Today on the market there is a fairly large number of different window sills, which are made of plastic, wood and other materials. The installation of such structures by specialists will be expensive, therefore many want to know how to properly install a window sill with their own hands.
The plastic profile is an environmentally friendly material, and all structures that are made from it are carefully checked.
Such windowsills have many advantages:
Such structures can be installed even by a person who does not have the relevant work experience, while special tools will not be needed. The plastic window sill can be installed on any window in the room or on the balcony.
In order to properly mount such a window sill with your own hands, you need to know the sequence of actions.
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To install a plastic structure, it is necessary to measure the parameters of the window.
There are several options for installing such structures. In the first case, the window sill is fixed with a special compound. This method is outdated and is rarely used today, as other, more modern and convenient ways installation.
In order to be able to quickly, self-tapping screws should be used. In this case, it will be necessary to drill a hole in the frame into which the fasteners are installed. The joint should be sealed with a silicone-based sealant. The extreme part of the window sill is wound under the frame and attracted with self-tapping screws. The rigidity of the structure can be made with special pads. The place under the windowsill must be treated with polyurethane foam.
During the installation of such structures, you can also use metal spring brackets. They should be screwed to the profile with self-tapping screws. The product is installed in the groove that is formed between the frame and the fastening element.
In the last method, such additional devices as self-tapping screws or staples will not be used. This method is labor intensive, but the most reliable. The installation principle is that special linings are installed under the structure so that its edge fits snugly under the window frame.
The last 3 methods are used quite often. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, it is impossible to fix a plastic window sill on self-tapping screws if the sash opens. All methods differ only in the method of inserting PVC window sills into the frame, all other stages of work are identical.
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The first step is to purchase everything necessary tools and materials. The quality of the work performed will depend on the quality of the tools used.
Items you need:
In order to correctly install the structure for PVC windows, measurements should be taken. Strength and how well the structure will cope with its functions depends on measurements. With incorrect measurements, the design will not have the best appearance.
You should know that it will not work to fix the installed plastic or wood sill in case of incorrect measurements. In this case, all installation work will need to be done again.
In the process of measurements, it is necessary to take into account the properties and characteristics of the plastic, as well as a number of some other parameters. These parameters include the height of the batteries located under the windows. If the distance between the two structures is small, then air circulation will be disrupted, as a result, the microclimate will deteriorate.
When measuring the installed window sill, you need to take into account the fact that its length should be several centimeters larger than the width of the window. The width of the structure can be chosen based on your own preferences, but the distance between the wall and the window sill should not be more than 8 cm. If the window sill has a large width, this may affect the functions of the radiators. In the process of sizing the structure, it is necessary to check the air circulation that forms in this area.
Products are installed end-to-end against a plastic window, therefore a special profile must be attached to them, which will be used to fix the ebb.
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The design can be purchased ready-made or cut out of plastic yourself. If the window sill is cut from PVC, then the profile must be purchased with a margin of about 5 cm.
The first step is to check the product for defects, as they can spoil the appearance. In some cases, it may be necessary to trim the structure to fit the size of the opening. To do this, first of all, you need to correctly mark the window sill. This can be done with a simple pencil.
Maximum length the structure made of plastic is 3 m. The width of the product varies between 25-70 cm. If the width of the structure is too large, then the excess can be cut off from the part from which it is fixed to the wall. The cutting line must be given special attention. It should run 0.5-1 cm behind the stiffeners, which are located inside the product. In this case, the window sill will be able to fit tightly with the window frame. The back of the structure should go under the window and be firmly supported by wedges and construction foam. If the extreme part of the product loses its stiffening ribs, then the inner base will not be able to maintain the required shape at the junction, as a result of which it will bend inward.
The window sill can be cut with a saw or electric jigsaw. You can also use a hacksaw for plastic. You need to cut carefully, do not press hard on the tool, so that scratches or other defects do not appear on the structure. Small pieces of plastic can get into the eyes. To avoid this, you should know the safety rules. Cut the plastic with goggles and work gloves.
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Use sticks to install the backing. They will take on the load from the windowsill. If there are potholes or crevices, then you should use polyurethane foam. At this stage, it is important to check the tightness of the product to the frame, as this indicator will guarantee the strength and reliability of the structure.
Slopes are installed. The lower part of them must be cut down to the wall, after which the installation site must be cleaned of debris. The bars on which the window sill will be held should not go beyond the wall. The blades are best fixed immediately. Thus, it will be possible to form a groove into which the structure for the windows will be installed. The sill must be adjacent to the window frame. The gap between the structure and the walls must be less than 4 mm.
The part of the window sill that protrudes beyond the slopes should fit tightly to the wall, since it is not allowed to leave gaps.
So that the structure does not deform, metal strips must be mounted under it. These products must fit into the bottom plug of the product.
Installing a new or replacing an old window sill with your own hands is one of the the most important points when installing a window opening. Even the most beautiful and modern window designs will not look complete without this element. In addition to its beautiful appearance, the window sill protects the window opening from mechanical stress, and also helps to keep the warmth in the room. This is what determines the features of its installation.
The installation of the window sill, as a rule, completes the installation of the window, and it is done after the slopes are installed. This easy-to-manufacture construction, consisting of a small flat piece of board or PVC, has several functions at once.
The main thing is not to overdo it with the width of the window sill, otherwise heat will not get on the window glass at all, which can lead to the formation of condensation. It is enough to equip a protrusion of 5–6 centimeters.
When choosing sizes, materials and designs for window construction it should be remembered that it must meet certain requirements. To date, there is no separate GOST for the installation of window sills. However, the basic requirements for heat transfer, sound insulation and joint stability can be studied in standard 30971-2002.
To summarize everything listed in it, it can be noted that this window element must have the following characteristics:
Many window manufacturers offer in their services the manufacture and installation of a window sill suitable for the entire window structure. And most often they have the necessary characteristics. The main questions begin to arise when the height of the window sill surface is chosen above the floor level. Since there are no standards for this, each owner relies on his own preferences. However, there are a number of recommendations in order to make this parameter optimal.
When determining the height of the window sill, the height of the people living in the room and the placement of radiators should be taken into account.
When buying a new building or renovating a secondary home, it is advisable to take into account the future arrangement of furniture. The height of the structure located in the living room often depends on the view from the window. If you have a beautiful landscape or a picture of the city, it makes sense to lower the level to 25–40 cm. If you want to hide an unaesthetic courtyard, then the level can be raised to 80 cm.
The windows in the bedroom are usually not too much big size to keep warm, and are almost always covered with curtains, so the appearance of the windowsills does not play a special role. Usually it is raised 90 cm from the floor in the adult bedroom and 70 cm in the nursery, since children need as much natural sunlight as possible.
For the kitchen, the width of the window sill plays an important role, which can be used for utilitarian purposes. Its height is best compared to the height of your kitchen countertop.
In the office, the lighting of the room comes first. The lower the product is installed, the longer the room will be illuminated by natural light. The average height is 60–65 cm.
The most advantageous option is to manufacture window frame and a window sill made of the same material. Such an ensemble looks thoughtful and complete. But, despite the popularity of this option, the structure under the window can be made from almost any material. The main thing is that it is of high quality, beautiful and affordable for the customer.
The most popular material in the modern construction market is polyvinyl chloride. The design with a hollow interior and stiff internal ribs is one of the warmest and quite durable. With its low cost, PVC products can be of almost any color and with any pattern. They are not afraid of cold and moisture, and will last as long as windows made of this material, so you do not have to separately dismantle and change them
You should not save by buying very cheap plastic, as it will quickly fade and deform under the influence of direct sunlight.
Installing such window sills in a house or apartment will be more expensive than PVC window sills, approximately 3-4 times. Nevertheless, this price is fully justified due to the fact that acrylic is not at all afraid high temperatures unlike conventional plastic. Having installed such a product in the kitchen, you can safely put hot pots and pans on it, without fear of ruining the beautiful glossy surface. The acrylic surface allows you to choose from a large number of colors and will last several times longer.
The installation of a wooden window sill is most often done in conjunction with the installation of a wooden frame. Budget option can be pine or linden. The tree species are impregnated with special protective agents and varnished. Elite yew or golden oak, mounted in chic country houses, are distinguished by a high price. Combination plastic window with a wooden window sill, it will look especially good if the frame itself is laminated to the type of wood from which the window sill is composed.
Such window sills will look great in combination with furniture from the same material. MDF, unlike chipboard, is more expensive, but has greater resistance to moisture. Experts recommend using this material to replace old wooden or plastic window sills, which will not hit the wallet hard and is easy to do with your own hands.
Certainly, a stone sill made of real marble or granite in modern design looks amazing. Apart from its high cost and complexity of installation, this material is rather fragile and unpredictable. Traces from dishes and scratches from cleaning agents easily remain on the light stone.
A solid slab can be shattered with a light blow that accidentally hits a critical stress point. An excellent alternative can be a product made of artificial stone. It is not only cheaper, but also more resistant to mechanical and chemical influences. Such a window sill will likely be replaced because you want something new, and not because it deteriorates, since the service life of, for example, porcelain stoneware starts from 50–70 years.
All types of window sill structures are mounted on general principle... Since plastic windows with plastic window sills are the most popular option, the work algorithm is based on their example.
The first thing to do is to correctly measure all the required values. To determine the length of the sill board, you need to measure the width of the window opening itself in the place closest to the space of the room. To this value is added 1–2 cm on both sides to hide the raw edges with slopes. Then the width of the wall to the window is measured and a few centimeters are added to the value in order to deepen the product into a special groove in the window.
The resulting value is the width for flush-to-wall installation. In the event that the window sill protrudes, it is necessary to add another 6–8 cm to the resulting value, and the length of the lugs is added to the resulting length.
In accordance with the measurements, the material is bought and the window sill is made by hand or ordered ready-made version from the master.
Before taking measurements, the old window sill is dismantled, the surface is leveled and cleaned of debris and dust.
Before starting the installation, it is necessary to try on the future window sill and, if necessary, make a final adjustment. You can cut MDF, chipboard and wood with an ordinary electric jigsaw, and for plastic and stone you need a grinder.
With the help of a puncher, small grooves are made in the walls, where the edges of the window sill will go. After working with a hammer drill, fine dust may remain on the surface, so it must again be cleaned and dried.
Plastic films are removed from the purchased window sill in places of contact with the slopes and the window, it itself is inserted into the groove of the window profile and the resulting grooves in the walls.
Wooden wedges are laid under the installed window board, starting from the edges and moving towards the middle. Such substrates should not protrude beyond the edge of the wall, the distance between adjacent wedges should not exceed 40 cm. The horizontality of the installed window sill structure is checked by level and, if necessary, corrected by additional lining of wooden wedges.
Ideally, the board should have a slight (0.2 cm) slope towards the room. This will prevent moisture accumulation near the frame and the appearance of mildew and mildew on the windowsill.
A large (about 20 kg) load is placed on the leveled product, so as not to disturb the angle of inclination by accidental touching, and the space between the wedges is filled with professional polyurethane foam from a special pistol. Additionally, you can fix the board to the window profile with ordinary self-tapping screws.
The mounting foam that has got on the walls or the front surface of the window sill must be immediately removed with a damp cloth, since the frozen foam can be removed only with a special solvent, which can also damage the surface of the product. After a day, after waiting for the foam to dry completely, you can remove the load and cut off its excess. Decorative protective overlays are installed at the ends of the window sill, the protective film is completely removed.
Walls and slopes are restored to a neat look with the help of plaster, after which they are decorated with any decorative coating.
To install a wooden window sill, you must additionally purchase a thick felt and treat it with an antiseptic. It is attached to the inner side of the window sill with the help of shredding. The same felt is used to protect the ends of natural and artificial stone window sills before installation. These are all the differences in the algorithm for working with window sills made of different materials.
A plastic window sill is installed at the final stage of PVC window installation. Usually, these works are included in the range of services of the organization that was engaged in the manufacture of the window block from its further installation... But, given the relatively simple process of installing the window sill, it is quite possible to put it on your own. To do this correctly, it is recommended that you follow the appropriate instructions.
It is possible to install a plastic window sill only if its dimensions have been determined in accordance with the characteristics of the window block, opening and slopes. Its width is determined by the thickness of the load-bearing wall from the window. In addition to this, the margin at the edge (the protruding part of the window sill above the radiator), as well as the area located under window block(1-2 cm).
For this, the manufacturer of double-glazed windows provides a special profile. The optimal release along the edge will be about 7-8 cm. A plastic window sill of this width will not interfere with the outflow of heat from the radiator.
The length will correspond to the width of the window, only about 10 cm is added to this size (5 cm on each side). To properly secure the window sill, an additional 5 cm of the surface must go into the slopes. The amount of work depends on the state of the load-bearing wall in the window opening (whether there are slopes, are they plastered, etc.).
If you plan to install the window sill yourself, you need to take into account that the edges of the PVC profile of the cut product must go into the slopes. To do this, you will have to break the section along the lower edge of the slopes.
In a situation where the surface finish of the window opening has not yet been completed, in load-bearing walls at the appropriate level, grooves need to be made using the slitting method. Their depth should correspond to the size of the stock left on each side (5 cm). These works do not need to be performed if you plan to install plasterboard slopes.
Essential tool for the job
To properly install the window sill, you need a set of tools: jigsaw / circular saw, building level, gun for polyurethane foam, pencil, tape measure, puncher and chisel (required for chasing).
If desired, trimming the profile is done by hand, but you can order the manufacture of a window sill according to the specified dimensions. The section of the window opening, where it is planned to install it, is cleared of construction debris. Dust can be removed with a cloth dampened in water.
Regardless of who took the measurements and cut out the window sill with the desired parameters, additional adjustment of the product may be required. This is usually done in areas that prevent the plastic block from entering the window opening. For self-cutting, a grinder / jigsaw is used.
Window sill installation scheme Now you can install the window sill: a special profile is laid at the bottom of the window, where it is inserted. The workpiece must enter the groove at a distance of up to 2 cm. At this stage, it is necessary to organize a slope of no more than 1 cm towards the living quarters.
It is usually customary to fix the window sill with wooden wedges. They are installed on the rough covering of the window opening under the workpiece at a distance of up to 40 cm from each other. This allows you to correctly install the PVC profile, and, in addition, contributes to the tight contact of the block with the frame.
Checking the absence of distortions and the accuracy of the position of the workpiece is carried out using a building profile. If irregularities are found, it is necessary to pick up additional chips. It is recommended to place them under the wedges at the bottom of the window sill, which has already been brought into the window.
The final stage of work is fixing the structure. This is done using polyurethane foam and a special gun. A sufficient load weight is determined depending on which filling compound is used.
Errors and recommendations for installation work If ordinary foam is used, then in order to avoid deformation of the profile, it is advisable to load its entire surface. This can be done with water bottles. Filling the voids with polyurethane foam is carried out as carefully as possible, since the reliability of the window sill will depend on this.
Then the structure must dry completely, which takes 24 hours. After that, the excess foam is cut off.
When installing, you should take into account some features:
Thus, the installation process itself is quite simple, but if some features were missed, then as a result, the window sill will have to be laid again. To correctly install the workpiece, a building level is used.
The sufficient level of load on the window sill is determined based on which composition of the polyurethane foam is used: two-component or conventional. The second of these options requires the use of a significant load.
Renovation of an apartment or house includes the installation of window sills and slopes on plastic windows. It is known that the window sill, in addition to the aesthetic role, also plays a protective role.
In addition to mechanical stress and the influence of temperature, wooden, stone and plastic window sills are affected by moisture and sunlight.
All these factors predetermine the lifespan of the windows.
Installing or replacing them with your own hands on plastic or wooden windows is a simple process and does not require any professional construction skills.
Before making repairs and replacing window sills and slopes, it is worth buying all the necessary tools that are needed to install the window sill under the window.
After all, correctly selected and good materials, the tools are pleasant to work with, as they increase the efficiency and quality of work.
In addition, the products and tools will come in handy in the future, given that the repair and replacement of windows will take place more than once, and the installation of plates will be done under each window.
All of them are purchased in specialized stores or window companies.
If the installation of windows will be done by hand, you will need the following tools:
Installation of a window sill begins, first of all, with measurements. First you need to find out the dimensions of the workpiece.
It should be remembered that the quality of all work depends on how correctly the required dimensions are determined.
The length of the workpiece should be chosen more than necessary, because then it will not be difficult to adjust the dimensions using conventional tools.
The width of the workpiece must be such that the structure does not interfere with the air circulation from the battery upwards.
If this condition is neglected, condensation will appear on the windows, and the flow of cold air will move into the room and it will be necessary to change the windows.
That is why determining the dimensions correctly in advance is a very important stage in the preparatory work.
Sometimes a situation arises when you need to correctly fit the window sills to the corresponding window sizes. First, markings should be made on the product using a marker.
Do not forget that the excess is cut from the part that is fixed to the wall.
In this case, the cutting lines should also be noted. They must go 0.5 - 1 centimeter so that the slab is rigidly and tightly joined to the window frame.
If the edges of the products do not retain the stiffeners, interior areas lose the desired shape at the junction and bend inward.
Do-it-yourself pruning using a jigsaw, saw or a special hacksaw, and stone window sills are pruned with a special diamond disc.
The main thing here is not to forget about accuracy and not to press with great force on the tool in order to prevent scratches or chips from appearing, otherwise you will have to change the workpiece.
Also, do not forget about safety measures: do not allow small particles to get into the eyes and use gloves.
The workpiece is now completely ready for installation in place. The window sill must be washed and proceeded to the next step.
When the measurements and trimming of the window sill have been carried out, it is necessary to continue the repair and start preparing the linings.
This is important to create small outward slopes so that the water can drain outward.
In this case, the pads should not protrude, so that they do not have to be cut off again later.
If there are gaps, they are usually covered with polyurethane foam.
When laying, do not forget to put plastic slopes or wooden windows... The lower slopes are cut to the wall, and the installation site is cleared of unnecessary material.
It is assumed that the gap between the window sill and the wall does not exceed 4 millimeters and quite tightly and correctly adjoins the windows.
It is also necessary to install metal strips and insert the ends of these strips into the lower plugs under the windowsills to avoid deformation.
Repair involves the installation of window sills and slopes different ways... The first one is outdated and rarely used.
It implies that the window sills are fixed with a special adhesive solution. Most quick way- This is a do-it-yourself installation using self-tapping screws.
First, holes are drilled in the frame, into which these same parts are then screwed.
The joint section is filled with silicone sealant, and the edge of the window sill is brought under the frame, attracting with self-tapping screws.
According to the second method, the installation is carried out using aluminum spring brackets screwed in with self-tapping screws.
AND final way, which is the most reliable and assuming the use of necessary materials, consists in the use of special linings that are installed under various window sills.
There is different ways installation of various window sills, before use, the positive and negative sides of each of them are assessed and only after that - you need to choose the most optimal one, because the replacement of windows will depend on this.
The methods differ only in how various window sills, including wooden ones, are placed under the frame.
If the window sill has irregularities, then during installation there may be a gap between its upper part and the frame. It is carefully filled with silicone.
After that, you need to wash everything.
Upon completion of the installation of the window sill, it is required to install the same (wooden or plastic) slopes.
To do this, both horizontally and vertically, you need to align the window opening with your own hands.
This process is carried out using polyurethane foam, which protects them from the influence of temperature. Next, the quality of the poured foam is checked.
If there are surpluses, they should be removed, and if deficiencies are found, it is necessary to refill them.
First - you should install top panel, which stretches along the entire length of the window installation and only then fix the side panel.
There are different approaches. Installation can be carried out using slatted frames, while securing the panel with nails or staples.
It is necessary to do everything as correctly and accurately as possible, while not allowing damage to the window sill, window and its slopes.
The second approach, the simplest and most convenient, is the use of polyurethane foams for installing windows, as well as masking tape.
An important condition for beautifully made slopes is the perfect vertical anchorage of the yards.
For the purpose of leveling, use wooden blocks and use a level to achieve a perfect vertical.
When all the necessary materials are installed, excess amounts of foam are cut off, outside and inside the room, before washing everything, it is necessary to apply rotband on the foam.
As soon as it hardens, the various external slopes should be painted with water-based paint.
Then it is necessary to remove the protective layer from the slopes, window sill, plastic window, wash off the spots and dirt, and at the end, coat all the cracks with liquid plastic.
At this stage, the repair is completed.
