How to install a plastic window in a wooden house yourself. How to install plastic windows in a wooden house Inserting double-glazed windows in a wooden house

Installing plastic windows in wooden houses increases the thermal insulation of the entire building, reduces several times the cost of heating the room. Many doubt the possibility of performing this operation and think that some auxiliary means or materials will be required to install the structure. In some houses, it is enough to remove the old one and replace it with new PVC, while other buildings require more complex steps. To understand this, it is necessary to study the issue more carefully, to learn the recommendations of experts.

Is it possible to change old window structures to plastic ones in a wooden building?

Depending on the type of wooden house, its age, the installation of plastic windows in it can be carried out according to a simplified scheme or in a more complex and time-consuming way. But the replacement of old wooden windows with similar plastic ones is available to everyone.

Frame-panel type

Due to the absence of shrinkage in such structures, replacing wooden windows with plastic frames is easy. All manipulations are performed according to the same instructions as for stone or panel structures..

Log cabin

Installation of metal-plastic and plastic windows is permissible in such structures not immediately after their construction. Since logs and beams must take their place in the building structure, it is necessary to wait from 2 to 3-4 years (depending on the characteristics of the materials used).

Attention

Installing PVC window frames in log houses before waiting for them to shrink is dangerous due to damage to the frames and their deformation.

Installation rules:
  • Shrinkage time should be 2 years or more. The timing is affected by the characteristics of the wood, the level of drying, the method of harvesting.
  • During the period of shrinkage of the structure, wooden windows can be installed, which will then be replaced with plastic ones.
  • It is required to organize an expansion gap of no more than 12% of the frame height, which will allow installing PVC windows immediately after the construction of the house is completed.
  • Thin-section boards with tow winding on them should be used to seal the compensation gap, which will protect the frame structure from damage during the shrinkage period. As the structure subsides, such boards can be removed or left until the tow is compacted without damaging the structure.
  • Installation of casing - a special box made of durable thick bars. It is used as a frame for a window opening and fixing a window on it. In the house, this element also performs a protective function, since it prevents pressure on the wall window during shrinkage.
Casing can be designed and installed at any period of building construction and its shrinkage. But without it, installing PVC windows is not recommended at all.

Features of work performance

When replacing old windows with new ones made of plastic, follow the procedure:
  1. When replacing a window with casing, measurements must be performed after removing the latter from the window opening, otherwise the measurements taken will give significant deviations.
  2. If the window is replaced in place of the old one while maintaining its frame, then it is necessary to take dimensions from this element after removing the window frame.
  3. The replacement of the pigtail (casing) is carried out first, and it is better to enlist the help of the masters, since this element sets the operating conditions for PVC windows in the future.
  4. When installing new windows, it is required to leave 1–2 cm for the installation gap on all sides of the opening. It is then sealed with mounting foam, but without it, installing the window correctly and without effort will not work.
  5. When installing new double-glazed windows, all operations are performed in the same way as for panel or stone buildings - double-glazed windows are removed from the frames, the frame structure is fixed on the box with anchors with appropriate plates, which are attached to the frame and wall with two self-tapping screws.
  6. Sealing tape is used to isolate the mounting joints between the frame and the walls.
  7. At the last step, double-glazed windows are inserted into fixed PVC frames. It is necessary to hammer them around the perimeter with plastic glazing beads with rubber insulation. This will increase the energy efficiency of the structures.
  8. The adjustment is carried out after the installation of the sashes and all double-glazed windows, when the load on the structure is set to what it should be during continuous operation.

When replacing a window frame, it will be necessary to use boards or bars with a thickness of 5 cm or more, and the organization of a sealing insulating layer. Therefore, measurements must be performed accurately, with the necessary allowances for the layers of auxiliary materials.

Installation options

Replacing old windows with new PVC structures in wooden buildings is done in several ways.:
  • installation of a new casing when installing a plastic bag;
  • installation on an existing pigtail;
  • replacement with preservation of window parameters;
  • expansion of the opening, installation of the appropriate filling in it.
Regardless of the method, checking the status of the pigtail is required., its replacement if any flaws or malfunctions are found. This operation guarantees the reliability and durability of the new PVC double-glazed window.

With original hole size

In the case of such a replacement method, several operations must be performed:
  1. Dismantling of the wooden structure.
  2. Check for the integrity, strength of the casing, the presence of additional fasteners on it that need to be removed.
  3. If the pigtail has chips, damage, signs of decay development and other significant defects, it must be removed and replaced with a new design.
  4. Measures are taken for the casing (in case of its replacement) and / or a plastic bag.
  5. Glass preparation. Installing a pigtail or cleaning an old one, installing a window frame.
  6. Fixing the window frame in the casing, then installing the sash on it.
  7. Placement in the frame of double-glazed windows, fixing all additional elements.
  8. Adjustment, customization of the structure.

The necessary waterproofing in the pigtail with the selected quarter is impossible, and for the installation of plastic double-glazed windows this is a prerequisite.

With a change in the size of the opening

In log houses, window openings were always made small. The owners of such buildings are always trying to make the rooms more sunny, more comfortable for living. To do this, they change windows, expand the window opening. Replacement work is carried out in the following order:
  1. The old design with a pigtail is removed.
  2. A preliminary markup is made with a building level.
  3. With a chainsaw or ordinary carpentry tool, a wider and / or higher opening is cut.
  4. The size of the new casing is calculated.
  5. A pigtail is being constructed, placed in the opening.
  6. The size of the new window is calculated, and then the settings are the same as in the case of saving the size of the window opening.
When calculating the format of a new window frame, take into account:
  • thickness of boards, type of casing;
  • the presence of a gap for the seal;
  • 1-2 cm for organizing a technical opening;
  • thickness of the installed window sill;
  • dimensions for the expansion gap.

Attention

The marking should be carried out so that the edges of the opening intersect the logs along their central part. This requirement applies to log and log houses.

Installation subtleties

All operations for replacing old windows in a house made of logs, log houses or frame structures must be carried out according to the instructions above. Each stage from dismantling and / or changing the size of the opening to the final decorative finish of slopes, drainage, window sills and the front part must have a clear sequence. If you make any inaccuracies or deviate from the recommended sequence, then various difficulties and defects may arise, which are more difficult to eliminate than to prevent.

Necessary tools and materials

When replacing old windows, you will need such a tool:
  • protective equipment: gloves, plastic glasses or with rubber seals;
  • impact drill, screwdriver or screwdriver with an appropriate nozzle;
  • mounting foam, insulating materials, including sealing tape;
  • hexagon or bolts with self-tapping screws for installing the support mechanism;
  • wooden spacer wedges under the window frame;
  • light mallet or rubber mallet;
  • plastic chisel;
  • construction level;
  • roulette.

Even with the entire set of tools, third-party help will be required, since window frames, like double-glazed windows, have significant weight.

Difficulties during installation

The main difficulty associated with the installation of plastic double-glazed windows in wooden houses is the presence of shrinkage. Because of it, the frames can be deformed if the window boxes are not properly organized. This situation cannot be corrected because damaged structures will not allow the window fittings to fully function. The casing can have this type of construction: the bars are mounted in a groove made for them in the window opening. The use of a groove and a ridge carriage ensures the sliding of the groove-ridge structure during shrinkage. This will protect the window frame from damage and stress. The method of creating a wooden block in grooves without a gun carriage is only suitable for PVC bags. In wooden buildings, the installation of plastic double-glazed windows is simple. It is enough to stock up on the right tools and patience. Fulfillment without deviations and initiative of all the recommendations of specialists will allow you to easily, quickly, and efficiently replace old windows. This will significantly increase the house's ability to retain heat and reduce heating costs. If you decide to insulate your house, but at the same time you do not have the opportunity to put a new plastic window, then we suggest reading about that, for the winter and about effective ones.

Useful video

We offer you to watch a visual video about the installation of plastic windows in a wooden house:

In contact with

Repair work in a wooden house differs significantly from similar buildings in a different form. Most companies do not provide a guarantee for installations carried out here, especially windows. Isn't this a reason to think about DIY installation? Armed with a step-by-step video, you can achieve a high-quality result, significantly saving the family budget.

Features of installing a window system in a wooden house

There are many prejudices about wooden houses. The service life of the windows installed here depends entirely on the quality of the building itself and compliance with the technology of the installation process.

You can not start working with a window opening in a new wooden house right away. In order to avoid deformation in the future, it is recommended to wait some time for the structure to stand, the wood to dry out, excess moisture to evaporate from it, and the walls to become static. Thus, the chance of mowing the opening is minimized.

As a place for a window, do not choose the outer part of a wooden house. The opening can be in the center or closer to one of the corners, but not in contact with it.

Window cutting pattern

The installation process itself is not too laborious: it can be carried out with one pair of hands in a few hours. The subtleties of the preparatory work depend on whether the windows have already been installed before or whether the casing needs to be created from scratch. A similar technology can be used to install PVC in any wooden building: a bathhouse, a gazebo, etc.

Preparing the Workspace

For hand-made installation of plastic windows, you need a reliable base - a frame. If the previous windows were installed within the last few years, did not have time to acquire physical damage and rot, then you can use the box from them as a frame for the new system. With this option, measurements are made according to the new size of the opening, focusing on the preserved box.

If PVC is installed in a new building, then you will have to take care of the pigtail. This is the name of the design that prevents the window system from deformation. There are several types of it:

  • With a mortgage bar;
  • In the groove of a log wall;
  • On a spike in the wall;
  • With a quarter.

Mowing a window opening is one of the necessary steps for installing a plastic window in a wooden house

Using a rag, you can remove dirt, dust and start measuring. The reliability and expediency of carrying out all further work depends on their accuracy: inattention at this stage can jeopardize the entire installation.

Advice. If the opening is distorted, then to create a plan with measurements, they are guided by the supposedly correct geometric shape and right angles, and the deformations are removed with a sealant or ordinary putty.

Window sill installation and window preparation

It is the basis of the entire window system, so its installation must be carried out with a level: the horizontal surface must be ideal from both the longitudinal and transverse positions.

To do the work with your own hands, the following algorithm of actions is used:

  1. Small recesses (at least 5 mm) are made in the window box for additional fixation of the window sill.
  2. Using plates made of fiberboard, plastic or wood treated with an antiseptic, level the level of the window sill.
  3. With the help of self-tapping screws, the installation of the window sill is carried out. A gasket or washer must be placed under the caps to prevent cracks. For self-tapping screws, you need to choose a place where they will be hidden by a future window. Usually, it is located at a distance of 2-4 cm from the end.
  4. After installing the window sill, its horizontalness is checked using the building level.

In general, installing a pvc window in a wooden house does not cause any particular difficulties if you familiarize yourself with all the nuances of the work in advance

As for the window itself, it is necessary to attach the handle in the downward position (closed state) before installation.

Attention! There is no need to remove the protective film completely: just open it slightly at the place where the handle is attached.

Window installation

Installing a window in a prepared area of ​​a wooden house is no different from installing it in another structure. The process is performed in the following sequence:

  1. Marking the window frame and drilling mounting holes. The procedure is performed using a 6 mm drill for the corresponding self-tapping screw 1 mm smaller in diameter.
  2. Installation of the system in the opening. At the same time, they are guided by the window sill, the even level of which, thanks to additional control, is beyond doubt. The center is determined using a centimeter tape.
  3. Level relative to the wall. To make the window parallel to the wall surface, use a plumb line. If it is trimmed with siding, which allows you to place a level between the trim and the wall, then you can use it.
  4. Fixing a bar that would completely fill the space between the window and its frame. It will become the focus for further installation. Installation without it may lead to overlapping of the window opening-closing mechanism.
  5. The window is fastened with self-tapping screws from the bottom and top of the side posts, so that they do not interfere with the free opening of the window in the box.
  6. Foaming of cracks and removal of its excess.

Installing a PVC window with your own hands can save up to 60% of the family budget. Following the detailed instructions for their installation will make the structure resistant to seasonal tree deformations, extending the life of the system for a long time.

Video: Installing plastic windows in a wooden house

Photo: Installing plastic windows in a wooden house

Glad to be of service to you again, my friends!

After examining my windows in a wooden house, I came to the conclusion that it was time to replace them. I have not yet come across such a process, so I made up for the lack of practical experience with the help of other people's knowledge: I “overlooked” a bunch of forums and sites, through friends I found people who had already done similar work. After he made a number of conclusions and determined the algorithm of his actions when reinstalling windows. Next, I will state everything sequentially.

First of all, I measured the windows and ordered new ones, reporting the exact dimensions. While the order was being fulfilled, I started dismantling the old frames, and then cleaning the openings from accumulated debris. Upon receipt of the windows, he installed window sills and prepared double-glazed windows for installation. He put the structures in permanent places and fixed them. Of course, in reality, the process was not so fleeting and easy, but there is nothing overwhelming in it - I did it and you will succeed.

The technology of installing a plastic window in the opening of a wooden house

When installing a plastic double-glazed window in the pigtail of a wooden house, you cannot do without a level and a plumb line - if you want the window sashes to move smoothly, not open under their own weight, or jammed. Then never fix the window without making sure - not by eye, but by level, that it is level.

So that the work in connection with inserting the window into the opening and leveling does not go down the drain, it is necessary to fix the leveled structure with mounting fasteners.

The best option is 6 pieces for each window. They can be ordered in the same place where you give an application for the manufacture of double-glazed windows.

Under these fasteners on each side of the window there are technical slides, so there will be no difficulties with the correct placement of the plates. Each plate has holes for self-tapping screws. Is it possible to do without plates? Yes, if you want to drill through the frame when attaching it, which will cause depressurization of the chambers in the profile. Personally, I am against such barbarity - I need windows not only for beauty, but also for reliable protection from cold and moisture. And to the installers, if you do not install them yourself, also tell them to install the windows according to the rules. Only in this case, the expectations from plastic double-glazed windows in a wooden house will be fully justified.

I strongly advise you to remove the window sashes from the frame before installing it in the opening. This will not take much time, but it will save a lot of effort: without them, it will become much easier and it will be easier to direct it to the right place.

The algorithm for installing a double-glazed window in the opening of a wooden house:

  • inserting the structure into the pigtail, insert wood chips 2 centimeters thick under the lower frame;
  • using the water level, determine the quality of the installation;
  • achieve the desired indicator by laying additional chips;
  • align the frame vertically with the same pieces of wood;
  • having determined the most optimal position, fix the frame on the pigtail with self-tapping screws, inserting them into the holes on the mounting plates.

When screwing in each self-tapping screw, do not hit the crest of the log against which the pigtail rests. To avoid loosening the self-tapping screw, screw it in slightly at an angle.

After fixing the frame, foam it along the contour only after hanging the sashes - they will prevent it from deflecting under the pressure of the hardening mounting foam. If the sashes are not installed before this, then later there will be problems with the movement of the vents, even in a perfectly installed frame.

At the end of the frame alignment horizontally and vertically, a gap of 2 cm thick should remain on each side of the entire structure - for foam filling. The height of the distance between the top panel of the pigtail and the first log is not less than 5 and not more than 15 cm - the gap will prevent wood pressure on the windows after shrinkage of the log house.

Before pouring the foam, a control check of the correct installation of the entire structure is necessary. They are guided by the “behavior” of the open sash: it should not go further on its own than it was opened, or try to return back, obeying its own weight, and not you.

Here is such a short educational program turned out on the topic of installing a plastic double-glazed window in a wooden house. I hope that my advice will help you in your noble and exciting work.

Self installation

I wanted to put plastic windows in my country wooden house. Everything that will be described below is a verbal presentation of my experience in self-installation of double-glazed windows in a house made of timber.

Why did I decide to do my own window installation?

There are several reasons:

  • for installation, you will have to pay up to 50% of the cost of the window itself (you can buy a third one for the saved money for 2 installed on your own);
  • almost all companies that provide window installation services in wooden houses do not give any guarantees for their work;
  • no need to pay for a service that any owner is able to provide to himself for 2 hours of work.

In order for the installation result to please for many years, you need to follow the step-by-step algorithm of actions recommended below.

Removing old windows

Regardless of who will install brand new double-glazed windows in a wooden building - you or invited workers - installation of new structures is permissible only on a rigid foundation. I was lucky: in our house, window frames were changed a couple of years ago, so the wood turned out to be flawless. That is, I did not find any wormholes, rot, cracks, dents and chips on it. Therefore, when ordering double-glazed windows, I indicated the dimensions of the new windows, taking into account that the boxes will remain. If, in your case, the condition of the frames turns out to be not very good, but thrift will not allow you to throw them away, then the dismantled can be put into a mini-greenhouse as a basis.

Not sure how good and bad the boxes under your windows are? All the same, do not allow yourself or your employees to break them out “with meat”. You can always use firewood. The same applies to glasses: there is no certainty that they will not crack during dismantling, so take them out first - there will also be a use for them. I was lucky again: the frames were still strong, so the structures were taken out without removing the glass.

How to prepare a place

Go around the entire perimeter of the frame with a dry brush or a clean rag to sweep away everything left after dismantling.

Window sill installation

The first to a permanent place is a plastic window sill, which is "imputed" to serve as the basis for the rest of the structure. Hence the “legs grow” of the requirement to install it perfectly evenly and horizontally. To determine how correctly it is installed in a vertical and horizontal position, the usual building level will help. To adjust its location, taking into account the level readings, use chopped strips of plastic or slivers (the latter only if they have been treated with an antiseptic). For the stability of the window sill, make a notch on each side of the box, going deep into the wood by 8 millimeters.

Fix the window sill with self-tapping screws, screwing it to the bottom of the window frame. Fasteners are placed with a two-centimeter indent from the outer end of the window sill and with a mandatory substrate for each washer. It will not allow the self-tapping screw to break through the canvas, if you overdo it when tightening the fasteners. Do not worry that the fasteners will spoil the overall impression - they simply will not be visible.

How to prepare a double glazing

I recommend that you install the handle before starting installation work. But the film can be removed later - so there is less chance of leaving unattractive stripes on the plastic surface. You need to tear off the adhesive strip only at the place where the handle is installed. When placing the lever on the sash, hold it with the long part parallel to the window sill.

After installing the window, this position of the handle will correspond to the mode of opening the entire sash towards itself. When moving the handle end down, the sash will be locked, up - only the narrow upper part of the window can completely move away from the frame panel.

Having fixed the handle on the panel with a pair of bolts, you need to turn it end down. On the side racks, mark out the holes for the fasteners with which the window will be held within the frame.

Window installation

We put the assembled structure in the opening, making sure that from both vertical edges the intermediate distance from the frame to the sides of the double-glazed window is the same (about a centimeter). At the same time, remember that the horizontal direction is set by the window sill previously fixed in the correct position. If it is inconvenient to use the level due to the presence of decor on the outside of the wall, then use a plumb line.

While the person helping you will hold the frame, you must wedge a centimeter-wide spacer bar between the box and the window frame. Their presence is necessary for the stability of the fixed structure at the moment of connection of the double-glazed window with the frame with self-tapping screws. If you are too lazy or forget about the bars, you can provoke the window to go to the side in the process of fixing. As a result, then the sash will be difficult to open and close.

After wedging the bars and placing the double-glazed window strictly according to the level indicators, fix the inserted structure in the box with self-tapping screws, not forgetting to screw them on each of the four sides.

When introducing a self-tapping screw, you need to ensure that its location takes place in the free space between the window and the box itself.

Then, during periods when the house “walks” under the influence of climatic influences and seasonal shifts, the windows in it will not warp.

Installing a window in a wooden house using a self-expanding tape in the video:

How to install double-glazed windows in a wooden building?

First, take care of maintaining the patency of the drain holes - install adjusting plates between them, which will prevent condensation from accumulating from the window. Then insert the double-glazed window into the opening of the box so that there is free space around the entire perimeter between the two structures. It is necessary to maintain the integrity of the glass in the frame when the box will lead in the spring or winter after the house.

In the case of a tight fit of the double-glazed window to the box (minimum gap of 5 mm), file a claim with the manufacturer of the structure. A decent contractor in response should offer an appropriate solution to the problem.

After inserting the double-glazed window into the box and aligning the first on four sides with respect to the last, fix its location with plastic glazing beads with profile spikes. These "spiky" strips are very easy to install: it is enough to advance them with small taps into the openings. When the spines of the glazing bead reach the grooves, you will hear a characteristic click.

Having achieved a fixed and correct placement of the double-glazed window in the box, fill the voids between these two structures with mounting foam, processing the cracks from the inside and outside.

Remove any hardened excess with a pruning knife.

After making sure that the work has been carried out correctly: the grooves are closed, the wings move only under the pressure of your hands, you can proceed with the installation of additional fittings, platbands and drainage systems.

Rules for secure installation

All the difficulties with installing windows in wooden houses have one root: the instability of wooden structures throughout the entire operational period. Without taking into account this factor in the process of installing plastic structures, even window or door, it is quite possible to find yourself in a situation where the new “carpentry” fails without even a year of work.

How are wooden houses different from others? Wood loses a lot of moisture in the first years after the construction of the log house. A year, as some say, is not enough for the final drying process. In the best case, the walls of the house will take the final size in the sixth year after their construction. But in some regions, the process of "walking" houses never ends.

On average, the height of the wall can decrease by 4-5 cm. And what will happen to the double-glazed window, which was installed in the box in such a way that there were only 2-2.5 cm between the sides of these structures? Do the owners of wooden houses need to forget about the dreams of plastic windows? Of course not. You just need to follow a number of technical recommendations.

First: do not neglect the casing. It is also called a pigtail. Thanks to it, any windows gain independence from the impact, within reasonable limits, of the bearing walls of the building. Whether they shrink or acquire some curvature, this will not affect the integrity and functionality of the window.

General casing specifications:

  • protect the logs from moving away from the vertical in the area of ​​the window opening;
  • does not resist vertical shrinkage of the wall;
  • takes over all the loads;
  • contributes to the strength of the wall in the zone of the window opening.

What is a siege? The most common option is to make square vertical grooves with a side of 5 cm at the ends of the logs and then seal them with bars of the same size. But such processing of the walls around the opening is only suitable for preparing a place for wooden windows. To prepare an opening for plastic double-glazed windows at the ends of the logs, you need to make a comb, and then install a window carriage with a groove on it. The presence of a ridge and a groove will ensure that the logs slide without harming the window frame.

What is a window carriage? These are vertical bars with parameters 15x10 cm, with notches at the edges. The depth of the cuts is 5x5 cm, they are made for inserting jumpers crowned with spikes at the ends in the form of boards 15x5 cm.

The assembled casing is 7-8 centimeters below the window opening. Such a gap is left due to the possible shrinkage of the wall. When the pigtail is assembled in the opening, it is then covered with rolled tow, and gun carriages are stuffed on top. After such a procedure, neither squeaks from shrinkage, nor drafts from under the window are terrible.

Then you need to make a lower jumper and also fill the gun carriages on the comb with tow. Insert the upper jumper into the hole from above, and then lower it into the groove. Then reinforce the structure with self-tapping screws, making sure that they do not touch the ridge - this is important for maintaining the relative freedom of the resulting structure. Then all the gaps found between the pigtail and the walls must be filled with tow.

Metal-plastic double-glazed windows can also be inserted into such a design, without fear that they will jam when the house shrinks. When installing, do not forget that noise, heat, and vapor barrier also need to be taken care of.

The gap between the log house and the casing made must be filled with thin planks with wound tow fibers.

When the house begins to shrink noticeably, knock out the planks to replace them with new ones. To facilitate this process, I strongly recommend attaching the upper casing only to the casing. It will take - carefully remove it, change the filling, fix it in place.

When I taught seminars, I often encountered bewilderment about the need for a window fitter to understand the technology of building wooden buildings. And what is strange about this? Without this, the installer will not be able to install the window in such a way that it will serve for years without any complaints. In other cases, you can not do without casing.

If you are hired to install plastic double-glazed windows in a wooden house, find out if there is a casing. If it is not there, and instead of a pigtail there will be a box of an old window, tell the owner that he has two ways. Either he agrees to modernize the window opening for casing and windows smaller than planned, or the person will receive windows in old frames without casing, but without your guarantee for a quality result. Since even old wooden houses are always “walking” and resisting this, or rather, this factor should always be taken into account when installing windows. And do not forget to indicate in the contract that you disclaim any responsibility for the future life of the windows.

We put plastic double-glazed windows in a private house

Remember: all wooden structures shrink. And this fact must always be taken into account when installing plastic double-glazed windows in a log house.

The strongest shrinkage processes of wood occur in the first two years after the completion of the construction of the log house. Each meter of masonry shrinks by 1.5 cm. And this is a very large value to ignore when equipping a wooden house with plastic windows.

Why do they do a squabble?

The durability of the operation of the plastic window and the level of comfort during use depend on how professionally the casing is carried out. It provides the window with a safe position during the period when the house is once again slightly deformed due to fluctuations under the influence of changes in humidity or temperature.

What is a siege? This is a box made of thick boards. It is inserted into the window opening, fixed according to a certain technology, and only then they are engaged in the installation of PVC double-glazed windows. The box itself is held inside the opening with the help of side grooves.

In the process, one cannot rely on the technical qualities of mounting foam, other fixing methods.

Between the structure and the upper lintel of the window opening, a gap must be left, the value of which should be greater than the expected shrinkage of the wooden wall.

How to make a pigtail:

  • inserting wooden beams into specially made grooves (then self-tapping screws will be screwed into the beams);
  • sawing spikes on the edges of logs in the window opening and forming grooves in the sides of the box (experts call this technique “into a deck”);
  • spikes are made in the sides of the structure, the ends of the logs of the window opening are equipped with grooves.

The nuances of preparing a window opening

Do not be intimidated by the work of installing plastic double-glazed windows in a wooden building. If you follow the right algorithm, you can insert a modern window into a log house of any age with your own hands.

First of all, determine the distance to the window from the floor. The most convenient option is if the window sill is slightly higher than the horizontal plane of your desk. If there is none nearby, then be guided by a distance of 80-90 cm.

The lower, upper boundary of the window opening is determined using the water level. The top line should run 13 +1.5 cm above the upper border of the double-glazed window, the difference on the sides should be 12-14 +1.5 cm. Leave one and a half centimeters of allowance for sealing cracks with building foam.

Having decided on the size of the opening, take measurements for the future window. Observe the utmost accuracy both when installing the casing and when taking parameters for the design of the double-glazed window itself. Qualitative measurement is one of the most important nuances that affects the quality of all subsequent work on the installation of a double-glazed window into a window opening.

After bringing the opening to the desired condition, start studding the ends of the logs facing the window. The draft window is trimmed with jute from the sides and bottom. Do the casing only from well-dried wood, sawn into bars. Make connections with self-tapping screws, and cover the convergence points with sealant at the joints. Fill the gaps in the pigtail with tow.

See the video for casing and pigtail when installing PVC windows in a wooden house:

Installation nuances

The finished metal-plastic structure is placed after being ideally pulled out in the foreground or deepened into the wall. The main product is fixed with self-tapping screws, screwing them into specially prepared grooves.

It is permissible to install a metal-plastic window of any configuration in an ordinary wooden, but not made of timber, house, if you know how to properly frame, take measurements and select the appropriate fittings.

When picking up tools and other material, do not take self-tapping screws longer than 12 cm. Such “stings” will definitely go behind the pigtail and dig into the main building, which is unacceptable given the mobility of a wooden house.

For waterproofing the external joint, you can use an acrylic sealant without additional components in the composition, a sealing tape that self-expands after being placed in place, or a conventional vapor-permeable one. Such protection will extend the life of the mounting foam and prevent the formation of drafts.

A vapor barrier tape is placed along the inner seam, fixing it with a special glue. And only then they process the seam with mounting foam.

Unlike foam or reinforced concrete buildings, wooden houses are highly unstable. This term refers to the minimum, but constant shrinkage of the structure. The tree “shrinks” not for 2-3 years, as some experts believe, but for at least 5 years. Of course, shrinkage visible to the naked eye occurs during the first 12 months, but then the dwelling continues to decrease in volume. If you do not take into account this property and, for example, install a plastic window in a wooden house by analogy with reinforced concrete structures, you can seriously pay for the miscalculation.

Shrinkage of timber and logs is from 1 to 2 cm per meter of masonry. That is, a two-story wooden house can reduce the height by 10-12 cm in 5 years. If the owners decide to insert plastic windows using conventional technologies, they will be disappointed in a year. With all its mass, the structure will put pressure on PVC products; first, the sashes will stop opening, and then the frame will crack altogether, ceasing to perform heat-insulating functions. But you do not need to take extraordinary measures to properly install plastic windows - just install a pigtail in the window opening.

Design features

The purpose of the pigtail (otherwise referred to as casing) is to give the windows complete independence from the load-bearing walls of the house. The design has several undeniable advantages:

  • it eliminates even the minimum vertical load on the window, since it does not allow the logs to move;
  • does not interfere with the natural shrinkage of the house;
  • serves to strengthen the house in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe window opening.

There are two types of framing. In the first case, grooves are made into which wooden bars of the same dimensions as the window opening are placed. In the second, a comb is cut out in the latter, on which a gun carriage (a log hewn from opposite sides, better known as a gable beam) with a groove is fixed.

It is advisable to install plastic windows in a log house (or log house) with an assistant, since the installation of a pigtail requires high accuracy, and it is sometimes difficult for one person to cope with the mass of a double-glazed window.

Required Tools

To install pvc windows, you will need a basic set of building supplies, including:

  • drill;
  • screwdriver;
  • chisel;
  • building level;
  • roulette;
  • mallet (wooden mallet);
  • self-tapping screws no more than 10 cm long (elongated options violate the integrity of logs or timber);
  • mounting foam;
  • expansion wedges made of wood;
  • spray bottle with water;
  • gloves.

In addition, you will need a special adjusting hexagon for window structures. Hundreds of videos have been shot on the topic of installing windows in wooden structures, which are easy to find. However, the basic and most valuable tips are given below.

Surface preparation stage

The first step is to remove the old window. If its condition is not bad, it can be useful in another matter (for example, during the construction of a country greenhouse). The dismantling of windows is carried out carefully so as not to spoil the wooden walls. After that, the opening is cleaned of dust and dirt.

Measurement of the parameters of the window opening should be as accurate as possible. It is advisable to record the obtained values ​​​​on paper. Installing a new window is simple, but due to one millimeter miscalculation, it can be very skewed.

If the contour of the opening is not quite smooth, it will have to be leveled with putty or sealant. A properly prepared surface for a new PVC product is characterized by ideal geometry (right angles).

It is also necessary to withstand the margin for shrinkage at home. This is about 6 cm in height, 2 cm in height and sides for foaming, 4 cm under the windowsill.

Depending on the time of the year and the current stage of construction, the order of double-glazed windows either precedes dismantling or becomes the final stage. Few people want to put a window in a wooden house and change it in a year or two, so you need to take into account some points. The buyer should decide on the number of doors, the direction of their opening, shape, size, color of future products. And, of course, you should place an order with reliable manufacturers.

Installation instructions for PVC windows

The ideal distance from the floor to the windowsill will be 80-90 cm. This is just above the desk. The user must freely lean on the window sill, minimally bending the body. The further sequence of actions is given below.

  1. Precise marking is carried out for the side and lower spikes (5 × 5 cm), after which they are cut out.
  2. In previously prepared and well-dried boards (preferably one inch), holes are cut out to fill the spikes.
  3. The window opening and the blank of the pigtails are treated with antifungal impregnation.
  4. Insulation (jute tape, tow, etc.) is attached to the spike using a construction stapler.
  5. The casing structure is installed in the opening, starting from the window sill. Its elements are connected with self-tapping screws, and the joints are coated with sealant.

In general, the window frame is ready, it remains only to insulate the upper landing gap. The same jute will do; the lumen is caulked as tightly as possible. Now you can mount a plastic window inside the opening. To do this, do the following:

  1. Insert the double-glazed window into the opening, perfectly aligning it with the front edge. Applying a level, make sure that the geometry of the sides is correct. First, for the convenience of work, remove the sashes from the double-glazed windows.
  2. Fix the frame inside the opening with self-tapping screws, having previously drilled holes in it.
  3. Fill the gaps between the double-glazed window and casing with polyurethane foam.
  4. While the foam has not hardened, install the window sill, screw it on.
  5. After the foam has dried, waterproof it from the outside with acrylic sealant, sealing tape or a vapor-permeable membrane, and from the inside with a vapor barrier tape.

Due to the installation of an additional structure (casing), it may seem that it is difficult to insert windows in a timber or log house, but this is not so. To be calm about the durability of the structure and the reliable performance of PVC products, it is better to allocate a couple of hours for additional work. The casing will avoid unnecessary expenses as the dwelling shrinks, and will also save the plastic novelty from deformation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6s3VKuxmy4o Video can "t be loaded: Installing a plastic window in a casing in a wooden house or log house (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6s3VKuxmy4o)

There are always holes in a human dwelling, with the help of which natural lighting and, possibly, ventilation are organized. In most architectural projects, window openings are located in the walls. Of course, there are buildings in which sunlight enters through skylights, skylights, skylights and other devices.

Up to 50% of all heat leaving the room falls on the windows. But, despite the huge heat losses, humanity is not ready to “go blind” with its home (in Russian, the words “eye” and “window” have the same root), abandoning traditional windows.

About windows

Over its long history, window structures have undergone not very big changes. The window is still a frame filled with translucent material. Only technologies and materials in the manufacture of the frame itself have changed, and first glass, and then translucent materials made of polymers and composites have replaced the bullish bubble or mica plates.


And the question: “How to install plastic windows in a wooden house” is not entirely correct. First, because the concept itself is commonplace. It is usually understood as windows of a modern design, in which not single glasses are used as glazing, but double-glazed windows (translucent structures made of two or more glasses hermetically connected to each other by spacers and sealants).

Windows with double-glazed windows can also be with wooden frames. And also aluminum, steel or fiberglass, which, by the way, are much better suited to the Russian climate than the widespread PVC. It's just that plastic (PVC) for making frames is the cheapest material, which is why it has become the most common.


And secondly, the process of installing a window does not depend on the material from which it is made. The basic requirements for installation are set out in GOST 30971-2012 “Mounting seams for adjoining window blocks to wall openings. General Specifications" and apply to any design - both modern and traditional.

Yes, and there is not much difference where to install the window: in a brick, wooden or some other house. It is important that the opening in the wall is properly prepared. Since the most common window structures today are PVC profile windows, called plastic ones, the conversation will be about their installation.

How plastic windows are installed

A modern window is a construction that is completely ready for installation, and, as mentioned above, the installation of a plastic window in a wooden house does not differ from the technology of its installation in any other building. Provided that you previously correctly designed the opening. For example, they made a good pigtail. You can read about what it is, why it is needed and how to do it correctly in the publication.


A well-designed opening also means installation gaps of a certain size around the perimeter. In the above-mentioned GOST, the compilers distinguish between 2 types of mounting gaps:

  • end (or side) - the space between the end surface of the window box and the opening;
  • frontal - the distance between the front surface of the window block and a quarter of the wall.


Mounting clearances: a - end, b - front. Drawing from GOST 30971-2012. Photo from docs.cntd.ru

The dimensions of the mounting gaps depend on the size of the window and the material from which it is made. Refer to the following table for recommended clearances.

Do-it-yourself window installation

Today, buying or ordering a custom-sized window in a PVC profile frame is not difficult even in a small town, and even in a large city, there are countless companies involved in the manufacture and installation of plastic windows. But many refuse professional installation, relying on their own strength.


And this makes sense: the cost of corporate installation will be from a third to a half of the total cost. In most cases, anyone who has basic building skills, a simple tool and has a partner can install a window on their own in most cases if the window is large.

Installation methods: frame dowels and mounting plates

There are two ways to install a window with a metal-plastic frame: using frame dowels (through the frame) and on special mounting plates fixed on the end side of the frame profile.


It makes no sense to choose which method is better, because each has its own positive aspects. Professionals usually use both, and even during the installation of one structure - depending on the circumstances.

For self-installation of a small window, it may be preferable to use mounting anchor plates. They are attached from the outside and there is no need to “unpack” the window - remove the glazing beads so that you can remove the double-glazed window and get to the attachment point on the inside of the frame.


Professional installers, firstly, have a special tool - plastic spatulas of various shapes, and secondly, dexterity. Improvised means can damage both the frame and the double-glazed window itself.

Mounting on frame expansion dowels, in turn, is more reliable for installing a large window or for glazing that experiences significant wind loads, for example, in an apartment on a high floor. If you do not plan to remove the double-glazed windows, then the opening sashes must still be removed before installing the window.


Window frame options. Drawing from GOST 30971-2012. Photo from docs.cntd.ru

Whichever method you choose, you need to choose reliable fasteners of the required length and in accordance with the wall material. So, for a solid brick, you can use a self-tapping anchor, for a hollow one - Molly bolts, for a concrete wall, self-tapping screws with a plastic dowel are suitable.

When attaching the frame to a wooden wall, you need to pay attention to the following points:

  • When installing, you need to take into account the size of the fasteners: self-tapping screws are taken of such a length so as not to pierce the pigtail bar through. Window fasteners should be fixed only to the casing beam, and not to the wall. Otherwise, the installation of casing becomes a waste of money.
  • If the details of the pigtail, in addition to the mounting, also perform a decorative function (they serve as slopes), then the installation of a metal-plastic frame using special anchor plates is impossible, since the fasteners will be visible.

Marking of attachment points

After you are convinced that the prepared opening meets the requirements and dimensions of the finished window block, and you have purchased all the necessary set of hardware, you need to mark the attachment points - the location of the anchor mounting plates or the arrangement of holes for dowels.


The layout of fasteners and support pads. Drawing from GOST 30971-2012. Photo from docs.cntd.ru

The number of attachment points and their location depends on the design of the window and its dimensions. You must adhere to the following parameters:

  • from mullion connection points - 150-180 mm;
  • between fasteners along the length or height of the window - 600-700 mm.


Holes are made in marked places or plates are installed. Then the prepared frame is placed in the opening, leveled in the horizontal and vertical planes with the help of a level and fixed with spacers. Professional installers have special plastic wedges for this purpose. You can replace them with wooden ones - just bars or wedges. GOST recommends pre-impregnating wooden wedges with antiseptics. Holes are made in the wall in accordance with the existing holes in the frame or mounting plates.

Assembly seam device

In many cases (including professional installers, if the contract does not state “installation according to GOST”) at this stage, they fix the window block, hang the sashes and install double-glazed windows, and the mounting gap is filled with mounting foam.

Installation according to GOST is somewhat more complicated. I will quote GOST 30971-2012 clause 5.1.3: “The construction of the assembly seam includes 3 or 4 layers with different functional purposes:

  • the main central layer - providing heat and sound insulation;
  • the outer layer of sealing - ensuring the diffusion of moisture from the assembly seam and protection from atmospheric influences (rain moisture, ultraviolet radiation, wind);
  • inner sealing layer - providing vapor barrier and protection of the insulating layer from diffuse vaporous moisture from inside the room.




I - outer waterproofing vapor permeable layer;
II - the main central heat-insulating layer;
III - inner layer of vapor barrier;
IV - additional vapor barrier.

To create the first waterproofing layer, PSUL tape (pre-compressed sealing tape) is used.


Also, waterproofing and vapor barrier tapes are used, which are glued to the frame from the outer and inner sides, respectively, and along the perimeter of the opening to the wall (see the installation seam diagram above). For convenience, the tapes have 2 rows of adhesive layer: one is glued to the frame, the second - to the opening.


Hydro- and vapor barrier tapes for mounting windows with an adhesive layer. Photo from chistoe-okno.ru

After equipping the opening and frame with all layers of vapor and waterproofing, the frame is finally exposed in the opening, securely fixed, sashes and double-glazed windows are installed. And finally, the mounting gap "foams".


The use of vapor and waterproofing materials when installing a plastic window will prevent the destruction of the mounting foam under the action of ultraviolet radiation and the effect of diffuse moisture on the insulation layer. Which, in turn, will not only increase the service life of the insulation layer, but also protect the window slopes from damp spots and mold.

Installation of fittings and accessories

After the mounting foam dries, you need to cut off the excess and glue the second side of the vapor barrier tape. On the outside of the window, a low tide is mounted, decorative linings are installed on the holes for condensate drainage, a mosquito net. Additionally, the mounting seam can be closed from the side of the street with plastic or metal flashings.


When installing a window in a wooden house, the slits where the pigtails adjoin the walls are covered with decorative platbands. Do not forget that all finishing details (slopes, ebbs, trim parts) are also attached only to the casing beam, and not to the wall, so that the window with all the elements is installed independently and does not deform when the frame shrinks. From the side of the premises, final finishing work is also carried out - installation of fittings, slopes, window sills.


A properly installed window will delight you for more than one year, especially if you did it yourself.