After installing a metal-plastic window or a balcony block, you need to take care of creating slopes. This is not only a decorative finish. It performs a number of important functions. There are several types of plastic slopes. It is quite possible to mount them with your own hands. To do this, you need to consider the features of this technology. How plastic slopes are installed will be discussed later.
Features of plastic slopes
Today, the installation of plastic slopes and window sills is carried out by many construction companies and specialized firms that install windows. This type of material has a lot of positive qualities. Plastic slopes perform several important functions. They are mounted both outdoors and indoors.
First of all, the presented materials perform a decorativefunction. They close unseemly seams that remain after installing a window or balcony block.
It is also worth noting that during the installation of the window, the joints are blown with foam. She remains open. Under the influence of external factors, the foam can collapse. It is affected by moisture, sunlight, other weather conditions. If the foam gets wet, it loses its thermal insulation properties. It may grow fungus. Under the influence of such influences, the foam collapses and crumbles. It is to prevent such adverse consequences that slopes are used.
Installation of slopes on plastic windows involves the use of different techniques. In past decades, a popular technique was the use of putty and drywall sheets. However, it took a long time to install them. In addition, the master must have certain skills. Plastic is much more practical. Almost anyone can mount it.
Good qualities
During the installation of slopes and window sills of a plastic window, craftsmen strive to create a single picture from disparate elements. It is much easier to do this if they are made of the same type of material. Plastic frames, slopes and a window sill create the illusion of a one-piece structure. So a window or a balcony block looks more spectacular, more beautiful.
The use of plastic slopes has other advantages. Under this type of construction, thermal insulation of a large thickness can be laid. This will significantly reduce heat loss in the room. Also under a plastic overlay it is possiblewill mount a layer of vapor barrier. This significantly reduces the risk of condensation on the windows and the subsequent development of fungus. In addition, thermal insulation will perform the function of sound insulation. For this reason, plastic slopes are multifunctional.
Even a master without proper qualification can install such overlays. At the same time, construction dust is not formed, as well as a large amount of debris. Plastic is a versatile material. It responds well to external climatic influences, and also has an acceptable cost. Therefore, it is mounted both inside and outside the premises.
Plastic surfaces repel moisture. This makes the slopes durable. They will not require repairs for a long time. Under the influence of temperatures, the material is not deformed. He is easy to care for. Various detergents can be used to clean surfaces. If the plastic is of high quality, it does not change color during the entire period of operation. Therefore, it is not worth saving on the quality of slopes.
Laminated panels
Installation of plastic slopes in a wooden house or brick building can be done using ready-made multi-layer overlays. These are sandwich panels. They have a specific configuration that allows you to quickly install slopes with your own hands.
This type of panels appeared on the construction market relatively recently. The slope design is simple. These are sheets of plastic, between which there is thermal insulation. On sale you can also find metalslopes. Installation on plastic windows is carried out using a similar technology. Between sheets of plastic or metal, most often a layer of polyurethane foam is laid. Mineral wool, polystyrene foam, etc. can also be used. The type of insulation material affects the performance of the slopes.
Varieties of sandwich panels
Installation of plastic slopes is most often performed using sandwich panels. Their cost is acceptable, and the performance characteristics satisfy the requirements of buyers. Slopes of this type can be double-sided or single-sided. The second type of products has a lower price. However, their scope is limited. Such slopes are suitable only for narrow window openings, as their rigidity is not high enough.
Single-sided varieties are mounted on a plastic profile. Under it, you can additionally lay a layer of mineral wool. The thickness of one-sided panels can be from 8 to 36 mm. The choice depends on the type of climate.
Bilateral sandwich panels differ from the first variety in denser plastic on the front side. The PVC thickness here is 1.2mm.
The advantage of multi-layer panels of any type is a beautiful appearance and high functionality. Such panels are distinguished by high noise and heat insulation qualities, ease of installation. Caring for these panels is easy. Their appearance does not change for a long time. It is worth giving preference to products of trusted brands. Otherwisematerials may separate.
Panelite slopes
Installation of slopes on plastic windows from the side of the room is often performed using a material such as panelite. This is one of the inexpensive options that is chosen quite often today. The panel has a number of characteristic features. It is made by extruding plastic. The material after such processing acquires a cellular structure.
Panelite is distinguished by the presence of small closed capsules. There is air inside them. This structure improves the thermal insulation characteristics of the material. At the same time, the presented type of plastic is characterized by low cost. It is easy to mount it yourself. The effectiveness of such slopes for internal installation is high.
If you want to mount slopes from the outside, it is better to choose other materials. The fact is that the panelite under the influence of external factors may turn yellow. This makes the slopes less aesthetic. However, in a residential area, such slopes will be used for a long time.
Panelite sheets are on sale, the width of which is about 25 cm. Therefore, the scope of this material is somewhat limited. It is also worth considering that two panels cannot be joined. Outwardly, such a slope looks ugly. Therefore, panelite is suitable for finishing small window openings.
Foam plastic
If it is required to install external plastic slopes, it is better to purchase foamed plastic instead of panelite. It also has in its structure closedpores. They create a uniform panel structure. Due to this, rigidity, density along its entire length will be the same. Foamed PVC has a matte velvety surface. Many buyers like it.
Such slopes will not be exposed to moisture, ultraviolet radiation, temperature changes, etc. Buyers note that slopes made of this material do not lose their original qualities for a long time. Therefore, foamed plastic is suitable for indoor and outdoor installation. Even in severe frost or heat, this material does not deform, does not change its structure and appearance.
In addition, it should be noted that PVC foam slopes are non-flammable, resistant to chemicals. Installing such slopes is not difficult. Buyers argue that you should not purchase colored panels. They lose their bright color over time. Such types of foamed PVC are suitable for indoor installation. Outside, it is better to mount white panels.
It is also worth considering that although the material does not burn, it releases toxic substances into the environment in the event of a fire.
Plastic sheet
Installation of slopes from plastic panels can be done using another type of material. It's just plain plastic sheet. This type of slope material is the most versatile. It is installed everywhere. Sheet plastic is durable, differs in high quality. It is easy to install and strong enough to withstand mediummechanical influences. A thick layer of insulation can be mounted under a layer of sheet plastic.
To install slopes from this material, you will need to mount the frame from the profile. However, this does not cause any difficulties. Almost any window can be fitted with slopes made of this material.
Most often, sheets of white plastic are on sale. They are of low cost. Such material goes well with plastic windows. If desired, sheets with textured prints can be purchased. They look more impressive. In this case, you can choose any color. PVC sheets can imitate natural wood, wood or other materials.
It is better to choose textured or colored varieties of plastic for indoor installation. Outside, it is better to use ordinary white PVC sheets. Smooth surfaces are easier to clean. Dirt will not collect in their structure. High-quality plastic panels do not turn yellow in the sun, do not deform under the influence of temperatures.
Profile mounting
Most often, plastic slopes are mounted on a profile. This is a common technique. First you need to purchase the necessary materials. It is better to use ready-made multilayer panels for these purposes. To complete the installation, you will need to purchase an initial U-shaped profile, as well as wooden slats and corners. To perform the installation with high quality, you should purchase glue (in accordance with the selected insulation material).
In addition, sanitary (white ortransparent) sealant. The corners can be completely replaced with a profile with a cross-sectional shape in the form of the letter F.
Starting installation, you will need to fix the starting profile around the perimeter of the window opening. Plastic panels will subsequently be mounted in it. When this work is done, a crate is made around the perimeter of the window with wooden slats. Fixation is performed with dowels. Between the side and top rail you need to leave an indent of about 8-10 mm.
First, the panel is mounted at the top of the window opening. It must first be cut in accordance with the dimensions of the window. One end of the panel must be driven into the profile. The second edge is mounted in the corresponding groove.
Fastening is done with small self-tapping screws. Their hats will be covered with plastic corners. Further, according to the same scheme, slopes are installed from panels on the sides of the window.
Finish mounting
When installing slopes on plastic windows with your own hands, you need to follow the established sequence of actions. Otherwise, the quality of work will be low. When the panels are installed, you will need to complete the composition with a few strokes. This will greatly enhance the decorative qualities of the finish.
In places where the plastic forms an angle with the wall, the joint may be open or uneven. It will need to be closed. For these purposes, a corner is used. This element makes the composition neat and durable. Dirt and moisture will not get into the cracks.
To fix the corner, you need to cut their edges at an angle of 45º. This will result in a straight joint at a right angle. Before installing thisdecorative detail on the slope, its reverse side is covered with glue. Then it must be pressed firmly against the surface of the wall and the plastic panel. You can fix the corner with construction tape. So the glue dries well, and the corner does not move. After a few hours, this support material is removed.
After that, all joints are treated with sealant. For this, silicone of the same color as the panel is best suited. A sanitary sealant is applied to the joints with a mounting gun. The strip must be leveled with a spatula. This completes the installation of plastic slopes. If the sealant gets on the plastic, it must be wiped off immediately.
Installation without frame
Do-it-yourself installation of plastic slopes can be done without a frame. To do this, a slot is made in the mounting foam, which remains after installing the window. This can easily be done with a utility knife. The cut should be 1 mm wide and 1 cm deep.
Next, the panel is inserted into the prepared slot. The opposite end is fixed with small screws. In some cases, sandwich panels do not provide a place for fixing. In this case, you can create them yourself.
The panel is cut across (with a construction knife). It is necessary to separate the insulation from the bottom layer of plastic. This piece of plate will be the spike. It is inserted into a groove cut in the mounting foam. Further installation is carried out according to the previous scheme.
Having considered the features of the installation of plastic slopes, you can perform all the steps yourself.
