Standard window openings in old houses and types of windows

Most residential buildings are equipped with standard size windows: this makes it easier to select a design and replace it. However, modern buildings have completely different standards, and the size of a window in a Khrushchev-era building may differ significantly from a modern one. If you decide to replace double-glazed windows in an old building, you need to accurately measure the parameters.

Does the size of a window in a Khrushchev-era building meet GOST criteria?

SNiP requires that windows let in a sufficient amount of light. This factor is influenced by:

The supplied double glazing unit and the number of glasses in it.
Distance between glasses.

The standard sizes of windows in Khrushchev meet these requirements quite well, but it is quite possible to replace them with more modern frames and double-glazed windows. The owner of the premises is not obliged to strictly comply with the requirements of GOST: the windows can be made larger or smaller as desired. However, when selecting a design for an old house, you will need to comply with the standard window sizes in Khrushchev, otherwise you will have to dismantle the wall, which is not always feasible.

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Read on our website how designer PVC windows are created and what they are.

Window openings according to GOST

According to SNiP, windows must comply with light transmittance standards. This factor is significantly influenced by:

number of installed glasses;
distance between glasses.

Typical dimensional standards are clearly stated in GOST, but do not forget that such parameters for windows in Khrushchev-era buildings are optimal, but not the only possible ones. There are no restrictions on the size of windows for residential buildings, since modern technologies make it possible to produce window frames of any size suitable for a particular building. Standard window dimensions are calculated in accordance with the optimal combination of many parameters, the main one being light transmittance. GOST includes coordination modular and overall window dimensions, which are most often used in standard design and in mass construction of residential premises.

Optimal window sizes in a Khrushchev panel building

Developers offer different types of buildings, which differ in design and have their own characteristics. Windows can be much larger than standard ones and have an unusual shape. Sometimes measuring openings in such houses is quite a difficult task. The dimensions of windows in a Khrushchev panel building also cannot always be measured independently with sufficient accuracy, so it is recommended to call a measurer from the company from which you are going to order a window. The main thing is that the room is bright enough, so it is not recommended to reduce the size of the standard structure.

To measure the size of windows in a Khrushchev panel building, it is recommended to call a measurer.

External glazing

Windows for external glazing of balconies and loggias are produced in any size. When determining the window parameters, the roof slope plays a fundamental role. Accordingly, the flatter the roof slope, the higher the window will be. The height of the window should provide maximum illumination of the openings and visibility. The width of the windows for external glazing must correspond to the width of the balcony.

Glazing a balcony on the street side requires preliminary preparation:

the balcony slab should be pre-strengthened with concrete screed and reinforcement;
The balcony frame and railings need complete replacement or high-quality strengthening.

External glazing in private homes should be trusted exclusively to professionals, since independent installation can lead to displacement of the supporting structure and cause deformation of the structure or its collapse.

The size of window openings in private houses is not regulated in any way and is determined solely by the drafter of the project. In this case, determining the actual size of the window is carried out only through careful measurement.

Window sizes in panel Khrushchev buildings

Panel houses have standard living spaces, since the panels themselves are standardized. It is worth paying attention to the fact that window sizes may differ in such houses. The difference reaches 15 cm, which is why each of them has to be measured individually. The window size in a Khrushchev panel building may also have some fluctuations, even within the same building.

In order to accurately find out the parameters of each opening, it will have to be measured. Standard dimensions specified by design engineers are usually as follows:

The height of the double-sided structure is 130 or 140 cm;
The width of the three-leaf window can be 205 and 207 cm. The classic height of the product is 140 cm.

Bathroom with window to the street

In classic Stalin and Khrushchev buildings, this option is extremely rare. However, bathrooms in which the windows face the outside (to the courtyard or even just to the street) are still found among apartment projects. You can appreciate the benefits of such an opening in the first weeks of living in such housing:

The window in the bathroom is a source of natural light.
A room with a window seems spacious and large, even when only a few square meters are allocated for the bathroom.
The window opening can be used to decorate a stylish designer interior in the bathroom.

Natural light helps you relax and improve your mood during water treatments.
During the day, you can completely avoid using light bulbs in the bathroom, saving energy costs.
If the window from the bathroom overlooks a beautiful landscape or a cozy courtyard, this will also give aesthetic pleasure.

How to decorate a window in a Stalin and Khrushchev bathroom if it faces the street

You will have to work hard to create a truly cozy, modern designer interior in a bathroom where there is a window. Please note that leaving the window completely open for viewing will only work if you live on the top floors (and there is no neighboring house opposite yours) or the opening itself overlooks a deserted fenced area. Otherwise, you will still have to look for ways to close it from prying eyes. You can decorate the window sill in different ways: it is not at all necessary to use it as an additional shelf for placing cosmetics. Flowers (especially those that love moisture), decorative candlesticks, etc. will look great on the window. Light bulbs in a bathroom with a window are still necessary. Make sure to place them above the mirror, as well as on the ceiling. For a small room, one LED lamp or several small ones will be enough.

Wall mirrors in a bathroom with a window will help make the room visually larger and more spacious: fill it with light and air. Try to place mirrors in such a way that they can reflect the sun's rays entering the bathroom.

Features of windows in old houses

As a rule, the size of a standard window in a Khrushchev-era building built of brick is determined by the width of the window sill. If you have large window sills installed, the dimensions will be as follows:

Double-leaf window: height 150, width – 145 cm;
Three-leaf product: width 204, height 150 cm.

If narrow window sills are installed (this size of window in a Khrushchev-era kitchen can most often be found), then the dimensions will be as follows:

For a double-leaf structure, the width will be 130 cm and the height will be 135 cm.
The three-leaf window is 204 cm wide and 135 cm high.

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Read on our website about how to properly adjust double-glazed windows and plastic window sashes.

DIY dismantling

Many apartment owners remove a window in the bathroom during a major or current renovation. To dismantle the frame, you will need a hacksaw or a nail puller; the opening is sealed with brick or plasterboard, and then the wall surfaces from the kitchen and bathroom are plastered. Electric hoods are installed in the ventilation ducts to improve air exchange in the room.

Removing the window with frame

To remove the frame, you must:

Place protective material on the bathtub and fittings.
Install the stepladder and carefully remove the frame and glass. If the window is not equipped with a swing element, then it is necessary to separate the slats and remove the glass from the opening.
Dismantle the main frame with a nail puller; to speed up the procedure, it is recommended to cut the timber into 2 halves with a hacksaw.
Remove debris and remove dust from concrete surfaces.
Impregnate the opening in the wall with a primer with antibacterial additives.

The main frame needs to be removed.

Closing up the space

The owner can seal the opening with sheets of plasterboard, but a frame made of a metal profile is first placed in the opening. The base is secured with polyurethane foam; after polymerization of the material, the excess is cut off with a construction knife. A sheet of foam plastic or basalt wool is placed in the central part of the frame, which improves sound insulation. Drywall is fastened with screws flush with the wall surface, which simplifies the further finishing procedure.

The hole can be filled with brick or gypsum blocks of the appropriate width, which are installed in the opening in a checkerboard pattern. Cement mortar is used to fix the elements; the resulting structure is characterized by increased water resistance. When installing sheets of plasterboard or bricks on the wall, leave a recess 5-7 mm deep, necessary for applying a layer of plaster. The final finishing is carried out after several days, which are necessary for the evaporation of moisture from the solution.

Some owners make do with scrap materials, keeping the old frame without glass or assembling a new structure from bars. To seal the opening, use plywood or narrow boards that are secured with screws.

The resulting shield is characterized by reduced resistance to moisture and is not designed for laying tiles or finishing with cement mixtures.

Plastering the walls

Algorithm of actions:

Saturate the drywall or brick wall with primer.
Mix the solution and apply a base layer of plaster with a trowel.
Lay the reinforcing synthetic mesh.
Level the surface with a spatula.
Wait for the water to evaporate and begin finishing.

After sealing the space, you need to mix and lay the solution.

Finishing work

To level the surface, fine gypsum plaster is used for finishing work; the material is applied and smoothed with a steel spatula. After the solution has hardened, the finishing layer is painted with waterproof paint or covered with wallpaper. If it is planned to finish the kitchen and bathroom with tiles, then the material is glued to the plastered wall. The joints between the tiles are filled with grout, and then the seams are impregnated with antibacterial liquid and materials that improve resistance to water vapor (for example, “Fuga-Shine”).

Choosing a plastic window for Khrushchev

You can choose plastic windows for Khrushchev: they will significantly increase the technical characteristics of the building, make the rooms warmer, brighter, and relieve you of drafts. When purchasing a plastic window, you need to consider the following:

Geometry: the window must be installed correctly, otherwise the problem of noise, cold and draft will not go away.
Ventilation: This feature can be added to any standard window.
Burglary protection makes sense for lower floors.

The size of windows in Khrushchev is somewhat different from modern standards, but you can try to choose a ready-made block window or order products of the required size from any company.

For Stalin-type buildings

Structure characteristics:

These buildings were built in the USSR until the mid-60s of the last century using brickwork. Such houses stand out clearly in the city-wide development with some architectural delights, high lancet windows and a small number of storeys - up to a maximum of three floors. Many differences are noticeable inside the apartments, which have high ceilings and very thick walls - half a meter or more, which is why a special technology for installing PVC windows .

The layout used mainly combined rooms, rarely isolated rooms. A special feature is the spacious kitchen, lit naturally through a large window. According to architectural developments, Stalin buildings were built of two types: for ordinary residents and for nomenklatura workers. Taking into account these features, separate standard sizes of plastic windows have been developed for these houses, most of them having a T-shape, as well as standards for the design of exits to the balcony.

Typical window parameters:

double-leaf windows (elite) - 1500×1900 and 1250×1800 mm;
double-leaf windows - 1080×1800 mm;
balcony block (T-shaped) - 1500×2700 mm.

Installation of a new structure

The apartment owner can save the window and install a new frame of a rectangular or other configuration (for example, oval). The design is equipped with a swing flap or ventilation valve that improves air exchange. Before installation, you will need to dismantle the old structure using the method described above.

Plastic window

Installation procedure for a plastic window:

Call a measurer who will take the dimensions of the opening.
Choose the color of the plastic, which should match the shade of the finishing material and the interior design of both the kitchen and the bathroom. The most common color used is a standard matte white; there are also designs with a wood finish.
Place the frame in the opening, adjust the position using a level and secure with foam.
After polymerization of the material, cut off the excess and install a decorative frame.
Check the operation of the sash and adjust the hinges and lock if necessary.

The technician will install a new plastic window.

Wooden

The manufacture and installation of a wooden window does not differ from the procedure for installing a plastic structure described above. The material is pre-impregnated with liquids that highlight the structure of the wood, and covered with a layer of durable varnish, which allows dirt to be removed with a damp cloth and increases water resistance. Transparent glass or with a decorative matte coating is installed in the frame; there are designs with multi-color stained glass windows.

Installation of a wooden window is similar.

Original form

Instead of the standard rectangular design, you can install an oval or diamond-shaped frame. The gaps that form around the perimeter are sealed with plasterboard or panels cut out of plywood. The glass is covered with matte paint or a layer of mosaic; there are windows with both a fixed and an opening hatch.

You can install a window of the original shape.

A budget option

If the apartment owner plans to make repairs quickly and at minimal cost, then the opening is covered with plastic film with an adhesive backing. The material is selected depending on the design of the room or a standard white opaque film is used. The glass in the frame is cleaned of dirt and degreased with alcohol or an organic solvent. Then cut out a blank from the film, remove the backing and evenly glue the sheet to the glass. Excess material is trimmed with a stationery or carpenter's knife along the perimeter of the frame.

The disadvantages of the film are low mechanical strength and poor resistance to overheating. Since the window is located under the ceiling, the surface is heated by hot gas combustion products, so it is recommended to glue the material from the side of the bathroom. The dirt deposits that form on the coating are removed with a damp soft cloth (without using chemical or abrasive cleaners).

You can install a window at minimal cost.

The most common series of houses and standard sizes of their windows

Series	Window size, cm	Block size, cm	Balcony door
P-44, made of concrete slabs, up to 25 floors, for 1-3 rooms	147142 176142	116*142	70*216
P-30, made of panels, 12-13 floors, with thick walls	208142 147142	87*142	70*218
P-44T, improved layout, with bay window	146142 116142	—	68*216
P-43, with small apartments	147140 116140	—	67*216

Project preparation and construction of residential buildings is carried out in accordance with building regulations and state standards, which also apply to the parameters of window structures. Therefore, if possible, before ordering glazing, you should study the design and other documentation, which may contain information about the typical size of enclosing structures.

The most common types of buildings include houses:

Modern Window Treatment Ideas

Original window decoration or installation of a modified frame configuration allows you to transform the appearance of the room. For example, instead of standard transparent glass, matte surfaces with a pattern or colored stained glass are installed. When decorating a window, the finishing style is taken into account. For example, when using ship motifs, the opening is designed in the form of a round porthole with a frame that imitates the opening and locking mechanism used in the navy.

If he goes outside

Some house designs of the Khrushchev era included a window facing the street and intended for ventilation of the room. In this case, you can install a plastic block with frosted glass or with forced darkening. A plaster or plastic window sill is installed along the lower edge, which is used for installing household accessories (for example, decorative candlesticks), indoor flowers, packaging with household chemicals or cosmetics that can withstand exposure to sunlight.

Since the area of the window opening is not enough to illuminate the room, LED lampshades are installed on the ceiling and walls. Additional lighting must be installed above the mirrors or in the shower stall (if such equipment is installed). Some apartment owners use metal or glass panels with a reflective layer located opposite the window to improve natural light conditions on a sunny day.

Is it possible to install fixed windows?

Sometimes customers and contractors try to save money and install fixed windows. This is a gross violation of existing rules, so residents have the right to demand corrections to the structures. For fire safety reasons, windows in the entrance must be equipped with active shutters. This requirement is contained in SP 2.13130.2012. Moreover, the area of the opening opening cannot be less than 1.2 m², and the height of the handle from the floor level cannot be more than 1.7 m. Such standards were introduced to ensure full access for firefighters and to provide the ability to quickly open the doors for small adult residents.

Standards for private houses

The length and width of openings for each building are calculated taking into account the purpose of its use, location and volume. Thus, the geographical location of the building determines the intensity of natural light in the rooms. According to building regulations, the percentage ratio of the glass unit area to the floor is 1:8, 1:10 m². In addition, the standard size of the required openings is found in the GOST regulatory document, according to which the required lighting and area of the rooms are taken into account. The size of window and door openings in a brick house is influenced by architectural features, the zonal-climatic location of the building and other factors that are taken into account.