Modern pvc windows are multifunctional structures that protect the home from bad weather and atmospheric precipitation, retain heat, can provide enough fresh air and natural light, contribute to creating a comfortable microclimate in the room. Each element of a metal-plastic window construction, for example, ebbs for windows, plays its important role.
Low tide functions
The function of the element is to organize unhindered water flow, which is formed on the surface of glasses and frames due to weather conditions. High-quality installation of this element affects the long-term operation of the plastic window as a whole. Indeed, when moisture gets on the frame or window sill, the building materials used in these zones begin to rapidly collapse. If the facade is plastered, then the decorative layer begins to fall off.
Window tint with a low tide looks neat and harmonious. On pvc windows, castings are made of various materials and in different colors, so they can be selected for any window and facade.
To fit into the overall performance of the facade of the building, the tide should not look defiant and massive. Manufacturers of plastic windows and additional elements offer the production of ebbs of the required length, width and color to order.
During the construction of a new house, the installation of ebbs should be carried out at the stage of facade work, when it is possible to seal seams and joints with high quality. When installing a window in an already built house, ebb installation should be done at the stage of installing a new window or balcony glazing. When glazing the balcony, the upper tide is also installed, which is attached to the upstream balcony slab.
So that the installation technology of the plastic window is not violated, you should worry about acquiring the ebb even at the stage of placing an order for the manufacture of a window system.
If the measurements of the window opening for installing PVC windows are performed by a representative of the manufacturer, then in the measurement sheet it will reflect the main dimensions of the recommended product, while the customer’s wishes regarding the width and color will be taken into account.
If the facade has several visually identical window openings, this does not exclude an error in their overall parameters relative to each other. Typically, the height of such openings is the same, but the width may vary slightly.
Therefore, for each specific window, casting must be made according to individual measurements in order to reliably ensure the fulfillment of its basic functions regarding the protection of the window structure and facade from moisture.
Materials of manufacture
Products may not be made from all materials. Using unsuitable material may result in rust on the product and dark smudges on the walls.
In order to avoid such troubles and unjustified financial expenses, it is enough to figure out which materials are applicable for the manufacture and installation of window tides. Window sills are made of galvanized steel, polyvinyl chloride, sheet metal, copper and extruded aluminum. You should consider the features of ebbs from different materials in more detail.
Sheet steel
The most common type of casting is made of galvanized steel.. There are elements with a zinc coating, which is several times more expensive, but can be painted in different colors with the help of polymer paints.
Galvanized window castings are often made in white and brown - this is a standard look. White ones install white windows on PVC, and brown ones - on windows with a laminated wood surface: mahogany, walnut, cherry, oak.
On the ebbs from the sides, plastic end plates are installed in the same color as the product itself. They can be found on windows made of natural wood, and on the facades of various buildings: wooden, brick, block, so the elements can be considered universal products.
Service life is measured in decades. During installation, special skills and special devices are not required, and if desired, steel castings on the windows can be done with your own hands. The structure is coated with powder paint, which over time may undergo burnout or cracking. You have to be prepared for this.
The only drawback is the characteristic noise that occurs as a result of rain, hail or gusty wind. The latter should not occur with a quality installation.
Aluminum
This is a more expensive product for the window compared to the steel counterpart. The reason for this is increased strength characteristics and operational life.. Their width can reach up to 35 cm. The strength of the coating of aluminum casting is due to the use of surface anodizing technology - coating with an oxide layer.
By color, such products are only brown and white, and if necessary, they are painted in a different color, as is the case with galvanized models - with powder paint. Sound effects during rain can also be considered a disadvantage..
Plastic
Polyvinyl chloride is a practical and durable material without any drawbacks. It is moisture resistant, not susceptible to atmospheric influences, simply mounted and does not require special care, has a pleasant appearance.
This is a modern type of ebb, which is not yet very common. It looks impressive, but when it comes to high strength, it turns out that this concept is relative, so you can install such tides on the facade of not every building.
For example, do not put them on the windows in close proximity to schools, sports or playgrounds - a hit from the ball can break the plastic tide. Plastic is suitable for installation on the window of a private house, as it is easy to care for and the facade will always look clean and well-groomed.
Due to the fact that this material has a low weight and does not create additional load on the facade, it can be used for the manufacture of low tide buildings, subject to restoration work.
The suitability of this material in terms of durability is extremely doubtful. Sooner or later, under the influence of direct sunlight, the plastic will begin to lose its plastic properties and become brittle, it may crack. Even with the formation of small cracks, invisible to the eye, but inevitable for this material, moss and lichen will grow in them.
Installation of the tide provides for the observance of the necessary slope and the product of high-quality sealing of the seams. It is also important to consider the climatic conditions of the region. If subzero temperatures prevail, then plastic tides will not last long.
Metal tide
Alloy steel is used for the production of the element, that is, the coating composition is characterized by a zinc content, which makes the product extremely resistant to atmospheric manifestations.
The positive qualities of the metal casting are a long service life and a variety of color solutions.
Epoxy resin
It is a heavy-duty modern material, which is based on fiberglass. Corrosion is not afraid of such tides. Their peculiarity is that the elements can be installed as an independent product, or as an overlay on an already existing tide.
Outflows from this material are not characterized by the most common drawback - noise during precipitation, the epoxy surface absorbs it. Unfortunately, epoxy castings are available in only three color options: white, brown and black.
General installation requirements
If the initial installation of ebbs on windows was made in violation of the technological process, then this will become known after a considerable period of time, and the correction of errors will require time and financial costs. Therefore, installation of the ebb is important to perform correctly the first time.
- A major role is played by thorough sealing of all places where the product touches the wall, window frame and side slopes. In this case, the sealant plays the role of an auxiliary material, since it will lose its properties in a few years. At the installation stage, the choice of building material is important - high-quality mounting foam.
- The width of the tide should exceed the width of the slope by at least 2 cm. This will ensure that water does not fall from the surface of the glass onto the walls..
- The strict horizontal position of the tide is a guarantee that moisture will not accumulate in one corner and characteristic ugly spots will not appear on the wall. With a uniform distribution of moisture on the surface of the product provides its rapid evaporation.
- If it is supposed to install ebbs on the windows, which they will later stand on their feet with, then the base under it should be made of cement-sand mortar. Foam in this case will not work, as it will not withstand such significant loads.
- If the slopes are finished with plaster mortar, then this allows you to cut into it the extreme edges of the ebb by 1 cm, thereby preventing the formation of leaks in the structure.
Low tide
Installation of window tides occurs in the following sequence:
- A prefabricated ebb is delivered to the installation site along with a plastic window.
- Installation of waterproofing tape for low tide.
- The gap at the junction of the ebb to the frame is closed with mounting foam.
- To the fake profile, the ebb is fixed using self-tapping screws. If the house is brick, then a stand profile is not provided, and the tide is attached to the lower quarter of the opening with screws.
- In a place where the ebb is in contact with the wall, a cement mortar is laid or sealed.
- From the bottom, the ebb is fixed with mounting foam, while it is important not to forget about its ability to secondary expansion, as a result of which the ebb can rise and lose the necessary slope. To prevent this from happening, until the foam hardens, the tide is fixed in the desired position.
- The fastening of the extreme edges to the slopes and their installation behind the wall will ensure that water drains to the surface of the ebb. Therefore, the ebb must be installed before finishing the street slopes.