After the window system is installed, it is necessary to install external slopes for plastic windows. Postponing this process for later is not recommended for several reasons. The exterior trim of the window opening is designed to give it a finished, neat appearance
The second reason is more substantial and practical. It is associated with the operational properties of the mounting foam, which is used to fasten PVC windows in the opening and fills the installation joint, protecting the room from the ingress of rain, noise, pollution and wind from the street. However, this material itself needs protection that external slopes on the windows can provide.
Appointment of external slopes
The mounting foam, which is used when installing PVC windows, does not imply its operation in a form that is not protected from external influences.
In direct sunlight, foamed polyurethane foam is destroyed within a few months. Loss of foam of its qualities entails the malfunctioning of the window system as a whole: from loss of energy efficiency to a violation of the geometric position in the window opening, accompanied by mechanical breakdowns of the control systems.
Finishing plastic windows may be delayed for a short period of time, but it is better to have it done “in hot pursuit”.
In addition to the sun, moisture is a threat to polyurethane foam. At first, water does not penetrate the material. But when, under the influence of the sun, its structure is violated, the moisture penetrates freely into the pores of the mounting foam, destructively acting on it.
Due to the fact that the foam is a porous material, it will invariably pass through itself, albeit in a small amount, moisture from the room. As a result of this, condensation will form, which will entail the formation of fungus and mold on the walls.
To summarize, we can distinguish the following functions that are characteristic of external slopes for plastic windows:
- protection of walls from condensation;
- window protection against fogging;
- heat and sound insulation of the room;
- increase the operational life of the window system;
- give the window opening and the facade as a whole a neat appearance.
Types of materials
Exterior windows can be decorated with various materials that create a different decorative effect and the level of protection of the installation joint due to its properties.
Plaster slopes
Finishing plastic windows outside with plaster is a traditional and inexpensive way. With the seeming simplicity of working with this material, an untrained person will not be able to do quality work, since you need to have certain professional skills. But you can take a chance and do external slopes with your own hands using plaster. How to make slopes on the windows in this way will be described below.
In order for the plastered slopes on the windows from the street to look neat, it is necessary to ensure their smooth geometric parameters. To do this, it is recommended to set up beacons, focusing on which, you can achieve a smooth application of the stucco layer.
Preparation and execution of work
Work begins with the preparation of the tool and the acquisition of plaster for outdoor use.
- Surface preparation involves the need to remove excess foam with a construction knife. Then, all visible cracks and holes are cleaned so that they can be puttied. You can foam them, and then also cut off the excess.
- Then set the metal tide. Excess foam from the bottom is removed, the remaining is covered with a plaster solution. On the mounting foam or liquid nails "plant" ebb. Then it is fixed to the frame or stand profile using self-tapping screws.
- Put lighthouses.
- Using a trowel or a metal spatula, they plaster the mortar so that it is slightly higher than the lighthouses. Then, using a rule or a wide spatula, they are carried out from the bottom up until a smooth surface is obtained.
- During operation, reinforcing corners is recommended.
- After the plaster layer has completely dried, it is ground.
Plastic slopes
Finishing windows with plastic is one of the common ways, due to the following advantages of PVC:
- the glossy surface of the plastic is naturally combined with the appearance of the window profile;
- the plastic surface can be laminated, giving it any color or imitation of the texture of natural wood;
- the material has a low level of thermal conductivity, therefore, virtually eliminates the formation of condensate on its surface;
- it is easy to look after him;
- It has a long service life;
- plastic street slopes are easy to install;
- It has a low weight, so it does not load the wall structure.
Of the minuses of plastic street slopes, it can be noted that when using low-quality plastic, yellowing can be observed over time. At low temperatures, the plastic becomes brittle and in case of damage, the fragment will have to be replaced entirely.
Mounting
- Finishing the window slopes on the outside with plastic panels begins with preparing the surface - cleaning it and closing the cracks;
- measurements are made on each side, side fragments are measured in two places - at the window and at the wall due to the presence of a slope;
- the perimeter of the window opening is framed with wooden slats, to which the starting profile is attached with the help of a construction stapler. A plastic element will go into it;
- corners are formed using an f-shaped profile or arrange external slopes with platbands.
Given the existing disadvantages of this material, it is better to use it for internal work.
Plasterboard slopes
Exterior window decoration with drywall is a dubious event. GKLV gypsum board can be used when finishing the external slopes of windows overlooking a glazed loggia or balcony. Before installing this material, the base surface must be treated with an antiseptic. Installation can be carried out with or without insulation.
Drywall surface can be decorated in any way.
It will be a mistake to arrange the installation of external slopes from drywall on window openings subject to direct effects of atmospheric precipitation. This material is not suitable for outdoor use..
Slopes from a sandwich panels
Sandwich-paneling the exterior slopes of plastic windows is an inexpensive and common way. The following qualities are characteristic of it:
- finishing the window openings with this material allows you to get a decorative neat appearance of the window opening;
- the external plastic surface can be covered with a lamination of any color or imitate the texture of natural wood;
- It has low weight due to the use of foamed polyurethane foam as an insulation layer;
- it is possible to arrange external slopes with platbands;
- due to the multilayered material, such a window opening finish allows to provide decent heat and sound insulation of the room;
- a simple installation will allow you to make external slopes on the windows with your own hands even to a layman;
- slopes for windows made of sandwich panels have a long service life;
- such window slopes are easy to clean - sometimes it is enough to carry out wet cleaning.
Of the minuses, the following can be noted: in the summer period from direct sunlight, the outer surface of the panels may turn yellow.
It is also worth considering that the material is sold in the form of dimensional panels, so you need to be prepared for difficulties with transportation. In some stores there is a service for cutting large panels into elements of the required size. Slopes from sandwich panels are installed in the same way as indoors.
Styrofoam slopes
When decorating plastic windows with your own hands, you can make slopes on the windows from foam.
This is an interesting example of how to make street slopes on windows, but short-lived. Such external slopes are made simply, the main thing is to remove the necessary dimensions and cut out the details.
Polyfoam has many positive qualities, which allows it to be used when finishing external slopes:
- slopes on the outside of the foam are maximally insulated;
- high noise insulation in the house;
- the foam does not rot and does not become moldy;
- simple installation - making outdoor slopes from this material is very simple;
- the work is done quickly, since there is no need to produce complex training;
- if you install elements of this material on plastic windows, you can not be afraid that the load will be applied to the structure - the foam has the lightest weight among all finishing materials;
- the foam is easy to process, so you can give the part any size;
- the surface of this material is then finished with plaster or paint.
This material can be used to warm the walls of the house along with the associated design of window openings.
Metal slopes
There are various types of outdoor slopes, but the best are metal products.
They are made of galvanized steel. The outer part of the product is covered with powder paint, which ensures the durability of the coating and protection against corrosion and rust.
Positive qualities of metal slopes:
- durability and aesthetic appearance;
- heat and sound insulation of rooms;
- reliable protection against natural phenomena;
- easy installation and maintenance.
How to properly install a metal fragment is shown below.
Slopes made of natural stone
The use of natural or artificial stones is not the cheapest way, but on the facade of the house such a finish looks very impressive.
Natural stones have all the necessary qualities for using them as an exterior finish.. They are durable, have a beautiful appearance, are diverse in their performance. They have protective, heat and sound insulation qualities. They do not absorb moisture at all. You can decorate the openings with bricks or use various artificial and natural stones.