Ebb tides for plastic windows, why they are needed and how to install them yourself

Vadim September 18, 2016

A truly revolutionary invention of the late twentieth century were windows with sealed double-glazed windows. In terms of their performance characteristics, they are several times superior to conventional wooden structures with inserted glass. But such windows require proper installation, and one of the stages of this installation is the installation of ebb tides. In this article we will talk about what kinds of ebb tides there are, and I will also tell you how to attach this simple structure with your own hands.

Standard white tint.

Window sills

The main purpose of the element is to drain water from window glass and prevent moisture from entering the window sill and window frame. If moisture gets into these places, then processes of accelerated destruction of building materials begin: the plaster of facade walls falls off, window structures become unusable. If the walls are sheathed, then there are even more problems. In addition to their protective function, ebbs serve as an additional element for decorating facades; they acquire a finished look, and the designs of window openings look organic.

Polymer coated ebbs

Flashings can be installed both during the construction of buildings before finishing the façade walls, and after the start of operation. The first option is better - it is possible to use a full range of special measures to seal all joints and seams and do this with minimal loss of money and time. In the second case, the technology becomes somewhat more complicated, but this does not have a noticeable impact on the quality and cost of the work.

Low tide as a decorative window element

Materials for making castings

Today, ebb tides are made from two materials, each of them has its own pros and cons.

The advantages of metal castings are durability, versatility and a wide selection of colors. The disadvantage is low mechanical strength; it is undesirable to walk on them, especially if the base is not prepared correctly.

Plastic ebbs can withstand relatively large static loads, but are used only in conjunction with metal-plastic windows. The metal ones are a little cheaper.

Plastic cast - photo

Plastic

Most often, plastic moldings come complete with PVC profiles. From an aesthetic point of view, this is an ideal combination from a technical and decorative point of view. Conscientious manufacturers make sills from the same plastic from which the window is made. However, the market is also filled with offers where the tint is visually 100% similar to the color of the frame, but in reality this occurs due to masking using a special film that does not withstand the entire service life of the windows. Ultimately, the film will peel off and a color mismatch between the elements will be revealed. Another disadvantage is the vulnerability of plastic to mechanical stress. Low tide is often a favorite spot for birds, who easily scratch the surface of the material. Thanks to birds, a plastic product quickly loses its attractive appearance and also becomes less stable in technical terms.

With these disadvantages, the advantages of plastic ebbs are obvious, namely:

• Silence (your peace will not be disturbed by landing birds or pouring rain);
• Availability of additional elements and accessories;
• Low price.

If you have chosen plastic moldings, be sure to study the product data sheet. The raw material should be polyvinyl chloride, and not suspicious mixtures. It is better to trust trusted manufacturers and choose low tides with reliable and proven characteristics.

General requirements for installation of ebb and flow sills

The designs have one unpleasant feature - the consequences of improper installation are discovered late, and their elimination will take quite a lot of time. Sometimes it is necessary to repair the finishing coating of facade walls. To prevent this from happening, you should follow a few simple rules.

Take maximum possible measures to seal all joints; special attention should be paid to the junctions with the window frame and side slopes.

All joints must be insulated

Important. Sealants should be used as an additional method of sealing, and not the main one; their service life is limited to several years. Subsequently, the sealants peel off and water penetrates into the cracks. Peeling occurs due to unfavorable operating conditions. The main measures to eliminate leaks are construction technologies. We will indicate which ones in the step-by-step installation instructions.

The ebb should be at least two centimeters wider than the slope. Water from the glass should not immediately fall onto the wall.

Low tides wider than slopes

Achieve the most even horizontal position of the ebb tide. If it is installed at an angle or has an uneven surface, then water drips will accumulate in one place and marks will form on the wall. When it rains, drops of water should drip evenly along the entire length of the tide. This will reduce the degree of wetting and the wall will dry much faster.

The ebb should be installed strictly horizontally

Make a strong and level cement-sand base at low tide. Now it is fashionable to use polyurethane foam: the ebb is set in several places with wedges, the free space is foamed. It's fast, cheap, but wrong. Windows in any building must be washed from the outside periodically. Often at low tide they become their feet, and no foam can withstand such loads. If you see that hired craftsmen are doing hack work, force them to redo the work.

There must be a solid foundation under the tide

The side edges of the ebb must necessarily be located under the finishing of the slopes. If the slopes are made of plaster, you need to cut into it about a centimeter. Don't expect to avoid leaks by using sealant. We have already mentioned that its service life in such difficult conditions is very short. We will explain how to make the insert later in the installation instructions.

The side edges of the ebb are located under the slopes

It is difficult to install sills on windows of the second and higher floors; you need to assemble scaffolding or completely remove the window sashes. Do the work in such a way that you don’t have to eliminate defects later, don’t rush, carry out all construction operations.

Prices for metal castings

Sound insulation of low tide on the window

Before choosing a material, you should consider that its thickness absorbs sound from wind, snow drops, and rain. When the tide protrudes outwards by 3 cm, the probability of absorbing noise is greater than with a larger width.

Creating a mounting pad under the canvas will help suppress knocking. Additional installations are also used: full-butyl tapes on the back side of the gutters or the outer part of the canopy, pre-compressed sealing tape (PSUL) is glued in a strip to the slope.

If sound insulation was not done during the installation of drip linings, then you can do it yourself using butyl rubber-based tape. They are purchased according to the width of the ebb, cut to the appropriate length and applied to the back side of the ebb and the outside of the visor. Before these manipulations, it is necessary to degrease the surface of the drainage systems.

Fastening of ebbs is carried out using polymer dowels with sound insulation. If they were removed, it is necessary to clean the surface, then fasten it as described in the instructions above.

Step-by-step instructions for installing metal flashing

You can order a metal cast or make it yourself. We will tell you how to make the structure yourself below, and for example we will use a custom-made element. We will take the following indicators as the initial data: sheet steel casting, brick house with cement-sand plaster. The ebb tide is installed on plastered slopes.

To work, you will need metal scissors; if you don’t have them, you can use a grinder. In addition, you need to have a square, a marker (a pencil draws very poorly on metal), a tape measure, a screwdriver and self-tapping screws. If you need to prepare a cement-sand base, then prepare construction tools.

Step 1. Check the condition of the lower outer slope. If it does not meet the above conditions, then it will have to be plastered. Use ordinary cement-sand mortar or ceramic tile adhesive. Glue can only be used to level out small irregularities, and plaster mortar is used if the place is not prepared at all. During operation, ensure that the slope is within 10°.

Step 2. Take the drip dimensions to place your order. It should be several centimeters longer and wider than the slope.

Step 3. Measure the parameters of the slope and transfer them to low tide.

Next, there are two options for carrying out the work.

Prices for construction scissors for metal

Unfortunately, plastic flashings cannot be installed in such a reliable way. They are mounted end-to-end, the contact area is sealed with sealant. The ends are jammed with special inserts.

Step 4. Fix the bend of the ebb to the window frame with self-tapping screws. There are special recesses on the frames; make sure that the edges of the bend do not extend beyond them; the bend of the ebb should be located in the groove.

Remove the film from the low tide

Low tide installation. Final fitting and fitting

Putting the ebb in place

If the metal ebbs are more than one and a half meters long, then you can use liquid nails during installation, lubricate the surface of the base and then put the ebb in place.

Preparing the tool before installation

Installation of ebb tide on a plastic window is carried out using a number of tools, each of which will be used for certain types of work:

• using metal scissors, sheets are cut to the required sizes and shapes;
• universal drill-driver with a set of attachments of different types and lengths - for quick fastening of structural elements;
• simple self-tapping screws for wooden frames, self-tapping screws with drill tips for metal-plastic structures;
• tape measure, marker, ruler for taking measurements and applying convenient markings.

Making metal casting with your own hands

You can make metal castings yourself; the design is not particularly complex.

Window sill patterns

How to make them?

Step 1. Buy a sheet of galvanized steel with a thickness of within 0.5 mm. Pay attention to the quality of galvanizing, the layer thickness must be at least 40 microns, the surface is uniform in appearance, sagging and omissions are prohibited.

Galvanized sheet (galvanized)

Prices for galvanized steel sheets

Step 2. Measure the length and width of the workpiece, taking into account the hems. Leave about two centimeters around the entire perimeter for hems. Take the length with a reserve; it is better to cut off the excess later than to throw away the ebb.

Step 3. Transfer the measurements taken to a sheet of iron. For drawing, it is better to use an ordinary felt-tip pen; pencil lines are hard to see. Use regular markers, do not use waterproof ones. Visible marking lines must then be removed; problems will arise with waterproof dyes. The sheet must have a bend line for installation under the window frame and a bend line for the protruding part of the ebb. It is better to cut with metal scissors, or at least with a grinder. After the grinder, you need to remove burrs from the cut line.

Step 4. Place the sheet on the flat edge of the table, press it with one hand, do not allow vibration. With your other hand, gently bend it, tapping the sheet with any piece of the board. If you have a mallet, that’s great, it’s easier to work with.

Sheet fixation method

Bend of steel sheet

Practical advice. To increase rigidity, you can make a drip. It not only improves the tide, but also diverts water further from the wall. The drip edge is an additional Z-shaped bend along the lower edge of the ebb.

Bend the metal slowly, start from one edge and gradually move towards the opposite. The sheet should bend like a wave. Do not try to bend it right from the middle, as unevenness will certainly appear. Apply blows from top to bottom, part of the plane of the mallet should bend the metal, and the second part should hit the edge of the table at the same time. The first time, bend approximately 30°; until the right angle, you need to make several passes along the line back and forth. The more passes, the smoother the bend of the sheet.

It’s not difficult to learn how to bend sheet iron; after just a few centimeters, you gain experience. If you have concerns, practice on unnecessary pieces of galvanized steel. You will be able to control the strength, direction and frequency of the blows, and the bend will be even. In terms of quality, it is, of course, somewhat inferior to a sheet bending machine, but you have the opportunity not only to save on cost, but also to produce moldings of your own sizes separately for each window.

Video - Installing window sills

Options

As a rule, when ordering plastic profiles, ebb tides are included in their basic configuration. It's all about the individual parameters of the profiles, for which additional elements are simultaneously manufactured, including ebbs. However, in the case of already installed windows, the installation process of sills has its own difficulties and features. Difficulties arise not with the decorative characteristics, but with the dimensions of the product, which must be selected exactly to avoid problems. Thanks to the wide range and size range, choosing a product with the right parameters becomes a feasible task. Moreover, the length and width of industrial designs are not constant values ​​and can vary within fairly large limits. The thickness is directly related to the material of manufacture, the options of which will be discussed below.

Answers on questions

How to correctly measure the base of the ebb?

Firstly, don’t worry too much, the accuracy of the removal can be plus or minus a few millimeters.

Secondly, taking the size is quite simple:

Window tide measurement

How to bend the edges of the tides?

There are several ways, each of them gives good results.

How to bend a steel sheet evenly

Galvanized sheet can be bent using a mallet

We strongly recommend that you protect your hands with gloves while performing tin work. It is very easy to cut yourself on sharp edges, and such injuries take a long time to heal.

And one more practical piece of advice. To make the ebb bend easier and the line to be smooth, press a groove on the reverse side. Place the sheet on a flat surface and press a shallow groove under the ruler with a metal object. Make sure that the zinc coating is not damaged. But even if it is scratched, it’s not a problem. The line will always be on the opposite side of the tide and moisture will not get on it.

Prices for sheet metal bending machines

What are the features of installing metal flashings on wooden houses?

There is one difference, but a fundamental one. If a cement mixture is used as a base on stone walls, then for wooden walls you need to make a supporting frame from bars. In some cases, several slats of varying thicknesses placed along the window opening are sufficient. They are fixed to the beams with nails. To prevent snow from falling under the tide and to strengthen the fixation to the wall, it is recommended to use polyurethane foam. Before foaming, press down the ebb on top; choose a load such that it does not bend the iron and at the same time does not allow the foam to lift the ebb.

Installing a low tide on a window of a wooden house

How to join two short sheets?

This is another way to reduce the cost of metal castings. There are two ways, choose the best one for yourself.

Conventional solders are not suitable for galvanized steel; they either do not pickle the zinc coating or pickle it very slowly. You will need a large soldering iron with at least 200 watts of power, the bigger the better.

To solder galvanized sheets, you will have to use hydrochloric acid. Ordinary solders are unsuitable for iron; they cannot remove the zinc coating; you need to use concentrated acid.

Hydrochloric acid solution

Work with it carefully, do not allow the chemical liquid to come into contact with the mucous membranes. As soon as trouble occurs, immediately rinse with running water.

Important. When the acid boils, very caustic fumes are released into the air. Work only outdoors, be sure to use respiratory protection.

Always make the seam from the front side of the casting; from the back the gap is visible. If you doubt the strength of the solder, turn the sheet over and repeat the soldering of the seam. The acid etches the zinc to iron; due to this preparation, the metal is combined at the molecular level. After finishing work, the surfaces must be washed in water with baking soda, this way the acid will be neutralized. It is recommended to rinse the clean tide again in running water.

Leveling a lock with a sledgehammer

Connection of two galvanized sheets

The lock can be cut with metal scissors; enlarged sheets are used to make large-sized castings.

Video - How to sew two sheets of galvanized iron without a machine

As you can see, you can do everything with your own hands, but only if you have two conditions: you need to have the desire and at least minimal knowledge. Don’t be afraid, try it, nothing can replace practical experience.

Video - Installing a window tide

Source

Design and purpose of external drip vents for plastic windows

A window sill is a board installed on the street side in the lower or upper part of the window and balcony. Regardless of the type, the design consists of the same components:

The top shelf is the main element that you need to pay attention to when choosing a product. Its size is selected in such a way that there is no obstacle to the drainage of water through special holes.

Window sill plays not only an aesthetic role, giving the window unit a finished look, but also performs a number of other functions:

For each specific window, the sill must be made according to individual measurements so that it can fully fulfill the tasks assigned to it.

How to choose the right ebb for plastic windows?

The choice of external tides must be approached with all responsibility. A hastily purchased product may not fit your window at all, and then you will have to spend money on purchasing a new one. When choosing a tide for a plastic window, first take the necessary measurements, paying attention to the following parameters:

In addition, the type and materials of construction are taken into account, because for a frame house, the product is selected in a different configuration than the ebb for a panel structure.

The color of the external window sill should be combined with the overall color scheme of the window and facade. White structures are decorated with similar tints, colored ones - the same shade or a tone darker.

Selection of material for casting

What tides are best for plastic windows? They may not be made from any material and this must be taken into account when purchasing. Failure to comply with this rule will lead to the formation of corrosion and dark streaks on the facade. To avoid such situations, you need to know which raw materials are most suitable for window sills, and for this you need to know the features of each of them. Various materials are used for products: plastic, aluminum, galvanized steel, polyester coating. You can find a structure made of titanium and copper, but such solutions will cost an order of magnitude more. It is important to select a low tide so that its characteristics correspond to the conditions of further operation.

Plastic casting

It would be logical to install the same tint on a plastic window. PVC is distinguished by its increased wear-resistant qualities and its practicality. Plastic has virtually no flaws. The advantages of this material include:

Plastic has been used in the manufacture of lower and upper ebbs for plastic windows relatively recently and has not yet won the sympathy of users. When it comes to arranging standard structures that are used under normal conditions, PVC is ideal. But if you need increased strength, you should be careful, because... It is precisely this feature that is not characteristic of plastic.

Another disadvantage is loss of elasticity when exposed to sunlight. Being constantly exposed to the sun, the ebb can become brittle and subsequently crack from any impact. Even if the structure does not break completely, microcracks appear on the surface, into which dust gets clogged over time. Initially, the white tint turns gray or yellow, and no detergent can correct the situation. It is optimal to install plastic elements in private homes, where there is no risk of causing damage to it.

When choosing a plastic casting, carefully weigh the pros and cons, because for PVC structures it is not necessary to take a product from the same material.

Metal casting

Metal flashings are the best for installation and have a long service life. They are sturdy and easy to install. Metal sheet products include several options: galvanized, aluminum, sheet steel.

Galvanized flashings

Galvanized products are the most common. Their service life reaches several decades. Tides are available in standard white or brown tones. Wood-like options are possible. However, the use of powder paint has greatly diversified the palette and it has become possible to order shades of different shades.

For the production of galvanized castings, alloy steel with a thickness of about 0.55 mm is used. The material gives the product additional strength and resistance to precipitation. The polymer layer on the surface protects the product from the adverse effects of acidic environments. The demand for galvanizing is determined by its affordable price.

The disadvantages of the material are as follows:

It is possible to coat the galvanized sheet with plastisol. This is a more expensive option, but it is less noisy. Another advantage of such a coating is that its surface can be made not only smooth, but also textured, for example, like leather or with embossing. Plastic end caps of the same color with the product are installed on the sides of the drip tides.

Aluminum ebbs

Compared to steel, aluminum is a more expensive material due to its good performance and wear-resistant qualities. Aluminum castings have a wide range of sizes. Their width can reach up to 35 cm. The default color of the products is brown and white, but, as in the case of galvanized versions, color coating using powder paints is possible in any desired shade.

Ebb tides for plastic aluminum windows

Aluminum is not afraid of corrosion, so if the product is not coated with anything, this will not reduce its quality. Like all metals, aluminum is very loud and the slightest touch of any object or raindrops on it will be clearly audible.

Sheet steel castings

Window sills made of sheet steel are not in great demand due to increased corrosion. Over time, even a painted product rusts and loses its appearance. This drawback is especially noticeable on city buildings that are washed by highly acidic rains. The only way out is to coat the steel casting with polymer. This will help protect the product from corrosion and reduce its noise. Sheet steel structures have a number of advantages:

The disadvantage of steel is that it gets very hot in hot weather.

Cink Steel

Durable and reliable option with a long service life. The zinc-coated sheet perfectly resists precipitation and corrosion processes. If desired, you can choose ebbs, additionally coated with paint and varnish material. This will allow you to create a harmonious window ensemble that does not stand out from the general background of the facade. Although galvanized steel flashings have been on the market for a long time, their popularity has not diminished. Consumers highly valued and still value the technical characteristics of such samples, even despite the need to touch up the tint every few years. The thickness of such ebbs can vary, the optimal value is 0.5 mm, which ensures sufficient rigidity of the product. Let us note that modern manufacturers, taking into account the constant demand for galvanized steel castings, have developed their improved model, namely steel castings coated with a polymer composition. This can be observed in the production of metal tiles and corrugated sheets. The polymer layer increases the service life of the ebb, effectively protecting it from precipitation and mechanical impact. An additional plus is the ability to choose the desired shade, which is especially attractive to owners of private property.

Dimensions of ebb tides for plastic windows

Metal castings are sold in single pieces 6 m long. You can ask to cut a piece of the size you need, then the problem of “where to put the leftovers” will not arise. When choosing a low tide, take measurements in advance. The length is determined by measuring the length of the window opening, but not by the frame, but by wall sections. 2-4 cm is added to the result obtained.

The width of ebb tides for plastic windows is determined taking into account the drip line, the extension of which should be at a distance of 2-3 cm relative to the vertical of the wall. It should also correspond to the width of the window plus 3-4 cm for the projection.

The bend angle of the ebb should be at least 110-135 0 C. If the ebb has a length of more than 1.7 m, then you need to choose a product with compensation gaps of 5-8 mm at the ends, filled with sealant.

Installation and fastening technology

Installing window treatments is a step-by-step process and can be done in almost any weather condition.

An example of correct and incorrect installation relative to the window frame

Installation of ebb tides for plastic windows is carried out as follows:

1. Checking for product compliance in size and color. Visual inspection for defects and visible damage.
2. We cut the ebb in accordance with the dimensions of the end caps. We measure the required size on the product, and use a marker or pencil to draw a cutting line. The strict perpendicularity of this line can be checked with a square. We cut the material along the line using metal scissors.
3. We take a drill and a 3.2 mm drill bit and make holes on the front side of the strip for fastening. The spacing of the holes should not exceed 45 cm. A distance of 5-10 cm should be removed from the end of the mounting shelf. Position the holes so that the attached ebb hangs 3-4 cm above the facade wall.
4. We glue the side covers to our ebb with silicone sealant. The joint between the side slope of the outer wall and the overlay itself should not be more than 0.5 cm. Silicone sealant must be applied where the overlays adhere to the wall.

If the support bracket is not installed, a layer of noise-insulating material is attached under the drainage

Attaching the ebb to the window ends with a diffusion tape. Let's look at this point in more detail:

• We determine the place for applying polyurethane foam - this is the area under the stand profile, as well as the junction of this profile with the product. We moisten this area and then foam it;
• It is very important that the foam covers the stand profile along its entire height. We apply foam under the surface and along the entire length of the middle part of the ebb. Do not allow the foam to extend beyond the plane of the wall;
• we attach the ebb to the stand profile using screws;
• press on the surface of the product with your hands so that the foam underneath fills the entire area;
• We treat the joints between the slopes and end caps with silicone sealant.

Technical requirements for installing low tide

There are no special norms and standards for the selection and installation of sills on plastic windows. It all depends on the type of structure and personal preferences. The only thing that needs to be taken into account is the correctness and step-by-step execution of the technological process for installation with your own hands. If mistakes are made, this will become known only after a while and you will have to spend money on rebuilding the structure. When installing ebb sills for plastic windows, the following should be taken into account:

Without missing out on all these points, you can achieve high-quality installation of sills on plastic windows without resorting to the help of specialists.

General information

When arranging openings intended for the installation of translucent structures, external window sills are important elements. These are inexpensive parts, but their presence prevents the penetration of water as a result of melting snow or rain under the windows and inside the walls. Therefore, the destruction of structures due to the negative effects of moisture is prevented, and houses will not require repairs longer. In other words, their service life increases.

The drainage system is also called an external window sill. However, this is an incorrect name. After all, the installation of such a part is carried out at a calculated angle or it has an inclined upper surface so that water can drain outside the building structures of the house. Drainage also prevents snow accumulation in some cases. When installed correctly, the sound and thermal insulation of the window opening is further increased.

Thanks to the presence of ebb at the bottom of the window, the façade plaster under the opening does not begin to fall off longer, or this possibility is eliminated altogether. This element also prevents water from getting behind the siding, which can prevent major problems. In addition, low tide is also a decorative element. This detail gives the window a finished look. Therefore, the translucent design looks organic.

In the case of installing a modern plastic window, a gap remains between the translucent structure and the opening below, which is filled with foam. It appears to be a good heat insulator. However, this material breaks down when it is exposed to moisture and low temperatures at the same time. After all, water tends to freeze and expand. It is this process that leads to the destruction of the foam layer. Therefore, it is usually closed from the street side with drainage.

Installation of ebb tides is carried out not only when installing windows. They are often secured during the construction of a house. In this case, the installation is carried out before the façade finishing is completed. In addition, some homeowners decide to install drainage systems after putting the house into operation, when furniture has already been placed in it and people are fully using all the benefits of a residential building on their land.

Regardless of the time when it is decided to install window sills, it is better to entrust the work to highly specialized professionals from companies with a good reputation. After all, they know all the intricacies of both the manufacture and installation of drainage systems.

If the ebb is fixed during the construction of the house, then a full range of installation work is carried out.
During their implementation, the joints and seams are properly sealed. This process requires less money and time. When fixing the ebb, when the house has already been put into operation, installation becomes more complicated. However, it is still performed efficiently if it is carried out by professionals. Important!

Window sill design

The appearance of ebb tides is a purely individual matter, and since... Since they also play a decorative role, you can play with variations of shapes and colors. When bringing your design ideas to life, the main thing is not to overdo it. The ebb should harmoniously complement the window structure and be combined with the facade of the building. The ebb configuration includes both standard shapes and semicircular and shaped options.

Manufacturers also offer a large selection of colors from standard white and brown to the boldest and brightest shades. Thanks to the ability to make a metal cast with an imitation of a wooden surface, you can decorate a window made of wood or metal-plastic with a “wood-like” texture at no extra cost.