As practice shows, plastic windows (PVC or Euro-windows with double-glazed windows) have higher energy saving rates than ordinary wooden ones. For this, as well as a number of other reasons, PVC windows are increasingly preferred when constructing or reconstructing a wooden house.
Of course, this is a controversial preference, however, we will not figure out which windows are better - wooden or plastic.
In this article we will look at how to independently install plastic windows in a wooden house (as well as a log house made of logs or timber). Let's do this using the example of the most common installation method.
The window installation process consists of several stages:
- Dismantling old windows in a wooden house
- Preparing openings for installing new windows
The disassembly process is most often not particularly difficult. To work, you will need a saw (chainsaw, electric saw), an axe, a nail puller or a crowbar.
If the windows are old and the window frames are rotten and worthless, then you can mercilessly destroy everything and everyone, without caring about the safety of the latter.
If the window frames are in good condition, then carefully remove them, after removing the glass. These frames can be used to construct a greenhouse, gazebo or other construction needs.
When dismantling old windows, be sure to follow safety precautions when working with cutting and chopping tools; use safety glasses when working with saws. Before sawing the structure, make sure there are no nails or any metal pins - this will save the tool (saw band) and protect you from possible injuries, since when the saw jams, it is quite difficult to hold it in your hands.
Preparing openings for installing new windows
After removing the frame, you need to make sure that the window opening is suitable for installing a new window. Namely, check the condition of the wood of the window frame, the absence of signs of rot, wormholes, cracks, chips and other damage. It is recommended to treat it with protective compounds. If the window frame is not suitable for further use, then it must be replaced with a new one. For this you will need a good, dried planed board. The corners can be fastened with locks (for example, mortise-tenon), or you can simply twist them using self-tapping screws of sufficient length. It is imperative to treat the structure with protective compounds.
When replacing a window frame, you can carry out an inspection and, if necessary, replace steam-waterproofing, insulation materials, and check the condition of the material (wood) in the window opening of the wall.
It may be necessary to replace some sections of the opening. For example, in log houses, the areas of logs located under the window opening are most often affected. In this case, the damaged areas are cut out and replaced with pieces of logs of suitable size. The replaced sections are secured depending on the possibilities - with staples, long s’mores, wooden locks (mortise-tenon).
Be sure to treat the replaced area with protective compounds.
Installation of windows in a window frame (for logged wooden houses, installation of a window frame is carried out using a frame or casing) is the most correct way to install windows. Thus, the rigidity of the opening is maintained and a strong base frame is created. But at the same time, the window itself will be able to self-regulate with seasonal fluctuations in the house (shrinkage, movement, etc.).
During installation, the window frame is leveled.
Installation of plastic windows in a wooden house
After preparation, we proceed to the window installation process itself.
First of all, we separate the window frame from the sashes; if the window is solid, we remove the double-glazed window. We do not remove the protective film from the windows - it will protect the profile from possible damage and scratches.
Window sill installation
If you need to install a window sill, we install it first. When installing, we adjust the plane using a level and backing plates (pieces of wood, plywood, etc.).
If the window sill is also made of PVC, then you need to place a washer under the head of the screw (so that when screwing it in, the screw does not fall into the cavity of the window sill). We screw the screws into the places located under the future frame (so that it is beautiful and the caps are not visible). But most often, the lower wide board of the window frame serves as a window sill, and therefore the installation of an additional window sill is not required.
Frame fitting
We place the frame on blocks about 1 cm thick and check the level for correct installation. Be sure to leave a gap of at least 1 cm on the sides and install small blocks between the frame and the window frame. They will prevent the frame from moving horizontally, prevent possible deformation of the frame during installation, and allow the window frame to be securely fastened to the window frame.
We check the flatness of the surface of the wall (window frame) and frame, not allowing the frame to protrude beyond the boundaries of the window frame.
Window frame installation
We fasten the frame using long screws to the window frame, being careful not to overtighten the screw. After installing the frame, we hang the sashes and install double-glazed windows (in blind windows).
When installing a double-glazed window into a profile, it is necessary that there is a gap of about 5-7 mm between the double-glazed window and the profile. This will prevent the glass from warping and cracking in case of possible deformations of the profile (frame) during operation (seasonal fluctuations of the building, possible distortions during shrinkage and during operation).
Vertical adjustment is made using adjustment plates.
Double-glazed window installation
Next, using a plastic bead, the double-glazed window is fixed in the PVC profile. The tenon of the bead should fit into the groove on the frame until it clicks. The connection should be made by lightly tapping the glazing bead with a wooden or rubber mallet or hammer.
Window foaming
Next, we foam the space between the window frame and the frame. We wait until the foam hardens. During this period of time, it is not recommended to open or ventilate the window to prevent frame deformation from foam expansion.
After the foam has hardened, we cut off the excess and can proceed to finishing with platbands.
Installation of plastic windows in a wooden houseVideo
The last stage is removing the protective film, the window is ready for use.
Plastic double-glazed windows have gained popularity due to their performance qualities. But can they be used in the construction and repair of wooden buildings? Of course, it is possible and necessary.
Installing plastic windows in a wooden house has a lot of differences and features. The process includes a number of preparatory manipulations, primarily related to the fact that the structure tends to sag over time.
We install a PVC window in a private house
The technology features for installing PVC windows in a wooden house of new or old construction are not very different. In any case, experts recommend technology using casing - time-tested, this technology allows you to avoid deformation, regardless of the material from which it is made.
Installing a plastic window in a wooden house or cottage with your own hands will require the performer to have some knowledge and skills. Of course, if there are none, then it is more advisable to turn to specialists. The difficulty of self-installation of PVC systems in a wooden house lies in the fact that the frame is attached using a tongue-and-groove mechanism. This design makes it possible to create operating conditions in which the deformation and subsidence of wood does not directly affect the glass unit.
The system allows you to install a plastic window yourself, so that the window is fixed independently of the main structure of the wall and has a floating character. The window system is secured using grooves on the side, which are placed on tenons protruding from the end of the logs and beams.
To fix and seal the casing, only tow, flax batting or fiber insulation are used. Never use polyurethane foam.
Attention! A gap is left at the top based on the wood's settlement.
Thus, shrinkage of the walls of a wooden building does not in any way affect the window, much less damage it. Depending on the fastenings, casings can be classified into the following types:
- into a thorn This design is characterized by the presence of a tenon, which is mounted on the side parts of the casing, and a groove, which is located in the logs of the opening;
- in the embedded timber. The basis of the fastening is considered to be a block, which is placed in a groove at the ends of the opening and passes through the casing posts;
- into the deck. The tenon is located at the ends of the window opening logs, but the groove is in the casing posts.
The box is a floating mechanism, which prevents deformation of the plastic window during operation, regardless of the type of installation of the casing.
Calculations should be made with high accuracy, since even a minor error can lead to deformation of the window frame or leakage of the structure. In addition, correct installation is the key to the quality of the plastic window itself.
How to make a pigtail (casing)
The design can be of two types: complex and simple. A simple window frame is the system described above, with bars and grooves. The complex design is performed somewhat differently: a ridge is cut out in the window opening, onto which a carriage with grooves is placed. This option is more reliable. When the walls shrink, the ridge can slide and does not allow vertical deviations, eliminating pressure on the window frame.
The casing is usually made of timber. Using a wood chisel, a 0.5 cm groove is knocked out in the center of the beam, and a tenon (0.5x0.5x.25 cm) is cut out from one end. A ridge with 0.5x0.5 cm spikes is cut out from the end of the opening logs. You can use a saw or chisel for this.
Important! Marking the ridge is an important point. The quality and reliability of the design depends on the accuracy of the markings.
After the ridge is ready, we proceed to install the risers and form the structure of the opening between them. The beams are installed level, taking into account the gaps for wall shrinkage (1 cm on the sides and 0.5 cm on top). The frame made of beams is strengthened with the help of grooves with the main fabric of the walls and dowels between them. The gaps left are sealed with tow or other fiber. That's all, now you can start installing the plastic frame directly. You can watch the process in more detail in this video:
Stage No. 3. Installation in the prepared opening
After carrying out the necessary preparatory work and installing the frame, you can begin installing the window.
Attention! Installing plastic windows in a wooden house without casing is the wrong option.
To begin with, we check the dimensions and location of parallels, the gaps between the casing structure and the frame. The margin for foaming should be: 4-5 cm at the top, 2-3 cm in width and height, 3-4 cm in the window sill area. Having made sure that the stock corresponds to these indicators, we proceed directly to installing the plastic frame.
The window is secured using special fasteners, which are sold at any hardware store. They are metal plates with holes.
Installation of a plastic window should be done level. If you neglect this factor, then you risk getting a structure with a slope, which significantly reduces the operational and aesthetic objectives of the window.
Advice! Before installing windows, the sashes are removed. This simplifies the design and makes it much more convenient to install it in the opening.
After the window is secured in the opening, it is necessary to fill the gap with foam. To avoid displacement of the structure during foaming, blocks are placed that will maintain the position of the frame without deviation. After drying, do not forget to remove it.
Fastening the window to the casing is done with care. In this case, it is necessary to choose the correct location for tightening the screws. Under no circumstances should a window be secured in the ridge area!
That's all, we finish the process by completely foaming the opening. We put the sashes on and let the foam dry.
We have presented the correct way to install a plastic window in a wooden house. This process can be difficult, so if you are unsure of your abilities, it is better to turn to professionals.
However, installing a plastic window yourself is a significant cost savings. We invite you to watch a video tutorial on how to install a window yourself:
Today you can install windows in a wooden house with your own hands, without resorting to the services of professionals. Modern metal-plastic window systems allow you to give the facade a neat, well-groomed appearance. Installation of windows with energy-saving properties significantly reduces energy consumption in a private home. A plastic window in a wooden house creates the necessary microclimate and comfort.
Features of a wooden house with PVC windows
Plastic windows are distinguished by their energy-saving properties due to their design. In order for this quality to be fully realized, normal ventilation conditions must be created in a wooden house, otherwise unpleasant phenomena cannot be avoided.
In a wooden house with PVC windows, it is necessary to properly arrange ventilation
If we talk about a newly built wooden house, then its main feature is natural shrinkage, which takes some time. This is the main condition that must be taken into account when installing windows in wooden houses in order to avoid situations where, during shrinkage, the window structure becomes deformed and fails irrevocably.
Metering
Carrying out measurements in a wooden house differs from measurements in houses made of other materials. This is due to the fact that wood is capable of changing its parameters depending on environmental influences. Having absorbed moisture, wood expands.
The gap between the window frame and the opening should be minimal, but sufficient to take into account the possible expansion of the opening when wood swells. Otherwise, window skew is inevitable.
The gap between the frame and the opening is left taking into account possible swelling of the wood If you are going to install a plastic window in an old wooden house and you plan to leave the existing wooden frame, then at the stage of making this decision, the frame should be inspected for signs of rotting and insect damage. The frame must be strong, because it will be the base to which the window will be attached.
If the existing frame is unsuitable, then measurements are made taking into account the future availability of this structural element of the window. If there are slopes, they are removed before measurements, since the window opening can be much larger when clean.
Criteria for choosing a window system
A window system consists of several components, each of which performs its own function and is important in its own way.
How to choose the right double-glazed window
The glass surface occupies the bulk of the window structure, so a greater percentage of heat loss occurs through it.
Modern double-glazed windows are characterized by the number of internal air chambers filled with inert gas, which has low thermal conductivity. Hence the name - single-chamber or double-chamber.
Three-chamber double-glazed windows have higher thermal insulation characteristics A double-glazed window consists of three glasses 0.4 cm thick, installed at a distance of 1.6 cm each. That is, 1.6 cm is the width of the air chamber.
The ability of the glass surface to resist heat loss can be enhanced by applying protective transparent or tinted layers to the windows. Tinting can be golden, silver, bronze, bottle blue or green glass.
How to choose the right profile
When installing windows in a wooden house with your own hands, it is important to take a responsible approach to choosing a profile. The shutters and window frames are made from metal-plastic profiles. It, like a double-glazed window, has a certain number of chambers in its design, which directly affects its thickness. The air in the profile chambers has a low thermal conductivity coefficient. More cameras mean higher energy efficiency of the design. For example, a five-chamber profile with triple glazing can also perform a soundproofing function.
Each window structure is equipped with a drip drain to remove accumulated moisture, as well as a special chamber in the lower part of the profile, which contains silica gel - these are small yellow granules. This substance accumulates excess condensation that can form on glass.
You can choose a profile laminated to look like wood To make a wooden wall with a PVC window look harmonious, the profile can be laminated. At the same time, the universal white color will also look good on the facade of a wooden house. The profile can be laminated in walnut, cherry, oak or mahogany - these are the most common options. In the case of lamination for natural wood species, the window sill is made in the same design, and the shimmer is chosen in brown.
How to choose fittings and seals
Fittings are an element of a window system that should not only have a beautiful appearance, but also be durable and reliable. The internal mechanisms of the tilt and turn system can withstand repeated loads. Therefore, they are made from high-quality and durable material.
The service life of windows largely depends on the quality of the fittings. The sealing material for a plastic window must withstand temperature changes and not deteriorate over time.
Checking products before installation
To avoid problems and unexpected unpleasant surprises during the installation process, it is important to first check the readiness and completeness of the products that the manufacturer must deliver to the installation site. If the delivered products are found to have obvious defects during visual inspection, they must be returned.
If the customer removes finished windows from the manufacturer’s premises using his own resources, then this check must be carried out at the place of manufacture of the products. As a rule, the company’s managers themselves offer to do this, so that the customer can then sign the work completion certificate stating that he has no complaints about the quality of the products.
The measurement results are indicated in the measurement sheet It is necessary to check the dimensions indicated in the act and, for reliability, compare them with the dimensions in the measurement sheet. A copy of it is given to the customer along with the contract, which sometimes specifies maximum permissible deviations. If there is a discrepancy, the document is not signed and the product is given to the manufacturer for rework.
If everything is normal with the dimensions, then the next step is to check the plane of the product - it should be flat, without bends or deformations. The window system is delivered assembled, so it is important to check the sash control mechanism. Then the integrity of the glass unit and the density of the sealing elements inside are checked.
Installation of windows in a wooden house on an existing frame
If the house is not new, then first you have to dismantle the old wooden windows, this must be done carefully, since some elements are quite suitable for use in a subsidiary plot. When all the preparatory work has been completed, you can begin installing the window. How to properly install windows in a modern wooden house with your own hands will be discussed below.
To install windows during construction, preparation of the opening is not required First you need to remove debris from the window frame and clean it. Next comes the installation of the window sill board. Control over the horizontal position is carried out using a level.
To prevent the window sill from “moving” during fastening, its end sides can be inserted into the side posts, where it is necessary to make appropriate recesses. The window sill board must be secured using self-tapping screws. The window must be inserted using the unpacking method, that is, it will be necessary to remove the sashes and double-glazed windows.
Wood screws are used to secure the window frame to the frame. It is important to control the vertical position of the window frame. It is placed in the center of the opening so that there is space on both sides for the installation seam. Fix its immobility with bars or wedges.
A gap must be left between the frame and the opening, which is filled with polyurethane foam. When filling assembly joints with foam, the spacers are not removed until the foam has completely hardened. And after the foam hardens, it is cut and covered with mortar or plastic covers to protect it from direct sunlight, under the influence of which the material is destroyed.
When the frame is secured, all previously removed elements of the window system are put back into place in the reverse order.
Installing a window in a log house
To avoid troubles that may occur as a result of shrinkage, openings in a log house must be carefully prepared. Installation of windows in a log house occurs with a frame or, in other words, a casing.
Installation of windows in a log house begins with the installation of a casing or frame, which ensures the independence of the window system from the behavior of the walls of the house. Wooden windows can also be installed using this method.
To install windows in a log house, first install a frame There are two types of casing when building a log house. A more common method is to make grooves in the end parts of the logs in the opening into which bars of the same size are placed. Usually it is 50x50 mm. This method is used when it is necessary to insert a wooden window.
For double-glazed windows, the second method is used: a ridge is cut out at the ends of the logs, onto which a carriage with a groove is placed, inside of which, as if along guides, the log will shrink when drying.
A carriage is a vertically oriented structure made of 150x100 mm timber, with a length greater than the size of the window by an average of 5 cm.
Installation of windows in frame houses
Do-it-yourself installation of windows in a frame house is carried out without installing casing, since the frame material of such a house is not subject to shrinkage.
Window installation diagram in a frame house Installation of windows in a modern wooden house is carried out by fastening them to anchor plates, which must be purchased in advance if they were not included with the window. During installation, it is important not to forget to control the position of the window in the horizontal and vertical plane.
The plates are attached to the end parts of the frame in five places. One in the center on top and two on both sides with a distance from the edge of the frame of at least 20-25 cm. Then the window is installed in the opening, a gap is left below for the foam, placing bars under the frame, and the frame is secured to the frame. The side gaps are also foamed.
Installing windows in a wooden house with your own hands should not cause difficulties if you follow the technology of installation work and take into account the specifics of a log house.
Self-installation of a window structure allows you to save money, but incorrect work only increases costs in the future. For houses made of wood, there is a special technology for installing PVC windows.
Advantages and disadvantages of PVC structures
Installation requires a person to have special skills and knowledge; if they do not have those, then it is better to study the topic in detail. The best fixation system is a tongue-and-groove system, which allows you to avoid deformation when the wood shrinks, which has a negative impact on the performance properties of the metal-plastic window structure. New buildings are more susceptible to shrinkage, but even in houses built a long time ago, shrinkage can occur.
Professionals note that a wooden house sags by an average of 20 mm per year. It is not so easy to determine this with the naked eye, but by looking at the window design it is very easy.
It is rare, but it happens that for several years no deformation occurs, and then under the influence of the environment the distortion becomes visible. To prevent this from happening in a wooden house, casing must be done before installing the window. This is a very complex and painstaking process, but it cannot be excluded. If you carry out installation, as in a brick house, you will need constant adjustment of the fittings in the window structure. Plastic structures have many advantages, which is why they are in great demand on the market. Among them it is worth highlighting the following:
- low operating costs, since such a window does not need to be painted or treated against insects;
- the durability of the material, which is resistant to changes in ambient temperature, is not affected by ultraviolet radiation, does not corrode and does not rot;
- good frame rigidity;
- fire safety;
- no cracking or warping.
All these advantages make the window design suitable for all regions of our country. PVC copes well with the tasks set both in the south and in the north. But, like any material, polyvinyl chloride has disadvantages, since it is far from ideal. Among them are the following:
- the inability to maintain the required level of humidity in the house, since such structures are completely sealed;
- such a window cannot be repaired if the surface is damaged;
- there is always a lot of dust on plastic because it attracts it with static electricity;
- the material has a high coefficient of thermal expansion, so the places where the plastic adjoins the wall are often damaged;
- Wood has better sound and heat insulation than plastic.
Important nuances
Installing plastic structures in a wooden house has its own characteristics. It doesn’t matter whether such windows are installed in a timber or log house, the technology must be strictly followed. When installing a plastic window, it is worth remembering that the shrinkage of the wood causes additional pressure on the frame. This is one of the reasons why casing cannot be done without.
It is not always a good idea to use polyurethane foam in the space between the top strip of the window and the wall, since it becomes quite rigid when it dries and also creates unnecessary pressure on the structure. In this case, all the benefits of casing are nullified.
If you do not take into account the gap between the frame and the wall, and calculate the incorrect dimensions of the window, you will have to increase the opening, since it will not be possible to install a window that is too large without negative consequences. After foaming the gaps from the outside, it is better to install PSUL tape; it will not only protect from ultraviolet rays, but also from moisture.
Polyurethane foam, for all its advantages, quickly degrades and loses its properties if it is not protected. Inside a timber dacha, this must be done using a vapor barrier, and waterproofing will help on the outside. Most window distortions occur when it is not installed level. Fittings in this design fail twice as quickly and require replacement.
We must not forget about the cold zone, in which the window begins to freeze from the side of the slopes, and condensation appears inside.
Manufacturers emphasize the tightness of PVC structures and excellent noise insulation as one of the main advantages of windows of this type. In fact, the wooden frame has natural ventilation, due to which the level of humidity in the room does not increase; the same cannot be said about PVC windows.
During their installation, in order to eliminate problems with condensation in the future, you need to install ventilation yourself, and if there are no special holes, you will have to try hard.
The situation is greatly simplified by supply valves, which are special profiles installed on a plastic window.
I can't help but be pleased with the ease of installation. The user will need to remove the seal already present in the window structure and place the valve on the sash. It can be easily secured with self-tapping screws, but you will need to think through the exhaust hole, otherwise the system will be of no use.
No one will be happy that companies that install plastic structures in a wooden house do not guarantee their work, since they cannot fully predict the behavior of PVC. Even if you comply with all norms and requirements, there is no guarantee that after several years of operation the window will not stop working.
Manufacturing of casing
Only the casing protects the window structure in the log house from distortions, bends and other types of deformations. The casing boards must be dry and strong, otherwise they will not be able to complete the task. A board whose thickness cannot be less than 5 cm or a beam 15x10 cm is suitable for this. The thickness of the element is always equal to the thickness of the wall.
The rules for building an old wooden house do not change. The situation is completely different with frame buildings, since they do not shrink. Such houses are already created with openings for windows and doors; they have the necessary rigidity for installation. A log house that has stood for more than ten years also does not shrink.
Casing can be done in different ways, such as:
- spike-monolith;
- embedded timber;
- into the deck.
The most reliable of the three options is the last one, but it is also considered the most labor-intensive. Those who do not have enough skills and abilities are recommended to do casing using the second method. It is necessary to make grooves in the middle of the window opening, vertical to each other with dimensions of 5x5 cm. As an assistant, you can use a circular saw, chainsaw, ax and even a chisel.
Before driving the timber into the groove, it must be wrapped in linen. The seal will be located between the wall and the element, but it should extend slightly onto the window opening.
An edged board is placed on the block and secured with self-tapping screws at the top and bottom. Two bolts are enough in each case. Before doing this, it is worth drilling a recess slightly larger than the diameter of the cap. If a monolith tenon is used, the T-shaped beam is cut out in advance and then installed in the existing groove, after which it is secured with self-tapping screws to ensure reliable fastening.
Elements of the window structure, located vertically, should be located at a distance of 8 cm from the top of the window opening. That is, a five-centimeter beam laid on the upper jamb should be at a distance of 3 cm from the wall. It is this distance that is taken as the shrinkage gap.
The top strip of the window should not dangle in the grooves; it should only go in with force. The final fastening is made with self-tapping screws, which are driven in at an angle. The final work at this stage can be considered the installation of insulation. The gap is closed with polyurethane foam, which can be laid in one or several stages. If it is necessary to apply the composition twice, then you should wait ten minutes until the first layer hardens. In hot weather, the foam must be moistened with water from a spray bottle.
The material quickly deteriorates under the influence of the sun and other weather conditions, so it is covered with a vapor barrier on the inside, and a windproof membrane is used on the outside.
It is prohibited to use a vapor barrier on both sides, since then moisture will accumulate under it, and this will contribute to the formation of mold.
Installation
You can install a window structure with your own hands, insert the structure into a box, install a window sill, make slopes, but it is better to first study the technology so as not to spoil everything. The main tools you will need are the following:
- level;
- polyurethane foam;
- screwdriver;
- drill;
- spray;
- key to adjust windows;
- chisel;
- bolts;
- spacer wedges.
It's easier to install windows with a partner, since not everything can be done on your own. It is worth understanding that a double-glazed window has an impressive weight and it is impossible to hold it while carrying out work alone. Before installation, it is better to check the measurements taken to determine the presence of gaps. There should be 5 cm left for foaming on top, 3 cm on the sides, and 4 cm at the place where the window sill is installed.
Improper installation in a wooden village house will cause many problems in the future.
Before installation, it is imperative to purchase special fasteners from a hardware store, which are metal plates with holes made. Professionals advise using them, stipulating this requirement by the fact that the use of self-tapping screws that penetrate the frame completely deprives it of its tightness, and accordingly reduces the level of thermal insulation.
The window is installed only according to the level and nothing else; distortions threaten to cause rapid damage to the plastic product and breakage of the fittings. Be sure to remove the sashes from the window, thereby reducing the weight of the frame at the time of work. The insert must be positioned evenly and attached only to elements dictated by the standard. When foaming the gaps, you can prevent them from moving by placing bars under the frame, and then removing them.
It is important to choose the correct location of the screws; it is strictly forbidden to screw them in at the location of the ridge.
Okosyachka
The pigtail is assembled after preparing the window opening. The upper part is cut out of a 15x4 cm board and grooves are created through which it will be attached to the ridge. This part of the opening is located at the top; it must be flat and free of kinks, otherwise difficulties will arise later with the installation of the plastic structure.
The protrusion, which plays the role of a ridge, is covered with rolled tow, and then a carriage is put on - a prepared wooden element with a cut groove. This is done in order to improve thermal insulation and get rid of squeaking. The upper part of the pigtail must be screwed to this element with self-tapping screws, but so as not to affect the ridge.
Double-glazed window
Double-glazed windows are delivered to the installation site assembled; before installation they must be disassembled, this is the only way to reduce the weight of the structure. Using a special key, it is necessary to remove the upper pins that hold the sash open.
Then the handle is turned and when open, the sash is easily removed from the lower fastening, but it is worth remembering that this is the heaviest part of the structure.
To knock out the glazing beads and remove the glass unit, you need to use a spatula or a hammer and a knife. Carefully moving the element away, you should simply remove it from the frame. The short sides can be slightly pryed from the corner and pulled.
Experts advise immediately removing the protective film from the outside of the window structure before it sticks to the surface and reacts with the plastic under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. Then it will be almost impossible to tear it off. It is necessary to drill holes for the dowels, which should be located at a distance of no more than 20 cm from the corner, and no more than 70 cm from each other.
Plastic windows can reduce heating costs, since the sealed design prevents the formation of drafts. It is impossible not to note the aesthetic appeal of such products and the cost savings on maintenance. But plastic windows will only meet the requirements if the installation was carried out correctly.
Self-installation of PVC structures in a wooden house has some difficulties, which is why it should be done in accordance with the instructions of specialists. The time of year does not affect the installation process in any way. The availability of modern technologies allows work to be carried out with equal success in summer and winter, when polyurethane frost-resistant sealant is used.
Many users are unhappy with the accumulation of condensation and say that moisture constantly accumulates on the inside. This can be avoided by simply ventilating the room or installing exhaust devices and a high-quality ventilation system. In cold weather, you can immediately determine the presence of poor sealing; the condensation that appears will indicate places where it is necessary to foam more.
If the installation is carried out by workers, you should make sure that the installation of plastic windows is carried out according to established standards, then in the future you will not have to face unpleasant surprises. A professional installer will not work in sub-zero temperatures.
Unlike foam or reinforced concrete buildings, wooden houses have high instability. This term refers to minimal but constant shrinkage of the structure. The tree “shrinks out” not in 2-3 years, as some experts believe, but in at least 5 years. Of course, shrinkage visible to the naked eye occurs during the first 12 months, but then the home continues to decrease in volume. If you do not take this property into account and, for example, install a plastic window in a wooden house by analogy with reinforced concrete structures, you can seriously pay for the miscalculation.
The shrinkage of timber and logs is from 1 to 2 cm per meter of masonry. That is, a two-story wooden house can reduce its height by 10-12 cm after 5 years. If the owners decide to install plastic windows using generally accepted technologies, they will be disappointed within a year. The entire weight of the structure will put pressure on PVC products; First, the doors will stop opening, and then the frame will crack altogether, ceasing to perform thermal insulation functions. But you don’t need to take extraordinary measures to properly install plastic windows - just install a frame in the window opening.
Design Features
The purpose of the frame (otherwise known as casing) is to give the windows complete independence from the load-bearing walls of the house. The design has several undeniable advantages:
- it eliminates even the minimum vertical load on the window, since it does not allow the logs to move;
- does not interfere with the natural shrinkage of the house;
- serves to strengthen the house in the area of the window opening.
There are two types of casing. In the first case, grooves are made into which wooden blocks of the same dimensions as the window opening are placed. In the second, a ridge is cut out in the latter, onto which a carriage (a log hewn on opposite sides, better known as a gable beam) with a groove is fixed.
It is advisable to install plastic windows in a log house (or timber house) with an assistant, since installation of the frame requires high precision, and the weight of the double-glazed window is sometimes difficult for one person to handle.
Required Tools
To install PVC windows, you will need a basic set of construction supplies, including:
- drill;
- screwdriver;
- chisel;
- building level;
- roulette;
- mallet (wooden hammer);
- self-tapping screws no more than 10 cm long (extended versions will violate the integrity of logs or beams);
- polyurethane foam;
- spacer wedges made of wood;
- spray bottle with water;
- gloves.
In addition, you will need a special adjusting hexagon for window structures. There are hundreds of videos on the topic of installing windows in wooden structures that are easy to find. However, the basic and most valuable tips are given below.
Surface preparation stage
The first thing you need to do is dismantle the old window. If its condition is not bad, it may be useful in another matter (for example, when building a country greenhouse). Removing windows is done carefully so as not to damage the wooden walls. After this, the opening is cleared of dust and dirt.
Measuring the parameters of a window opening should be as accurate as possible. It is advisable to record the obtained values on paper. Installing a new window is simple, but just one millimeter of miscalculation can seriously warp it.
If the contour of the opening is not completely smooth, it will have to be leveled using putty or sealant. A properly prepared surface for a new PVC product is characterized by ideal geometry (right angles).
It is also necessary to maintain a reserve for shrinkage at home. This is about 6 cm in height, 2 cm in height and sides for foaming, 4 cm under the window sill.
Depending on the time of year and the current stage of construction, ordering double-glazed windows either precedes dismantling or becomes the final stage. Few people would want to install a window in a wooden house and replace it after a year or two, so you need to take some points into account. The buyer should decide on the number of sashes, the direction of their opening, the shape, size, and color of future products. And, of course, you should order from reliable manufacturers.
Installation instructions for PVC windows
The ideal distance from the floor to the window sill will be 80-90 cm. This is slightly higher than the desk. The user must rest freely on the window sill, bending the body minimally. The further sequence of actions is given below.
- Accurate markings are made for the side and bottom tenons (5x5 cm), after which they are cut out.
- In previously prepared and well-dried boards (preferably inch), holes are cut out that will fill the tenons.
- The window opening and the frame blank are treated with antifungal impregnation.
- Insulation (jute tape, tow, etc.) is attached to the tenon using a construction stapler.
- The casing structure is installed in the opening, starting from the window sill. Its elements are connected with self-tapping screws, and the joints are coated with sealant.
In general, the window frame is ready, all that remains is to insulate the upper landing gap. The same jute will do; the opening is caulked as tightly as possible. Now you can install a plastic window inside the opening. To do this, do the following:
- Insert the glass unit into the opening, perfectly aligning it with the front edge. Apply a level to make sure the geometry of the sides is correct. To make work easier, first remove the sashes from the insulation units.
- Fix the frame inside the opening using self-tapping screws, having previously drilled holes in it.
- Fill the gaps between the glass unit and the casing with polyurethane foam.
- While the foam has not hardened, install the window sill and screw it.
- After the foam has dried, waterproof it on the outside with acrylic sealant, sealing tape or a vapor-permeable membrane, and on the inside with vapor barrier tape.
Due to the installation of an additional structure (casing), it may seem that it is difficult to install windows in a timber or log house, but this is not so. To be confident about the durability of the structure and the reliable performance of functions by PVC products, it is better to allocate a couple of hours for additional work. The casing will allow you to avoid unnecessary expenses as the home shrinks, and will also save the plastic novelty from deformation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6s3VKuxmy4o Video can"t be loaded: Installing a plastic window in a casing in a wooden house or log house (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6s3VKuxmy4o)