Do-it-yourself installation of metal-plastic windows

Recommendation points

• Tool
• Measurements
• Dismantling an old window
• Window installation
• Completion of work

For some reason, many believe that only specialists who have completed training or advanced training, as well as have significant experience in construction, can insert plastic windows with high quality. In fact, this is another myth, or at least a delusion. To change your point of view, it is enough to familiarize yourself with the features of the technological process for the installation of PVC windows.

Tool

This is the first factor that speaks in favor of inserting metal-plastic windows on your own. In the process of work, you will need tools and devices that are available in any house where there are male hands:

• measuring tape
• level
• hammer (the heavier the better)
• chisel
• pointed screwdriver
• pliers, pliers, or pliers
• hacksaw
• nail puller
• drill or hammer drill

Measurements

In order to determine the size of a plastic window, you will need a measuring tape, patience and care. You also need to determine the profile of the window opening. If it has quarters, then the window should overlap them by 10-15 mm on each side, otherwise – between the opening and the window along the entire perimeter there should be a gap of the same 10-15 mm.

Dismantling an old window

This process does not require special skill, but only compliance with safety rules. With the help of a nailer or crowbar, the sashes are pushed in and removed from the hinges. The box is disassembled with the same tool, as well as with the help of a hacksaw (or jigsaw). As a rule, slopes prevent the removal of the box, so they have to be knocked down with a chisel and hammer. The external ebb is removed with a screwdriver and pliers, the window sill is torn off using the same crowbar or nail puller. If the old structural elements of the window are fixed in the wall very firmly, then you can also use a punch or drill. After that, the window opening is thoroughly cleaned of dust, plaster residues, putty and thermal insulation.

Another compelling reason that prompts you to independently insert metal-plastic windows is the fact that hired specialists, during the dismantling of the old window, literally smash the floor of the wall, knocking down all the slopes and plaster and throwing kilograms of debris and dust onto the room. All this can be done much more accurately with your own hands..

Window installation

At the beginning, the sashes are carefully removed from the plastic window. It is possible to further lighten the frame by removing the glass unit from it, however, if possible, it is desirable to avoid this operation, since it is possible then to ensure the tightness of the connection. Next, you need to screw the mounting plates to the frame with self-tapping screws, so that they provide attachment to the inside of the walls. The plates are screwed in at a distance not exceeding 200 mm from the corner of the frame and 500 mm from each other. Although for the windows of apartments in multi-storey buildings, two fasteners on one side are quite enough.

Then, lining bars or an installation profile are placed on the bottom of the window opening. After that, a self-adhesive seal is laid along the perimeter of the frame, while it is necessary to ensure that after installing the window it does not look out. Further, the frame is placed on the bars or profile and is very tightly clamped in the window opening with wooden wedges. Now the time comes for a very crucial stage – the window must be installed in a strictly vertical plane. Once this has been achieved, holes are drilled through the mounting plate with a drill 8 mm in diameter and 60 mm deep and plastic dowels are inserted. Then, using self-tapping screws, the window is finally fixed, and the bars and wedges are removed. After that, the installation of the window sill is carried out. It is wound under the frame and adjusted to the size of the window; caps are glued on the sides with instant glue. Finally, the window sill is laid on cement glue and screwed to the frame with self-tapping screws.

Completion of work

At the very end of the work, you should use foam and carefully, in several steps, seal up all the voids between the installed frame and the window opening, as well as under the window sill, having previously evenly distributed various heavy objects over its surface. It is also possible to additionally cover the foamed areas with vapor barrier tape. Next, the sashes are hung and the window is ready.

This is how you can insert plastic windows and save up to fifty percent of the funds provided for replacing old windows with new ones..