The building materials market offers a wide range of plastic windows. You can choose almost everything - configuration, shape, material, color. They have proven themselves to be a reliable product, and they look quite attractive in appearance. Therefore, more and more often, when constructing a new building, as well as when renovating an old house, residents resort to using plastic windows. Before telling you specifically about installing plastic windows in a frame house, you should understand the available options.
Material of manufacture
Window blocks made of wood are of sufficient quality and more or less inexpensive. The higher the equipment, the more expensive it is.
The minimum configuration of wooden windows does not include double-glazed windows. They are purchased separately and mounted in the grooves, then driven in with glazing beads. Often, such window units are sold without not only double-glazed windows, but also other important materials (painting, seals). You can choose a single or double frame. Of course, you can purchase a window completely ready for installation, but its cost will be much higher. The material from which wooden window openings are made is oak, less often larch.
There are dozens of different types of plastic window blocks on the construction market.
Their price category varies depending on the properties and design and mechanism of the double-glazed window, to the size of the air layer and the quality of the heat insulators.
Bottom of the opening
Separately, we should talk about such a structural element as the bottom of the opening. In the case when the window is mounted on plates, they are fixed to the frame through a stand profile using a self-tapping screw with a press washer and using a drill whose length does not exceed 5 centimeters.
It can be added that to obtain a better result, you need to install an elastic EPDM tape, which is folded under the waterproofing film on the vertical of the opening. The depth of the bend is approximately 15 cm.
Wood or plastic?
Before purchasing window units, you should find answers to the following questions: what kind of window material suits you? What is more profitable and of better quality – installing wooden windows or installing plastic ones in a frame house? To answer them, you should consider the properties of both products.
Window blocks made of wood have a more aesthetic appearance; thanks to their texture and pattern, they give the room a cozy and homely feel. In addition, wood is an environmentally friendly material. The cost of such windows is relatively affordable.
The disadvantages of wooden windows are:
- The service life is not as long as that of plastic windows;
- Higher likelihood of deterioration due to exposure to atmospheric phenomena;
- The need for annual maintenance (painting, replacing insulation, etc.).
The advantages of plastic windows are:
- Great resistance to adverse weather conditions (rain, frost, hail, direct sunlight, sudden temperature changes);
- Long operating time;
- They do not require additional care in the form of painting or replacing insulation;
- Excellent sound insulation (the greater the number of double-glazed windows, the stronger the effect);
- The design of the window block does not reduce its rigidity even after many years of use.
Disadvantages of plastic window openings:
- The pricing policy will be more expensive in comparison with wooden ones;
- If one of the parts becomes unusable, its replacement or repair will also be quite expensive;
- Less attractive appearance, naturalness in the interior is lost. This disadvantage can be easily corrected, since the modern building materials market even offers double-glazed windows that imitate the pattern and texture of wood. They have a slightly higher price, but in this case you get a high-quality plastic window in a frame house, while having the aesthetic appearance of a wooden one.
The above allows us to summarize that it is more expedient and more profitable to purchase plastic window blocks.
The fact that their cost is slightly higher than the price of wooden windows is compensated by the duration of operation and the unnecessary need to replace components, which also periodically require spending money.
Films
If the wall on which the windows are installed is covered with a membrane, then it must be bent inside the opening. Accordingly, only the corners will remain uncovered. To cover this part, you need to cut the membrane into pieces and secure it in the corners with staples and tape.
If there is no membrane on the wall, then you just need to secure strips of windproof film. It is important that they overlap each other and completely cover the corners. Simply put, the side should go to the bottom, and the top to the side.
The next layer of waterproofing film must be fixed with one side directly to the window profile, and the other side to the general contour of the waterproofing film of the house.
There are several ways to carry out these procedures.
- We purchase self-adhesive waterproofing film. Here you just need to stick it on the window profile and to the film, which is inserted into the opening on the wall.
- We purchase double-sided tape designed specifically for window installation. Next, we glue one side of it to the window profile, and to the second side we glue a self-cut piece of the most ordinary windproof film. All that remains is to secure this piece to the opening with the same tape.
Installing plastic windows: general points
It is recommended to begin installing plastic windows in a frame house after completing the frame cladding and before insulating the walls. You can do all the work yourself, or for peace of mind and a better installation, use the services of professional workers.
Self-installation of plastic windows in a frame house will require the following equipment:
- Handy tools (hammer, screwdriver, hacksaw);
- Electric tools (drill, jigsaw);
- Small consumables (bolts, screws, etc.);
- Thermal insulator;
- Plumb;
- Building level;
- Wooden linings.
Other tools may also be required during the work process.
First stage. Preparation
Installation of windows should begin after the completion of the following work:
- Frame mesh installed;
- Walls and partitions have been installed;
- Roofing installed;
- Materials are laid to protect against moisture and wind.
It must be taken into account that for internal and external vapor barriers it is advisable to stock up on reserves near window openings. Thanks to it, an overlap of insulation is created on the opening.
You should be aware that in the list provided above, floors were not noted as the final phase of construction. This is indeed the case, since the final finishing of the interior (including the installation of the floor) is done later.
If you are installing a window in a frame house where there are no floors yet, you need to take into account the presence of special scaffolding on the site, on which it will be possible to conveniently carry out installation work. Folding aluminum stepladders and telescopic ladders will also be useful; their range is now quite significant. Professional workers prefer to use Russian-made scaffolding and stepladders. They combine budget price, high quality and durability.
Before installing window blocks, you should prepare them. On the end side it is necessary to glue special mounting tapes to them: moisture-proofing (on the outside of the wall) and wind-proofing (on the inside). With the help of these materials, window openings will be highly resistant to excess moisture and gusts of wind.
After making sure that all these points have been taken into account, installation should begin.
Main job. Installation of window blocks
Before you begin installing plastic windows in a frame house, you should remove the double-glazed window itself from the block. It is necessary to pull out the glazing bead in advance. Using a drill, you need to drill several holes around the perimeter of the block. The diameter of the drill should be selected based on the diameter of the screw. Next, linings are installed, always of identical thickness, two pieces along the entire length from the four ends and one piece in each corner. It is necessary to ensure that the distance between the block and the opening is strictly one centimeter.
The next step is to evaluate the window unit for the slightest curvature. This is done using a building level or a regular thread with a sinker. If there is curvature, it is necessary to make a zero angle by extending the lining on the desired side. It is not recommended to skip this stage, since subsequently the window opening will open unevenly in an unevenly installed structure, which will lead to complete breakage of the window. If everything is smooth, you can install.
After this, we insert the block into the opening and secure it with self-tapping screws. Next, the glass unit is attached and secured with glazing beads. The resulting void should be filled with foam.
Tools and consumables
To perform window installation work, you need to equip yourself with the following tools:
- hammer with a silicone striker;
- a blunt chisel, which will be needed during the glazing process;
- drill and two drills (the first is 6, the second is 12 millimeters);
- screwdriver with bat;
- a gun for polyurethane foam and the foam itself;
- building level;
- straightening plates;
- steam and waterproofing films;
- screws and plates for working with concrete.
- special plastic support pads used on both sides of the profile and under the stand.
A square and a laser level may also come in handy.
More information about polyurethane foam
Polyurethane foam helps foam the block. A prerequisite for this action is a closed window, since it will crawl out of the window frame, and ultimately, the window will simply not dry out and will not allow the door to close.
The unit may not have a protective shipping film. If this is your case, the entire area on the front side of the block should be covered with masking tape. This is done so that if the foam comes out too much, it does not get on the binding itself. It is very difficult to remove dried foam from the surface of something, so the surface of the window may be damaged.
Wait for the foam to dry completely, then slowly and very carefully remove the masking tape, being careful not to tear it. On the outside, the seam dividing the wall with the window block should be taped with special tape. Be sure to connect its ends to each other. First you should paste over the bottom strip under the window, and then go up. For reliability, you can secure the tape with a construction stapler.
If all steps are performed correctly, absolutely no moisture will penetrate through the window opening.
Support pads
Support pads are used to support the window sill of the support profile. They can be made from either plastic or wood impregnated with an antiseptic.
When installing a three-leaf window, you must make sure that there are one more support points than the number of sashes. Two of them should be located under the vertical imposts, and the remaining two at the edges of the frame. For a window with two sashes there should be, respectively, three support points.
The installation of the wedges should be carried out in such a way that they do not interrupt the foam contour and stand along the window. If there is a protruding part, it can be trimmed after installation. In any case, the wedges should not extend beyond the foam contour, that is, several hours after foaming they should not be visible. Otherwise, a so-called cold bridge will appear in this place.
Remember that the lower wedges must remain in the structure, but the side wedges can be removed at the end of the work and the resulting holes can be filled with polyurethane foam.
We install ebb tides
For some reason, this stage is ignored by many, but in vain. This action takes little time, is quite simple and guarantees maximum protection of the lower part of the window opening from moisture.
These window sills can be found in retail outlets that sell metal tiles and additional elements. You can purchase the shimmer in the size and color you want. Before attaching it, you should waterproof it using self-adhesive waterproofing tape. After the foam has been cut, a tape should be placed on it, thereby covering the empty space separating the base of the window and the window itself. The most acceptable tape width is ten centimeters. Next, you need to screw the ebb itself onto the window to a special substitution profile using small self-tapping screws.
The final step will be attaching the trim to the windows. This is done so that the place that we have foamed does not deteriorate over time (under the influence of moisture and direct exposure to the sun). In this regard, it is recommended to attach the platbands maximum on the second day after installing the window.
The parameters of the platband are purely subjective. All it has to do is block off the unsightly space. If the window system itself already has a flashing, installing a second one is not required. Professionals recommend treating the inside of the casing with an antiseptic so that this surface, which is not particularly adjacent to the wall, does not come under the influence of fungal infections.
Installing a window sill in a frame house
The key point when installing a window sill is filling the lower space with sealant.
If you do not use enough foam, empty spaces will form under the window sill, which ultimately leads to drafts and freezing.
And, conversely, if you take more sealant than necessary, it can bend the window sill with its own pressure in an arc.
The threat of deformation increases; it is possible to use cylinders with non-professional sealant.
Some tips to think about
When ordering a plastic window unit, you should understand for yourself whether you need a mosquito net. The most suitable option would be to order it together with the unit, since, both in country houses and within the city, there are a lot of flies, mosquitoes and other living creatures. This issue should be considered before ordering the unit, since later, if you want to purchase it, the window design, which did not provide for its presence, simply will not allow this installation.
Another point is the issue of saving on installation by professional workers of the company where the window was ordered. Of course, if you have some experience working with a hammer and screws, you can try installing it yourself. But the following must be taken into account. Almost all companies provide a guarantee for their products only if they are installed by their own workers.
In addition, if trouble occurs and the glass breaks due to the fault of the workers, the company provides similar glass free of charge. However, if you do this, no one will give anything for free. And if your double-glazed window has non-standard dimensions, buying the same one will cost a colossal amount of time and money.
Also pay attention to the correct adjustment of the sashes of the installed window unit. If their position is not adjusted, the window will be very see through.
It should be noted that installing plastic windows in a frame house is a rather labor-intensive and complex process for a person who has not previously encountered this issue. Having minimal experience in “dealing” with plastic windows, as well as a great desire to do everything correctly, we can confidently say that everything is in your hands, and nothing is impossible. It wouldn’t hurt to call a neighbor or colleague for help; it’s both more fun and convenient.
Dimensions
If the designs are homemade or custom-made, the dimensions are arbitrary; in other cases, they comply with the standards. Window installation is carried out according to the following schemes:
- panoramic;
- façade;
- tape;
- jumbo.
In a frame house, standard, less often panoramic windows are usually used.
Standard
More often, a ready-made project designed for standard dimensions is taken as a basis.
The standards have the following objectives:
- reliability;
- safety.
Reducing the size of the opening will lead to a lack of light; this is prohibited by sanitary standards. Increasing it will increase the wind load. Weighting of the structure will affect the foundation of the house, massive active elements (sashes) will have a negative impact on the profile and wall of the house.
Panoramic
Large windage will have a detrimental effect on the strength of the house. If installation is carried out, it is necessary to select a strong profile in order to evenly distribute the load on the foundation.
GOST limits deformations, deviations and size requirements. If the installers are unable to comply with them, the customer has the right to refuse to accept the object.
Panoramic
Criteria for choosing a window system
A window system consists of several components, each of which performs its own function and is important in its own way.
How to choose the right double-glazed window
The glass surface occupies the bulk of the window structure, so a greater percentage of heat loss occurs through it.
Modern double-glazed windows are characterized by the number of internal air chambers filled with inert gas, which has low thermal conductivity. Hence the name - single-chamber or double-chamber.
Three-chamber double-glazed windows have higher thermal insulation characteristics
A double-glazed window consists of three glasses 0.4 cm thick, installed at a distance of 1.6 cm each. That is, 1.6 cm is the width of the air chamber.
The ability of the glass surface to resist heat loss can be enhanced by applying protective transparent or tinted layers to the windows. Tinting can be golden, silver, bronze, bottle blue or green glass.
How to choose the right profile
When installing windows in a wooden house with your own hands, it is important to take a responsible approach to choosing a profile. The shutters and window frames are made from metal-plastic profiles
It, like a double-glazed window, has a number of chambers in its design, which directly affects its thickness. The air in the profile chambers has a low thermal conductivity coefficient. More cameras mean higher energy efficiency of the design. For example, a five-chamber profile with triple glazing can also perform a soundproofing function.
Each window structure is equipped with a drip drain to remove accumulated moisture, as well as a special chamber in the lower part of the profile, which contains silica gel - these are small yellow granules. This substance accumulates excess condensation that can form on glass.
To make a wooden wall with a PVC window look harmonious, the profile can be laminated. At the same time, the universal white color will also look good on the facade of a wooden house. The profile can be laminated in walnut, cherry, oak or mahogany - these are the most common options. In the case of lamination for natural wood, the window sill is made in the same design, and the shimmer is chosen in brown.
How to choose fittings and seals
Fittings are an element of a window system that should not only have a beautiful appearance, but also be durable and reliable. The internal mechanisms of the tilt and turn system can withstand repeated loads. Therefore, they are made from high-quality and durable material.
The service life of windows largely depends on the quality of the fittings.
The sealing material for a plastic window must withstand temperature changes and not deteriorate over time.
What to pay attention to
- The distance between the posts of a frame house. This distance should be equal to the width of the mineral wool and polystyrene foam. If it needs to be reduced, then you should carefully carry out all the calculations and know the distance between the window beam and the corner post. For example, let's take a distance of 400 cm. We must place the racks in such a way that the width of the openings is 120 cm, 120 cm, 120 cm and 25 cm. There are 5 centimeters left, which are intended for the thickness of the rack itself.
- Bridges of cold. Potential areas for thermal bridges must be considered, as wood does not retain heat well. They can be placed in the area of posts and beams, since there is insulation on the sides of the tree. There should be as many racks as needed, so you should not increase their number in hopes of increasing the reliability of the structure. The maximum step you can afford is 60 cm.
- Reliable fixation. Several methods are used to fix the corner posts of a frame house. If the vertical posts are mounted on top of the bottom trim, then nails are used for fixation. Metal angles are very helpful when you need to make a T-shaped connection. Corners or joints are also used at the base of the frame. For more reliable fixation when the boards dry out, use partial insertion. When assembling the frame, temporary jibs are used for fixation. They are needed to connect several vertical posts. Remember that the dowel anchor is not intended for fastening to wooden surfaces.
