Together with the installation of plastic windows, it is best to mount a PVC window sill, which is logical. The use of the same materials provides a harmonious combination of structural elements. It is also full compliance with technical characteristics, the same product life and surface care. Therefore, for plastic windows, PVC window sills are ideal, which are selected for any color scheme of the window design. This choice allows you to enhance the functional features of the window structure and decorate the interior with taste.
Why do we need window sills for plastic windows?
Not a single window can do without such a detail as a window sill, and the plastic version meets all the requirements placed on it:
- withstands temperature extremes;
- resistant to mechanical stress and moisture;
- not exposed to ultraviolet radiation;
- Aesthetically pleasing and durable.
All these characteristics are prerequisite for the installation of a plastic board along with window structures. Plastic sills are presented in a wide assortment on the market, so you need to know how they differ and how to choose them.
How and from what window sills for PVC windows are made
For the manufacture of window sills, high-strength plastic is used. Models differ in appearance, parameters and operational characteristics, but at the same time, the structural features of the PVC window sill remain unchanged, regardless of which manufacturer.
Standard design and material used:
- The basis is a hollow panel with a wall thickness of 1.5 to 3.0 mm.
- The inner part of the window sill is filled with stiffeners, which act as supports and provide mechanical strength. The quality of products depends on the number of ribs, therefore, the more of them, the higher the stiffness indicator, which means that the board can withstand heavy loads and not be deformed.
- Smooth or rough (textured) coating. A distinctive feature of a smooth surface is the need for constant care, as fingerprints leave traces that reduce aesthetic performance. But such traces are easily removed with a damp cloth soaked in soapy water. A rough matte surface does not have such a feature, but over time, its pores are filled with dirt that cannot be removed by simply wiping it with a cloth, which means that it will take more effort.
Window sills for PVC plastic windows are available in different sizes:
- The length of the panels is up to 6000 mm;
- Width - from 100 to 800 mm in increments of 50 mm.
- Board thickness - from 20 mm.
Modern window sills are made of hard PVC, so they are characterized by high strength and durability. They come in various shapes.
Kapinos in a plastic windowsill
Kapinos is a free hanging edge - a small part of a window sill with a rounding. The edges of the plate are specially rounded from the sides or front, due to which:
- Visually increases the thickness of the board;
- Improving aesthetic performance;
- The degree of safety is increased, since there are no pointed corners;
- A special “trick” appears in interior design.
Manufacturers are very scrupulous about their products and pay great attention to the decorative properties of PVC window sills, including kapinos. Therefore, you can always find a model of the relevant parameters. Some manufacturers make window sills with two capinos.
Installation of plastic window sills in accordance with GOST
Installation of a plastic window sill is carried out in several ways. Basically, the products are installed so that the board on both sides to a small depth (from 1.5 to 3 cm) enters the wall, and the width is larger than the opening. The product should be longer and wider than the area under the window where it will be installed, it will not only help to strengthen it well and fix it better, it will be much more profitable to look from an aesthetic point of view.
Installation steps
- The recesses in the slopes are made using a chisel and a hammer, you can use another suitable tool.
- The window sill is started under the frame by about 1 cm. It happens that there is a large gap between the panel and the lower part of the opening, but it can be reduced with cement mortar, leaving 5-10 mm to start the board.
- Before proceeding with installation, the site should be cleaned of debris and dust, and then checked for bumps, so a building level is required. A cement mortar is used to level the surface.
- When the site is ready, you can proceed with the installation of the window sill.
- When the board is fully installed, the protective coating is removed and the ugly ends are closed with decorative caps, which are best purchased immediately.
Window sill installation is quite simple, it is not necessary to have professional skills. The main requirements are accuracy and compliance with some rules:
- Do not press hard on the surface when sawing, which will help to avoid deformations and chips.
- Do not rush and saw after everything is measured to accuracy.
This will help even non-professionals to do everything neatly and efficiently, which will guarantee the long term of operation. Fastening of PVC window sill according to GOST is carried out using a mortar, special glue ("liquid nails"), mounting foam or metal fasteners (profile) on screws or screws.
The space that formed under the installed window sill is most conveniently filled with foam.
What window sills are better to use on the balcony
When installing the window sill on the balcony, you should take into account the nuances of this additional room. Depending on whether a warm or cold balcony, the panel option under the PVC window will completely depend. The width of the board is influenced by the area and functional features, because often the window sill on the balcony serves as a tabletop and flowers are located on it.
The best option is acrylic analogues for several reasons:
- high quality and strength of the base;
- excellent heat resistance;
- resistance to mechanical stress and scratches;
- easy care and practicality;
- a wide selection of color schemes and stylish decors (from white to imitation marble and different types of wood);
- ecological purity - there is no dangerous carcinogen formaldehyde.
In addition, the acrylic surface is well resistant to stains from food. Effortlessly remove traces of coffee, wine or tea using any detergent. A distinctive feature of such products is the ability to use standard rectangular panels or with rounded shapes and complex cascades. You can combine the window sill on the balcony with some furniture, which will give it functionality. For example, a board can be a continuation of the table, which will increase the working area - this is very important for such a small area.
Knowing what window sills are and what features they have, it will not be difficult to determine what it is better to make a board for windows from.When buying a panel, it is necessary to take into account the pros and cons of each product and the main indicator is the class, which indicates how high-quality coatings are:
- The cheapest window sill boards of the budget option, count on the long life of such products, of course, is not worth it.
- Premium panels are wear-resistant and feature an improved design.
Having decided which window sills are better, it remains to purchase and install in a room or on a balcony. For the installation of the panel in any room, it is desirable to use products from trusted manufacturers, and a slightly overpriced price will justify itself with excellent performance and a long service life.