It is difficult to find a second structural unit in a wooden house for which as many modifications have been developed as for a window unit. Therefore, in order to correctly determine which windows are best installed in a wooden house, it is not enough to have a cursory acquaintance with the characteristics of the available models, since their number is so large that it is difficult for an unprepared person to develop a clear assessment method.
In addition, the selection of a window for wooden buildings is complicated by the need to harmonize designs and geometric shapes, since it is in wooden houses that arched, bay windows and corner windows are most often used.
This review has collected material that will greatly simplify the solution of the above tasks, and also formulated the criteria necessary to compare the technical characteristics of the window and the requirements due to the architecture of the house.
Before considering the technical features of each model, let us recall what tasks are assigned to the windows and auxiliary structures of the window unit.
Daylight
The main and most important function of a window is to provide daylight access to the interior of the house. This is such an important task that in architectural standards there are very specific standards, which stipulate the minimum area of windows and the recommended amount of light required for residential or office premises (GOST 23166-99).
Separately, we note that due to the constant struggle for the energy efficiency of houses, compliance with the above GOST standards has become less categorical, and the real area of window openings can be much smaller. However, it has not yet come to a complete rejection of windows.
The second task, also assigned to the windows today, is the regulation of the luminous flux. Sunshine is good, but sometimes there is too much of it on summer days. Traditionally, this problem was solved with curtains and curtains, but with a change in the interior design, alternative options were found in the form of blinds and tinted glass.
Thermal insulation
Considering that windows account for up to 75% of the heat losses of a house, the quality of their construction has a very specific monetary equivalent in the form of saved or excess energy costs.
The main difference between modern double-glazed windows and old models is an order of magnitude lower thermal conductivity of frames and glass panels.
The final energy efficiency of a house depends not only on the design of the window, but also on the quality of installation. In modern building practice, you can find many examples when very expensive windows, installed in violation of the technology, in the end turned out to be no better than an ordinary wooden frame with glass.
Ingress protection
When choosing a window design, an important factor may be its resistance to burglary. Of course, it will not be possible to completely exclude penetration through the window opening due to the modified window design, but it is quite possible to significantly reduce the likelihood of such an event.
Note that the "anti-vandal effect" today is achieved not only due to the reinforced frame reinforcement, but also with the use of armored glass, and this is a completely different level of protection.
Safety for children
The ease of managing a modern glass unit, unfortunately, also has a negative side: even a small child can open such a window, which can lead to extremely unpleasant consequences.
Therefore, when choosing a design, this factor must always be taken into account, especially since the modern range of models includes windows that open according to a different scheme.
Noise isolation
The need to install windows with noise protection in private wooden houses is not as relevant as for megalopolises, but this need cannot be completely ruled out.
Any modern glass unit in itself is a good sound insulator, but in addition there are special models where the degree of attenuation of external sound waves can reach 35 decibels.
Installation of soundproof windows is carried out according to a special technique and only by trained specialists, otherwise all the costs of not buying a special model will be in vain.
Ventilation
Despite all the speculations about the need for additional air flow in modern houses, in most cases no measures are taken to organize it, and houses are built according to the "classical" scheme, in which it is assumed that the necessary air exchange will be provided due to natural filtration through the windows.
However, all modern types of windows are characterized by almost complete tightness, therefore, when choosing a model, it is necessary to focus not only on its design, but also on the ventilation scheme in the room.
Separately, we note that there are special frame designs that allow the embedding of a profile window into the natural air exchange system.
This is done in two ways:
- using ventilation valves;
- by adjusting the pressure density of the window sashes (as a rule, in this way, two modes are supported - "winter" and "summer").
Technical types
Few people know, but some types of windows have a purely technical purpose.
These windows include:
- the so-called "dormer" windows, equipped in the attic. They are necessary to equalize the pressure above and below the roof of the house in case of sharp gusts of wind. If they are not there, or they turn out to be too strong, the roof can be torn off the Mauerlat, followed by the collapse of the entire structure;
- ventilation windows in basement boiler rooms, the area of which must comply with the relevant standards;
- ventilation windows in baths and saunas, the position and size of which are stipulated in SNiP for such premises.
How are double-glazed windows
The fundamental difference between modern windows and classic frame structures is the use of double-glazed windows, which make the window much more compact technologically.
As you know, the bulk of heat leaves through windows not in the form of radiation, but in the form of thermal energy transmitted through the heating of its structural elements, as well as through the air between the window frames.
If you try to imagine an ideal window, then there should be a vacuum between the outer and inner glass (like in a thermos). But due to the large area of window openings, vacuum insulation is impossible - there will be too much pressure on the glass and it will simply crush them.
The insulating glass unit is created so as to come as close as possible to the effect of a thermos:
- the space between the glasses is hermetically sealed and filled with an inert gas;
- inside there is a dehumidifier that removes residual moisture from the filling gas;
- the spacers between the glass panels are made of a material with very low thermal conductivity.
In addition, the developers of modern windows have found that relatively small modulations of technological dimensions and glass thickness provide a significant change in thermal conductivity and sound insulation indicators.
Thus, a double-glazed window allows, without significant changes in production technology, to create windows for various operating modes.
When studying technical documentation for a window, pay attention to the following signs:
- increased width of the outer chamber provides a higher level of noise protection (12-16 mm);
- The increased thickness of the outer glass panel means that the window is more robust, both in terms of shock loads and strong gusts of wind.
The basic glass thickness depends on the window area:
- up to 2.5 m2 - 4 mm is enough;
- 5-2.7 m2 - 6 mm is recommended;
- over 3 m2 - 8 mm (at least for outer glass).
Separately, we note the latest achievements in this area: glass blocks with energy-saving coatings (i-glass). Instead of changing the thickness, glasses with a special reflective layer are used in such structures, which makes it possible to increase their efficiency in terms of heat preservation by 10-20%.
Let's list a few more technical nuances, the knowledge of which will avoid unnecessary costs:
- a single-chamber double-glazed unit with i-glasses is equivalent to a two-chamber one;
- maximum thermal protection is provided by double-glazed windows assembled from i-glasses and with the addition of argon to the gas mixture of the working chambers.
Manufacturing materials
It is safe to say that not every developer will be able to give an exhaustive answer to the simple question of what the windows are made of. The number of technical solutions implemented in this area of construction technologies is simply enormous, and it is unrealistic to cover them all in one review.
Please note that when people say that "a window is made of such and such material," they mean the material from which the frames are made.
Consider the most popular models, most often used in the construction of a log or log house.
Wood
Despite the great popularity of PVC windows, wood is still the most natural type of material for the manufacture of window frames in houses from timber and logs.
But it should be borne in mind that "wooden windows" today are called two structures that are completely different in cost and status.
The first is a more perfect version of the classic two-frame window. The main drawback of the old design - drying out and collapse of the frame - was eliminated by treatment with antiseptic and stabilizing coatings.
Note that a high-quality wooden window in terms of thermal insulation qualities is no worse than plastic double-glazed windows.
The second, more modern version of a wooden window is an imitation of profile products, where glued wood compositions are used instead of metal-plastic profiles.
In terms of operational characteristics, such windows are almost identical to plastic ones, but due to the natural texture of wooden frames, they are considered more status.
Combinations of aluminum and wood
Glued frames made of larch or oak are at least equal in strength and durability, and possibly even surpass their polymer counterparts. But the outer part of the frames, which is constantly in contact with the external environment, still loses its original appearance after a few years.
To compensate for this disadvantage, combined versions of wooden windows have been developed, in which the outer side of the frame is protected by aluminum strips.
To date, the most durable and at the same time the most expensive windows have been manufactured using this technology.
It should be noted that a significant part of the cost of a combined window is made up of aluminum protection, which can be inserted in a reduced version in the form of mini-outflows installed in the most "dangerous" places.
Combination of plastic and wood
Some of the window manufacturers have conducted marketing research and found that many buyers of wooden windows are more likely to be motivated by their status appearance than by their environmental qualities.
To fill this market niche, a cheaper combination has been developed - a plastic profile with a wood veneer.
In cases where the construction budget is limited, but there is a desire to give the facade of the house a more respectable look, the installation of such windows can be considered justified.
In terms of durability, frames made of plastic and wood have a minimum period of maintenance-free operation, since the external wooden finish will require renewal of the protective or varnish coating in 2-3 years.
Metal-plastic profile
All of the above types of frames can be categorized as "exclusive". The main volume of sales, despite all the arguments about environmental friendliness and differences in heat-shielding qualities, falls on metal-plastic profiles, which are produced in a very wide range of models and can contain up to 6 chambers that prevent the penetration of cold.
It is easier to install plastic windows (since they are lighter than wooden counterparts), they are much cheaper and practically do not require any maintenance.
The only complaint is the discrepancy between the appearance of the polymer window and the wooden frame, but this problem can be easily solved by purchasing adapted versions of the windows, in which the desired color shade is created using factory or manual lamination.
Conclusion
The company "Master Srubov" accepts orders for finishing, repair and restoration work carried out in wooden houses and recently delivered log cabins, including the installation or replacement of windows and all related structures. You can clarify the details of cooperation and order a visit of a specialist to develop a detailed work plan by contacting us at any coordinates published in the section.
The installation of the window frame and windows begins only after the log shrinkage, no earlier than six months after the installation of the wall kit. It is important to carry out the installation correctly, choose a high-quality reliable structure that will not violate the environmental friendliness of the wooden structure. Otherwise, the heat-insulating properties of the log house will be lost, the window opening will be blown out.
As a result of improper installation of windows, selection of low-quality materials and fittings, it will be cold in the house, and a log or timber will soon deteriorate due to the negative effects of moisture, wind, temperature changes. Wood materials will begin to crack, mold and rot. Therefore, it is important to choose reliable structures and to carry out a high-quality installation. Let's figure out which windows are best for a wooden house. We will learn how to install window structures in a log house.
Which windows to choose
First of all, the question arises, what kind of windows to put in the house made of wood, plastic or wood. Every wood construction expert will tell you that it is better to choose natural wood structures. Only they do not violate the environmental friendliness and aesthetics of the house, they retain heat for a long time.
In addition, wood products will harmoniously fit into the building concept. However, we note that modern plastic is also quite environmentally friendly and safe. Plus, it's easier to care for, more durable, and more affordable. Let's take a look at the pros and cons of each type.
| Window types | Dignity | disadvantages |
| Plastic | Good thermal insulation; Long service life; Do not require special care; Wide range of colors; The plasticity of the material allows you to get any shape of the structure; Low cost; Easy installation. |
Heat up strongly; When heated, they emit an unpleasant odor and harmful substances; They do not allow moisture to pass through, so a greenhouse effect may occur in the house; They attract dust well; Stand out against the background of a wooden house. |
| Wooden | High thermal insulation properties; Ecological cleanliness, naturalness and safety; Pleasant aroma of wood; Attractive appearance; Resistant to high temperature and frost; The material “breathes” and maintains a comfortable indoor humidity regime; Creates a pleasant atmosphere in the home. |
The cost is higher than that of plastic windows; Susceptible to the negative effects of moisture and insects, therefore, periodically require special treatment with protective equipment; Wood is not difficult to scratch and deform; More laborious installation than plastic structures. |
Despite the advantages, the owners of wooden country houses prefer wood to plastic. Modern wooden windows are manufactured using high technologies, so they are resistant to moisture and have an attractive appearance. In addition, the finished structures are already impregnated with protective compounds.
Subsequently, you only need to renew the coating and treat the windows with antiseptics once every 5-6 years, and then the structures will last a long time. At the same time, you will preserve the environmental friendliness of a wooden house. Inside, a comfortable and favorable atmosphere will reign, and the windows themselves will optimally fit into the design of the buildings.
By the way, panoramic glazing is in fashion today. It is not only stylish but also functional. Such windows make the room spacious, light and airy. They visually enlarge the interior space and decorate the facade of the house. In this case, it is also easy to install wooden structures. You will find many projects of country cottages and country houses, including those with panoramic glazing, in the MariSrub catalog.
How to choose window fittings
Fittings play an important role in the installation and service life of windows. You will need sashes and handles, striking plates and hinges, side clamps and trunnions, additional parts for micro-ventilation. In addition, you can use burglar-proof elements that will prevent the window from opening from the outside and will provide protection for the house. What else can be used to protect a country house, read.
It is important to choose high quality and reliable fittings. These products must meet the following requirements:
- Wear resistance is at least 10 thousand cycles (one cycle includes one opening and one closing of the window);
- Interchangeability. Choose available products that can be replaced if necessary. Of course, exclusive details look impressive and original, however, the repair of such elements in the future will be expensive;
- Metal parts must not corrode. Therefore, choose only high-quality stainless steel fittings or with a special coating;
- Easy operation. Windows should be easy to open and close. Seizing will lead to rapid wear and destruction of window mechanisms.
It is important that the windows in a wooden house have high-quality reliable fittings and high thermal insulation properties, fit well with the exterior and interior of the building. It is equally important that the structure is correctly installed. Competent installation, as well as correctly selected materials, directly affects the appearance and aesthetics of windows, durability and strength of structures.
How to install windows in a wooden house
The installation of windows in a log or log house has a number of features. This is due to the fact that the blockhouse gradually shrinks, due to which the window structures are deformed and cracked, and the frames are squinted. To avoid this, you need to wait six months for the main shrinkage of the wooden house to pass. After that, it is important to be sure to install a casing or a jig.
Installation of such a box or window requires correct measurements, care in manufacturing and installation. An improperly assembled and installed structure will lead to skewing of the window and wooden walls, which degrades the appearance of the structure. In addition, heat will quickly escape through the cracks and cold air, moisture and wind will penetrate.
Consider 80-90 centimeters as a suitable distance from the window sill to the floor, while the table top is made just below the window sill. A box for wooden windows is made of bars, and after installation, the grooves and technological holes are filled with insulation made of jute or flax. For the installation of plastic windows, polyurethane foam is used as a heater. Such structures are hermetically sealed, but they lose environmental friendliness and safety.
Insulation increases heat and sound insulation, protects wood from dampness and insects. From above, foam or natural material is sealed with tape and only after that window frames, slopes and ebb tides, window sills, fillets and platbands are installed. Once you have inserted the windows and hardware, adjust each piece and check to see if it works.
Installation of windows in a house is a fairly quick process that takes 1-2 days. However, at the same time, it requires careful adherence to technologies and the correct selection of materials. If you want to get a high-quality and durable result, contact the construction company "MariSrub".
Masters of the MariSrub firm will competently carry out measurements, select suitable materials and accessories, quickly and reliably install windows. We carry out a full range of works! It includes the creation of a project and the manufacture of a log or a bar, the implementation and connection of communication networks, the installation of the foundation and the roof, the assembly of a log house and a full-fledged finish. Finishing includes installation, insulation and waterproofing of windows. We guarantee high quality of work and strict adherence to deadlines!
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In this article, I want to talk about the principles according to which it is worth choosing the main parameters of windows for your own home - the material of the frames, the structure of the glass unit, fittings and the size of the window opening. I will give the regulatory requirements for windows, my thoughts on choosing one or another solution and share my own experience in operating windows.
Let's get started.
Dimensions (edit)
- What should be the size of windows in a private house in accordance with GOST?
GOST 24699-81 regulates the production of wooden window and door blocks for residential and public buildings. According to this document, the standard window sizes for a private house are as follows:
| Overall dimension | Value in centimeters |
| Height | 86; 146; 116; 176; 205; 206 |
| Width | 57; 72; 87; 117; 132; 147; 177; 207 |
Curious: the standard proposes to equip residential buildings with single and double-leaf windows only. The designs of window units with a large number of sashes are not shown in the document.
- What other regulatory documents regulate the number and size of window openings?
According to SNiP 23-101-2000, which describes the methods of thermal protection of buildings, the total area of windows should not exceed a quarter of the area of the facade. Another SNiP, numbered 31-01-2003 (it refers to multi-apartment residential buildings, but why not use these recommendations too?), Indicates that the area of light openings should be related to the floor area as 1 / 5.5 - 1/8 ...
Let's break down these restrictions with a couple of examples.
- The area of the facade from the side of the glazing is 3.5 * 6 = 21 m2;
- 25% of this area is equal to 21/4 = 5.25 m2;
- The glazing area, approximately corresponding to this, will provide two openings measuring 176x147 centimeters.
SNiP 23-101-2000 limits only the maximum area of light openings. In practice, it may be less than the value given in the document. Reducing the size of the windows will reduce the heat loss of the building in cold weather and its heating in the heat - alas, at the cost of reducing the insolation of the premises.
What is the optimal size and number of window openings for a 40 square meter room?
They, according to SNiP 31-01-2003, should have an area from 40/8 = 5 m2 to 40 / 5.5 = 7.27 m2. It will be provided, for example, by two windows measuring 205x147 cm or three measuring 176x117 cm.
- What will happen if you neglect the recommendations of SNiP and GOST?
If the recommended window area is significantly exceeded, you risk getting unreasonably high heat losses in winter and heat in the room in summer. If you deviate from the recommended values downward, your house will have to be illuminated with electricity even on sunny days. However, there are several subtleties here:
- Multi-chamber double-glazed windows with energy-saving glass differ little in resistance to heat transfer from the main walls. I will talk about them in the corresponding section of the article;
- Insolation of a room depends not only on the area of the windows, but also on their orientation to the cardinal points, on the location of neighboring houses and outbuildings in your yard. Floor-length windows facing the north side of the home and shaded by a garage or shed may provide less light than a small window on the south side.
Now about the compliance of the dimensions of the window blocks with the recommendations of GOST 24699-81. The standard sizes of plastic windows in a private house do not give the owner no advantages at all... Frames and double-glazed windows are made to order according to your dimensions.
The only scenario when the standard dimensions of the openings will allow you to save money is the purchase of factory-made wooden window frames. But who cares about poorly fitted and often made from raw wood frames in the 21st century?
- Do plastic windows have any restrictions on the width of the sash?
Yes. I do not advise making a sash that opens in a horizontal plane wider than 70-80 centimeters. B O The greater width means a serious load on the profile due to the solid mass of the glass unit. As a result, the window frame gradually sags and needs constant adjustment.
- What is the optimal height of the window opening?
I cannot give any regulatory restrictions other than the standard height of window blocks for typical houses. But I can state my thoughts on this matter.
The limiting factors are only the embedded beam above the window opening (usually it is 20 centimeters below the ceiling) and the window sill, which houses the radiator, which creates a thermal curtain in the opening. With a standard radiator size (50 cm between the axes of the collectors), the window sill is mounted at a height of about 90 centimeters. With a ceiling height of 2.7 meters, the maximum possible opening height will be 2.7-0.9-0.2 = 1.6 meters.
I happened to live in a stalinka with a ceiling height of 3 meters and a height of 1.8 meters of light openings. The windows looked great and provided adequate lighting throughout the rooms.
French windows look even more impressive; however, the height of the window from floor to ceiling will force you to look for an alternative way to create a thermal curtain: for obvious reasons, you will have to abandon the heating radiator under the window opening.
Summary: in my opinion, openings should be made as high as the design features of your house allow.
- What is the optimal size of the toilet window?
If you want to organize full-fledged natural lighting of the bathroom, follow the above recommendations of SNiP 31-01-2003. For example, for a combined bathroom with an area of 6 m2, the minimum window area will be 6/8 = 0.75 m2. It will be provided by the opening dimensions of 146x57 centimeters.
If the skylight is only needed as a back-up light source in the event of a power outage, the area can be significantly smaller. In my house, the glazing of the skylights is 20x40 cm in size, and this is quite enough to navigate the room with the lights off, even on the most cloudy day.
The form
- What sizes of windows to choose - we figured out at the very least. And what shape can they be?
Comrades, I cannot give a definite answer to this question. Everything is determined solely by your aesthetic preferences and the architecture of the house. I will just allow myself to draw your attention to some of the features of non-standard windows:
- A round window, for obvious reason, will deprive you of the windowsill;
- Not all manufacturers of metal-plastic windows undertake the manufacture of arched and round windows. Often, you can only be offered a frame in the form of a polyhedron, which looks far from so impressive;
- It is much more difficult to finish internal and external slopes for windows with complex shapes. As a rule, they have to be plastered, and the appearance of the slopes is determined by the skill of the plasterer: to bring out an ideal semicircular surface, not to mention more complex shapes, is a non-trivial task.
By the way: an additional element for decorating windows can be a layout - dividing a glass unit into segments with profiles of different thicknesses. They stylize a semi-antique window, imitating stacked glazing in wooden frames.
Position
- How to arrange windows in a long wall of a large room?
Symmetrically and, if possible, at regular intervals. In this case, the room will be lit most evenly.
In addition, the location of the openings should provide the most vivid natural lighting of the main working areas of the room: the table in the study and living room, the stove and work surface in the kitchen, the workbench in the home workshop, etc. Accordingly, in order to plan the position of window openings, you will have to think over the design of the rooms and the arrangement of furniture in them.
Material
- Which windows should you prefer - plastic, aluminum or wooden?
Modern wooden windows compare favorably with clumsy Soviet-style handicrafts: wood that has been pressed and preserved retains constant linear dimensions, shape and has a sufficiently high mechanical strength. Wooden frames are equipped with multi-chamber double-glazed windows and a seal that ensures the tightness of the window.
Alas, the tree has a rather significant drawback - the price. Even if inexpensive conifers were used to create the frame, the window will cost at least one and a half times more than the metal-plastic analogue. The use of noble species with a characteristic beautiful texture (ash, beech, oak) will increase the cost at least twice.
What's wrong with aluminum? First of all, due to its high thermal conductivity. Each frame will act as a bridge of cold, it will facilitate heat leakage and become covered with frost in severe frosts. No, warm aluminum frames are produced; however, their dubious advantages against the background of plastic are again negated by the prohibitive cost.
The bottom line is metal-plastic window profiles, which are deservedly at the peak of popularity. Here are some compelling reasons for them:
- The service life of the windows is estimated to be at least 50 years;
- They can be operated in any climatic zone, at temperatures from -60 to +60 degrees;
- The frames can be painted in any color (including the entire volume of the profile) or covered with a decorative film that very faithfully imitates the texture of wood.
Brands
Profile
- Which profile manufacturers should you pay attention to??
Perhaps this idea looks seditious, but I did not notice much difference between the profiles of different manufacturers. Both the inexpensive Chinese profile and the widely advertised KBE or REHAU have approximately the same performance and service life. The only difference is in the slightly greater rigidity of the German profile; rigidity is important with a large area of panoramic glazing and high wind loads.
The first Chinese-made metal-plastic profiles that appeared on the domestic market were unstable to ultraviolet light and quickly turned yellow in the light; it is this that largely explains their notoriety. However, in the last 15 years, I have never come across samples of such products.
Conclusion: if both the height and width of the window opening are less than 2 meters, there is no point in overpaying for the name of the profile manufacturer. You won't feel any difference between a cheap and an expensive product.
- Are there any advantages of multi-chamber profiles?
Yes. The more isolated chambers in the profile structure, the better thermal insulation it provides. This is especially important in cold regions with winter temperatures below -30C.
Fittings
- In the case of fittings, the manufacturer is also unimportant.?
No, here the picture is the opposite: you should buy windows only with good-quality fittings from well-known manufacturers. The durability and durability of the hardware elements will ensure trouble-free operation of the windows throughout their entire service life. Manufacturers you can trust include:
- Siegenia-Aubi;
- Roto;
- Winkhaus;
- Maco.
When choosing accessories, you should pay attention to its functionality:
- Windows should open not only horizontally, but also in transom mode, leaning back. When the sash is folded back, rain will not flood your windowsill, even in windy weather. In addition, an open window in transom mode will prevent your cat from embarking on an unsafe low tide trip;
- The micro-ventilation system (the ability to fix the sash in the half-open position by turning the handle) is a definite plus. Micro-ventilation will provide you with fresh air in the complete absence of drafts;
- The sash must be fixed in the closed position not only with the central lock, but also with the pressure rollers. Without them, the inevitable deformation of the profile will not allow it to press the seal at the top and bottom of the window. Accordingly, it will not close hermetically;
- It is desirable that the pressure rollers have summer-winter positions. In the winter position, the seal is pressed more strongly, which makes it possible to compensate for the decrease in its linear dimensions during cooling.
Glass unit
- What double-glazed windows should be equipped with windows?
First, let's explore all the options.
The number of chambers in a double-glazed unit is directly proportional to the quality of the thermal insulation it provides. A two-chamber glass unit is warmer than a single-chamber one, a four-chamber one is warmer than a two-chamber one.
Reference: the camera in this case is just a gap between the glasses. Two glasses form a single-chamber double-glazed unit, three - two-chamber, and so on.
The energy-saving glass unit, due to the metal deposition on one or several glasses, has a limited permeability for infrared study.
Here are a few facts that you may find useful when choosing a solution:
- Currently, energy-saving hard-sprayed glass (so-called k-glass) and soft-sprayed glass (i-glass) are produced. Hard spraying has the worst light transmittance (70% of visible light versus 90% for i-glass), but due to its mechanical strength it can be used for glazing in one thread;
- I-glass is always installed by spraying inside the glass unit: it is easy to damage it when caring for the glazing;
- A single-chamber package with one i-glass provides 25 - 40% less heat loss compared to a two-chamber package with conventional glass;
- Installing a second i-glass reduces heat loss through the glazing by only 2-3 percent;
- A two-chamber double-glazed unit with two i-glasses is equivalent in resistance to heat transfer to a brickwork with a thickness of 70 centimeters.
Light-protective glass has a limited permeability (from 30 to 70%) in the visible part of the spectrum. It is useful for assembling double-glazed windows into panoramic windows facing south.
Sound insulating glass unit is useful if your windows face a busy street. Noise protection is achieved by alternating glasses and spacers of different thicknesses; in this way sound is extinguished in the maximum frequency spectrum.
In the absence of requirements for light and noise protection, I would recommend using double-glazed windows with one energy-saving i-glass: two-chamber in the middle zone of the country and in cold regions, single-chamber - in a warm climatic zone.
I (remember - Sevastopol, the Crimean peninsula) have exactly one-chamber energy-saving windows. In the rare frosts in Crimea at -20C on the street in the attic (60 m2) with panoramic windows with a total area of 26 square meters, a comfortable +20 was supported by one inverter air conditioner with a thermal capacity of 12,000 BTU.
Finishing
For most sellers, the main condition for providing a guarantee for windows is their installation by company representatives. This makes DIY window installation an unprofitable undertaking: most buyers prefer to use the services of professionals. But the decoration of window openings remains on the conscience of the owner of the house.
- The easiest way to finish the slopes of a window opening in a stone or concrete wall from the inside?
Plasterboard. Here are instructions for installing slopes from gypsum boards:
- Cut off the polyurethane foam protruding from the window frame;
- Clean the opening from peeling plaster, dust and dirt;
- Treat the opening with a penetrating acrylic primer. The primer is applied with a wide soft brush twice without intermediate drying. The primer will adhere the remaining dust to the walls, strengthen the surface and improve its adhesive properties;
- Cut out slopes from moisture-resistant gypsum board with a small margin in width (0.5 - 1 cm);
- Place the gypsum glue cakes on the drywall in 10-15 cm increments. It will be successfully replaced by gypsum plaster or putty. From the side of the frame, along the edge of the slope, a continuous bead of adhesive is laid out;
- Press the slope against the edge of the opening and align it in a long enough rule with light strokes of the palm. Control the position of the rule with a level or plumb line: the side slopes should be strictly vertical, the upper one - horizontal;
- Secure the top slope so that there is no slack. For this purpose, I use props made of boards or bar; with the same success, you can screw several dowel screws into the edge of the opening. The near edge of the slope can even be glued to the wall with masking tape;
- After the gypsum glue has set, the joints between the slopes are reinforced with serpyanka or fiberglass and putty twice, followed by grinding;
- The edges of the slopes protruding beyond the plane of the wall are constrained by a carpenter's plane.
- How to paint the inner slopes?
Any water-based paint. Better to opt for a paint that is resistant to wet wear. I especially recommend the so-called "rubber" waterproofing colorants: they provide a complete waterproof coating that can be washed with any non-abrasive cleaning agent.
- How to arrange the corners of the opening?
Place a decorative plastic outer corner on the corners. I used silicone for the sticker.
For cutting a corner, it is most convenient to use a grinder with any abrasive wheel. The cut is perfectly accurate; if necessary, the length of the corner can be adjusted to within a fraction of a millimeter by pressing its end to the plane of the rotating circle.
Ventilation
- What to do to prevent plastic windows from sweating?
I ran into this problem right after buying a private house: when it got cold outside, abundant condensation immediately fell out on the windows. The problem was solved comprehensively:
- Ventilation of the room was organized. With a lack of ventilation in the house, humidity gradually begins to increase. At a certain moment, excess moisture begins to fall out in the form of condensation on the coldest surfaces - glass, frames, slopes and corners of the outer walls;
The main reason for the appearance of condensation is insufficient ventilation.
- The increase in indoor temperature has shifted the dew point from the glazing surface closer to the street. The heated windows and frames stopped fogging up.
Ventilation requires a separate discussion.
I have tried to provide each room in the house with its own exhaust duct. Inflow - common for all rooms on each floor; air enters rooms through gaps between doors and thresholds.
In some private houses, however, exhaust ventilation is organized in the same way as in Soviet-built apartment buildings: only the kitchen and the bathroom are equipped with hoods; the inflow is leaking windows in living rooms. After replacing wooden windows with plastic ones, the supply ventilation stops working, which, in fact, leads to sweating of the windows and the appearance of fungus on the slopes.
How to ensure the supply of fresh air in rooms with plastic windows?
- If you are just going to order windows, equip them with the already mentioned fittings with the micro-ventilation function;
- Install the supply valves to the frames. As a rule, they are equipped with adjustable dampers to reduce or increase the flow of fresh air;
- The valves can also be installed directly into external walls. As a rule, the inflow is installed in the window sill. In this case, the cold supply air is mixed with the rising heat flow from the radiator, which ensures that there are no drafts above the floor;
- Another solution to the ventilation problem is the installation of a window retainer - a comb. The comb itself is screwed with a pair of self-tapping screws to the frame, and the counterpart is attached under the handle of the opening sash. This simple mechanism performs all the functions of the micro-ventilation system: it can fix the sash slightly open by 3-5 millimeters;
Pictured is a window retainer in my attic window.
- Finally, the simplest solution is to cut a five-centimeter piece of sealant on the frame and sash. The seal on the frame is cut from the bottom, and on the inward opening sash - from the top. In this case, noise from the street will not penetrate into the room, and the dust carried by the supply air will settle in the space between the frame and the sash, and not in the room. thanks!
When choosing glazing, owners of wooden houses often ask themselves the question - what kind of windows to install in a wooden house? PortalWINDOWS MEDIA answers readers' questions.
Which windows to install in a wooden house - plastic or wooden?
There is an opinion that the owners of wooden houses from a bar are adherents of environmental friendliness and everything natural. If this were always the case, the question of which windows to install would not arise.
In terms of the use of window materials, homeowners can be divided into two categories. The first category, for which the answer is obvious and not questioned, is that a wooden house should only have wooden windows. In this case, the question arises about the choice of wood, color, finish and the company that will manufacture and install all this.
The second category of homeowners is not so categorical. Comparison of different materials raises many questions - how does a plastic window differ from a wooden one? What is the reason for the rather high price for wooden windows? And of course the most important concern is how harmless are the windows?
Before the advent of modern window structures, the main material for the manufacture of windows in our country was wood, or rather, a wooden beam, carved from a single piece of wood. With the advent of modern technologies, plastic windows have taken a leading position - 85% of the market in Russia, according to the industry center O.K.N.A. Marketing. In Western and Eastern Europe, the share of plastic windows is also predominant - about 60%. However, the debate "which is better than plastic or wood" has not subsided for more than 50 years. Let's try to figure out whether it is worth focusing on wood when it comes to windows into a wooden house? Or does a plastic window fully meet the high requirements of owners of luxury real estate?
What is a window?
According to the definition of GOST 23166-99 "Window blocks. General technical conditions": "Window block is a translucent structure intended for natural lighting of a room, its ventilation and protection from atmospheric and noise influences." And this definition is the same for a window made of wood, PVC or aluminum.
As well as the same requirements for heat and sound insulation, size retention, water and air permeability and all other important characteristics. Consequently, any high-quality window, no matter what material it is made of, must meet these requirements. It turns out that it is impossible to compare windows made of different materials only in terms of basic parameters.
What to look for when choosing windows?
Environmental friendliness. The window area is 80% glass, so they can be called glass. Nevertheless, buyers judge the environmental friendliness of a structure by the material of the window frame, as it echoes its name.
The environmental friendliness of wood, as a rule, is not in doubt - a natural natural material. But in order for the window to serve for a long time, it is necessary to use special adhesives for gluing the timber, protective impregnations, paints and varnishes for the outer coating of windows. And one cannot do without the technologies of the chemical industry. The formulations, in most cases, contain chemicals. Their quality and environmental friendliness depend on the choice of the manufacturer and the price.
Opponents of PVC windows classify plastic as hazardous to health materials because of the alleged. Only pure lead vapors are toxic to human health. In the production of a profile, lead is used as a stabilizer in the form of a salt (sulfide), the molecules of which are reliably enclosed in the polymer structure of PVC. Numerous tests and sanitary documents confirm the harmlessness and safety of the plastic profile.
In addition, the window profile can be called an ecofriendly product - friendly to the environment. Plastic frames and sashes are easily recyclable.
Production time... In the overwhelming majority of cases, a plastic window, even a laminated or decorated one, is made much faster than a wooden one. This is due to the complex technology of manufacturing a wooden profile from laminated veneer lumber and assembling a window.
Installation of windows. All windows can be installed at any time, the main thing is that the heating works during the cold period. Installing windows in an unheated house is equally bad for plastic and wooden windows.
During repair and finishing work, wooden windows require careful and careful handling, they must be covered with special materials to protect the surface and not create a "greenhouse effect". Humid air under a dense film can destroy a wooden window in a very short period. While a plastic window, with careful handling, you can not cover it at all, or use a regular stretch or plastic film
Practicality in operation. Plastic windows are highly practical in use. They do not change color and surface quality during their entire service life. Caring for a plastic window during its entire service life is reduced to washing (twice a year is enough) and lubricating fittings and seals with special compounds (they can be purchased at any window sales office). For this ease of use, they are so loved by property owners.
Photo: wooden windows require periodic painting
Wooden windows require renewal of the paintwork once every 5-10 years. About 100 microns of paint disappears from the surface of the window every year. Over time, the paint layer becomes thinner and the wood becomes unprotected.
In the event that the surface of wooden windows is treated with a transparent compound, then the application of a new coating can be done independently.
If the painting was carried out with a covering paint, then it will be difficult to paint at home. Initially, the application of such a coating was carried out in special chambers. To restore it, you need to call a specialist from the manufacturer's company. Exterior painting work complicates the process, especially if a deaf element is present in the structure.
Aluminum linings on the outer side of the profile can protect wooden windows from the negative impact of the environment. But not all connoisseurs of natural materials like it, and the rise in the cost of the structure will be quite significant.
Maintainability. Plastic windows are easier to repair. If the surface of the white PVC profile is damaged, it can be easily restored using grinding pastes and special care products. Minor damage to the laminated profile can also be easily masked with special waxes and pencils. If the damage to the laminating film is significant, then it can be corrected with the help of special films of absolutely identical color directly on the object, without the need to dismantle the window.
In a plastic window, it is enough to simply replace the glass unit or even the sash, if necessary. And the new laminated sash will be exactly the same color as the old one.
Damaged wood surfaces will in most cases require replacement or a complex and expensive refurbishment process.
The operating costs for 25 years of hardwood wooden windows are two times, and those for softwoods are three times higher than the operating costs for a plastic window. The ever-increasing costs of maintaining timber windows in working order are associated with the need for periodic painting and restoration, as wooden frames rot in critical places.
Exterior and decor of windows... Wooden windows captivate with their natural beauty. It is enough to treat the surface with protective agents or tint a little and the window will acquire an elegant appearance.
The possibilities of finishing plastic windows are much wider. Lamination technologies can not only make PVC windows colored, but also create imitation "wood", "stone", "leather", "aluminum". The surface of the films is smooth, textured, with a 3d effect, tactilely and visually conveying the properties of the simulated material. The variety of laminated films allows you to embody styles and decors for every taste in plastic windows.
Price. Of course, an important factor when choosing a window is the price. The cost of plastic windows is at least 50% lower than wooden windows made of three-layer glued pine beams of class "C".
Price of euro windows made of various materials on a turnkey basis, rubles *.
Source: O.K.N.A. Marketing
* - the price is indicated without taking into account the production and installation of the casing (okosyachki)
If you order windows made of valuable species of wood (oak, ash), then the price automatically rises 2-3 times relative to PVC windows.
"Breathable" plastic windows in a wooden house
The difference in air permeability of wooden and plastic windows is a consequence of the non-natural structure of wood. The reason here often lies in the unstable dimensions of the profile section along its entire length. This creates micro-gaps in the sash and frame porch, which somewhat increases the amount of incoming air.
Plastic windows can also be "breathable" if the manufacturer provides for the possibility of air exchange at the stage of design and manufacture of the profile. As did the largest Russian manufacturer of window profiles, ExProf *.
The company released and patented the model of "breathing" plastic windows Exprof Aero - with a wide frame of 101-118 mm, inside which is a labyrinth of channels.
Photo: the principle of operation of the "breathing" window ExProf Aero *
The air coming from the street, passing through the labyrinth, slows down and warms up during the cold period, which excludes drafts. ExProf Aero creates and maintains a healthy microclimate in any room, including a wooden house.