One of the main design elements that gives the house a unique style is the windows. Choosing the right option, you can make the building more noble and interesting. The most interesting variation is the arched windows. They have long been prevailing in the architectural areas of different times and peoples. Today, these elements are used not only in private premises, but also in the construction of public buildings.
Varieties
Among the designs of such a plan, it is customary to distinguish only two main categories. Below are examples of such arched windows, with photos.
Standard
Also sometimes known as "solar." Extremely popular. They are a round construction with knitting needles remotely resembling the rays of the sun. Most often, such a window is placed in the bathroom door or in the attic.
Arcuate
These windows are a design with a rectangular base and sides, the upper surface of which is made in the form of a semicircle. This variety looks much more harmonious, but at the same time quite difficult to use. Most often found in large buildings.
Materials of manufacture
Today, there are two types of materials from which arched windows are made.
Plastic
They are found in the following forms and buildings:
- Moorish. Outwardly similar to a horseshoe.
- Arrowhead. Most often installed on cathedrals made in the Gothic style.
- Semicircular. Used to decorate Orthodox churches.
According to the method of work, they are divided into:
Such designs have a wide range of all kinds of colors and finishes. Until the repetition of the structure of the tree.
Wooden arched windows
They are divided into the following forms:
- truncated;
- circular, with a full radius;
- lancet;
- with two radii.
Most often, such structures are made of:
- oak;
- larch trees;
- pine trees.
According to the principle of work, they are divided into:
- folding;
- rotary;
- swing-out.
Benefits
When using these designs, you can highlight such positive qualities as:
- Design feature . Arched windows give the building a unique look and elegance.
- Due to their size, they can visually enlarge a small room.
- Such windows are quite durable and can last a long time.
- High-quality fittings allow you to perform various decoration components.
- In the event that the structure is made of wood, it will be distinguished by a high level of environmental safety.
- When installing this design, you can use any mechanism for opening the shutters.
disadvantages
Of course, there are not many shortcomings. But at the same time they are significant:
- today there are few specialists on the market who are able to carry out work on the creation and installation of such windows;
- in this regard, the cost of such structures is much higher than standard.
What needs to be measured?
When selecting the size of the arched window, the following values must be taken into account:
- the width of the base of the window;
- the width of the structure at mid level;
- width at the level of the upper arch;
- height of the beginning of the arch;
- mid height;
- total window height.
How to make an arched window with your own hands?
This process is quite expensive in terms of strength and time. And yet, imagine the situation that you did not select the desired design and decided to make the window arch yourself. In this case, you must strictly follow the instructions below to get a result that justifies the resources allocated to it.
THE NOTE! It is worth noting that this manual is suitable for beginners. Despite the fact that the manufacture of such a design is practically not of financial interest, knowledge of its creation is an important skill for every professional.
Template preparation
The best material to create the intended shape would be plywood about 5 millimeters thick. A further way to create an arch involves the presence of several layers, and therefore it is recommended to sketch each of them.
Creature
The thickness of the profile beam of the arched window consists of three layers. Each of them has the same height of 26 millimeters, but differs in width:
- the first is 52 mm;
- the second is 62 mm;
- the third is 78 millimeters.
Step number 1
After making the plate for each layer, you can proceed to gluing the arch. Each lamella (plate) is attached with an end. In this case, it is worth using the methods: “plug-in spike” or “microchip”.
Step number 2
To process each preparation, observing the order of layers specified above.
Step number 3
Using a router, make a fold (connecting seam) in the required places.
Step number 4
Using glue and a vice, fasten all the elements together.
Step number 5
Repeating these steps, make the opening leaf for the transom (arched structure).
Step number 6
Combine the ends of arch elements with other parts of the window horizontally and vertically. To do this, you can use spikes.
How to install an arched block yourself?
Step number 1
Mark the surface for cutting the outer skin. At the end of the procedure, try on the window block to the opening.
Step number 2
In the event that the unit is installed correctly, make a contour on the front side of the outer skin. Pull out the block.
Step number 3
Make an opening according to the notation.
Step number 4
Using roofing material, carve out a strip whose width does not exceed 20 centimeters. Slide the edge of the finished structure between the outer and inner skin. Bend the protruding part, securing with brackets around the entire perimeter of the opening, from the inside.
Step number 5
Install plastic tides on the outside.
Step number 6
Place the window block in the opening, pressing it tightly to the casing. Check the accuracy of the installation using a level.
Step number 7
Adjust the position of the block by nailing the lower and upper parts.
Step number 8
Using gaskets, fix the structure inside the opening. To do this, they must be installed in the cracks formed between the frame and the window, as well as the jambs and the connecting bolt. When placing, observe a distance of 30 centimeters.
Attention! Gaskets should be installed tightly, but without additional effort. Otherwise, structural deformation may occur.
Step number 9
Use the level to check if the unit is installed correctly. In case of deviations, make adjustments by installing additional gaskets. Perform leaflet inspection. Make sure that when they open and close, no displacements occur, and the process itself does not cause difficulties.
Step number 10
Drill a hole through the window frame side through each gasket . Drive 70 mm nails into the joint.
Step 11
Using mineral wool, remove the remaining spaces between the doorposts and the window unit.
Attention! When working with this substance, use protective glasses and gloves!
Step number 12
Trim the protruding parts of each gasket.
Step 13
Use galvanized nails to nail the window block from the outside. When working, observe a step of 30 centimeters. Avoid sticking out hats.
Step number 14
Fill the gaps between the outer skin and the window unit with silicone sealant. The cavities formed when hammering nails should be putty.
Summary
After reviewing this material, you learned about the types of arched windows, their advantages, disadvantages, how to create and install. And they must have discovered something new for themselves. But nevertheless, despite the rather accurate step-by-step instructions, we strongly recommend that you contact specialists for all necessary work.
Without special training and knowledge, you can not only damage the structure, but also get injured!