Varieties of window finishes outside with metal slopes, installation and do-it-yourself installation
Today, most people install plastic windows in their houses and apartments. These are multifunctional products that have replaced wooden structures. Before proceeding with the installation, it is necessary to understand the decoration of windows outside with metal slopes.
Main features and advantages of using metal
To give the window structure a complete look, various finishing materials are used. These include paint, plastic sheeting, drywall and plaster. However, the highest quality material is considered metal slopes, which are installed on plastic windows. They are made of high quality galvanized steel, the surface of which is covered with a protective polymer coating. It protects slopes from corrosion.
Varieties
There are four types of slopes, the characteristics of which should be familiarized with before starting installation.
Galvanized
Some people use plain steel products. However, it is not worth using such material, since over time traces of corrosion appear on its surface. To avoid rust, they buy galvanized products. Their surface is reliably protected against corrosion, and therefore they will not rust even at high humidity levels. Galvanized coatings can last for decades.
Coated polyester
Many manufacturers of iron slopes are engaged in creating quality parts that are protected from the external influences of high humidity. To prevent the appearance of rust on the metal surface, it is recommended to use slopes coated with polyester. At the same time, experts recommend choosing models with a coating based on polyester. Such structures are not only resistant to rust, but also withstand high temperatures.
Aluminum
For exterior decoration of windows, experts advise using aluminum products. Durable aluminum sheets are used in their manufacture. They are sometimes combined with galvanized steel to make the structure more durable. The main advantages of the aluminum material are:
- ease of installation;
- resistance to high humidity and temperature extremes;
- corrosion protection;
- long life expectancy.
PVC
Such products are made of PVC panels, the thickness of which is from 70 to 90 millimeters.Some types of PVC structures are equipped with a special insulation layer, which consists of porous foam.PVC panels are installed not only to decorate the window, but also to improve sound insulation. PVC products have several advantages:
- attractive appearance;
- lack of joints;
- high level of sound insulation;
- do not need additional finishing.
What is needed for installation
Before starting the installation, you should familiarize yourself with the list of tools that will be needed to perform the work.
Screwdriver with bits
The screwdriver is considered an indispensable tool that is often used to tighten the fixing screws. It significantly speeds up and simplifies the process of installing slopes. Before using the screwdriver, you need to choose the right bit.
Experts recommend using bits that have a straight slot. In addition, its width should not be less than four millimeters.
Roulette
The tape measure is considered the most common and often used measuring tool in the construction industry. It seems to many that all casters are the same, but this is not so. There are different types of measuring devices with distinctive features. It is recommended to use models with a steel strap and a metal case. The length of the tape should be 2-3 meters.
metal scissors
These are high-quality scissors, with the help of which it is possible to cut thick wires or dense sheets. There are manual and electric models that operate from an outlet. The latter are suitable for people who do not want to put a lot of effort into cutting metal slopes. Use scissors to cut the metal carefully so as not to accidentally damage the material to be cut.
Hammer
A hammer is a hand tool used in carpentry, carpentry or plumbing work. Some think it can only be used for hammering, but that's not the case. In addition, the hammer is used to bend, unbend or flatten iron products. When working with metal slopes, it is recommended to use small bench hammers.
stationery knife
A stationery knife is considered an indispensable item that is often used in the household. Initially, these tools were used only for cutting sheets of paper. However, nowadays it is often used in the construction industry to cut other fragile materials. When installing window slopes, you should use cutters with a blade width of 8-10 millimeters.
putty knife
The spatula is a popular construction tool used for finishing work. It is used not only to apply a new topcoat, but also to remove the old one. It is necessary to use models that have a metal plate. They are considered stronger and more durable. The width of the plate should be 100-120 millimeters. However, there are also wider models.
construction gun
This is a commonly used construction tool to speed up the installation of finishing materials during renovations. The gun is used to fasten metal staples, nails or dowels. The scope of the construction gun is quite wide. They are used for mounting slopes, installing communication networks or thermal insulation.
Level
The building level is considered a popular measurement tool to determine at what level the slope has been set.To identify deviations, a special vial is installed on the product, which is filled with liquid. When choosing a tier, pay attention to its length, which should not be less than 30 centimeters.
Polyurethane foam or silicone sealant
As a result of installation work, small gaps may remain between the building material and the surface. To fill them, it is recommended to use silicone sealant or polyurethane foam. The silicone type sealant resists high levels of humidity and chemical attack. Therefore, it is better to use such hermetic compositions to fill the gaps.
How to measure and mark
Before proceeding with the installation of iron slopes, it is necessary to carry out preliminary measurements. In this case, it is recommended to measure all areas separately. You cannot take measurements only by the reflux or the upper half of the product.
When performing such work, you need to use a tape measure. It is better to enter the data obtained in a notebook or display it on a diagram.
Preparation of the work plan and treatment of joints
After determination, proceed with the preliminary preparation of the surfaces. The preparatory work takes place in several successive stages:
- inspection of the surface and elimination of all cracks, holes and cracks that may be on it;
- treat the working surface with a putty so that after installation there are no cracks.
How to correctly install metal slopes with your own hands
In order for the installation to be carried out correctly, you should familiarize yourself in advance with the features of the installation of slopes.Installation work begins with the installation of side elements. They are placed so that there is a slight outward slope. The lower and upper parts of the structure must be trimmed with a knife to determine the optimal slope angle. After installing all the elements of the slope, the joints are treated with a sealant.
Common Mistakes
There are several common mistakes people make during installation:
- the use of unprotected metal products, the outer surface of which is covered with corrosion;
- incorrect markup;
- the use of low-quality sealant;
- installation of the structure at a very wide angle or at a right angle.
Additional tips and tricks
Before installing the tracks, you should familiarize yourself with the following recommendations and tips:
- Installation of window blocks should not be postponed. Such work is carried out immediately in order to protect the window structure from damage.
- Slopes should be ordered from the same manufacturer that produced the installed window.
- When installing slopes, you need to monitor their angle of inclination.
Conclusion
People who have recently installed windows should immediately start installing the slopes. However, before this you need to familiarize yourself with the types of structures and the features of their installation.