all the work consists of tightening the screws.
If there are no holes or they are not located where required, drill them yourself. To do this, place the handle on the frame and mark the placement of the rods with a felt-tip pen or pencil. Don't worry about marks - once installed, the handle will hide them. Using a drill, drill holes according to the marks. The diameter of the recess should be slightly less than the thickness of the rods.
Preparatory stage
Any construction work consists of a preparatory, main and final stage. When making a window, the preparatory stage includes the selection of carpentry tools and optimal raw materials. In addition, it is necessary to make a detailed drawing, which shows not only the general dimensions of the frame, but also the dimensions of all components.
Required Tools
To work you will need the following tools:
The list is not exhaustive. If you want to save as much as possible, you will also need a circular saw. In this case, you can buy any wooden canvas and cut it into the required pieces yourself.
Necessary materials
Wooden window frames are mostly made from dry or laminated wood, but in some cases new plywood sheets can be used as a raw material.
Plywood is the cheapest and lowest quality option. Suitable for indoor windows only. Even well-treated with protective impregnations, plywood quickly picks up moisture and begins to crumble.
A solid wooden beam is a good and relatively inexpensive solution. The disadvantage is that such a board can move, which will lead to a change in geometry
In addition, you need to pay attention to ensure that there are no cracks or knots.
Laminated wood is an excellent choice for making a frame. Firstly, it is light in weight, but at the same time quite durable due to its multi-layer nature. Secondly, this type of wood is not susceptible to sedimentary influences and deformations.
It is recommended to use 5x5 cm timber for the frame.
In addition, you will need:
It is advisable to stock up on putty, stain or antibacterial impregnation in advance.
Installing hinges on standard windows
The installation of fittings on plastic windows differs depending on the type of opening of the sashes. For casement windows, it is sufficient to install handles and hinges. When installing folding structures, an opening system will be required.
The standard hinge design includes two mounting plates and a metal axle. Each plate has 2-3 holes for self-tapping screws. The installation of loops is carried out according to this scheme.
- Mark the position of the hinges on the sash so that the distance from the edge is at least 15 cm. Fix one of the plates on the sash.
Important! The mounting plates are different. One has a groove, the other has a ridge for fastening. It makes no difference which of them will be on the profile and which on the sash.
- Attach the second part to the fixed plate and install the metal axis. Attach the assembled sash to the frame and mark the location of the hinges on the profile with a simple pencil.
- Remove the axle and drill a hole for the second part of the hinge. Then connect the mounting plates with the axle.
Installation of fittings on standard type windows is complete.
Window system components
Before you begin installation, you need to understand the nuances and details. First, you should find out all the names of parts and materials. The main load-bearing part is the frame. In the version of plastic windows, its production is carried out from a plastic profile, which can be single-chamber, double-chamber, etc. A special insert is placed in the center of the structure to ensure rigidity. In plastic systems, this insert is made of plastic; in metal-plastic systems, metal is used.
The profile system is assembled from 2 or more chambers
In addition, the profile is divided into classes: premium, standard and economy. All profiles manufactured at the plant are subject to certain standards. If you want to make a choice in favor of good tilt-and-turn windows, take the standard class. In terms of color, white windows are most often found, but other colors can be used: wood, brown. Products made from colored profiles will be more expensive than white ones.
