After installing a metal-plastic window or balcony block, you need to take care of creating slopes. This is not only a decorative finish. It performs a number of important functions. There are several varieties of plastic slopes. It is quite possible to mount them with your own hands. To do this, you need to consider the features of this technology. How is the installation of plastic slopes, will be discussed later.
Features of plastic slopes
Today, the installation of plastic slopes and window sills is carried out by many construction companies and specialized companies that are engaged in the installation of windows. This variety of materials has a lot of positive qualities. Plastic slopes perform several important functions. They are mounted both outdoors and indoors.
First of all, the materials presented perform a decorative function. They close the unseemly seams that remain after installing a window or balcony block.
It is also worth noting that during the installation of the window, the joints are blown with foam. She remains open. Under the influence of external factors, the foam can break down. It is affected by moisture, sunlight, and other weather conditions. If the foam gets wet, it loses its thermal insulation properties. A fungus may appear on it. Under the influence of such effects, the foam collapses and crumbles. It is to prevent such adverse effects that slopes are used.
Installation of slopes on plastic windows involves the use of different techniques. In past decades, the use of putty and drywall sheets has been a popular technique. However, it took a long time to install them. In addition, the master must have certain skills. Plastic is much more practical. Almost everyone can mount it.
Positive traits
During the installation of the slopes and windowsill of the plastic window, the masters strive to create a single picture from the scattered elements. It is much easier to do this if they are made of the same material. Plastic frames, slopes and windowsill create the illusion of a one-piece construction. So a window or a balcony block looks more spectacular, more beautiful.
The use of plastic for slopes has other advantages. Under this type of construction, it is possible to lay thermal insulation of large thickness. This will significantly reduce heat loss in the room. Also, under the plastic pad, it will be possible to mount a vapor barrier layer. This significantly reduces the risk of condensation on the windows and the subsequent development of the fungus. In addition, thermal insulation will perform the function and sound insulation. For this reason, plastic slopes are multifunctional.
Even a master without proper qualifications can install such overlays. In this case, building dust is not formed, as well as a large amount of debris. Plastic is a universal material. It responds well to external climatic influences, and also has an acceptable cost. Therefore, it is mounted both inside and outside the room.
Plastic surfaces repel moisture. This makes the slopes durable. They will not require repair for a long time. Under the influence of temperatures, the material does not deform. He is easy to care for. Various detergents can be used to clean surfaces. If the plastic is of high quality, it does not change color throughout the entire life cycle. Therefore, it is not worth saving on the quality of slopes.
Sandwich panels
Installation of plastic slopes in a wooden house or a brick building can be performed using ready-made multi-layer linings. This is a sandwich panel. They have a specific configuration that allows you to quickly install slopes with your own hands.
This type of panel has appeared on the construction market relatively recently. The slope design is simple. These are sheets of plastic, between which there is thermal insulation. On sale you can also find metal slopes. Installation on plastic windows is carried out according to a similar technology. Between sheets of plastic or metal most often lay a layer of polyurethane foam. Mineral wool, polystyrene foam, etc. can also be used. The performance of the slopes depends on the type of insulating material.
Varieties of sandwich panels
Installation of plastic slopes is most often carried out precisely when using sandwich panels. Their cost is acceptable, and their performance meets customer requirements. Slopes of this type can be bilateral or one-sided. The second type of product is less expensive. However, their scope is limited. Such slopes are suitable only for narrow window openings, since their rigidity is not high enough.
One-sided varieties are mounted on a plastic profile. Under it, you can additionally lay a layer of mineral wool. The thickness of single-sided panels can be from 8 to 36 mm. The choice depends on the type of climate.
Double-sided sandwich panels differ from the first variety in more dense plastic on the front side. The thickness of the PVC here is 1.2 mm.
The advantage of multi-layer panels of any type is their beautiful appearance and high functionality. Such panels are distinguished by high noise and heat insulation qualities, ease of installation. Caring for these panels is easy. Their appearance does not change for a long time. It is worth giving preference to products of trusted brands. Otherwise, the materials may delaminate.
Slopes from panel
The installation of slopes on plastic windows from the side of the room is often performed using a material such as panel. This is one of the inexpensive options that are chosen today quite often. Panelit has a number of characteristic features. It is made by extrusion of plastic. The material after this treatment acquires a cellular structure.
Panelit is characterized by the presence of small closed capsules. Inside them is air. Such a structure increases the thermal insulation characteristics of the material. At the same time, the presented type of plastic is not very expensive. It is easy to mount on your own. The effectiveness of such slopes for indoor installation is high.
If you want to mount the slopes from the outside, it is better to choose other materials. The fact is that panelitis under the influence of external factors may turn yellow. This makes the slopes less aesthetic. However, in residential premises such slopes will be operated for a long time.
Panelite sheets with a width of about 25 cm are on sale. Therefore, the scope of this material is somewhat limited. It is also worth considering that you cannot dock two panels. Outwardly, such a slope looks ugly. Therefore, the panel is suitable for finishing small window openings.
Plastic foam
If you need to install external plastic slopes, instead of panel it is better to buy foamed plastic. It also has closed pores in its structure. They create a uniform panel structure. Due to this stiffness, density along its entire length will be the same. Foamed PVC has a matte velvety surface. Many customers like this.
Such slopes will not be exposed to moisture, ultraviolet radiation, temperature changes, etc. Buyers note that slopes from this material do not lose their original qualities for a long time. Therefore, foamed plastic is suitable for indoor and outdoor installation. Even in severe frost or heat, this material does not deform, does not change its structure and appearance.
In addition, it should be noted that the slopes of foamed PVC are not subject to combustion, resistant to chemicals. To establish such slopes is not difficult. Buyers say that you should not buy color panels. They eventually lose their bright color. Such varieties of foamed PVC are suitable for indoor installation. Outside, it is better to mount white panels.
It is also worth considering that although the material does not burn, in the event of a fire, it releases toxic substances into the environment.
Plastic sheet
The installation of slopes from plastic panels can be performed using another type of material. This is an ordinary sheet of plastic. This type of material for slopes is the most versatile. It is mounted everywhere. Sheet plastic is durable, high quality. It is easy to install and robust enough to withstand moderate mechanical stress. Under a layer of sheet plastic, you can mount a thick layer of insulation.
To establish slopes from this material, you will need to mount the frame from the profile. However, there are no difficulties. Almost any window can be installed slopes of this material.
Most often, white plastic sheets are on sale. They differ in low cost. Such material goes well with plastic windows. If desired, you can purchase sheets with textured prints. They look spectacular. In this case, any color can be chosen. PVC sheets can imitate natural wood, wood or other materials.
It is better to choose textured or colored varieties of plastic for indoor installation. Outside, it is better to use ordinary white PVC sheets. Smooth surfaces are easier to clean. No dirt will collect in their structure. High-quality plastic panels do not turn yellow in the sun, do not deform under the influence of temperatures.
Profile mounting
Most often, plastic slopes are mounted on the profile. This is a common technique. First you need to purchase the necessary materials. It is better to use ready-made multilayer panels for these purposes. To complete the installation, you will need to purchase an initial U-shaped configuration profile, as well as wooden slats, corners. To perform the installation in a quality manner, glue (in accordance with the selected insulation material) should be purchased.
In addition, sanitary (white or transparent) sealant will come in handy. Corners can be completely replaced with a profile with a section shape in the form of the letter F.
Starting installation, you will need to fix the start profile along the perimeter of the window opening. Subsequently, plastic panels will be mounted in it. When this work is done, around the perimeter of the window they make the crate with wooden slats. Fixing is performed with dowels. Between the side and top rails you need to leave an indent of about 8-10 mm.
First, the panel is mounted at the top of the window opening. It must first be trimmed in accordance with the dimensions of the window. One end of the panel needs to be driven into the profile. The second edge is mounted in the corresponding groove.
Fasteners are made using small screws. Their hats will be covered with plastic corners. Further, according to the same scheme, the installation of slopes from the panels on the sides of the window is carried out.
End of installation
When mounting slopes on plastic windows with your own hands, you must adhere to the established sequence of actions. Otherwise, the quality of work will be low. When the panels are installed, you need to complement the composition with a few touches. This will greatly enhance the decorative finishes.
In places where plastic forms an angle with the wall, the joint may be open or uneven. It will need to be closed. For these purposes, a corner is used. This element makes the composition neat and durable. No dirt or moisture will enter the slots.
To fix a corner, you need to trim their edges at an angle of 45º. So you get a smooth joint at right angles. Before installing this decorative part on a slope, its reverse side is covered with glue. Then it must be pressed firmly against the surface of the wall and the plastic panel. You can fix the corner with construction tape. So the glue will dry well, and the corner will not shift. After a few hours, this auxiliary material is removed.
After that, all joints are treated with a sealant. Silicone of the same color as the panel is best suited for this. With a mounting gun, sanitary sealant is applied to the joints. With a spatula, the strip needs to be leveled. This completes the installation of plastic slopes. If sealant gets on plastic, wipe it off immediately.
Frameless installation
DIY plastic slopes can be installed without a frame. To do this, a slit is made in the mounting foam that remains after installing the window. This can easily be done with a construction knife. The cut should be 1 mm wide and 1 cm deep.
Next, the panel is inserted into the prepared socket. The opposite end is fixed with small screws. In some cases, multilayer panels do not provide space for fixation. In this case, you can create them yourself.
The panel is cut across (with a construction knife). It is necessary to separate the insulation from the bottom layer of plastic. This piece of plate will spike. It is inserted into a groove cut into the mounting foam. Next, the installation is performed according to the previous scheme.
Having considered the features of installing plastic slopes, you can perform all the actions yourself.