PVC windows have long proved their worth. They are multifunctional, reliable and durable. However, these indicators directly depend on how well the installation of the window system was carried out. There are only two ways: mounting windows on plates and a method of unpacking. In the first method, it is not necessary to remove the glazing bead and remove the double-glazed window from the frame. The design of the window is fastened with anchor plates, which allows the installation of the window without special skills.
Installation methods for window construction
Both methods have their own nuances, positive and negative qualities.
Unpacking or fastening through the frame using self-tapping screws
This method of attachment is characterized by the fact that the frame must be completely disassembled before installation: the blind and opening wings are removed, and only then is the installation installed through the profile with self-tapping screws.
After installing the profile, the system will have to be assembled and adjusted again. This option is used for large windows with an area of 4 square meters or more for reliable mounting of such a dimensional structure..
Here it will be appropriate to mention straightening plates, which are installed in order to avoid contact between the edges of the glass and the window profile. Their presence will ensure uniform distribution of the weight of the glass and ventilation of the seam space. The plates are made of plastic, the width of the element corresponds to the width of the glass.
Plate Installation
Installation of windows on plates begins with the acquisition of these same plates. There are universal models and made for use with a specific profile system. They are usually supplied with complex shapes. Their feature is that they have special "ears" and can be inserted into existing grooves on the surface of the frame.
Plates without ears are fastened with bolts, and with ears - with screws. Requirements for bolts: 4.5 * 25 and the presence of a drill for metal.
Installation Rules
A standard window requires at least five plates. One plate is fixed in the central part of the frame, and two on both sides: one on top and one on bottom. At the same time, 20 cm from the border of the frame should be retreated.
Installing windows without unpacking involves fixing the frame with anchor plates on the outside of the window opening. There is no need to remove glazing bead and double-glazed window. When unpacking, fasteners are provided through the frame with a preliminary analysis of the window system into components: sashes, double-glazed windows.
Mounting with plates is appropriate to use on medium and small windows, most often these are standard windows of residential buildings and apartments. Large window systems (more than 4 square meters) are mounted on anchor dowels through the frame, since the weight of this design is significant and the plates will not withstand it.
Using anchor dowels, door frames are also secured. In professional circles, among the masters of installing metal-plastic constructions, this installation method is considered the most reliable, but it has some disadvantages:
- This type of installation is difficult even for professionals. High risk of damage to the glass when removing from the frame;
- this type of fixation by one person is often not possible;
- This is a time-consuming method that takes considerable time and requires the availability of appropriate skills.
If there is a desire to install the window yourself using just this method, then you will need to buy dowels 10 * 132 mm. Of the tools, you need a powerful punch - this device is a professional and expensive equipment that is rarely used on the farm, so it’s impractical to purchase one or two windows. You can look for a company that leases construction equipment, usually perforators - this is the most popular product.
With the installation of a window on a plate, all these problems will not have to be solved. It will only be necessary to buy the plates themselves.
Difficulties in mounting on bolts
A few more reasons why you should not contact the bolt mount when installing it yourself, but you should prefer plates. In order to fix the anchor bolt, it will be necessary to drill a hole in the PVC window frame. As a result, depressurization of the glass unit camera is possible.
As a result of the fact that during drilling, there may be a violation of the reinforcement of the system, in the future there are problems when the window system freezes. As a result, excessive moisture formation occurs indoors and the appearance of mold on the surface of slopes.
With a lack of experience, not knowing the properties of the material of which the structure is made, it may turn out that it will stretch if installed incorrectly. Correcting the geometry of the window frame will be virtually impossible.
Still, there are positive qualities in fixing plastic windows to anchor bolts:
- reliability of the fastening of the structure - in order to dismantle it, it will be necessary to carry out the reverse order of work that was during installation;
- after fixing the window system, there is no need to perform additional work, as happens with fixing with mounting foam: time for solidification, alignment, cutting, finishing;
- the design can begin to be fully operational immediately after it is installed;
- a similar connection method is reliable and durable, and fastening materials in the form of bolts are commercially available and have an affordable price.
Features of mounting on anchor plates
This method of fixing the window system is as simple as possible and accessible to everyone.
Compared to the unpacking method, the method is considered absolutely safe for the window system, but the only minus is that some elements of the mounting plate after installation will remain visible. However, they can also be properly masked by hiding under the slopes during their finishing.
There is another recommendation from experts: if the window has an opening sash, which will be used very often, then the window may fail. Such fastening is recommended for moderate opening or for dull windows..
An alternative is the combined method of fastening: the upper part of the structure is mounted on the plates, and the lower is fixed with anchor bolts.
Rules for fixing the window to the plate
Self-tapping screws should be used as the fixing element. Glue or foam is not suitable. The use of a percussion mechanism to create holes is only possible for concrete surfaces.
To avoid damage to the window frame by a drill, it must be of sufficient length. Additionally, you can protect the surface of the frame by installing a piece of pvc near the reaming hole.
When installing a window in a brick opening with vertical voids, holes for fasteners are formed in interlock seams. To control the immersion of the self-tapping screw in the body of the frame, it is necessary to use a screwdriver with the corresponding function that limits the torque.
The process of attaching a window to a plate
First of all, anchor plates are fastened in increments of not more than 1 meter. In order for the frame to maintain a stable position, the fastening elements relative to the corners of the frame should be located at a distance of no more than 25 cm.
It is important to remember that the distance from the border of the window structure to the opening should be at least 2 cm. In the case when this condition is not met, recesses must be made in the surface of the opening to accommodate the fasteners. For this, the plates are installed on the frame, then it is installed in the opening.
On the surface of the wall with a pencil or crayon mark the future location of the fixtures. Then the frame is removed and, in place of the marks, a recess is made with the help of a chisel, into which the plate should enter and tightly fix. This will subsequently allow effective masking of the plates during the finishing of slopes.
At the next stage, the window structure is placed in the opening and its position is aligned using wooden blocks prepared in advance. Their thickness should not exceed 3 cm and their installation occurs only horizontally, while there is a vertical alignment, which is controlled by the level.
When the position of the frame is aligned, you can proceed to fixing the plates with dowels 6 * 40 with a concrete base or with self-tapping screws in other cases.
To avoid skewing the frame, the plates are fixed in order. First, the lower left corner is fixed, then the right one is controlled by level. The upper plates are fixed last. At the final stage, the joints are sealed with mounting foam.