The installation of plastic windows is carried out according to a proven technological map, which is used by every professional installation organization.
When fixing the window, an installation gap is formed between the PVC frame and the building structure of the wall, which is foamed and sealed.
To achieve enhanced aesthetic properties, the structural element must be masked by forming a slope. The simplest and most technologically advanced solution is to install a cover for plastic windows.
What it is?
A cover for a plastic window is a decorative element made of flexible or elastic polymer material, metal or wood, designed to mask seams, installation gaps, or defects in the translucent structure.
This element does not provide strength or thermal insulation characteristics and is used exclusively for aesthetic purposes. The dimensions of the part are determined depending on the installation location and the thickness of the masked gap.
Flashings are supplied for sale both in a ready-made version and are made to order, according to technical specifications from the consumer. In case of complex arrangement of a window opening, their production and installation are usually included in the total price.
In what cases are they used?
Covers for translucent PVC structures play several important functions at once :
Decorative – they give the window a finished look, hide the mounting foam placed in the seams, as well as elastic sealants that close installation gaps and cracks.- Protective - prevent excess moisture from entering the seams from the room or from the atmosphere.
- Protect the polyurethane foam from destruction when exposed to ultraviolet rays.
- Prevents the development of fungus and mold on the surface of joint filling elements.
Unlike sealing seams and gaps using plaster with further painting or wallpapering, the strips are not subject to destruction, cracking and deformation when the window structure moves, temperature changes, or under the influence of a humid environment.
Despite the fact that modern polyurethane foams satisfy most of the requirements placed on them, they remain fragile materials and do not differ in aesthetic qualities. These problems can be solved by installing strips.
How to remove traces of shingles
Occasionally it happens that it is necessary to remove the strip to perform various repairs or replace the strip.
If you fastened the product with self-tapping screws, then no problems will arise: you just need to unscrew them and remove the bar.
The problem arises when you remove the plastic cover with the adhesive backing.
The fact is that almost the entire layer of glue remains on the slope and frame of the plastic window, onto which the flashing went. How can I remove this glue?
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There are several ways to remove traces of glue. If the surface is smooth and there is little glue on it, then you can try using a regular school eraser.
This is important! You should know that removing traces of the strip with an eraser is a very labor-intensive procedure. And if you need to clean a large surface, this method will not work.
The next method is vegetable oil. The fact is that for gluing a plastic cover, glue based on acrylic is almost always used. Well, almost like tape. It is known that vegetable oil, when mixed with such glue, changes its properties. And the stickiness simply disappears.
If you need to remove traces of stripping from a large surface, then it must be treated with vegetable oil. After a couple of hours, the mass that used to be glue can be easily removed with a regular paper napkin.
This method cannot be used on those surfaces where it is planned to re-attach the false self-adhesive strip in the future. Glue just won't work. But if you attach the flashing with self-tapping screws, then there will be no problems.
If your plastic window frame is made of high-quality plastic, then you can try to remove traces of the flashing using white spirit or any other solvent. First, try in some inconspicuous place how the plastic of the frame will react to the solvent. After all, it is capable of dissolving low-quality plastic.
The installation of plastic windows is characterized by a gap along the perimeter of the window opening of the wall. As a rule, it is filled with polyurethane foam. This foam provides the necessary level of sealing at the joints, and also helps to retain heat inside the room, while at the same time perfectly insulating from noise and moisture from the outside.
The foam itself is a rather unstable building material, relative to the influence of weather. For this reason, there is a need to close it as quickly as possible. Usually, this is done with a layer of plaster, or a vapor-permeable type sealant, coupled with painting, this eliminates the above problem.
Note! The most reliable and technologically advanced method would be to install special flashings designed specifically for plastic windows.
Fastening of strips can be carried out both outside and inside the room. This will also serve as an interesting design solution, and will allow you to solve all problems regarding thermal insulation, and will also serve to protect the seams from destruction.
Varieties
Before purchasing and installing flashings, you must :
- take measurements of installation gaps;
- determine their geometric parameters;
- determine the type of material used, degree of flexibility, method of fastening.
Below we describe in detail the complete classification of masking elements installed for PVC windows.
By material
Almost all production and installation organizations in our country that deal with the complex installation of PVC windows offer customers three types of materials for decorative trims.
Plastic
They are made from the same materials as the main supporting frame of the translucent element.
Advantages:
- They are presented on the market in a wide range, with widths from 20 to 200 – 250 mm.
- They can be flexible or rigid, have any shape, bends.
- Available in white or with lamination that imitates any color or texture of valuable wood.
- They have a small weight, which greatly simplifies the installation process.
- They are distinguished by a relatively inexpensive price.
- The waterproof material is not susceptible to mold or rot.
Flaws:
- They reduce the cost of the overall appearance of the facade or interior.
- Contain toxins that, when heated, can release substances harmful to health.
Metal
To manufacture these decorative elements, most often, stainless or galvanized steel is used, which is bent on special machines, after which the finished part is powder coated, followed by exposure to a heat chamber.
Advantages:
- If drawings are available, they can be manufactured with any complex configuration, including radius bends.
- Flexibility, as well as the weight of products, is determined by the thickness of the sheet steel and depends on the preferences of the customer.
- The polymer coating can have any shade, according to the international RAL scale, and also protects the metal from corrosion.
- Metal is a durable and environmentally friendly material that gives the façade of a building a decent appearance.
Flaws:
- Practically never used indoors.
- Mechanical impact causes dents, scratches, and abrasions to appear on the surface.
- Difficulty in fastening without local deformation of the sheet material.
- High retail cost of the material.
- With a large sheet thickness - over 1 mm, they have increased weight, which requires the installation of a reinforced subsystem.
Tree
Flashings are made from pine, oak, larch or other types of wood on lathes, according to the drawings. If it is necessary to make complex corner structures, they consist of several parts glued together.
Advantages:
- The most environmentally friendly material in its class.
- It is supplied to the market both in a sanded version and with finished painting, which significantly expands the scope of application.
- In addition to flat elements, shaped profiles are available for sale, emphasizing the expressiveness of the facade or interior.
- Depending on the client’s wishes, they can be subjected to different types of processing, have variable thickness or width, and be styled as antique, modern or high-tech.
- Fastening is carried out both using adhesive compositions and mechanically.
Flaws:
- Natural material undergoes rotting and promotes the proliferation of microorganisms.
- Over time, it deteriorates under the influence of moisture.
- When exposed to direct sunlight, thin planks crack and dry out.
- The material burns well, which does not allow it to be installed in rooms with a high level of fire hazard.
- When using valuable types of wood - larch, beech, cedar or oak, casting is high in cost and difficult to process.
To select the right cover, you should measure the window, study enterprise catalogs, and also decide on a budget based on the total order quantity.
By shape
Regardless of the type of material used, there are several types of cross-section of flashings, each of which is determined by the type of installation gap and geometric parameters of the element that needs to be covered:
- Flat clamping strips - used to mask straight joints between adjacent PVC frames installed in openings. They have two fastening lines, the profile can be rectangular, semicircular, triangular or figured.
- L-shaped flashings - are used for installation in places where the window frame adjoins the building structure from the facade or interior. When choosing which elements, it is important to determine their width, since placing the hardware too close to the edge of the wall structure can cause delamination of the brickwork, wood or plaster.
- T-shaped flashings - are installed mainly in the same places as flat elements, but one of the sides of the cross-section lies in the seam, which provides additional fixation and rigidity.
In addition to standard framing elements, there are also strips of complex configuration, which are made to order and designed for installation in places where standard installation is impossible.
By flexibility
Plastic decorative elements for PVC windows are supplied to the market in two versions:
- Rigid - ready-made planks of complex cross-section, having stiffening ribs that prevent the element from bending during fastening or operation. Manufactured and sold in specific lengths and cut on site. As a rule, they generate waste that is thrown away or joined during installation with an overlap.
- Flexible flashings - made of elastic polymer materials, can repeat the complex configuration of the seam. The cross section is flat, rectangular in shape. Thickness – no more than 3 – 5 mm. They are sold in the form of reels that are unwound into a tape with a length of up to 50 m.
When installing windows in standard houses, it is flexible flashings that have gained wide popularity, since the material can be cut with virtually no waste, and its special structure is characterized by increased mechanical strength and frost resistance.
Plastic flashings
Errors when installing a plastic window happen even to professional craftsmen.
But if you discover a defect that is clearly cosmetic and not functional, do not despair. The impeccable appearance of the window and slopes can be easily restored by applying a strip. Gaps between the frame and the slopes are especially common when installing wooden frames. To ensure that the installed structure lasts a long time and does not irritate the eyes with small defects, hide them with a plastic cover. A little work and the window will immediately begin to look completely different.
The strip glued to the inside of the frame is more of a decorative element than a practical one. But on the outside of the frame it will not allow precipitation to seep under it, and will protect against temperature changes and wind.
The self-adhesive plastic strip is a strip that does not require the use of additional tools to install it on the frame. To prevent the adhesive strip from losing its properties, manufacturers cover it with anti-adhesion film. It must be removed immediately before gluing the strip to the frame. The elasticity of the edges of the strip ensures a good fit even to uneven surfaces and better sealing of the seam. Thanks to this, the polyurethane foam on which the window is mounted will retain its original qualities longer.
Self-adhesive strips are equally convenient for finishing external and internal joints between the frame and the window. Giving structures a well-groomed appearance, the strips also have a practical value: they extend the service life of the built-in double-glazed window.
After all, with the joints securely sealed, neither water, nor fungal spores, nor drying winds can seep under the frame.
This means that the mounting foam under the frame will support the window longer, just as it did in the first months of its operation.
Why is it worth installing a plastic flashing if you have plastic windows?
You have 6 reasons for this:
- the elastic edge will adhere even to uneven surfaces and allow you to achieve the desired sealing;
- the seam will become inaccessible to UV radiation, precipitation, unwanted temperature changes and drying wind;
- it is easy to install even for a beginner in construction work;
- the product is made of primary PVC, which eliminates the presence of impurities harmful to health;
- quality meets European standards.
It’s easy to select a strip of the desired width – strips with different dimensional parameters are available for sale. Why do self-adhesive plates captivate buyers? Easy installation, long service life, low temperature resistance. Just remember that the adhesive strip is more sensitive to low temperatures. Therefore, do not start finishing the exterior of the frame if the temperature outside is less than 5 degrees Celsius. If there is an urgent need to carry out such work in the cold season, it is necessary to ensure a flow of heat to the frame for the period while the strip is stuck to the frame. For example, use a hair dryer. The optimal ambient temperature at the time of installation of the strip with a self-adhesive strip is from 5 to 35 degrees Celsius. If the thermometer readings are between +5 and – 10, use a technical hair dryer. If it is even colder outside, then it is more advisable to postpone the installation to a warmer day.
Benefit
After installing the strip on the slope, you get:
- improved appearance of the slope;
- protection of the seam from ultraviolet radiation;
- a junction unattainable by precipitation, frost, wind;
- increased service life of the entire glass unit.
The easiest way to achieve the above is with a self-adhesive strip.
Installation of flashing on a PVC window
If a shortage of funds suddenly appears and there are only enough plates for installation on one half of the window, it is better to finish the outside.
Since it is there that the polyurethane foam on which the glass unit is inserted into the opening is placed is most strongly exposed to moisture, temperature, and wind. By protecting it from the listed factors, you automatically extend the life of the window. At the same time, it will look much more aesthetically pleasing.
When deciding to replace windows, check with the seller whether the installation service includes a sticker for the trim. If you want to decorate an existing window with stripes, then just take measurements and buy the appropriate number of plates. And even if the price for them is completely affordable - within 20-50 rubles per meter. But why do you need extra plastic if there is nowhere to sell it?
To prevent the finishing elements from turning yellow or deforming after some time, give preference to products manufactured by Roto, Salamander, Veka. After all, flashings are needed not only to protect the seams under the frames from the negative effects of precipitation and wind, but also to give the window an impeccable appearance. And what kind of impeccability can we talk about if a yellowish stripe is visible around the perimeter of the window? Then you will have to redo the installation again, tinker with removing the failed strip, clean the surface of glue and install a new strip.
Why do you need to close the joints between the frame and the slope? This provides additional thermal insulation and waterproofing, hides traces of polyurethane foam, and makes the window opening perfectly white. As a result, the time and money spent on work do not seem to be wasted, and every time you look at the window you feel only positive emotions.
Even a non-professional can achieve such a pleasant result, since there is nothing complicated in installing the strip.
Algorithm for finishing a window with a strip:
- inspection and measurement of the slope, frame around the entire perimeter of the window;
- purchasing flashings with a small margin;
- cutting plates into pieces of the required length;
- sticker (after removing the protective film, the plank must be pressed against the slope and frame along its entire length;
- if the plate does not have a sticky surface, then it needs to be coated with glue on the back side and quickly pressed to the place above the joint.
So that the work does not go down the drain:
- Carry out finishing at a temperature not lower than +5 degrees;
- Before finishing, the surface of the frame and slope must be cleaned of dust and degreased.
Criterias of choice
The choice of flashing is a critical stage in the installation of plastic windows, as it determines the overall visual perception of the building structure, facades and interior of the building.
When purchasing or ordering an element for masking gaps, you need to pay special attention to the following parameters :
The size of the gap between the wall structure and the window frame.- Material of external walls, interior decoration elements.
- The style of design of a building or interior. For an industrial style in a public building, metal elements are suitable.
In country houses, it is best to use wooden flashings. When decorating a window structure in an apartment, the best choice would be to use plastic.
- Color shades of external and internal walls, window frames, which will determine the shade of the flashings.
- Methods for fixing an element to dissimilar surfaces.
- Element operating mode.
- Temperature and humidity parameters of the room.
- Climatic features of the area.
- Availability of fire safety, sanitary and hygienic, environmental and other requirements for decorative elements and the materials from which they are made.
The best solution for the consumer would be to place an order for flashings from the same company that produces and installs plastic windows. In such cases, the master will take measurements and also complete the constructive part of the project, assigning all the geometric parameters of the part.
How to choose the right strip for windows
Window trims, provided they are chosen correctly, will ideally frame the window space, keep the seams protected, and increase the level of thermal insulation.
When choosing slats, metal or PVC for windows, you should take into account the preferred installation method, as well as the shade of the window frame.
Important! Before purchasing material, you should carry out the necessary calculations and measurements, clarify exactly how many components will be needed to frame it.
Experts recommend purchasing planks at specialized sales points, where only certified products will be presented. Having purchased such material, you will not have to worry that it will not last long or will have poor properties. In addition, cheap material will be difficult to attach neatly.
Therefore, before purchasing, you should study the offers and choose a certified product.
When choosing strips, you should keep in mind that glass units framed with a plastic frame will not be suitable for wood or metal strips. In addition, PVC planks do not look very good on wooden windows.
Installation
To achieve the desired result and ensure the aesthetic properties of the window being used, when installing flashings, it is better to turn to professionals. If this is not possible, such elements can be purchased separately and installed independently using the following algorithm:
- The plank purchased or manufactured according to individual specifications is marked according to previously carried out measurements of the installation gaps of the PVC window.
- The element must be cut. When using wooden or plastic planks, cutting should be done with a hacksaw with a fine tooth and cutting corners at 45 degrees at the orthogonal joining points. In the case of installing metal strips, you should order them at the factory in size or use metal snips directly on site.
- Upon completion of the preparation process, the part is fitted to the mounting gap and, if necessary, modified until a smooth edge is achieved.
- It is better to fix plastic parts using silicone sealant or special “liquid plastic” glue.
- When working with wooden elements, liquid nails, PVA glue, hardware for decorative finishing or self-tapping screws are used for fastening.
- When attaching metal flashings, self-tapping screws with self-drilling tips or blind rivets are used.
- Upon completion of fastening, the surface of the material is inspected for reliability of fixation.
If the wooden element was supplied in technical form, without elements of painting or varnish, it is subjected to finishing. If the paint coating of a metal flashing is damaged, it is necessary to paint over the defective area with metal paint.
Possible difficulties and errors
When installing strips on plastic windows, beginners often make a number of mistakes :
Selecting flashings with dimensions that are too small and do not completely cover the installation seams.- Cutting an element using a low-quality tool, which creates local deformations, burrs and an uneven edge that requires rework.
- Incorrect joining of two elements after cutting at 45 degrees.
- Incorrect choice of material fastening element.
- Tightening the screw too tightly causes local damage to the surface of plastic, wood, or crushing of metal.
- Large amounts of glue or sealant cause the plastic to swell.
To avoid mistakes, beginners should familiarize themselves with detailed master classes from professionals who often publish their video tutorials on online forms.
Advantages of metal flashings
Metal strips are made of aluminum and galvanized steel.
Metal window trim has the following qualities:
- reliable;
- durable;
- easy to install;
- allows you to cover all the unevenness on the slopes;
- reliably protects the room from cold air.
Pros and cons of using the installation of PVC structures
Installation of flashings is an integral procedure during the complex installation of a window structure in an external wall opening. Installing these decorative elements gives room owners many advantages :
- A decent appearance of the structure with the correct selection of material, texture and color of the cover.
- Additional protection of the installation gap filling elements from moisture, steam, grease and dust.
- Increasing the durability of polyurethane foam.
- Protection of sealing materials from mechanical damage.
- Prevents the spread of mold in the body of the insulation.
In addition to the advantages, strips for PVC windows also have a number of functional disadvantages :
- Labor-intensive installation with the need to make holes in the walls for fastening steel or wooden elements.
- Incompatibility of the design with wallpaper or wall painting elements.
- Inflated retail price for wooden flashings or steel elements.
- Plastic parts may contain toxins that significantly reduce the environmental performance of finishing elements.
Despite the presence of some subjective disadvantages, many property owners opt for strips because of the practicality, reliability and durability of this solution.
Purpose of window strips
When it comes to arranging window openings, the first thing that comes to mind is plastic double-glazed windows.
They not only look modern and beautiful, but are also the most functional solution for residential and commercial buildings that require increased heat and sound insulation. Window strips play an important role and free you from the need to spend money on putty and sealing joints. The use of a strip, or, as it is also called, a cover strip, greatly simplifies the task of final finishing of the space between the wall and the window frame. The joint is reliably protected from destruction as a result of exposure to sunlight, the thermal insulation qualities are increased, and the window opening will acquire an attractive appearance. Hinged strips are used both for external decoration and for frames installed indoors. With a large assortment, everyone will be able to choose a cover strip from the required material, texture, desired color and size.
Cost of the part in the Russian Federation
Flashings are supplied complete with PVC windows when placing a combined order. In such situations, as a rule, these decorative elements are included in the price of the overall set.
If it is necessary to place a separate order, the cost of flashings is the following amounts, based on 1 m. p. of the finished element, with an average part width of 100 - 150 mm :
"Centuries". Galvanized - from 350 rubles, wooden - from 250 rubles, plastic - from 180 rubles.- "Rehau". Galvanized - from 420 rubles, wooden - from 280 rubles, plastic - from 200 rubles.
- "KVE". Galvanized - from 300 rubles, wooden - from 200 rubles, plastic - from 150 rubles.
- "Mont Blanc". Galvanized - from 400 rubles, wooden - from 300 rubles, plastic - from 250 rubles.
- "Proplex". Galvanized - from 500 rubles, wooden - from 320 rubles, plastic - from 220 rubles.
- Flexible strips - from 1800 to 2500 rubles. for 50 lm, with a width of 50 mm, from 1500 to 1700 rubles. for 50 lm with a width of 30 mm.
Prices are presented by manufacturers, based on the production of a standard product according to standard drawings.
