The final stage after the installation of metal-plastic windows is the internal and external decoration of the window slopes. Various materials can be used for interior work, but the best are the slopes for windows made of sandwich panels. This is due to the technical characteristics of the material used and the ease of installation. How to make slopes from sandwich panels will be described below.
What are slopes
This is a structural element of the niche of the window opening in the form of lateral internal walls. Window decoration is mandatory, as the functioning of the window structure depends on it. Filling the installation joint with foam requires protection from the environment.
Polyurethane foam is a porous material that insulates the seam, but at the same time is able to absorb moisture and collapse under its influence. If the foam is securely closed, then you do not have to worry that over time the windows will fog up or freeze in the winter.
Thanks to the aesthetic appearance of the material, the finish of the slopes of the sandwich panels has a neat appearance.
Sandwich Panel Composition
PVC sandwich panels for slopes are of two types: two and three-layer. Two-layer products consist of a decorative outer plastic layer and expanded polystyrene on the reverse side. The three-layer product has a decorative layer on both sides, which provides a more rigid structure that retains its shape well.
A decorative plastic layer can be made in any color scheme, and can also imitate various textures, therefore sandwich panel windows of this type can be trimmed in any interior.
Due to the use of extruded polystyrene foam as the main material of the product, a maximum energy-saving effect is achieved. And thanks to the zero thermal conductivity of products, you can not worry about fogging the windows and frames.
When arranging slopes on the windows, it is recommended to use plastic sandwich panels having two layers. In this case, additional insulation of the inner layer coated with plastic is not required.
Positive traits
The sandwich is used in the manufacture of deaf elements of balcony and street doors, as well as balcony walling. Doors with sandwich panels installed below prevent heat from escaping. This is due to the fact that panels for slopes of windows and doors have the following positive qualities:
- The sandwich is lightweight with sufficient strength.
- Thanks to the polystyrene foam filler, heat losses are eliminated, the energy efficiency of the room is increased and optimal microclimatic conditions are created. No wonder expanded polystyrene has established itself as a reliable insulation.
- The possibility of laminating the surface to create a single compositional integrity with the window system makes it a modern universal finishing material.
- You can select the size of the material depending on the parameters of the window opening.
- Plastic slopes are resistant to moisture, temperature extremes and exposure to biological substances.
- Warm slopes for plastic windows are not susceptible to rot and mold.
- Finishing the slopes of plastic windows with this material allows you to increase the noise insulation properties of the window system.
- Simplicity of installation of window slopes and care of them.
Material Features
It is important to acquire high-quality material, because otherwise, under the influence of direct sunlight, the panels may lose their shape and turn yellow.
When working with this material, care should be taken when mechanically acting on it, for example, cutting. The material is quite brittle and you can damage the sheet if you do not calculate the force.
With a lack of space between the window hinge and the wall, this material cannot be installed. It is important to consider that the window opening when using this material will decrease on both sides by the thickness of the panels.
Transporting products can be difficult because the sheets are large. However, in some stores they are cut into smaller fragments.
Advantages over other finishes
If you are planning to finish the slopes of plastic windows with your own hands, then insulated panels are the most successful option.
When using drywall, you will have to purchase more material than is required for a single window. Working with this material is considered time-consuming and requires certain skills.
Plastering will take a lot of time and effort. If there is no experience with plaster, then creating a smooth surface will be very difficult. It will take time to dry the plaster layer. The process itself is associated with significant environmental pollution.
The use of other materials, such as MDF, will look strange. With a plastic window frame, a trim element from the same material will look more harmonious.
Preparation for work
To install the slopes from the sandwich panels with your own hands, you will need the following tools and devices:
- Several spatulas of various sizes and miter boxes, so that you can cut the slab in compliance with the required angle;
- Jigsaw or hacksaw for working with metal;
- Screwdrivers or screwdriver;
- Measuring tools in the form of level and tape measure;
- "Liquid nails" and a gun for them;
- Furniture stapler.
Before installing a sandwich panel for slopes, it is necessary to prepare:
- Window sills and plastic windows should be closed with polyethylene or cardboard;
- The surface of the wall is inspected for mold or dampness;
- With a clerical knife, cut off the excess foam;
- At this stage, it is important to evaluate the strength of the base, if it is partially destroyed, then it must be restored;
- Before finishing slopes with sheets, they must be treated with a primer with an antiseptic composition. This is done in order to prevent the spread of mold;
- Installation of slopes from the sandwich panels involves sealing all joints that will be hidden under them with sealant.
Installation of slopes from a sandwich of panels will be made qualitatively with the correct measurement of an aperture.
Installation
Do-it-yourself slopes of sandwich panels on plastic windows are done in three ways: using foam, liquid nails, or battens.
Who did the installation on the foam, knows that this method is the easiest. The slope for the window from the sandwich panels is mounted in several stages:
- In order to cut out a part of the required size from a sheet, it is important to correctly remove all parameters;
- Then the start profile is installed.
- Then it is necessary to transfer the dimensions to the sheet of the facing material and cut out the necessary elements;
- First, install the upper element in the groove of the starting profile;
- A small layer of mounting foam with a minimum expansion coefficient is applied to the seam between the wall and the panel, fixing it with molar tape;
- In the same way, the side elements are fixed and fixed;
- After the foam has hardened, it is cut off and the seam is closed with a decorative plastic corner. Joints are treated with sealant.
It is important to know that the finish of the slopes should not be postponed indefinitely, but should be carried out immediately after the drying foam.