Everything you need to know about linings and grommets in plastic windows

Shpros (layouts, arrangements, separators, slabs) on plastic windows are structural or decorative strips, that is, full or false binding, on glass or between them, forming a variety of gratings and patterns.
Used to strengthen or decorate structures. PVC double-glazed windows are a standard and common improvement, especially in private homes.

Let's consider the types of interlocking bars on plastic windows: structural (full profile, like a double-glazed window), false invoices glued to the glass, placed between them. We will describe the forms, materials, and how the layouts are mounted. Let us explain the advantages and disadvantages, the qualities that the frames give to a plastic window. Let's consider the nuances of installation, independent creation, installation of slabs and double-glazed windows with them.

What are sprats?

Shpros are called slats, a profile that divides glazing into cells , which can be solid (they install a fake overhead layout) or consist of separate segments (a full-fledged structural separator). These are the parts of the window through which its frame is assembled.

Shpros are an excellent and one of the extremely few solutions to radically diversify a very standard and ordinary type of PVC double-glazed window.

Other names are layout, separators, binding, undocking . The segmented design has a very convincing appearance, creating an impression of solidity, security and at the same time sophistication, such a window will definitely stand out among ordinary structures.

The elements in question are also often called slabs or mullions; these are old folk terms that relate more specifically to decorative types (overlays). Below is an extract from Wikipedia:

In ancient times, they did not know how to make solid sheets of glass , so they were made in small pieces, which were inserted into a binding made of slats - these are sprats. Then these parts began to be used to strengthen the frame with large glasses, since it was wooden and not particularly strong. The structure became stiffer, more airtight, and loosening and drying out decreased.

But in PVC double-glazed windows, the frames play a more decorative role, even if they are structural, since the profile and piping of these products are made of very durable materials (metal plus reinforced polyvinyl chloride) that can withstand any weight of glass, and this is typical even for products with very large glazing. However, there are some practical aspects (strengthening all insulating properties), and quite a lot, we will talk about them below.

The production of double-glazed windows with structural or inter-glazed grooves is not something particularly difficult for manufacturers - the profile can be modified in production in any way you like .

In panel MKDs, sprats are still a rarity, although apartment owners are increasingly interested in them. But in private homes they began to be installed quite often, as users want to have more diverse, unique products.

Interesting ! Cases when the internal profile is consistently required: arched, panoramic glazing, with a special shape, for verandas, attics, attics, window-door systems. And also situations when the window looks too “empty”, when disharmony with the design of the house is created.

Options for decorative bindings

Using layout profiles and various types of their connections, you can create many options for decorative window frames.

Types of gratings

Shpros classification:

1. By mounting method (main classification):

   • 
     Constructive (separating).
     The same profile with a part facing the street and inside the room, piercing right through the glazing from which the main frame is created. Such a separating cover is similar to it, an inseparable continuation of the entire double-glazed window system: the same thickness, with the same seal and other elements.

     Holes of the desired shape are created in it, into which individual pieces of glass are inserted.

   • Decorative or false bindings (slabs).
     Some sources distinguish between overheads (attached with nails to the frame, on hinges, but this is typical only for wooden products) and glued with adhesive double-sided tapes. Two terms are used for plastic windows, but they mean the latter, since, of course, these elements are not nailed to such products and do not use self-tapping screws. Their varieties: fixed only on the outside of the glass, inside the frame between the glasses (also known as internal, Viennese, inter-glass) and a tandem of these options (outside and inside). They do not divide the glazing into separate actual pieces, as with structural options, but only give the appearance of this.
2. According to the level of bending and shape : straight, arched, milled. Creating round, square, rectangular cells, rhombuses, squares, stripes, a certain pattern.
3. By width (8, 18, 25, 45, 55 mm) and height of the slats (8-26 mm). Simply put, thin or thick, high or low (meaning protrusion).
4. According to the decorative component (design):
   By color: white, colored (plain, with a pattern, with a different shade on the outside and inside).
5. By design: simple (smooth, even), with various curls, elaborate shapes.
6. According to the material . Almost always only plastic or aluminum is used, since they are lightweight, and this alloy does not oxidize (it is very important to avoid stains here). The structural (full) binding is made from the same material as the entire system.

Overhead external beams are called Venetian. And their similarity, only installed inside the double-glazed window - Viennese layout. The latter may have modifications:

1. More decorative strips without their own spacer frame (usually these are the most common).
2. The blocks from the latter, they are also duplex, create an imitation of the profile of the main frame. This solution is somewhat limited in design and is more prone to creating cold bridges, and also requires linings on the outside of the glass.

Invoices

Overhead grilles are a purely decorative element, a false binding. Both the Venetian (external) and Viennese (internal) layout are called overhead.

The inter-glass variety has modifications:

• A more thorough system, with its own additional spacer frame, always has two parts: inside the glass unit chamber and outside. Inside, in fact, these are not spacers, but an arrangement frame that needs to be closed. Perfect imitation of structural binding.
• A simple option - inside the chamber there are full-fledged sprafts, no grid, no spacer frame of its own. It can be covered with external linings or left without such a design; this is often done to make cleaning the window easier.

The Venetian arrangement is just strips glued to the outside of the glass.

The most popular type of sprocket is the purely internal variety, as it is more practical : it does not retain dirt on the outside of the glass, does not create streaks there and does not interfere with cleaning, with an expanded range of designs.

Venetian decorative

Despite the fact that Viennese layouts are also called invoices, this word is more suitable for Venetian ones, so we used it in the title of the section. With regard to plastic windows, this means application with glue or double-sided tape.

Venetian layouts are the cheapest and simplest in both design and installation. This is an extremely fast and elementary way of decorating.

Peculiarity ! Venetian interlockings are the most false and elementary of all types of binding; they do not have any technical function, which is why it is often precisely these types of layouts that are meant when using the term “decorative”. They are also called external, as they are glued to the outside of the glass.

The bars are fixed with glue, or more often with double-sided adhesive tape , and can be installed on one side of the window or on both sides at the same time. In any case, the internal empty space will be visible inside the double-glazed window, that is, such an imitation of a full-fledged binding is not particularly convincing, however, this is only noticeable up close.

The frame of a plastic window, even a very large one, can withstand almost any weight of glazing. To strengthen the structure, shrouds are not so necessary. Therefore, sometimes it is not advisable to overpay and install a double-glazed window with a structural separator - you can use a fake version of it, an invoice.

A separate advantage is that if you don’t like the design, such planks can be easily changed, remove the old ones, and glue new ones. This distinguishes them favorably from the interglazed variety, but there is a minus - they retain dirt, peel off, and interfere with cleaning the window.

Advantages of Venetian (external) false binding:

• The cheapest, fastest way. Simplified installation/disassembly, low price, can be changed frequently.
• You can stick the strips on both sides of the window, increasing the resemblance to structural dividers, thereby greatly improving the quality of the design.
• Unlimited possibilities for design, shades, geometry.
• They almost do not create cold bridges, unlike inter-glass arrangements.

Minuses:

• Doesn't give the impression of solidity. The falsity of such binding is more noticeable.
• Does not increase any technical parameters of the glass unit. However, it doesn’t make them worse.
• Makes care more difficult.
• It may come off.

Viennese interglazing

In some sources, Vienna and interglazed binding are understood as synonyms . They are similar because they are both internal and false. But if you dig deeper, the first name applies to those strips that are attached between the glasses more thoroughly - into the holes of the spacer frame of the frame, and also have an additional one between them, which creates an excellent imitation of structural dividers, a full-fledged profile.

The second name is duplex.

The design for a duplex is limited, for example, thin strips are not used in it; as a rule, only squares are possible. And there are disadvantages: they will require mandatory concealment of elements placed inside the chamber with external decoration, and this will interfere with cleaning the window, will create streaks, and accumulate dirt.

A modification of inter-glass layouts, which are fixed by pressing between the glasses at points (on crosses) with soft rubber linings, is generally the most popular among all types of similar elements. These are simple planks without their own spacer frame , and here any design solutions are possible.

Such a grid may have external linings or be without them, since these are full-fledged gratings, and not an arrangement grid that must be hidden.

In the diagram below, there is an inter-glass false cover with a spacer frame and a placement grid (the part that is inside the chamber) and external strips that hide it. As you can see, the glass still does not break, like a full-fledged (constructive) binding, but the most reliable imitation in appearance is created:

The Viennese layout is much better in appearance than the Venetian one , when the bars are attached only to the outside of the glass, but it also has more disadvantages - cold bridges, and the more cells, the more pronounced they are.
However, this phenomenon in this case is not as terrible as it is sometimes imagined. It is minimized by the following factors: the glass unit is sealed inside and equipped with reliable sealing gaskets around the perimeter; products that are not prone to retaining cold are used as materials for the internal layout.

Structural (built-in)

Structural frames or full-fledged binding - this is a double-glazed window , they are indistinguishable in design from it, from the same profile, similar to the main frame, with a seal and all the same elements. This is an integral part, always created simultaneously with the window. Glass is inserted into the windows of this grille in separate pieces, which is why such elements are also called separating elements.

The decorative side of the structural layout is reduced; not all forms allow the implementation of a profile similar or not too different from that for the perimeter frame. But this is a binding in its true technical sense - a full-fledged one, extremely strengthening the frame and all the insulating properties of the system.

Advantages:

• The appearance of a full-fledged window gives solidity, solidity, status, and reliability.
• Increases all window characteristics: heat, sound, moisture, vibration insulation; reliability, strength.
• Strengthens the entire structure, which is why they are often used for double-glazed windows with a large glazing area. And especially where this parameter is combined with the need for high-quality insulation, especially in terms of heat capacity.
• Protective function: it is more difficult to penetrate through such a grille, increasing resistance to any loads.
• Upon impact, only part of the glazing will break, replacing which will be both cheaper and easier.

Minuses:

• The large weight, which complicates the installation of such PVC double-glazed windows, creates the need for reinforced fittings, parts that prevent distortions, etc.
• The price is incomparably higher (at least double the cost of a regular window).
• The complexity and frequency of maintenance increases: dust, water, snow linger on the binding. You need to be prepared for frequent, labor-intensive maintenance. Costs for lubrication, cleaning, and inspections will increase.
• Repairing the frame (turn-and-tilt mechanism) will cost more, since the fittings on such products are reinforced and larger. The same applies to the seal.
• Wear of the piping and seal is accelerated due to the large weight of the increased load.

, structural frames are used on PVC double-glazed windows with a large glazing area . And not only because they strengthen the frame - in this type of product it is capable of supporting almost any mass of glass within reasonable limits. And also to increase the entire range of insulating properties, heat preservation, and also in places where there is a risk of damage, since the likelihood that not the whole glass, but one or several segments will break, increases.

On standard-sized PVC windows, the feasibility of improving this type is ambiguous, since the lintels in this case are much thicker, which will reduce the level of light penetration through the window.

The price will at least double, and installation will be labor-intensive . Although, if such a modification is chosen, then in terms of other parameters there will be only advantages, except that the design will also be of slightly lower quality (it is more limited in this option) compared to the overhead (external, internal) arrangement.

Effect on thermal conductivity

When installing false sash on windows, it is recommended to take into account that there is such a parameter as thermal conductivity. In the event that the panel breaks the connection between the glass and the frame, the thermal insulation deteriorates.

Reason: reduction in heat transfer coefficient in the places where the glass and window profile connect. If everything is done correctly, then decorated surfaces show an increase in the coefficient by 10-20%. It must be taken into account that double-glazed windows will be colder.

Important! A large number of window layouts increases the cost of heating the room. This happens because PVC double-glazed windows release heat faster.

Requirements

There are no requirements as such for the design variety, since products with them are the same solid finished window, and if we consider them, we would have to describe the same standards as for its assembly in production.

Overhead products can be sculpted in any way you like ; they do not affect the technical parameters of the window at all. But there are two caveats:

• The material must be as resistant to climatic conditions as possible if it is located outside or between glass. If it is a metal, then it should not oxidize. You can, of course, stick on iron strips, but you will have to remove rusty stains, however, if you paint them with several layers of special insulating paint, then this disadvantage will not exist. Typically the bars are made from plastic.
• The weight of the elements must be supported by glue or adhesive tape. However, you can create an additional hinged mount for a massive grille.

There are more rules for the Viennese (interglass) type (the same ones that we described plus the following), we will indicate not only them, but also some features:

• The width between the camera glasses is from 12 mm.
• Planks - aluminum or plastic - width 6, 8, 9, 18, 26 and 28 mm. The first two (thin) usually have a limited range of colors - white, gold and silver, all the rest (wide) can be made in any shade. Upon request, these elements can be decorated on the inside and outside of the window in different ways.
• The width for the internal grille must match that between the panes.

Aluminum window trims

A completely new solution that allows not only to completely change the design of the window, but also to protect it from various damages. The manufacturing technologies used make it possible to firmly attach them to a plastic profile without the use of glue or other fixing devices.

They can be painted with durable powder paints or anodized with metallic finishes. Can be connected at right angles or at 45° angles. Reduce unproductive losses of thermal energy.

Everything is great, except for one thing - aluminum linings have the highest price. What can you do, good quality costs “good” money.

How to choose?

The design aspect prevails in the choice, so first we will indicate recommendations on it:

• It is better to install the same grille on white windows so as not to create dissonance. But there are solutions with different colors that are very harmonious, for example, a dark brown wood frame and thin gold bars, this is a classic.
• It is not advisable to overload the opening with patterns, as they will prevent the penetration of sunlight. There is a rule for window layout: laconicism, small thickness and clarity of lines, minimally blocking the view and interfering with light as little as possible.
• Thin strips (8 mm) with some cells may look too lacy (stringy), but with others it is quite appropriate. The same applies to wide elements (18 mm): if they are incorrectly chosen to match the geometry of the pattern, they may seem cluttered. There is also a golden mean - 12 mm.
• While a standard cross-shaped design may look a bit bland, a more unique geometry will add variety to your home decor.

Important ! It is necessary to correctly combine the height of the protrusion of the external beams. For swing doors this is of little significance, but with a sliding, transom design, too large slats can interfere with their movement and touch the slopes.

In the pictures below, the user wanted to improve the schemes (on the right), to make them less standard, on the right is what the wizard suggested:

Examples of solutions:

Procedure for working with materials

False linings for windows made in the sketch must meet the following parameters:

• · The profile must be cut at the marking location in the figure. The cut should be smooth, without burrs.
• · The protective film can be removed after finishing work.
• · Before gluing the element, you need to try on the part in place.
• · It is worth remembering that the profile used is soft. You don't need to put a lot of effort into bending it.
• · The joints are treated with silicone-based sealant.

If you didn’t think about the window frame when making it, you can always fix what you missed by creating the necessary decoration with your own hands.

How to do it yourself?

It will be impossible to make structural dividers yourself , as well as to add and remove them, since such products are created on production equipment as part of the entire glass unit only together with it at the same time.

The false false binding is simply glued on, so you can make it yourself with your own hands from any suitable materials, but usually these are limited only to wood, which is not very advisable to use for these elements. Under the sun and when exposed to moisture, it becomes deformed.

If you are already looking for options for what improvised means you can use, then these are perhaps plastic boxes for external wiring or baseboards that can be cut and glued together.

Taking into account the above, in this case, creating an independent sprocket means purchasing a special profile and connecting elements for them (tees, doubles, etc.), cutting and connecting the elements with a crosscut saw or a hacksaw.

Functions

Layouts are actively used in modern construction. Main functions:

• decoration - the window looks stylish and modern. An original design is selected that matches the facade, to create decoration elements that will make the window openings individual and unusual upon visual inspection;
• additional protection - separators cannot withstand mechanical damage to glass, but will protect them from sudden temperature changes and distortions;
• increasing the reliability of the double-glazed window - partial load is transferred to the slats, which extends the operating time of the main structure and protects against possible breakdowns.

When giving preference to such decor, you need to remember: it must be in harmony in style with the frames, match the shapes and colors chosen for the facade of the building.

Features and rules for installing shrouds

Let's look at assembling the layout and gluing it. You will need the following :

• flat work surface: tabletop, floor, workbench;
• a miter saw, which can be replaced with a hacksaw, jigsaw, jigsaw, or grinder;
• tape measure, ruler, pencil for marking;
• pinch roller (optional);
• double-sided adhesive tape and a stationery knife/scissors for cutting it;
• degreaser and rags.

We prepare a flat surface, a countertop, a flat wide table or just a floor will do .
The plane must be level, which we check with a level. Take measurements from the window (width, height).

We cut the profile according to the measurements taken, create the selected pattern, connect the individual crossbars with cross-clamps, and lay out the assembled pattern on the work surface.

We install end caps along the edges of the cut profile. The surface of the layout that will be fixed is thoroughly cleaned, degreased, and dried . Regular double-sided adhesive tape is attached to it. Without removing the protective film, roll it with a pressure roller, increasing the force on the edges.

The window glass is cleaned, degreased, and dried. Remove the protective film and stick the entire grille, press it with a hard roller,

Important ! The pressing force should be high enough, so it is convenient to use a roller that provides sufficient, uniform pressure and at the same time eliminates pressure that could crack the glass.

To independently install the internal inter-glass false frame, you will need more experience, since you will need to pull the glass out of the sash; this procedure is a bit like disassembling a double-glazed window for wedging. This manipulation for sprockets with their spacer frame is done only by masters. And we will generally describe the more popular simplified version without the latter and without the arrangement grid.

Stages:

1. We remove the door from its hinges and place it on four stools or a flat surface to make it convenient to service.
2. We remove the fixing outer glazing bead around the perimeter (a thin strip that presses the glass). It can be lifted with a thin-bladed tool, such as a spatula.
3. We take out the glass along with its seal.
4. Assembling the grate. The process is the same as we described above.
5. We install the layout inside the double-glazed window; its ends can be secured by cutting holes on the spacer bar of the frame, inserted as a spacer or onto a special holder screwed with a self-tapping screw (as in the photo below).

If one window segment is blind and the other opens, then usually they are different in height - this must be taken into account when calculating the size of the layout, since the sashes will have different widths. In this and in all cases, it is necessary to measure each of them separately.

Here are the rules for external linings, from the portfolio of a binding company:

• The window is blown with a technical hairdryer to remove dust and wiped with a cloth containing Sika Aktivator cleaner.
• The slats are trimmed. Often they can be different in height, that is, they protrude out unevenly, for example, by 10 and 12 mm. Large blocks are placed vertically. If they are the same, then the strips with the shorter length are glued first, since they have less linear expansion.
• Pay attention to the cutting angles of the blocks adjacent to the frame: the standard bevel is 15°, but it depends on the bead and can be from 15 to 22.5°.
  Moreover, these figures are different for the internal and external sides. If everything is done correctly, the bar will fit snugly. So, cuts on the segments in contact with the glazing beads are made at an angle, chamfered so that there are no gaps. However, if the procedure is carried out not on a machine, but manually, then you can do without it, but then there will be a slight drawback.
• If you cut a profile with adhesive tape already applied, then the element must be turned towards the master with the side facing it so that the tool does not soak it.

Advice ! It is very important to decide whether spacers will be required before ordering the window, since then it will be very difficult to make the internal layout. But this does not apply to overlay external bindings - they can be glued without difficulty to a finished, already installed double-glazed window, as a rule, this is what is done.

How to glue false binding:

• Remove the protective film from the adhesive tape on the profile, but only 1-2 cm at the very edge, unfold the ends so that they can be seen on the sides from under the part. This way you can first install it in the desired position, then press this edge and stick it on. The sprocket is also secured at the other end. Then try on the horizontal layout in the same way.
• If the part comes off, the tape can be replaced (regular double-sided adhesive tape is used).
• Some profiles can be bent to create round shapes.

Features of installing double-glazed windows

Installing a plastic window with brackets is no different from installing one without these parts. An overlay external false frame can be installed both on already installed and on sashes that are being prepared for this (removed).

Also, PVC double-glazed windows, especially large ones, are often assembled on site , which makes it possible to more comfortably wedge the product, seal it, and equip it with fasteners. In this case, as in the photo below, glass is often inserted into the frame with grooves.

With structural dividers, the product is much heavier, so special attention is paid to measures to prevent sagging of the sashes. Reinforced fittings with special mechanisms against distortions are installed.

Advantages and disadvantages

We discussed the advantages and disadvantages of specific types of layouts above, so here we will make a kind of summary:

• The common advantage in all cases is an increase in decorative qualities.
• Only one type of sprocket has a positive effect on heat capacity - constructive, increasing it by 20% or more. All other varieties do not affect this quality in any way (external) or somewhat worsen this quality (especially interglazed ones with their spacer frame, but this is a very controversial accusation), since they create cold bridges.
• Only structural binding is complete and fulfills all technical tasks: it enhances all insulating properties without exception, makes the frame especially strong and rigid. All other arrangements are false and serve only a decorative function.
• All frames interfere with the care of windows, except for interglazed windows without frames with trims on the outside.

Reviews

We made a selection, analysis and generalization of real user reviews about interlocking bars on plastic windows:

• 
  Since the most popular layouts are interglazed, when ordering a window it is imperative to decide on their availability, since it is better that the product is created together with them.
  It will be difficult to deliver these elements to the finished product; it will have to be sent for rework for several days.

  There is no such disadvantage with external grilles; they can be glued at any time, but they are not practical: they interfere with cleaning, come off, and create streaks. However, they can be easily and quickly changed (simply by tearing/sticking).

• It is advisable to divide small and standard windows, as in MKD, only with thin lines; if you put thick and frequent bars, they will look like one of the sides of the cage.
• They are appropriate on large glazing and make the structure cozy and not so empty.
• The most popular for relatively small windows are gold, thin, 8 mm. Although there are reviews about 18 mm slats. At the same time, the user notes that they are beautiful and do not interfere with the view (in the photo below, on such windows already 8 mm may look too lacy).
• If there is a blind sash, then the layout can create some asymmetry.
• External false linings come off and interfere with window cleaning, so it is better to install only interglazed ones.
• There is no mention of deterioration in thermal insulation properties.
• To test the appearance, decide whether the grille will be frequent/sparse, you can stick masking tape and evaluate the appearance.

Advice ! Interglazed, also the most popular, grille inside the chamber (without external frame) is an excellent solution. The design will be excellent, and such an element will not interfere with maintenance measures, dirt will not accumulate on the crossbars.

User reviews can be found here, here, here, here, on this forum and on the website.

Conclusion

Plastic windows with frames are in tune with the overall architecture.

You already understand that frames are a constructive, and more often decorative, sheathing of metal-plastic or wooden windows, which serves for decoration and strengthening. I think the examples described in the article will help you choose the best option in terms of color, configuration and reliability.

After watching the video in this article, it will be easier for you to make your choice. And if you have any questions, write in the comments.

Average prices in the Russian Federation

It is usually difficult to determine the average price for structural requests, since they are made according to special individual orders. But, since it has the same profile as the entire structure, the cost will be at least twice as high as for a regular double-glazed window and even more , since reinforced fittings and an increased amount of insulation will be required. You can confidently raise the number by another third for a complex pattern.

A window with popular interglazed interglazing bars will cost approximately 35-40% more with a simple pattern and 50-65% with a complex pattern.

There are prices per square meter of glazing, per linear meters of internal false frame:

• sprats 25 mm (white, brown) – 600 rub.;
• white-brown, white, 18 mm – 600 rub.;
• gold, white, 10 mm – 600 rub.;
• white-brown, 25 mm – 850 rub.

Aluminum external linings cost from 600 to 1000 rubles. for 3 m, plastic will be half the price.

End caps, crosses (plastic), adhesive tape to the profile:

• Victoria end cap 25x7 mm – from 5 rubles per piece;
• cross connection Victoria 25x7 mm – 25 rub. per piece;
• Y-shaped connection Victoria 25x7 mm – from 75 rub. a piece;
• adhesive tape Duplocoll roll 25 m – from 870 rub.

Where to buy plastic windows with layout in Moscow?

Windows with square layout

The same window - with larger squares