Installing windows in an opening with your own hands: step-by-step instructions

If you are planning to replace or install new windows, you will need to learn the installation process. It all depends on how you will install the windows: either with your own hands or by hiring a third-party company. It takes approximately 4 hours to dismantle and install the structure if you do not have experience in this matter. For a company employee who does this often, such work will take no more than an hour. But installing tilt-and-turn windows yourself requires some construction skills.

Window system components

Before you begin installation, you need to understand the nuances and details. First, you should find out all the names of parts and materials. The main load-bearing part is the frame. In the version of plastic windows, its production is carried out from a plastic profile, which can be single-chamber, double-chamber, etc. A special insert is placed in the center of the structure to ensure rigidity. In plastic systems, this insert is made of plastic; in metal-plastic systems, metal is used.

The profile system is assembled from 2 or more chambers

In addition, the profile is divided into classes: premium, standard and economy. All profiles manufactured at the plant are subject to certain standards. If you want to make a choice in favor of good tilt-and-turn windows, take the standard class. In terms of color, white windows are most often found, but other colors can be used: wood, brown. Products made from colored profiles will be more expensive than white ones.

Stage 2. Order

After measurements, the finished drawing should be taken to the window manufacturer, where all the necessary fittings will be selected. It is worth remembering that installation can be performed in one of two existing ways:

through the frame in the installation plane;
by means of support fittings equipped during manufacture.

Order windows

In the first option, you will have to pull the package out of the frame, insert it into the opening and install the glass back. In the second case, the entire structure is attached as a whole. Each option has disadvantages - if you pull out the package, it may be damaged; and vice versa, if the window is installed assembled, it can be damaged due to its heavy weight.

Prices for a popular line of windows

Window

Components of a plastic window

The main element of a window unit is the frame.
The design of a plastic window includes the following parts:

frame – the main structural part;
if you have a large window, most often it is divided by a vertical partition, there may be several of them - it all depends on the choice of design;
the part that is motionless is called blind, and the part that opens is called the sash;
double-glazed windows can have different properties, for example, tinted, energy-saving, reinforced, using inert gas. In addition, they are single-layer, two-layer, three-layer or multi-layer - the choice is great;
In order for the glass to hold securely, they are pressed with a bead, which is a thin plastic strip. For tightness, a rubber seal is used, most often black;
fittings are always used - this is a special set of tilt-and-turn mechanisms that help open and close the doors and provide various functionality;
in addition, seals are needed to ensure the tightness of the entire structure;
Ventilated holes for drainage are made on the inside of the frame, which are covered with caps. Moisture formed when the temperature changes outside and inside the room passes through them to the outside;
another part of the structure is the ebb - it is mounted outside, and the window sill is installed from the inside;
parts located on the side of the frame are finished with slopes.

Low tide

The ebb and flow is an important part of the window design. Installation of a low tide on a plastic window is mandatory, since the design removes excess moisture from the room, but does not take much time. From the street side, the ebb tide is attached with self-tapping screws to the stand profile.

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To prevent water from getting inside the system, all connections must be well treated with sealant. The edges of the low tide need to be deepened into the walls. To do this, you need to first make recesses with a hammer drill.

To reduce noise from rain, the lower part of the ebb is glued with a strip of sound-proofing material or a “cushion” is made of polyurethane foam.

Is it possible to install the window yourself?

There is an opinion that installing windows in a house or apartment is a rather complicated procedure. It must be said that this is not so. What do you need to know during installation? To perform these works, you do not need special professional tools and equipment, or vast experience. The procedure includes two main points:

dismantling the old window block;
installation of a new window.

Dismantling an old window takes an average of 1.5 hours.
If we talk about the time required to complete the work, then the first stage will take about an hour and a half. Installing windows yourself will take less than three hours. It must be said that if you nevertheless decide to opt for the services of specialists, then you should demand certain guarantees from them.

If you installed the tilt and turn windows yourself, this will void your warranty. In this case, it is necessary to purchase structures directly from a manufacturer who has been working on the market for a long time and has good reviews from customers. If you decide to buy single-chamber or double-chamber windows in winter, you can always count on a significant discount.

When a window is purchased from a company that also carries out installation work, the customer has a warranty on the fittings for about 5 years. If you install it yourself, you can get a warranty directly from the manufacturer, that is, at the place of purchase.

In order to install windows in a brick house, cinder block house, gas block house or apartment, you must first order a tilt-and-turn or blind structure from the manufacturer, and this requires accurate measurements.

Comb

A simpler and cheaper ventilation limiter. The design does not allow the doors to move around in strong winds, opening and closing randomly.

The main purpose of the comb is to regulate ventilation

The comb does not provide protection for children, but it allows you to regulate the intensity of ventilation, which is very convenient. The plastic models are weak, but they still work properly for several seasons.

The price of a comb with installation is from 300 rubles.

Step-by-step instructions for correct measurements

When you place an order, you will be asked to indicate the following dimensions: the width and height of the structure, the width and length of the slope and window sill.

Before ordering a window, you must take correct measurements of the structure.

Before you start measuring, do not miss an important point - what type of opening you have: with or without a quarter. Look carefully at the window opening: if the outer part is narrower, it means there is a quarter-sized opening in front of you . The measurement is carried out as follows: you need to measure the narrowest part, you will need to measure in several places, find the smallest value, add 3 cm to it. The height is indicated as it is. If your opening is even, then the measurements are done as follows: after measuring the width, subtract 3 cm; Having measured the height, minus 5 cm. Read a detailed article about measuring windows.

Before taking measurements, you need to determine the type of window: with or without a quarter

To determine the size of the window sill, you need to add about 10 cm to the width of the opening inside the window. For low tide, the same is done, only along the outer part of the window. Everyone chooses the width for the window sill for themselves: it is better if it protrudes slightly beyond the radiator.

In addition, when placing an order, you need to decide what components your design will be made of: what options for two-, three- or single-leaf windows you need, how they will open, on which side the capercaillie is located. Don’t forget to decide on the type of fittings (handles, locks, ventilation mechanisms).

If you order several designs at the same time, the width of all openings may be different, but the height should be the same; you must choose the smallest size. Please note that window openings can be located at different distances from the floor. In apartments, the distance from the floor to the window is approximately 80 cm, while on the balcony the windows can be from the floor. Accommodation in a private house can generally be anything at the discretion of the owners.

conclusions

Now you know how plastic windows are installed, so you can safely get to work. The final check of all elements can be carried out only 24 hours after completion of installation (then the foam will have already “set”).

The described technology is quite applicable to balcony glazing, although it also has its own nuances - such as, for example, installing a parapet to create a partition.

Plastic windows

Installation of a plastic balcony block

Find out how to properly make slopes on windows with your own hands from our new article.

Features of measurements for glazing balconies

To determine the width of the glass structure, it is necessary to measure the length of the part of the balcony on which the balcony window will be installed, minus 7 cm on each side. This distance will be required for the installation of the corner profile to which the structures of the side elements of the balcony are attached. The height is calculated as the distance from the support to the roof on the balcony or loggia, and a tolerance of 3 cm must be subtracted for the gap.

Balcony measurement diagram

If the glazing of balconies will be done from the floor, then the height must be measured, respectively, from the floor to the roof. The side elements are measured in the same way, only the width is minus 7 cm for the corner profile and 3 cm for the gap with the wall of the house. Read more about panoramic glazing of balconies and loggias.

Types and parameters

The basic bottom profile differs in size, cross-section, quantity, chamber filling, length, height, thickness of outer walls, and intersection partitions. There are differences in compatibility with production systems.

Based on this, the planks are:

single-chamber - a simple basic element for fastening a PVC structure with low weight, thickness of outer walls, low cost;
two-chamber - a durable element with two chambers, designed for glazing balconies, verandas, loggias, for cold glazing;
five-chamber - endowed with high thermal insulation, energy-saving properties, rarely used for domestic purposes;
prefabricated modifications - a part of an unusual design, from 10 cm or more, equipped with vertical and horizontal sections at the same time, and have compartments for collecting sealant.

All types are intended for indoor installation and are not noticeable after finishing work. Planks of a sophisticated design completely replace windows. The cost of such models is higher, and skill is also required to mount them correctly.

Preparing to install a window structure

After you remove the old window, you will need to inspect the resulting opening, remove all parts that may fall off or collapse; if there are protruding elements, they should be knocked down. Then clean the opening from construction debris and dust. If there are large depressions, it is better to cover them with cement. You can also treat everything with primer.

The base will need to be cleaned before installation.

Having finished working with the opening, you need to prepare the PVC window, which is to be installed. To do this, you need to remove the window sashes; if it is solid, double-glazed windows. If your frame has small dimensions, then you can install it without removing the double-glazed windows and sashes . The outer part of the frame should be freed from the film that protects it.

8. Energy-saving double-glazed windows

Energy-saving double-glazed windows use special glass that blocks the outflow of heat from the room and takes maximum solar energy from the street.

Despite the skeptical reviews of many people, the effect of energy-saving double-glazed windows is present - the apartment will actually become warmer in winter.

Energy-saving double-glazed windows will make your apartment much warmer

On average, a single-chamber double-glazed window with energy-saving glass has similar thermal conductivity to a double-chamber one, but costs 20-30% less and weighs less. But you will have to sacrifice sound insulation; a special coating does not protect against noise, but the third glass does.

Therefore, it is worth installing energy-saving double-glazed windows only if it is necessary to make the glazing as light as possible, but warm (for example, on dilapidated balconies). In other cases, the benefits are rather dubious.

The price is 30-40% more expensive than the analogue with conventional glass.

Installation Technology Guide

The finished plastic window is brought into the opening, placed on support blocks and aligned horizontally. After this, using a level, the window is aligned vertically and secured in this position with spacer blocks.

Installation of both fixed windows and opening sashes is the same. There are two options for installing windows: with and without expansion of the structure. When using the first option, holes are drilled through the frame through which anchor bolts are driven into the wall. This method is more complex and more reliable.

When installing a window using the unpacking method, holes are drilled in the frame and wall, into which anchors are then driven in.

Places for attaching anchors and support blocks

If the installation is carried out without unpacking the frame, the window is secured using special anchor mounting plates, which are attached to the profile and then to the wall. This option is faster. However, it must be taken into account that under significant wind loads, the frame structure may warp or it may sag. If you decide to mount it on a plate, you should choose thick, wide options. Please note that if the region in which you live has a strong wind load or windows will be installed at a height, then you should use the option of unsealing the frame.

Mounting on anchor plates

Layout of anchor plates

There are nuances to placing a window in the opening. If the walls are made of foam blocks, brick, cinder block, gas silicate or concrete, then the frame is placed 2/3 deep from the internal thickness of the opening. If the walls are insulated with foam plastic, then the fastening must be done before the insulating layer. When insulating and facing with bricks, the window is installed in the insulation zone.

It is very important to choose the correct installation depth

The installation sequence must be followed:

Having inserted the frame, level it using support and spacer blocks;
then attach it to the wall;
after installing the structure, it is necessary to assemble the window;
then you need to check the normal operation of the shutters and all mechanisms; to do this, open and close the window;
after everything has been checked, the doors must be tightly closed and the gap around the structure must be sealed. For this purpose, polyurethane foam is used.

However, it must be remembered that in direct contact with sunlight and the external environment, the material loses its properties and is destroyed. To protect it, it is necessary to create a reliable barrier on both sides of the foamed gap; this can be a special film that must be glued to the outer and inner parts of the window. After the foam has dried, it is necessary to finish the slopes on both sides (external, internal) of the structure. You can open the window a day after blowing the gap with foam .

To ensure proper installation of both window sills and window sills, follow these simple rules:

we install the ebb from the outside in a special slot in the frame or attach it to it with self-tapping screws;
the window sill is installed as follows: it is necessary to trim it from the edges so that it fits the width of the window opening and rests against the end of the stand profile;
the level is leveled using special pads, after which the space under the window sill is blown with foam or filled with mortar.

According to the principle described above, windows are installed on a balcony or loggia, in brick or concrete walls. However, keep in mind that the entire weight of the window structure will be carried by the parapet, so you need to strengthen it.

Windowsill

Traditionally, the window sill does not differ in color from the frame and is made of PVC. Its plane can extend beyond the frame by no more than 20 mm. The opening under the window sill must be filled with foam or mortar.

From the outside, the window sill rests freely on the sealant, but from the inside it is attached either to the frame or to a stand under it. The edges of the window sill must extend under the slopes by at least 20 mm.

The thickness of the wall determines the width of the window sill. It should not protrude more than 60 mm beyond the inner plane of the wall. Then the warm air flows coming from the radiator will be able to flow around the window sill and prevent the window from fogging up.

When installing a window sill on a plastic window, you should make sure that the canvas is slightly inclined to the floor at an angle of 5-6 degrees. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture and dirt, but things left on the window will not fall.

Mistakes you can make when installing windows

There are a number of points that you should pay attention to when installing the structure so that it has a long service life:

you cannot install the window with the glazing beads facing outward, as this reduces the structure’s burglary resistance, since the glazing bead can easily be pulled out and the glass unit removed;
you need to be careful about leveling the structures when installing the window, otherwise opening and closing the sashes will be difficult;
It is imperative to protect the mounting foam from direct sunlight to avoid its destruction;
It would be wrong to choose to fix the frame structure only with mounting foam: it is absolutely necessary to attach it to the wall, otherwise it may simply fall out.

By following all the installation rules, you can successfully install the window structure yourself, and if you seek the services of professionals, you will be able to monitor their work at any stage.

Stage 4. Dismantling work

This procedure is recommended to be carried out immediately before installing a new window. In most cases, the old ones are thrown away, so the structure can be torn out along with the fastening, and if necessary, the frame can be sawed.

Removing an old window

Window dismantling

Step 1. First, the seal and thermal insulation are removed.

Step 2. Next, the plaster is removed from the slopes. To do this, it is better to use a hammer drill with an appropriate attachment (it is called a “shovel”).

Step 3. The window sill is removed and the cement layer underneath is cleaned off.

Step 4. Adjacent surfaces are treated with a primer material (by the way, many installers forget about this). In the case of a wooden opening, a layer of waterproofing material is laid around the perimeter.

The window has been dismantled

Old window

Note! Installation can be carried out at a temperature not lower than -15ᵒC. Polyurethane foam must be frost-resistant.

Basic principles of installation

taking into account temperature deformations of materials and parts (relevant for the climate of Yaroslavl);
reliable fixation of the window frame;
tightness of the assembly seam (the junction of the frame and the opening).

You can also read GOST 30971-2012 “Mounting seams of junctions of window blocks to wall openings. General technical conditions". It describes the features of installing plastic windows: stages, materials for the installation seam, solutions for connecting the window blocks to the walls.