Windows are one of the main design elements that give a home a unique style. By choosing the right option, you can make the building more noble and interesting. The most interesting variation is arched windows. They have long prevailed in the architectural directions of different times and peoples. Today, these elements are used not only in private premises, but also in the construction of public buildings.
Varieties
Among the designs of such a plan, it is customary to distinguish only two main categories. The following will be examples of such arched windows, with photos.
Standard
Also sometimes known as "solar". Extremely popular. They are a round design, with knitting needles, vaguely reminiscent of the rays of the sun. Most often, such a window is placed in the bathroom door or in the attic.
Arcuate
These windows are a design with a rectangular base and sides, the upper surface of which is made in the form of a semicircle. This variety looks much more harmonious, but at the same time quite difficult to use. Most often found in large buildings.
Materials of production
Today there are two types of materials from which arched windows are made.
Plastic
Found in the following forms and buildings:
- Moorish. Looks like a horseshoe.
- Arrowed. Most often installed on cathedrals made in the Gothic style.
- Semicircular. Used to decorate Orthodox churches.
By the way they work, they are divided into:
- deaf;
- opening.
Such designs have a wide range of various colors and finishes. Up to the repetition of the tree structure.
Wooden arched windows
Divided into the following forms:
- truncated;
- circular, full radius;
- lancet;
- with two radii.
Most often such designs are made from:
- oak;
- larches;
- pines.
According to the principle of operation, they are divided into:
- folding;
- rotary;
- tilt and turn.
Benefits
When using these structures, one can distinguish such positive qualities,like:
- Design feature. Arched windows give the building a unique look and elegance.
- Due to their size, they can visually enlarge a small room.
- Such windows are strong enough and can last a long time.
- High quality fittings allow you to make various decoration components.
- If the structure is made of wood, it will have a high level of environmental safety.
- When installing this design, you can use any shutter opening mechanism.
Flaws
There aren't many shortcomings, of course. But at the same time they are essential:
- today there are few specialists on the market who are able to perform work on the creation and installation of such windows;
- in this regard, the cost of such structures is much higher than standard.
What needs to be measured?
When choosing the size of an arched window, consider the following values:
- window base width;
- design width at mid-level;
- width at the level of the upper arch;
- height of the beginning of the arch;
- middle height;
- total window height.
How to make an arched window with your own hands?
This process is quite costly in terms of strength and time. And yet, imagine the situation that you did not select the desired design and decided to make a window archon one's own. In this case, you must strictly follow the instructions below to get a result that justifies the resources allocated to it.
NOTE! It should be noted that this manual is also suitable for beginners. Despite the fact that the manufacture of such a design is practically of no financial interest, knowing how to create it is an important skill for every professional.
Preparing the template
The best material to create the intended shape would be plywood about 5 millimeters thick. The further way to create an arch involves the presence of several layers, and therefore it is recommended to make a sketch of each of them.
Creation
The thickness of the profile beam of the arched window consists of three layers. Each of them has the same height of 26 millimeters, but differs in width:
- first - 52 mm;
- second - 62 mm;
- third - 78 millimeters.
Step 1
After making the plate for each layer, you can start gluing the arch. Each lamella (plate) is fixed end-to-end. In this case, it is worth using the methods: “plug-in spike” or “micro-spike”.
Step 2
Process each piece following the layer order above.
Step 3
Use a router to make a fold (connecting seam) in the required places.
Step 4
Using glue and a vice, fasten all the elements.
Step 5
Repeat these steps to make an opening sash for the transom (arched design).
Step 6
Combine the ends of the arch elements with other parts of the window horizontally and vertically. Spikes can be used for this.
How to install an arch block yourself?
Step 1
Apply a markup along which the outer skin will be cut. At the end of the procedure, try on the window block to the opening.
Step 2
In the event that the block stands correctly, make a contour on the front side of the outer skin. Pull block.
Step 3
Make an opening as indicated.
Step 4
Using roofing material, cut out a strip whose width does not exceed 20 centimeters. Push the edge of the finished structure between the outer and inner skin. Bend the protruding part, reinforcing with staples around the entire perimeter of the opening, from the inside.
Step 5
Install plastic flashings on the outside.
Step 6
Place the window block in the opening, pressing it firmly against the skin. Check the installation accuracy with a level.
Step 7
Adjust the position of the block by nailing the top and bottom.
Step 8
Use spacers to fix the structure inside the opening. To do this, they must be installed in the gaps formed between the frame and the window, as well as the jambs and the connecting crossbar. Keep a distance of 30 centimeters when placing.
Attention! Gaskets should be installed tightly, but without additional effort. Otherwise, deformation may occur.designs.
Step 9
Using a level, check that the block is installed correctly. In case of deviations, adjust by installing additional gaskets. Carry out a valve check. Make sure that when opening and closing them, no shifts occur, and the process itself does not cause difficulties.
Step 10
Drill a hole through each gasket from the side of the window frame. Drive 70mm nails into the joint.
Step 11
Using mineral wool, remove the remaining spaces between the jambs and the window block.
Attention! Protective goggles and gloves must be worn when handling this substance!
Step 12
Cut off the protruding parts of each gasket.
Step 13
Using galvanized nails, nail the window block from the outside. When working, observe a step of 30 centimeters. Avoid protruding hats.
Step 14
Fill gaps between outer skin and window unit with silicone sealant. Putty the depressions formed when driving nails.
Results
After reviewing this material, you learned about the types of arched windows, their advantages, disadvantages, how to create and install. And for sure they discovered something new for themselves. But still, despite the fairly accurate step-by-step instructions, we strongly recommend that you contact specialists for all the necessary work.
Without special training and knowledge, you can not only damage the structure, but also get injured!
