How to install a plastic window in a wooden house yourself. Do-it-yourself plastic window installation technology How to properly install plastic windows in a wooden

Today, PVC double-glazed windows are very popular among the population. This is due to the good performance of the design. Plastic windows are installed not only in city apartments, but also in private wooden houses. Buildings made of wood are not rigid, so the installation of double-glazed windows in such structures has certain features. How to choose and insert a PVC product into the window opening of a wooden house yourself, the article will tell.

Before buying a double-glazed window, you need to dismantle the old window, measure the window opening, draw up a diagram. To prepare this drawing, you will need a tape measure. The quality of the installation depends on how correctly the measurement is performed. It should be borne in mind that in a house made of wood, the window opening has parallel slopes.

Measurement is carried out according to the following algorithm:

  1. Determined with the border of the bearing wall. The plaster on the slopes is often thicker. It is corrected by a plus of 2 centimeters.
  2. Measure the distance between the side slopes at the bottom and at the top.
  3. Determine the height from the window sill to the upper slope on the left and right.
  4. Measure the width of the opening from wall to wall from below and above.
  5. Measure the height from the top of the opening to low tide on the right and left.

The width of the window sill should be equal to the width of the wall. If it is planned to replace the old window structure made of wood with a new one made of PVC, then the openings are slightly expanded. To change the geometry of the opening, use an electric or chainsaw.

Often, when comparing measurements of the window opening on the right and left, top and bottom, the master reveals discrepancies in the results. This is due to the skew of the existing opening. This is especially true for panel, frame structures.

To determine the exact dimensions, a rectangle with the same opposite sides is used.

Given the presence of an old frame, plaster and other factors, you need to strive for the following indicators:

  • The height of the window should ensure that there is a gap between the window and the lower slope, which is equal to the thickness of the window sill. The approximate value is 8-9 centimeters.
  • The standard width of the window is several centimeters less than the width of the opening relative to the slopes.

After completing all the measurements and drawing according to the rules, you can order a window, fasteners and a window sill. It usually takes about 10 days to make and ship. If you cannot measure the window opening yourself, then it is better to seek help from specialists. But keep in mind that the prices for this service are considerable. Photos of work can be viewed on the forums.

What is needed for installation?

When the double-glazed window is manufactured and delivered, it is allowed to proceed with its installation. This work requires certain skills, knowledge of the rules and installation technology. It is necessary to prepare certain tools, buy special fasteners.

Here is a set of tools and materials that is useful for high-quality installation of double-glazed windows in a wooden and timber house:

When the double-glazed window is delivered, it must be kept at room temperature for some time. Acclimatization of the product before installation is important for a quality installation.

Step-by-step instructions for DIY installation

In order for the installation of PVC to be successful, a certain procedure must be followed. Usually, the manufacturer attaches detailed installation instructions to a specific double-glazed window model. She needs to follow closely. First you need to install a pigtail or casing in a mortgage bar. Then a double-glazed window is inserted.

Inserting a plastic window into a log house has some methods and features. Do-it-yourself installation of a PVC structure in a wooden house is possible. But this will require the help of a second person: the size and weight of the structure are large, it is difficult to move the window alone.

Often, those people who installed a double-glazed window in a wooden house with their own hands have a problem with the fact that the windows sweat, condensation accumulates on them, or, conversely, it comes out of the frame due to insufficient sealing. The reason why this happens lies in the mistakes made during the installation. Therefore, the installation must be carried out responsibly and competently, in warm and calm weather.

Correct installation of the sling

An okosyachka is an element of a window design that removes all gaps and cracks between the frames and helps to preserve heat in the room.

Does she need? Also, the casing box does not allow the side bars to move in the horizontal direction and makes it possible to move them vertically. This protects the glass from cracking. The pigtail is especially important if the wall between adjacent windows is small. In addition, this element acts as a decoration of a wooden house.

Installing a doorway pit has some peculiarities. First you need to prepare the window opening. It should be no less than 10 centimeters wider than the frame. When calculating the size of the gap, it is important to take into account the thickness of the boards, casing seams. The shrinkage factor of a wooden house is also taken into account. In the future, the gap is filled with special heaters and closed with platbands.

According to statistics, the shrinkage of a wooden house can be up to 30 centimeters. A lot depends on the material. For a year after construction, the shrinkage of a structure from a beam is 3-4 centimeters, from a log - 4-6 centimeters, from a glued beam - 1-3 centimeters. The subsidence of the premises already in the first year can cause the window to be pressed down by the crowns of the wall structure. Sometimes wall shrinkage occurs even after 5 years of operation of the structure under the influence of air humidity and seasonal climate changes.

After preparing the window opening, a comb is cut out. For this purpose, it is preferable to use glued or monolithic timber. This element will be the base for a carriage with a groove. During shrinkage, the logs will move inside this groove. This will save the window from unnecessary load.

To make a carriage, use a beam with a section of 15x10 centimeters. In the middle of the beam there should be a groove 5 centimeters wide more than the window. The comb is cut with a chainsaw. For the top, use an edged board measuring 15x4 centimeters. On each side, grooves under the comb are cut out in it. After installing the gun carriages on the sides of the window opening, the top is fastened with self-tapping screws. After assembling the casing, all gaps are caulked and sealed with jute tape.

Plastic window insert

After the pigtail is made and installed, proceed to the insertion of a plastic window. Installing a window without casing is considered a gross mistake. First you need to check the parallels. Leave gaps between the PVC double-glazed window and the frame 5 centimeters on top and 2 centimeters on the sides.

It is important to correctly install the window structure along the depth of the wall of a wooden house. Then on the surface of the glass, slopes and window frames at sub-zero temperatures outside, condensation will not form, which causes fogging of the glass, wetting of the window system and the interior decoration of the slopes. The location of the double-glazed unit should be determined by a competent designer, taking into account the design features of the wall.

It is better to mount the design on special elements. They are supplied complete with double-glazed windows, and are also sold at any hardware store. These elements are metal plates with holes. The price for them is acceptable. How much fasteners cost depends on the model of the window, the quality of the product. Some owners of wooden houses decide to use self-tapping screws for fastening. This is not the best option, since such parts do not provide proper thermal insulation and tightness of the structure.

Inserting a window is carried out using a level. Otherwise, the double-glazed window may be installed crooked. And this reduces the performance of the window and negatively affects the aesthetic appearance of the product.

Before inserting a white plastic window, experts recommend removing the sashes. So the weight of the window will become less, installation will be easier and more convenient. The window is inserted into the opening, aligned and fixed. Then all existing gaps are sealed with special mounting foam. To make the fixation more reliable, bars are used. So during foaming, the window will not move. This completes the installation of a double-glazed window in the window opening of a wooden house. It remains only to put on the sashes and let the foam dry. To improve the protection of a wooden house from the weather and extend the life of a plastic window, you should additionally install a low tide outside the window.

Why is it better to install a PVC window?

PVC windows have many advantages over wooden counterparts. The only advantage of wooden structures is a more presentable appearance. But recently, manufacturers of double-glazed windows offer different colors and models of products. In addition, the frame of a plastic window for a veranda can be lined with a textured film that imitates wood.

Unlike wooden frames, plastic ones have the following advantages:

  • Resistant to aggressive detergents. Plastic is allowed to be cleaned with compounds prepared on the basis of acids and alkalis, which remove all types of contaminants. Wood, even impregnated with a special protective compound, has low resistance to aggressive substances. It is cleaned only by wiping with a sponge dipped in soapy water.
  • Resistance to mechanical influences. It is extremely difficult to damage the metal-plastic profile. But chips on a wooden frame appear often.
    Availability. The price of blind plastic windows is 1.5 times cheaper than wooden frames. Even designs made from inexpensive conifers will cost more than a plastic product. But a frame made of precious woods - for example, cedar, oak, ash or beech - costs at least twice as much as a PVC window.

Also, the advantages of using plastic windows in wooden houses include:


In view of the mass of positive qualities and advantages, plastic windows are being installed today by an increasing number of owners of wooden houses.

Thus, in a wooden house it is most preferable to install. This is the most affordable, reliable and attractive product. Installation and cladding of PVC windows in the country is not difficult. The main thing is to follow the instructions and work in tandem with an assistant. If you have any doubts about the possibility of a high-quality installation of a plastic window with your own hands, then you should seek help from specialists. This service is offered by various companies involved in the production and sale of double-glazed windows. But for the work of the master will have to pay a certain amount of money. On the other hand, the work is guaranteed to be done with high quality, which means that the design will last a long time. A video of self-installation of a plastic window can be viewed below.

Due to their performance characteristics, double-glazed windows made of PVC material have gained particular popularity among the population. They are mounted in buildings and structures built of concrete, brick, wood. It is necessary to insert plastic windows in a wooden house by following certain rules.

Important installation details

Starting the installation, you need to prepare the equipment that will be required: a building level and a plumb line, and also know how to insert a plastic window. It is necessary to install a PVC window, strictly observing the placement in the plane according to the level. This will ensure the correct operation of all elements, the sashes will not spontaneously close and open.

PVC window installation technology involves its correct placement in the plane according to the level

When purchasing plastic structures, you need to buy additional special fasteners for installation. The frame is fixed in the pigtail of a wooden structure using self-tapping screws and special fasteners.. By following the technological process and correctly performing the installation of plastic windows in a wooden house, you are guaranteed to receive window blocks that will last a long time.


The window frame is fixed with anchor plates.

If the sashes are dismantled, the structure will become much lighter and it will be easier to move it, however, mounting metal-plastic windows in a wooden house alone is still not recommended. To pull out the sash, you need to remove the pins from the hinges.

How to install PVC double-glazed windows

Do-it-yourself installation of plastic windows in a wooden house is carried out in stages:

  • preparatory activities before installation;
  • installation of PVC windows;
  • control-checking the location in space;
  • blowing foam.

To understand how to install plastic windows both in a wooden house and from a bar or log house, we will consider each stage in more detail.

Performing preparatory work

First of all, you need to take the exact dimensions by measuring the opening, and order a window structure from a trusted manufacturer. To do this, most often they invite a representative of a company that manufactures plastic frames. You can take measurements yourself. After that, they determine the color of the structure and the completeness of the fittings necessary for the functioning of the window.

When the manufacturer delivers the products to the site, the following steps must be taken:

  • if a decision is made to replace the installed windows in the old opening, first of all, it is necessary to dismantle the structure;
  • after which they clean dust, dirt and remove debris that got into the opening from dismantling;
  • it is worth aligning the opening if its geometry is broken.

Having finished the preparation, they insert a plastic window into a wooden house with their own hands.

Fastening the window structure in the prepared opening

We install the window sill first, it will be the basis for the double-glazed window, so you need to put it strictly in level (horizontally). For fastening strength, cuts are made on the sides of the box about 8 mm deep. Adjustment is carried out using plastic plates or planks. Fastening takes place with self-tapping screws to the bottom of the box. When screwing in, it is worth putting washers under the head of the self-tapping screw, this will prevent damage to the surface.


The window sill is installed strictly horizontally

The next step is to properly install the handle. The film that protects the structures should not be removed, it protects them from damage when windows are being installed. When attaching, the handle must be placed horizontally. When all the fittings have been assembled, the installation of metal-plastic windows begins.

First you need to set the PVC frame in level. A frame is placed on two-centimeter bars and leveled horizontally using a water level. After that, go to the vertical alignment.

Having obtained the ideal parameters at the water level, they fix the frame with self-tapping screws to the pigtail, using mounting fasteners that were specially bought in the store. It is important not to get a self-tapping screw into the crest of the log where the pigtail is installed.

Fix the frame with self-tapping screws

After fixing the window element, we get 2-centimeter gaps around it for mounting foam.

Before applying the mounting foam, you need to hang the sashes so that after foaming the frame profile does not bend and damage the window. It is important to remember that foam can only be applied when the sash is closed..

Construction control and foaming

After hanging the sashes, you need to check how the double-glazed window opens and closes. If the window, which is half open, does not close and does not move further, then the frame is considered to be set correctly and the alignment is correct. Having closed the sash, foaming is performed with foam for installation and left for complete fixation for a day.

Why is casing made for plastic windows in a log house?

To get high-quality PVC windows in a wooden house, you must strictly observe the installation features, that is, install them on a special frame (base). The need for such a design is due to the peculiarities of buildings made of wood. Unlike a building made of stone (concrete or brick), a wooden panel house is unstable over a long period.


Casing prevents deformation of the frame during shrinkage of the house

The building will sit in the first five years after its erection. In this case, the walls dry up to 6 cm. This important nuance must be taken into account when installing a plastic window in a frame house. It is clear that it is impossible to simply insert a plastic window in a wooden house, it is necessary to create a structure for the opening, which has the name casing, they also say - a pigtail. Its direct purpose is to prevent wall shrinkage from affecting the frame, so the pigtail:

  • strengthens the opening;
  • bears the burden;
  • prevents shrinkage.

An okosyachka looks like a box made of thick boards. The structure is fastened in the side rack to the groove, while fasteners are not used. Above the pigtail there is a shrinkage compensation gap for a wooden house. There are several options for installing it:

  • a groove is cut in the log where the bar is placed. Self-tapping screws are screwed into the last element of the embedded beam;
  • a groove is cut in the racks on the sides of the structure, a spike is cut from the end of the log in the opening;
  • a groove is made at the end of the logs, a spike is located on the side posts of the box.

Casing device options

To get a high-quality design, you need to follow the technology for installing plastic windows in a wooden house. To begin with, they cover the ridges of the logs with insulation and fasten it with staples or small carnations. This stage is necessary to insulate the house and eliminate squeaks. Then the lower crossbar of the casing is mounted, and carriages (side racks of pigtails) are stuffed onto the ridges, the upper jumper is laid in the upper groove of the racks. After collecting the box, carefully connect it with self-tapping screws, it is important that they do not fall into the logs.

The cracks that are visible in the opening after the installation of the casing must be filled with tow or insulation. Then there is a standard installation of plastic windows in a frame house or log house.


Cracks are sealed with insulation or tow

The compensation gap is filled with flat planks pre-wrapped with tow. When shrinking, the walls are gradually knocked out. To do this, remove the upper casing and, having knocked out the plank, put it back.

The final stage in the glazing of a wooden structure

Finishing after installing PVC windows in a log house is done in the same way as wooden ones, that is, after installing the frame structure and insulation, they put wooden trim. When ordering PVC windows in a wooden structure, you should look at the option for the wood texture, this will allow them to look harmoniously against the background of a logged structure.

Many manufacturers of PVC structures offer not only the classic white version of the frame colors. You can order any shade that the customer wishes. Colored plastic frames will cost a bit more, but are a better option for a natural-material home.

When ordering, it is important to correctly measure the opening and not make a mistake in the width of the window sill. Self-installation of a PVC window in a wooden house, knowing all the nuances, is not such a complicated process. You can do it yourself, without resorting to the help of expensive installers.

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 in 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.

When planning to replace old windows with new ones, many people wonder how difficult it is to install them yourself. The answer is a job of medium complexity. In terms of time, replacing a medium-sized window with dismantling the old one takes about 3.5-4.5 hours. This is for someone with no experience. Employees of firms doing this all the time spend less than an hour on it. But the installation of plastic windows with their own hands by the owner of the premises cannot be compared with the hasty work of "professionals". They simplify the process indecently, arguing that prices have not been raised for 6 years now and they have no time to waste time on trifles. If you are lucky enough to find really masters, then you can entrust the installation to them. If not - better spend the weekend and install yourself.

Construction of plastic windows

To properly understand the installation process, you need to have an idea about the design of windows. Let's start with materials and names. Plastic windows are made of polyvinyl chloride, which is abbreviated as PVC. Hence the second name - PVC windows.

The main element of any window is the frame. For plastic windows, the frame is made from a special multi-chamber profile. It is divided by partitions into a number of cells - chambers. The more of these cells, the warmer the window will be. When they talk about how many cameras will be in a plastic window, they have the number of cells in the profile.

In the middle of the structure, in the largest chamber, a blue insert is visible. This is a reinforcing element of increased rigidity. It gives the profile the required strength. In plastic windows, this insert is made of plastic, in metal-plastic windows it is made of metal (usually aluminum). That's the whole difference between them.

There is also a division of profiles into classes: economy, standard and premium. The best choice if you need normal windows is the standard class. In the economy class, the partitions are too thin and they begin to freeze almost from the moment of installation. Premium comes at a high price with options that are essentially unnecessary.

If you want to have the best profile for plastic windows, take the class standard of any factory. There is no particular difference between the products of different companies. They have been standardized for a long time and all the stories of managers about the benefits are fairy tales. If they are manufactured on factory equipment, there is no difference between them: all factory profiles have long been standardized.

Profiles for windows in the standard version are white, but can also be brown - to match the color of any tree, and even pink - on request. Colored profile windows are more expensive than similar white ones.

window structure

To understand what is at stake in the description of the installation process, you need to know the name of each component of the structure.

It consists of:

  • Frames. This is the base of the window.
  • If the window consists of several parts, the frame is divided into parts by an impost - a vertical component. If the window is in two parts, there is one impost, If out of three - two, etc.
  • The opening part of the window is called the sash, the fixed part is called the capercaillie. A double-glazed window is inserted into them - two, three or more glasses, hermetically fastened together. A foil tape is laid between the glasses, providing tightness. There are double-glazed windows with special properties: with reinforced glass, tinted and energy efficient, which, according to manufacturers, reduces heat loss through windows. There are also double-glazed windows, between the glasses of which an inert gas is pumped. It also reduces heat loss.
  • Double-glazed windows are pressed against the frame with a cap - a thin plastic bar. The tightness of the connection is ensured by a rubber seal (usually black).
  • Locking fittings are installed on the sashes. This is a specific set of mechanisms that provide opening and locking. They can be different, as they provide different functionality: opening, opening with ventilation, opening + ventilation + micro-ventilation.
  • To ensure tightness, rubber seals are installed on all parts - the frame, impost and sashes.

At the bottom on the outer side of the frame (the one that faces the street) there are drainage holes that are closed with special caps. Through them, the condensate that forms inside due to the temperature difference in the street and in the room is discharged to the street.

Another window has a low tide - a board on the outside that drains precipitation and a window sill inside. Lateral and upper parts from the side of the street and the room. They can also be made of plastic or made using a different technology.

How to measure a plastic window

When ordering windows, you will need six sizes: the height and width of the window, the length and width of the window sill and slope. In order to measure everything correctly, it is necessary to determine whether you have made a window opening with a quarter or without.

You look at the opening. If the outer part of the window is narrower, an opening with a quarter. In this case, measurements are taken at the narrowest point: openings rarely have ideal geometry, so you will have to measure at several points. Find the smallest value, add 3 cm to it. Pass the height as it is.

If the opening is even, the calculation is different. Measure the width and height. Subtract 3 cm from the measured width, 5 cm from the height. This will be the height and width of your window. We remove 3 cm in width, since a gap of at least 1.5 cm is required on both sides for mounting foam. We subtract 5 cm in height, since all the same 1.5 cm are needed from above, and 3.5 cm from the bottom will go to install the window sill.

The length of the window sill and the ebb is taken with a margin - 5-10 cm more than the width of the window opening. During installation, both the ebb and the window sill are “drowned” a little into the adjacent walls, and the excess will go there. The width of the ebbs is standard, so the nearest larger one is selected. On window sills, the situation is different. Its width is chosen arbitrarily - at the request of the owner. Some people like wide ones so that they can put something, someone prefers flush with the wall. So there are no rules here.

Even when ordering, you will need to specify how many and what parts will be in your window: whether or not there is a capercaillie, where it is located, how many sashes, which side they are on, how they should open. You will need to specify the type of fittings (ventilation, micro-ventilation).

Training

If you change windows, do-it-yourself installation of plastic windows begins with the dismantling of the old one. Problems usually do not arise: to break not to build. After dismantling, it is necessary to revise the opening: remove everything that can fall off. If there are any protruding parts, they must be removed - with a hammer, chisel or power tool. When the plane is leveled, it is necessary to remove all construction debris. Ideally, sweep everything up to the dust, otherwise the foam will not “grab” with the wall during installation.

If there are too large potholes or cavities, it is better to cover them with cement mortar. The smoother the opening, the easier the installation will be. With loose wall material, they can be treated with binders: penetrating adhesive primers.

How to install correctly: choosing an installation method

There are two different methods: with and without unpacking (disassembling) the window. When unpacking, holes are drilled through the frame, through which an anchor is driven into the wall. This method is more difficult, but the mount is more reliable.

This is an anchor bolt. They are placed three pieces on each side.

When installed without unpacking, metal plates are attached to the frame from the outside, and then they are attached to the walls. This, of course, is faster, but the fastening is very unreliable: with significant wind loads, the frame will warp or it will sag.

If you really don’t want to disassemble the window, you can also mount it on a plate, but use not narrow and thin ones, but thick and wide ones, which are still often used when installing the truss system.

In principle, small windows mounted on mounting plates, provided there are no significant wind loads, can stand normally. If you live in a region with strong winds, and they blow mainly through your windows, if the apartment is located in a high-rise building on a high floor, in these cases installation with unpacking is necessary.

Watch an emotional and intelligible video below, which explains why it is better to use an anchor.

Do-it-yourself installation of plastic windows: step by step instructions

Let's describe both methods: suddenly you need a method with mounting on plates. It is used in buildings made of foam blocks, the bearing capacity of which is small and the load from the windows has to be distributed over a large surface. This method of installing plastic windows is also necessary if the building is built using a “layered” technology. For example, there is concrete in front and behind, and a layer of insulation between them. If the window should be in a soft layer, then it will need to be fixed with plates. Installation of PVC windows in brick, cinder block, panel, etc. the house is desirable on the anchor.

Installation with unpacking

Do-it-yourself installation of plastic windows begins with measurements. Measure the frame and window opening, make sure they are compatible. After that, you can get to work. The process begins with the disassembly (unpacking) of the PVC window. Here are the steps:

        1. Removing the window sash:
          • Close the window (handle turned down).
          • Remove the plastic covers on both hinges. They pry off with a screwdriver.
          • There is a pin on the top loop that provides a movable connection. It is in the center and protrudes a little. They press on it until it drowns (you can take a metal plate, rest it on the pin and lightly hit the plate). The pin will pop out from the bottom. Now you can grab it with side cutters or pliers and, pulling it down, pull it out.
          • Holding the sash at the top, open the lock. To do this, put the handle in a horizontal position. Having tilted the upper part slightly towards you, lift the sash, removing it from the lower pin.

          The entire sash has been removed. To make it clearer, watch the video. It describes in detail how to remove and install the sash on a plastic window.

        2. On the capercaillie, remove the double-glazed window. It is held on by pegs. They need to be removed, then the double-glazed window itself will be removed without problems. Remove the pins like this:
          • Something narrow and durable is inserted into the gap between the bead and the frame. If there is no special tool, it is best to use a small spatula. Disassembly begins with one of the long sides.
          • The spatula is carefully driven into the slot with a corner and gradually move the glazing bead away from the frame.
          • Without removing the tool, they move along a little, again pushing the bead aside.
          • So they go along the entire length. As a result, the glazing bead is almost separated, it is simply removed.
          • With the short side, everything is simpler: the freed edge is hooked and, by turning the spatula, is removed from the groove. Grasp the freed edge with your hand and pull up.

          Now you can try to remove the double-glazed window. Just be careful, it's heavy. If it doesn't work, remove one more of the glazing beads. Just make sure that the window is tilted so that the double-glazed window does not fall out. Now, if necessary, you can replace the double-glazed window yourself. Watch a video on how to remove glazing beads from PVC windows.

      1. The freed frame along the outer perimeter is pasted over with a special self-adhesive tape. Its installation is recommended by GOST. With her, the window does not stand out so much.

      2. Remove the protective tape with the campaign logo. If you leave it, it will fuse too much with the frame under the influence of the sun and it will be problematic to remove it.
      3. The prepared frame is inserted into the window opening. For its exposure, mounting wedges are used. They must be installed in the corners and under the impost. The rest are arranged as needed. Putting them on the window is set strictly according to the level in three planes. Pre-fix the position of the window. That's what mounting plates can be used for.

      4. Take a drill and a drill that matches the size of the diameter of the anchors. Make holes for fasteners. 150-180 mm recede from the upper edge. This is the first hole. The bottom one is about the same distance from the bottom corner. Between them, in a standard window, another anchor is installed: the maximum distance between the two fasteners should not be more than 700 mm.
      5. Having made a hole, they will check whether the frame has moved (level in all three planes), then they hammer in the anchor and tighten it. You can not drag: the profile should not bend. Repeat this operation as many times as necessary.

      6. Install drains outside. To do this, first, a vapor-permeable waterproofing (it is self-adhesive) is glued onto the outer part of the frame. Small strobes are made on the sides of the window opening, into which the edges of the tides are then inserted.

      7. A layer of foam is applied to the part of the window opening outside, where the ebb will rest on the wall. Sometimes, if the height difference is large, a lining profile is installed here. and then an olive is attached to it. The ebb, cut to size, is brought under the ledge of the frame and there it is attached to the frame with self-tapping screws.

      8. The tide also foams along the lower edge.

      9. Next, foam the opening. When installing plastic windows in the summer, the gap between the frame and the window opening is sprayed with water from a spray bottle. This is necessary for better polymerization of the foam.
      10. A vapor-permeable heat-insulating strip is glued along the frame contour - it is also recommended by GOST.
      11. Take a balloon with foam and fill the existing gaps by 2/3 of the volume. If the gap size is large - more than 2-3 cm - foam is applied in several stages. A time interval of 10-15 minutes is required between two layers. When the first layer is partially dry, it is also sprinkled with water and the second is applied. This is repeated until the volume is filled by 2/3.

        Foaming PVC windows during do-it-yourself installation can be carried out in several stages - it depends on the size of the gap

      12. Without waiting for complete polymerization, the free edge of the heat-insulating tape is glued to the window opening. Just note that when using the tape, the slopes will need to be made plastic: plaster and mortar do not “stick” to it.
      13. Assemble all parts of the window. Only finishing work remains, and they are not a hindrance.
      14. A vapor barrier tape is also installed under the window sill in the lower part (also GOST recommendations). The window sill rests on support pads made of hardwood treated with impregnations. The distance between them is 40-50 cm. They are made in such a way that the window sill is slightly inclined towards the room (about 5 °).

Watch the video on how to properly install a window sill when installing a plastic window. There are many secrets.

The slopes are installed or sealed last. There is another video on this.

Installation without unpacking

The main subtleties are described above, so this chapter is small. Installation for this option begins with the installation of mounting plates. They are of two types: U-shaped and linear. It is important to choose the most reliable thick metal.

They are installed at the same distance as the anchor: 150-250 mm from the edge and no more than 700 mm between the middle ones. They are simply screwed to the profile with self-tapping screws.

Then do-it-yourself installation of plastic windows with mounting plates is identical to that described above, starting from the moment the window is set to the level in the opening. Only they fix not the frame, but the plates and not on the anchor, but on the dowel-nails. Drill a hole, bend the plate, insert the dowel, putting the plate in place, twist the dowel. Further, all actions are identical.

Now it’s clear why installers prefer them: it takes a decent amount of work with disassembly, anchoring, etc.: screws are much easier to tighten. True, if you take powerful plates, they will hold tight. No worse than anchors. For example, such as in the video.

Installing windows in a wooden house is easier than in brick or concrete buildings. This operation has a number of features, which we will discuss below.

Preparatory procedures are half the battle. a lot will depend on them.

Dismantling of old frames

Before inserting windows in a wooden house, it is necessary to dismantle the old ones. If your house is new and there are no double-glazed windows at all, you can skip this paragraph. Most offices for the dismantling of old windows will take 50% of the cost of new ones. Therefore, to carry out this procedure independently is beneficial from an economic point of view. In addition, it does not require special skills.

Tip: old frames can be used for greenhouses or outbuildings.

Armed with a puller, a screwdriver and other tools, you will need to dismantle. We start with the sashes: open them, remove them from the hinges and pull them out. Next, remove the frames, window sill and other elements.

Creating a simple casing

If we are talking about an old building and such elements already exist, you can skip this paragraph. Before you install a window in a wooden house, you need to create a "casing". An okosyachka is a structure along the opening, which saves the frames from all kinds of damage. The beam (including the "round timber") begins to deform over time - this process is called shrinkage. So that it does not affect the brand new double-glazed window, and install this design.

It is created as follows:

  • We cut out protrusions from a medium-sized timber (3 pieces - for each side of the opening). They will be needed to create carriages (side elements). The end bars should be set to a depth of 5 cm.
  • At the ends of each of the elements we create grooves - for reliable fixation. So that they do not creak, we cover the structure with rolled tow. Such a measure will also increase the thermal insulation of the window.
  • We get a U - shaped design. It must be mounted in the opening using large nails (200 mm) or special self-tapping screws.

There are other options for creating a pigtail, but this one is the simplest.

We prepare tools and materials

We will need the following:

  • Powerful drill and screwdriver.
  • Level (preferably laser).
  • Chisel.
  • Roulette.
  • Gloves.
  • Mounting foam (or similar material).
  • Pliers.
  • Spacer bars (you can do it yourself).
  • anchor plates.
  • Hexagon (it will be needed for finishing fittings).
  • Anchor screws.

Main front of work

From preliminary procedures we pass to the final stages.

Measurements and design

Self-installation of PVC windows in a wooden house begins with measurements. You will need to do the following:

  • Armed with a tape measure, measure all sides to the nearest millimeter.
  • We draw on paper a project of the future window with the preservation of all proportions.
  • We mark the places of separation, vents and other components that you want to see in your double-glazed window.
  • With a ready-made plan in hand, you can contact a window manufacturing company.

Starting stage - window sill

Installation must begin with the window sill, as it is the basis of the entire structure. Install it like this:

  • Two grooves with a depth of no more than 10 cm are cut from the side in the box. This will allow you to securely fix the window sill.
  • We apply it and, if necessary, level it with wooden plates prepared earlier.

Tip: if you mount the window sill at the end, a gap will form, which will need to be repaired regularly. Installing it under the frame increases the efficiency of the structure.

  • Having achieved an even location, we fix the window sill with the help of self-tapping screws. Under the hat you need to put a rubber gasket - this will prevent possible cracking of the plastic.
  • We drill holes where the window sill will cover the frame. They need to be done at low speeds so as not to damage the plastic. If you use a powerful drill, during drilling, it may begin to melt, so it is better to arm yourself with a screwdriver.
  • Adjust the level. The window sill must be strictly horizontal!

Some manufacturers offer double-glazed windows without window sills (they are purchased separately and installed at the end). We advise you to purchase all the items at once from one seller - it's more reliable.

Preparing the ground for future work

Do not rush to remove the factory film - it will protect the structure from damage. We work in the following sequence:

  1. We take out the frames and install the handle. To do this, put it in a horizontal position, fix it with bolts and lower it down.
  2. We mark on the side racks the places for drilling the holes necessary for fixing the frames. Drill - 6 mm, respectively, self-tapping screw - 5 mm. On each side rack you need to make 2 holes (total - 4). They should be located at a distance of 30-40 cm from the lower and upper ends of the beam.
  3. In order for the self-tapping screw to securely rest on the frame, it is necessary to drown it. To do this, use a 10 mm drill to make holes to the iron frame. The cap should freely enter the cavity of the beam.

We mount a PVC window

The turn of the most crucial stage has come - the installation of frames. We put the finished structure in the opening. We adjust on both sides of the frame and control them with a tape measure and a level. The distance from the sash to the pigtail on both sides should be the same (within 1 cm). You also need to control the verticality of the installation. This can be done with a plumb line.

Having achieved an even position, we put a spacer bar between the box and the frame. It will act as a stop during installation - without it, when screwing in the screws, the frame can go to the side. Having installed the bars, once again carefully check the evenness of the location along the slope. After making sure that the window is perfectly horizontal (vertical), we fix the window with self-tapping screws. They should be located between the window and the box.

This method of installing the box is highly reliable and mobile - if the wood is deformed, the frame will not warp. This is achieved due to the fact that the self-tapping screws are able to go in the direction of skew.

  • We insert the adjusting plates between the drain holes (they are needed to drain condensate - without them, the double-glazed window will inevitably fog up).
  • We insert a double-glazed window into the opening. It should not stand tightly - this is due to seasonal deformations of wood and other materials.

Important! If you find that there is no standard gap (5-7 mm), contact the manufacturer, as this is an obvious defect.

  • We evenly install the double-glazed window and fix it with the help of glazing beads (they should be included in the kit) with profile spikes. You need to tap on them until a characteristic click appears, signaling the correct insertion.
  • All existing gaps are filled with mounting foam. After 2-3 hours, cut off the excess with a knife.

This completes the installation of windows in a wooden house with your own hands.

A few words about cash

First of all, it is needed to increase the insulating properties and hide flaws. It closes the foamed cracks, which completely prevents the possibility of cold air entering inside. There is a second function - aesthetic. Cashing windows in a wooden house favorably frames the opening, giving it an attractive appearance.

It can be made from various materials, most often plastic. These are ready-made structures that only need to be fixed with self-tapping screws along the perimeter of the window. However, carved cashing is sometimes performed for wooden houses. It can be made to order or independently, if a person has carpentry skills. After installation, the cashing is covered with an antiseptic and wood varnish - this will prolong its life.