Double-glazed windows are a complex technological structure that consists of many parts. Window trims are inconspicuous but important elements of the structure. In this review, we’ll figure out why they are needed, what they are, and how to install them correctly.
Additional parts Source samstroy.com
PVC strips
Plastic windows and doors are an integral attribute of most modern apartments, private houses, offices, institutions and commercial firms. The popularity of such door and window units is due to the reliability of the design and good thermal insulation and sound insulation properties. Plastic windows retain their functionality and attractiveness for a long time and do not require regular painting or updating. Doors and windows made of plastic protect the interior space from negative influences and help create a comfortable atmosphere.
When installing plastic windows and doors, polyurethane foam is used, which additionally secures the blocks in the openings and fills the gaps between them and the wall. This design made of a plastic profile does not always look aesthetically pleasing and often has many small defects and irregularities. Polyurethane foam that secures door and window blocks is prone to structural changes under the influence of moisture, sun rays and temperature changes.
To mask internal and external gaps between door and window slopes, PVC strips are used. They provide protection for installation seams and give the door or window unit an aesthetic appeal.
Design nuances and characteristics of flashings
PVC flashings are deformation-resistant plastic profiles with a width of 20 to 100 mm. They can be fixed using fasteners or an adhesive base.
Self-adhesive strips are supplied in rolls of 50 m. They are made in the form of a flat strip of hard polymer and a side edge of soft polymer. A protective film is applied to the front side of the decorative strips, and double-sided adhesive tape is attached to the installation side.
Plastic flashings, which are fixed with a layer of glue, do not require special tools or special skills. Strips are fixed inside and outside residential and administrative buildings, retain functionality during operation and ensure tightness of joints. They do not turn yellow over time, are not susceptible to the appearance of fungus and are not deformed.
Self-adhesive strips are also characterized by:
- Easy installation and strong fixation. Thanks to the adhesive base, they are securely attached to the surface. If there is no fixing layer, the planks are covered with an adhesive before installation.
- Resistant to moisture, ultraviolet rays, low and high temperatures.
- Minimal maintenance effort. Dirt can be easily removed from the surface of decorative protective strips using water and detergents without abrasive particles.
- Long service life and environmental safety.
- Flexibility. Strips with a side edge made of soft plastic, which are supplied in rolls, easily take the desired shape. They fit tightly even to uneven surfaces and help hide various defects on slopes.
The main disadvantages of plastic flashings with an applied adhesive layer are installation at an ambient temperature of at least +5° C and the impossibility of reuse. In addition, such flashings are usually made of white plastic and do not look harmonious with colored windows. In such situations, it is advisable to use hard flashings with a laminated layer, which match the decor with plastic windows.
Types and material of manufacture
However, flashings can be installed not only on external joints, but also on internal ones. For these purposes, various decorative versions of these additional elements are made, which allows them to fit organically into the interior of the room.
Cover strips can be made from various materials:
- Tree.
- Plastic.
- Metal.
For the production of metal flashings, aluminum alloys, galvanized sheet steel, and tin with an external polymer coating are most often used. Their thickness varies from 0.5 to 2 mm. Such modifications are durable in use and are not afraid of external aggressive influences - dampness, temperature changes, solar ultraviolet radiation. They are available in a variety of colors, which allows them to be successfully combined with the colors of the walls and window frames.
Wooden strips are made in the form of flat strips, corners or triangular in cross-section. Thickness - up to 3 mm. On the outside, they can be painted in various colors, varnished, or laminated with polymer compounds. Wooden shutters are used both outside and inside the window. Most often, they are made from pine wood, as it is a more accessible and inexpensive material.
However, on sale you can also find more exotic options, often intended for interior decoration - from wenge, mahogany, or from the more familiar beech, birch, and oak. They fit well into the wood-look interior decoration. At the same time, along with high aesthetic properties and environmental friendliness, they have a number of significant disadvantages:
- They are afraid of dampness.
- They may crack under the influence of temperature changes.
Advantages of using plastic strips
Self-adhesive strips made of polyvinyl chloride do not require significant installation time and are easily fixed between the window and the wall. The advantages of using protective and decorative strips made of plastic include:
- Possibility of fixing indoors and outdoors.
Strips are used when door and window blocks are adjacent to a wall to mask unevenness on slopes and polyurethane foam under the window sill. In addition, they serve to cover joints. - Providing additional sound insulation and thermal insulation.
Self-adhesive PVC strips protect the mounting foam from destruction and prevent the penetration of extraneous sounds and cold air. They allow you to hide even small gaps between the wall and windows, protecting against heat loss and atmospheric moisture. If you attach flashings to PVC windows, you can avoid drafts and high humidity in the room, and also reduce heating costs.
Using special plastic strips, external and internal gaps between the slopes are closed, which improves the appearance of the windows and increases their attractiveness.
What are window coverings and why are they needed?
Strips are a cover strip that is fixed in various ways around the perimeter of the window opening. With their help, all joints with mounting foam are closed and, if necessary, the junction of the frame with the window sill and ebb is decorated and sealed. For the manufacture of these products the following are used:
- plastic;
- metal;
- tree.
Flashings are produced both in the form of tapes in rolls and straight profiles with different sections and rigidity. Thanks to this, it is possible to select the ideal protective element for any slopes and installation seams. After all, situations are different - sometimes it is enough to close a neat narrow gap, and sometimes you have to close very wide gaps.
Criteria for choosing PVC flashings
When purchasing flashings, they take into account the characteristics of the material and the shade of plastic windows and doors, and pay attention to the reputation of the manufacturer. Positive customer reviews, in-house production, the availability of modern equipment and certificates are the key to decent quality of finished products.
Important criteria for selecting strips also include:
- Mounting method.
Self-adhesive products are easier to install and do not require the use of additional materials, but cannot be reused. In addition, they are more difficult to remove from the surface of a plastic window or door. Plastic flashings without a fixing layer are secured with self-tapping screws or glue. - Appearance.
The main task of the strips is to mask installation seams and various defects that arise when installing plastic windows. Therefore, they should remain invisible and be combined with plastic structures without attracting unnecessary attention. However, the appearance of high-quality flashings eliminates the presence of scratches, uneven edges and other defects.
When buying flashings, you should pay attention to prices. Too low prices for products from unknown or little-known manufacturers often indicate insufficient quality. Such products are short-lived and prone to deformation due to temperature changes or minor mechanical stress. The relatively low price of flashings may be on sale, during promotions by the manufacturer, or during the liquidation of a trade organization.
How to choose?
In order for the flashings to fit well with the window and the frame as a whole, when purchasing you need to take into account a number of characteristics and recommendations from specialists. The fact is that they are rarely supplied complete with the profile itself, since many do not use the products in question at all. Therefore, you need to buy them separately, making your own choice.
The main criteria to pay attention to when purchasing:
- Matching color and texture. For example, if a consumer installs standard white frames, the walls and decoration are also made in light colors, then you should not buy dark strips, as they will look inharmonious. You need to choose such products to match the surrounding decoration, furniture in a particular room or the window frame itself;
- Compliance with the texture of the material. It is generally accepted that it is better to choose plastic flashings for PVC profiles. But steel ones will also work well. As for the use of wooden profiles, in this case it is really better to use wooden protective devices rather than metal or plastic ones;
- Sufficient width. Before purchasing, it is recommended to measure the dimensions of the joint so that the seam can be completely closed. If this is not done, then there is a risk of making a mistake with the dimensions and not completely closing the seam, which will negatively affect both the protective and aesthetic properties of the structure.
It is also recommended to choose materials and products that are supplied to the market by trusted manufacturers. As a rule, they are much more expensive than if you choose models from newcomers to the corresponding market. However, when the long term is considered, such devices benefit in price since they will last much longer.
How much do stripes cost?
What affects the cost of plastic flashings? Firstly, the technical characteristics of the material. Prices for products made from rigid and flexible polymers vary. The former are cheaper, but their installation generates a large amount of waste and debris. Flexible strips with a side edge made of soft plastic and a layer of adhesive are more profitable. They are more expensive, but do not require the use of additional fasteners and have a minimal amount of waste during installation.
Other indicators that determine the cost of protective and decorative plastic parts include:
- width and thickness of blanks;
- total length;
- presence of decorative coating.
PVC strips laminated with a colored film or wood-textured coating are more expensive than white ones.
Types of products
Today there are many types of flashings on the market, which differ in the material they are made of. The most popular are products made of metal, wood and plastic. Each type is divided into subspecies, so before choosing something specific, you need to study the features of each.
Metal strips
This type of flashing is often made from galvanized steel or aluminum. The planks can be coated with polymer paint and have a flexible edge. Metal structures look attractive, are strong and durable.
Galvanized slats are often used in the construction of garages, hangars and other buildings. To increase attractiveness, the surface can be covered with a layer of polyester. The thickness of the slats ranges from 0.5 to 1.3 mm.
Aluminum products have a number of undeniable advantages over galvanized ones. Such slats are resistant to various weather conditions, corrosion, and so on. In addition, the planks do not deform under the influence of temperature changes and can be treated with powder paints. The structures are made from aluminum sheets with a thickness of 1 to 2 mm.
Installation is carried out using self-tapping screws with a press washer. Slats with a flexible edge will help hide unevenness and protect the window structure from drafts. Experts recommend installing metal strips in brick or panel houses.
Wooden strips
Available in flat, angular and book-shaped. The planks can be painted, varnished or laminated. Pine wood is usually used to make such planks.
They are rarely used in modern apartments. More often in wooden houses or with interior decoration “like wood”. For installation, use liquid nails or ordinary wood screws.
Such products also have many advantages:
- attractive aesthetics;
- environmental cleanliness;
- significant tightness;
- good strength.
The only disadvantage of a wooden slat is its high cost.
Plastic flashings
Available in rigid and flexible types. Rigid strips are strips 3 and 6 meters long. The width of each strip is in the range of 20-100 mm. For fastening, use self-adhesive tape or self-tapping screws.
Flexible ones can be 20-70 mm wide. They can also be either plain white or laminated. The strips are wound into rolls of 30-50 m. For installation, use self-adhesive tape, self-tapping screws or liquid nails.
Like any product, plastic flashings have their undoubted advantages and disadvantages. First, about the advantages:
- Unpretentiousness to weather conditions. Whether it’s rain or snow, plastic doesn’t care;
- Durability. If the quality of the product is high and it is installed correctly, then you can forget about the slopes for a long time;
- Aesthetics. The slope looks perfectly smooth, and no irregularities are noticeable;
- Convenient for transportation and storage. It is much more convenient to carry a roll than long strips.
And now about the shortcomings. They are also available:
- temperature limitation during installation. That is, if the repair is carried out in winter, you will have to wait until warmer days with plastic flashings;
- quite often the installed product tries to “roll” into a roll again;
- The flexible plastic cover can be used only once. If the product was deformed and had to be removed, it is impossible to glue it back. Since its adhesive base completely loses its qualities. I have to get a new cover.
Self-adhesive
Such models have a special self-adhesive layer. Therefore, the self-adhesive PVC strip is the easiest to install. Such models may also have a silicone seal.
PVC strips
Only PVC flashings are produced with an adhesive base, which is due to the light weight of the material. Due to its low weight, even planks of considerable length can be securely fixed using adhesive tape.
The main requirement during installation is to comply with the temperature regime. If products are glued at temperatures below +5 °C, they will not last long. The colder the air outside, the faster the flexible shutter strips will fall off. In addition, they cannot be reused. Violations of technology are accompanied by repeated work and lead to additional costs of time and money.
Therefore, if there is a need to finish slopes at low temperatures, then you should buy PVC flashings without an adhesive base. They can be fixed using self-tapping screws and do not require a special temperature when fixing.
Installation usually begins from the outside, where the mounting foam and seams are exposed to atmospheric moisture, sunlight and temperature changes. The use of strips indoors is more due to aesthetic requirements.
Advantages and disadvantages of window coverings
Metal flashing for plastic windows, as well as wooden, aluminum, and plastic, is an optional, but important element of equipping a window opening. These elements have a lot of advantages.
Advantages:
- versatility, allowing such planks to be installed outdoors and indoors;
- aesthetics that decorate the interior and exterior;
- the ability to smooth out irregularities at seam joints;
- providing wind protection;
- resistance to ultraviolet rays, precipitation, changes in air temperature;
- duration of the operational period;
- wide size range;
- wealth of choice of colors and shapes;
- ease of installation and dismantling work;
- affordable price.
Provided the planks are properly secured, as well as proper care of these structures, they have virtually no disadvantages. Some owners noted that attaching plastic slats is not very convenient, especially for rolled slats. However, the problem will disappear by itself if you carry out the installation with an assistant.
The fact that the plastic panels are attached only the first time makes their installation somewhat difficult. However, with metal or wood slats, such problems never arise.
Features of preparation for installation of strips
The quality of fastening of flashings largely depends on the preparation of products and plastic windows. To ensure secure fixation and an attractive appearance, the following preliminary operations must be performed:
- Clean the outer and inner surfaces of plastic doors and windows from dust, sand and other contaminants. To do this, you can use soft rags or special napkins. For severe contamination, you will need water with added detergents without abrasive particles.
- Remove any remaining moisture from the plastic. Surfaces are wiped with dry wipes or rags until completely dry.
- Degrease the places where the strips are fixed using solvents. This treatment ensures reliable connection of the adhesive layer to the surface of the plastic window and guarantees a high degree of adhesion.
Once the preparatory work is completed, you can begin securing the planks.
Flashing installation technology
After removing dirt and degreasing the strips, they begin their installation. To do this you will need the following:
- Tape measure for measuring openings and assembly seams.
- Tools for cutting flashings into pieces of the required length.
- A screwdriver or gun for applying adhesive and sealant.
Installation of flashings begins from the bottom, moving gradually upward. Simultaneous fixation from below and above and moving to the middle can lead to deformations, loose fit of the plank to the frame and the appearance of cracks.
Strips without adhesive tape are connected with self-tapping screws using a screwdriver; the optimal pitch between fasteners is 300 mm. A sealant is used to treat joints and fixation points with the frame. Installation of such planks can also be done using special glue, which is applied with a gun or brush.
Fastening self-adhesive protective and decorative elements with foam tape does not require the use of additional materials. The installation process includes the following steps:
- Taking measurements of the width of the installation seam and the opening of a plastic window using a tape measure.
- Cutting strips of the required length from the roll based on the data obtained. Cutting is done with a construction knife and carried out at an angle of 45° to ensure neat joints.
- Removing the protective film from the surface of the flashing, which covers the adhesive layer and is easily removed. It is removed immediately before installing the strips. Debris and foreign particles can accumulate on the surface of adhesive tape without a protective film, which impairs the strength of the fixation.
- Attaching flashings to the slope after removing the film. To firmly glue the strip, it is pressed to the surface, ensuring a tight fit.
After fixing the strips around the entire perimeter, the plastic structures and elements are wiped, removing traces of glue and possible dirt.
How to remove plastic flashings
When repairing a plastic window and in other situations, it may be necessary to remove the strips. Removing protective and decorative plastic products fixed with self-tapping screws is not difficult. It is enough to remove the fasteners. Small holes can then be easily hidden when installing new flashings.
If the flashings were fixed with glue, which was applied with a gun or using an adhesive base, then marks remain on the surface of the frame. The same situation arises if sealant was used to process the joints and fix the strips. The complexity of cleaning plastic depends on the size of the contaminated area and the amount of glue residue on the surface.
To remove marks that remain after dismantling self-adhesive PVC flashings, you can do the following:
- Treat the surface of the plastic frame with vegetable oil.
If the strips were fixed with acrylic-based glue, then the marks are easily washed off. To enhance the effect, leave the oiled surface for 2-3 hours, and then remove traces with a dry paper towel or soap solution and a rag. With this method, you cannot then install plastic flashings on an acrylic adhesive base. The use of sunflower oil to remove traces after removing the strips eliminates the possibility of gluing similar plastic elements. - Use solvent.
This method is acceptable for removing marks from flashings, if high quality plastic is guaranteed. In other cases, under the influence of a solvent, the material may dissolve, which leads to deformation of the frame. Therefore, you should apply a small amount of solvent to the surface of the plastic in a hidden place.
How to install
The cover strips can be installed independently. Before the procedure, the surface of the cracks is cleaned of remnants of construction foam and dust. The areas are thoroughly dusted off, then degreased with alcohol and allowed to dry.
The easiest way to install plastic strips. Self-adhesive models are measured according to the length of the strip. The joints are sawed off at an angle using wort. If you are working with flexible tape, then the film on the back side is gradually removed and immediately glued to the surface. For a hard board, the protection is completely removed, after which the element is pressed against the gap.
Installation of the part on the slot Source aniko-gas.ru
When installing plastic flashings without an adhesive base, “Liquid nails” are used. The tube is connected to the gun, then applied in a thin stream around the perimeter of the additional part. The element is pressed against the window, and the protruding mass is wiped off with a cloth. It is worth remembering that PVC models are mounted at a positive temperature, not lower than +5 C.
Installing metal flashings is no more difficult than working with plastic. In warm weather or indoors, use Liquid Nails. If work is carried out in frosty conditions, it is best to secure it with self-tapping screws. Fixing the planks begins from the bottom edge. The parts are overlapped together and the fasteners are screwed in. The optimal distance between fasteners is 30 cm. The cracks are sealed with a sealant with moisture-repellent properties.
Using self-tapping screws Source architector.dp.ua
