Plastic windows: rules for perfect installation

There is no doubt that one of the conditions that provide warmth and comfort in a modern home is high quality glazing. Saving heat, illuminating rooms, beauty and harmony of the interior – all this directly depends on the windows installed in the house or apartment..

Actually, ordering high-quality windows is not so difficult, since there are respected large firms on the market, whose product quality has been tested by time. A reliable profile from a well-known European manufacturer, high-tech and efficient fittings, high-quality glass in an impeccable double-glazed unit – this is a wonderful window that can last for many years without upsetting its owner. But there is one serious factor affecting the durability and quality of window operation, which should not be forgotten. This factor is correct, competent installation. What is the use of the finest and highest quality window, manufactured on the most accurate automated line from the best and proven components, if it is incorrectly installed? That is why a responsible and serious approach to window installation is very important..

If old windows are replaced with new ones, then, naturally, the first stage of work will be the dismantling of old window structures. There is nothing difficult in this work, but one must be prepared for the fact that in an old building, when dismantling window blocks and window sills, the adjacent structures – slopes and building quarters may be significantly damaged.

Before proceeding with the installation of new windows, it is necessary to prepare the window opening for installation. Unfortunately, the workers who install the windows almost always neglect this, which leads to further problems in the operation of the windows. So, after dismantling the old structures, it is necessary to level the quarters and the surface of the opening with a cement screed, and also to seal all cracks and crevices on the surface of the opening. Such preparation of the window opening will create the conditions for a solid and tight installation of the window frame and will guarantee the avoidance of blowing. Since the drying of the cement screed will take some time, such work must be carried out in the warm season..

Next, the window frame is directly installed in the opening. The frame must be aligned vertically and horizontally and this can be checked with a spirit level. The frame is fastened to the walls using anchor plates or anchor bolts. The choice of the type of fastener, as a rule, depends on the material of which the walls are made. If the walls allow, then it is better to use anchor plates, since in this case there are no additional cold bridges, because with this method of fastening, the integrity of the frame is not disturbed. In any case, the window frame must be securely fixed in the opening and must not stagger until the assembly joint is filled with foam. After fixing the frame, the assembly seam is filled with assembly foam, which ensures tightness and reliable thermal insulation.

It is important to protect the assembly seam from moisture, since polyurethane foam is a hygroscopic material. For such protection, vapor barrier and waterproofing tapes and membranes are used. They are glued to the window frame in such a way that after installing the window and filling the joint with foam, these tapes completely cover the assembly joint. Thus, the polyurethane foam will be protected from moisture and steam both from the street and from the room, which will ensure the tightness and durability of the assembly seam..

After installing the window frame and hanging window sashes on it, you need to take into account that it takes time for the foam to completely dry. Therefore, it is categorically not recommended to open window sashes within 24 hours after window installation..

The final stage of window installation is the adjustment of the window sashes. After adjusting vertically and horizontally, the sashes should open and close without any interference, and the adjustment of the sash pressure should completely exclude blowing between the frame surface and the sash rubber seals.

Thus, the correct and technically competent installation of the window ensures reliable thermal insulation of the room and allows you to use the window for many years without any problems..