How to install a window sill on plastic windows. How to install a PVC window sill? How to install window sills on plastic windows with your own hands

The window sill is the final element in the window installation process. There are many types of window profiles and structures on the modern construction market. And under each of them, manufacturers produce window sills that are optimally suited to the installed window. PVC windows and window sills are in great demand. This design has significant advantages, in addition, do-it-yourself PVC does not take much time and does not require a lot of effort.

In order for the installation of PVC window sills with your own hands to be successful, compliance with technological process. In addition, the material of the wall and the window opening as a whole has little effect on the installation features. The nuances are related to the material from which it is made.

General installation requirements

Regardless of what material the window sill is made of, there are a few general recommendations. Their observance will allow you to correctly install the PVC window sill, extend its service life and facilitate the work itself.

  1. Installation of the window sill is carried out inside the room and the lower part of the window opening.
  2. At a distance of 60 mm from the edge of the window sill, it is necessary to make a technical recess through which water will be drained. This will allow not to moisten the wall under the window opening.
  3. The final installation of the window sill is possible only after the bottom caps have been prepared.

Before installing the window sill, it is necessary to decide by what method the installation will be performed. Works on self installation window sill can be divided into:

  1. Installation on a special composition. It is an outdated method and is no longer used in practice.
  2. Fastening with self-tapping screws, with the help of which the window sill brought under the frame is screwed. Linings are placed on the wall. The voids are filled with construction foam.
  3. Mounting on spring metal brackets. These mounting elements are screwed to the window profile with self-tapping screws. A window sill is inserted into the formed groove, which turned out between the lower part of the frame and the bracket.
  4. Installation with self-tapping screws and metal brackets. The peculiarity lies in the fact that special linings are installed before the window sill enters tightly under the frame.

Each of the methods has features and limitations. So, it is impossible to install a window sill on self-tapping screws in a frame in which the sash is movable.

Back to index

The preparatory stage and its features

At this stage, it is necessary to measure the window sill and purchase material for self-installation.

Required tools:

  • building level;
  • electric jigsaw or file with fine teeth;
  • self-tapping screws;
  • electric or cordless screwdriver;
  • metal plates;
  • special linings (wooden blocks or very dense synthetic material);
  • mounting construction foam;
  • foam gun;
  • silicone.

The size of the system is performed by a tape measure. It should be 5-10 cm larger than the width of the window opening. At the same time, it must be taken into account that if, when installing a wide device, it closes the heating radiator, then the movement of air flows in the room will be disturbed, and the temperature will change. Therefore, the most acceptable width is the one that will allow it to protrude from the wall level by no more than 8 cm. The length of the product must exceed the distance between the slopes so that the element can enter it by 2-3 cm. In addition, it must protrude beyond the slopes by 5 cm.

The design itself can be different: smooth, ribbed, rough. It all depends on personal preference appearance windows and interior design.

At the same stage, it is necessary to remove all debris from the bottom of the wall on which the window sill will be installed. If there are peeling elements of the plaster, they must be removed. If a fairly large gap has formed, it must be repaired with a solution. Further installation can be carried out after its final solidification.

Back to index

PVC window sill installation

In order for the finished window sill to fit perfectly under the window opening, it may be necessary to trim it. You can do this with a jigsaw. If the ready-made sizes of window sills offered in the store do not fit, then you can cut it out with your own hands from a PVC profile. To do this, use a jigsaw. Using a tape measure and a pencil, cut the profile to the required size with an additional margin of 5 cm and make a cut. Prior to this, it is necessary to carefully examine raw material for damage, cracks, deflections and chips. The cut off part, which will later become the window sill, should not contain any flaws.

The cutting line should lie behind the stiffeners, which are located inside the profile. This must be taken into account when marking. Otherwise, during installation, the window sill may collapse and a rigid connection with the frame will not work. The cut itself must be performed carefully so as not to cause damage and defects in the surface of the profile. During installation, you must follow the safety rules and perform all sawing work with glasses to avoid getting small particles into your eyes.

The lower part of the slope must be cut down if this part of the work is done to the full height of the window opening. After that, the garbage should be removed. If the height of the window sill was taken into account during the installation of the slopes, then this procedure can be omitted. As gaskets, you can use a wooden block. Its height should be determined by the degree of fit of the window sill to the frame.

Mounting wedges must not protrude beyond the wall. To do this, so that they do not move during installation, they should be fixed. The element is placed in the formed groove and pressed tightly against the window frame. The distance between it and the walls should not be more than 4 mm around the entire perimeter of the junction. In this case, the parts of the product that are in direct contact with the wall must be in tight connection with it without gaps. In order to avoid deformation of the structure, metal strips are installed that enter the lower plug.

A window sill is an indispensable element of any window opening, performing both decorative and, in many cases, practical function. After all, this is one of those places where are often located flower pots or other small household items.

In the past, openings were most often decorated with wooden products, and with the advent of plastic windows, window sills began to take up space in the interior. from the same material.

Advantages and disadvantages of PVC products

pros

To the benefits products include the following properties:

  • the material is not afraid of moisture and temperature changes;
  • It does not require special care;
  • the design is light in weight;
  • does not require periodic tinting, and is also not subject to shrinkage and warping, unlike wooden products;
  • the window sill can be installed in any length, width and shape.

Minuses

  • plastic is inferior in strength to the same wooden products;
  • when using a glossy decorative film as a coating, the window sill is easily scratched and its appearance deteriorates;
  • hot objects placed inadvertently (for example, a pot or pan removed from the fire) can significantly damage the surface.

Installation methods

Mounting plastic window sill can be done in one of several ways:

  1. With the help of a special solution. This method was often used in the past, but now, thanks to the emergence of new ones, it is practically not used.
  2. Using spring clips, which are screwed to the substitution profile with self-tapping screws, and the window sill itself is installed in the groove between the window and the bracket.
  3. With the help of self-tapping screws. This is the most fast way, in which the window sill is fastened with screws to the window frame.
  4. Another option is to install a window sill. without any fasteners(staples, self-tapping screws). This is the most time-consuming method, but at the same time the most reliable. The window sill is fixed with the help of wedges that are driven under it, thereby tightly pressing the edges of the slab to the frame.

Necessary tools and materials

In order to change the window sill, you need to prepare a small set of tools and materials:

  • window sill and end caps to connect the panels;
  • balloon polyurethane foam and a gun to work with her;
  • perforator;
  • level, tape measure, simple pencil or marker;
  • jigsaw or grinder;
  • stationery knife;
  • cement mortar.

This process is not difficult and is performed as follows. Along the ends of the slab and along the entire length of the slope a niche is hollowed out using a perforator.

After that you need pry the plate with a mount or hit with a hammer. The window sill released in this way is carefully removed from the niche.

Or it is possible in such a sparing option with sawing the window sill in the middle:

Foundation preparation

Installation work

After the base is ready, you need to measure the niche and, in accordance with the obtained dimensions cut window sill from a pre-purchased blank using a jigsaw or grinder.

If necessary, the thickness of the wedges can be increased or decreased. The installation of the window sill must be carried out taking into account the fact that the plate should have a slight slope towards the room (1-2 degrees). This will allow condensation and water from watering plants to drain onto the floor, thereby liquid will not collect under the stove.

After fixing the window sill, the space between it and the base is blown out with mounting foam. For better fixation, the plate can be press down evenly with a weight.

As a load, you can put five-liter water bottles in the amount of 3-4 pieces. In this position the design is left for 2-3 days so that the foam hardens well, after which its excess is removed with a clerical knife.

It is advisable not to overload the window sill, as in this case its surface may be deformed.

How to fix the foam under the windowsill?

You can do this in one of two ways:

  1. Seal up the foam that has been cut flush tile adhesive solution. If the walls will be painted in the future, you need to putty the area plastered with glue. If it is planned to stick wallpaper, the surface is treated with an acrylic primer.
  2. In the second case, the foam should cover with vapor permeable tape, then install a decorative flashing on top (PVC, aluminum or wood).

Learn how to properly seal the foam with a solution from the video:

A few points to consider when installing a window sill.

Working with a perforator is desirable use personal protective equipment(glasses, gloves).

The window sill should not protrude beyond the slope line more than 6 cm, otherwise the air circulation may be disturbed, causing the windows to fog up.

Mounting foam stick much better if the surface with which it will be in contact, pre-moisten.

After reviewing how to replace a PVC window sill, we can conclude that this the procedure does not require professional skills and special tool.

The main thing in this matter is to be careful and do not make a mistake with the size when cutting plates. Therefore, the rule "measure seven times, cut once" is more than appropriate in this case.

How to repair a window sill - all the secrets of installation, see the video clip:

Window installation companies often don't get the job done. And the customer is left with a bare window opening that needs finishing. But it also happens that in order to save money, a person himself undertakes the installation of a window sill. Then the question arises - how to install a window sill so that it holds firmly and does not freeze. It also depends on the correct installation whether there will be condensation on the windows, and therefore mold. Please read the following manual carefully before starting work!

PVC panels for window sills occupy a leading position in terms of sales. And for good reason! After all, their technical characteristics provide a large number of advantages during installation.

The panel has stiffeners

TOP 5 advantages of a plastic window sill

Do-it-yourself installation of a plastic window sill has the following advantages:

  1. Panel size can be customized. If acrylic or stone models have a strictly specified size, then PVC window sills can be easily cut. For this, a jigsaw or a saw for plastic is suitable.
  2. The material is characterized by vapor and moisture resistance (absolute impermeability). It will not be saturated with moisture from possible condensation or raindrops, like a wooden counterpart. An additional advantage is that the design is not sensitive to ventilation disturbances, which are often found in modern apartments.
  3. Ease of installation. Do-it-yourself window sill installation is quite a feasible task for a beginner.
  4. Thermal insulating properties. Due to the special structure, the panel additionally prevents heat loss.
  5. The absence of pores, in which dirt and harmful microorganisms usually accumulate.

Video: How to install a window sill with your own hands

How to choose quality material

Before you buy and install a PVC window sill, carefully study its certificate. What you should pay attention to:

  • for PVC content (it should be at least 50%, better - 60%);
  • on the percentage of chalk content (permissible no more than 5%);
  • the thickness of the stiffeners must be at least 1.2 cm and not more than 3.5 cm;
  • the thickness of the panel itself is from 2 cm.

PVC panel "under the tree"

The most durable panels are produced by Germany. The second place is shared by Russia.

True in size - choose the optimal parameters

Do-it-yourself installation of a plastic window sill should begin with careful measurement. How to choose the optimal parameters? Based on the following conditions:

  1. Depth. On average, this figure ranges from 20 to 50 cm. There is only one pattern here: the narrower the panel, the more reliable and stronger it is. And, the greater the weight is able to withstand when pressed.
  2. Width. To paraphrase a classic, even a window sill has ears. This is the name of the protrusions on the sides of the window. They are necessary, firstly, to fix the slopes. Secondly, to compensate for the thermal expansion inherent in plastic. And thirdly, for a more finished and aesthetic appearance of the window.

Measurements should be taken from the concrete base.

Advice! When measuring the depth, add 15 mm to go under the frame and 50 mm to reach. These are the optimal dimensions of the window sill.

Window sill dimensions

Correct location:

  • install at least 10 cm from the radiator (battery);
  • the panel overhang should not overlap the heating source by more than ⅔;
  • the window sill should not be at an angle of 90 ° to the window - an inclination into the room of at least 1 ° is required.

Installation process - step by step guide

The correct sequence of work and compliance with technical nuances is a guarantee of the quality of the window sill. The process of attaching to a plastic window is not complicated and does not take much time.

Sequence of work - how to avoid mistakes

At what stage of the repair is the installation of a plastic window sill most appropriate? The correct answer is immediately after the installation of windows, before finishing the internal slopes.

If you install it later, the slopes will have to be partially or completely redone. After all, for installation you will need to choose the grooves in the slopes. It is not recommended to remove the protective film from the plastic board until all repair work.

Advice! When installing the window sill, the protective coating must not be completely removed. But only in those places where the panel enters the grooves (near the frame and on the sides). If this is not done immediately, the film will be difficult to remove completely.

Groove for mounting in slopes

Preparatory stage - creating a strong support

How to properly install a window sill plastic windows:

  1. If the window is installed by hand, form a mounting seam of foam under the frame. A seam of more than 8 cm should be foamed in several passes with an interval of 7 minutes. And after hardening (after 20 minutes) - install a vapor barrier tape on top. If the installation of the window is carried out by masters, they must complete this stage.
  2. How to install a window sill if the window is already up? Select the grooves on the sides of the window opening (from 10 to 60 mm, depending on the size of the "ears"). If this requires a grinder, it is better to close the double-glazed windows with cardboard sheets for the duration of the work. Since flying sparks can damage windows (melt plastic).
  3. Screw 51 mm self-tapping screws into the support profile under the frame. They should be located at a distance of 17-19 mm from its lower edge. This technique will increase the maximum pressure that the structure can withstand.
  4. If the window sill distance exceeds 40 mm, it should be increased with plaster. Indeed, with this size, the foam will not completely polymerize. Which will lead to a decrease in its supporting and thermal insulation characteristics.
  5. Next, you need to thoroughly clean the window sill with a construction vacuum cleaner or brush. And also - primed the rough surface. The point here is in the features of the mounting foam. To adhere to the surface, the latter must be wet. Also, the primer further increases adhesion.
  6. Measure the surface and, if necessary, adjust the plastic board to size. Do not place the end butt against the wall. You need to leave 1 cm for thermal expansion.
  7. Lay anchor points in increments of 50–60 cm. To do this, fold the plastic wedges with a “jack” and rewind with electrical tape or masking tape. For reliability, you can grab the anchor points with self-tapping screws, since during installation it is necessary to ensure that they do not move.

Advice! If during priming part of the liquid gets on the glass, you need to wipe it off immediately. Since, when solidified, the composition forms a film that is difficult to remove.

Stand profile - 16

We fix the window sill - the secrets of competent installation

How to put a window sill to a plastic window:

  1. Check the window sill for voids in the mounting foam. If gaps are found in the wall, foam them to prevent windows from freezing.
  2. With an effort to install the window sill in profile. Align it in the center so that it has a 2-3 mm slope from the level into the room for every 20 cm of depth. This is necessary to drain moisture.
  3. Foam the space under the window. From above, place a load (for example, 5-liter bottles) around the entire perimeter. The foam tends to expand, squeezing out the board. To prevent this from happening, a load is needed.
  4. Install end caps.
  5. Apply a layer of sealant to all cracks.
  6. After the foam has completely hardened (about 12 hours), remove the load.

How to prevent foam squeezing

Pro tips - how to get the perfect result

How to install window sills on plastic windows - the secrets of craftsmanship:

  1. If the window sill covers the battery, it is necessary to cut a hole in it across the entire width. And then - drown it with a grate.
  2. To overcome the fogging of windows, you need to use the principle of directional airflow. To do this, in plastic (in the center of each double-glazed window) should be sawn round holes. This can be done using a special crown. Then install round gratings in the places of cuts. Thus, airflow is normalized and condensation will not collect on the windows.
  3. If you need a deep window sill (for example, for a sofa on the window), you will need to install additional support. In this case, it is better not to use brackets, since the plastic is brittle in bending. The best option- make an imitation of a fireplace portal by laying out the walls on the sides of the radiator.
  4. The window sill must withstand a load of at least 30 kg per 1 sq. m. But fastening the window sill to a plastic window must withstand point loads of up to 100 kg. After all, wiping the window, the owners rely on the plastic with all their weight. To do this, you need to lay reference points under the board. These can be pieces of wood treated with an antiseptic, plastic wedges, etc.

Attention! The back of the window sill is the most vulnerable. It is she who has all the load during window cleaning. Therefore, tight clamping is necessary to increase the strength of the structure.

Directional glass blowing

Window sill on the loggia - Spanish installation method

Classic way how to install a plastic window sill on a loggia is based on the following rule. The window sill should be mounted last. As a result, to do this qualitatively, a lot of measurements and adjustments are required. This results in a huge waste of time and effort.

The Spanish method allows you to reduce installation time by 4 times! And the strength of the structure to make 2 times higher. What is its essence? The fact that the window sill should be installed at the very beginning. And already from it to fasten the guides. This significantly reduces the number of measurements.

The installation process step by step looks like this.

Screw 51 mm self-tapping screws into the plastic frame at a distance of 3 mm from the lower edge of the special support profile.

Screwing in clamping screws

Install a window sill between the screws and the frame. How to attach a window sill to a plastic window? Fix it to the frame with 71 mm self-tapping screws at an angle in several places. The depth of the self-tapping screws is 1–2 mm. This is necessary to prevent the structure from falling out.

Fixing the window sill to the frame

Attach the upper guide from a 40 mm wide beam to the bottom of the plastic board. Fix it with 51 mm self-tapping screws. The distance from the “nose” of the window sill to the top rail is 8 mm. This distance is necessary for the installation of sheathing panels.

Top rail installation

Using a plumb bob, install the bottom rail. Grab it with self-tapping screws to the floor along the edges. Align the lower guide with a level and fix it with self-tapping screws to the floor in 50 cm increments.

Mounting the bottom rail

Attach vertical guides (slats) to the top and bottom rails.

Fixing vertical rails

Align the board with a square (at 90° or tilted inwards by 2-3 mm from the level). Screw in 71 mm self-tapping screws to the end.

Leveling the window sill with a square

Fasten the middle guide to the vertical slats.

Fixing the middle frame

Skillful hands - two ways to do it yourself

It is quite real to save on the purchase of a plastic panel! To do this, you can go the following ways:

  1. Install concrete window sill. To do this, make a fixed formwork and pour the first layer of concrete. Next, install the upper removable formwork. Lay a mesh of wire 1.5–2.0 mm with a cell of 50x50 mm. This will help strengthen the structure. Then - pour concrete and sand it after drying. On top, you can lay tiles or mosaics.
  2. The second way to make a window sill yourself is to glue it from a floorboard. To strengthen the structure, dowels will be needed. The board must first be sanded and primed, and then varnished in several layers. It is better to install such a window sill on liquid nails.

Advice! For growing flowers wooden structure it is better to use special pads. They can be glued to wood.

Making a window with your own hands is both simple and difficult at the same time. On the one hand, it does not require serious skills and special tools. On the other hand, it will be quite difficult to correct the mistakes made. Therefore, it is still better to entrust the installation of window sills to professionals!

Almost any modern renovation involves the replacement of windows, and few of the developers come to mind to leave the old, oil-painted wooden or asbestos-cement window sill. Many people are familiar with the situation when the “windowers” ​​finished their work and left, and the new window sill was left alone to stand near the wall. What to do next? Looking for masters again?

The window sill is a must modern interior. At the same time, it performs not only a decorative function, not only serves as a stand for flowers and household appliances, but also actively participates in the processes of air exchange occurring near windows. Protection of the lower part of the window opening from possible condensation and mechanical damage, thermal insulation of one of the most problem areas exterior walls - this is the true, utilitarian purpose of a well-installed window sill.

How to choose a window sill

At the moment, it is not difficult to buy a window sill made of durable, dimensionally stable material, resistant to sunlight and temperature changes. There are many options on the market, each with its own pros and cons. However, the main problems of choice come down more to implementation issues. design solutions and wallet thickness.

Due to the low cost, from 55 rubles per running meter, and good specifications PVC window sills are the most widely used. They have similar properties to plastic windows, as they are made from the same UV-resistant, water-resistant materials. The multi-chamber structure with frequent bulkheads provides them with high compressive strength and excellent thermal insulation properties.

Light weight, ease of cutting and processing greatly facilitate the process of installing plastic window sills. It is not a problem to choose a color finished product, including possible imitation of wood and marble. The color can be transferred both "in mass", for example, brown, and in the form of a film according to the RAL catalog. Most often, such window sills are made to match the window profile. The front surface of the PVC window sill has a matte texture or has a varnish coating. It is easy to find a plastic window sill that is suitable in size for almost any specific occasion. In large hardware stores, products with a thickness of 18-22 mm and a width of 100 to 600 mm are often available. The strips are 4 or 6 meters long, but, as a rule, you can order their cutting on the spot, or buy a window sill of any length. The main disadvantages of plastic window sills can be considered weak resistance to local damage: scratches, chips, breakdowns. They are practically unrepairable.

Window sills made of MDF and chipboard can have a laminated top layer, be covered with cork or wood veneer. At a low price, they perfectly imitate expensive materials, including natural stone. Such products have good performance characteristics and thermal insulation properties. They are easy enough to cut and install.

If the protective coating of window sills made of MDF and chipboard is not damaged, then they are not exposed to moisture, do not warp or swell. Laminated window sills are difficult to scratch. Their cost per linear meter can range from 150 to 1200 rubles with a width of 30 cm.

Window sills made of coniferous and hardwood species are the best suited to wooden windows, they have a very beautiful texture, visible under a transparent protective coating, but can also be painted in any color. They are also a good thermal insulator.

Depending on the properties of the wood used, they have a certain degree of bending strength, resistance to scratches and dents, and they are also easy to repair. The thickness of window sills made of wood is most often about 40 mm. Among the shortcomings, one can note the need to ensure their waterproofing, which completely depends on the condition and quality of the protective and decorative coating, which requires periodic updating. Prices for products made of oak, hornbeam, beech, cherry, ash can hardly be called affordable. A high-quality window sill made of massive pine will “pull” at least 1000 rubles per linear meter, larch - 1800, beech - 3000, oak - 5000.

Window sills from natural stone- marble, granite or onyx, perhaps the most expensive of all on the market (from 3,000 rubles per linear meter), but their classic beauty, sophistication and prestige leaves no one indifferent. The assets of such products include an expressive texture, a choice of color, size, shape, style of processing corners and edges. Stone window sills are not afraid of water and temperature changes, but to some extent they are prone to pollution due to porosity. natural materials. Being quite fragile, natural stone products are well repaired. The heavy weight, as well as the complexity of processing, make their installation somewhat difficult. Window sills made of natural stone do not have thermal insulation properties.

Models of window sills made of artificial stone have operational advantages - this is resistance to chemical pollution, relatively low thermal conductivity. Trouble (in low price category similar products) can cause scratches on the front surface and its fading. Of course, they are cheaper than analogues made from natural materials.

How to determine the required dimensions of the window sill

In order for the window sill to serve for a long time, be convenient and functional, it must not only be correctly installed, but also correctly calculate its dimensions. In some cases, it makes sense to make a window sill in the factory according to exact dimensions. This problem is especially serious when working with stone, since it is quite difficult to process, and it’s very good if you don’t need to adjust anything locally. Window sills made of MDF and chipboard can be ordered with a fully processed edge, which also does not need to be cut off, as it reliably protects the product from moisture.

The length of the finished product must be greater than the width of the window so that the window sill enters the walls. Usually, from 30 to 50 mm are released for the line of vertical slopes on each side. For example, if the width of the window is 1000 mm, then it would be logical to order the window sill 100 mm more, 20 of which will go to the light turn of the slopes, 80 - to the side outlets (40 mm each). In the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe balcony block, the window sill cuts into the wall with one side, and near the door it should hang a little, about 10 mm, over a short vertical slope.

The width of the window sill is mainly determined by the depth of the window opening. As a rule, the overhang of the window sill is made about 30-50 mm from the wall. This size is explained by the fact that a window sill that is too wide can prevent the free circulation of warm air coming from heating radiators, which can lead to the formation of condensate on the surface of double-glazed windows and side slopes. With a large overhang, the bending strength of the structure is significantly reduced.

To correctly determine the desired width of the window sill, it is necessary to perform the main finishing of the outer wall - plaster, drywall. It will be enough to have installed beacons or a metal frame. Measurements are made with a tape measure from the window to a cord stretched in the plane of the wall or a rule installed across the opening.

Attention! It should be noted that the window sill of about 10 mm enters under the frame, resting against the mounting plate of the plastic window or a quarter of the wooden profile.

It is especially difficult to measure non-standard window sills, such as on rounded walls, bay windows, kitchen countertop window sills. Sometimes the window is deployed in the opening, then if you want to have an equally protruding window sill cornice, its width will have to be made uneven. In all these cases, for the manufacture of templates and patterns, we recommend inviting specialists from the organization in which you will order them. The most accurate, flawless products are obtained from measurements taken with surveying equipment, such as a total station. A tape measure and a cardboard sheet do not always help out.

The main principle is simple: "measure seven times - order once."

When to install a window sill

If you decide to simply change windows while maintaining all interior decoration rooms, then there is nothing special to wait for - you can proceed immediately after the mounting foam dries.

But in the case of overhaul the matter is a little more complicated. The reason for this is the vulnerability of the surfaces of the prematurely expensive product installed. In the process of carrying out extensive repair and construction work, when there are a large number of employees at the facility, guests from contractors (air conditioners, security system installers, installers stretch ceiling, furniture assemblers ...), it is extremely difficult to keep the window sill safe and sound. A flat horizontal surface, like a magnet, pulls to place a tool on it, small, and not very, construction material, put a cup of coffee, step with your foot to reach the high ceiling. As a result - the replacement of the window sill and the alteration of the slopes due to "no one knows where" appeared scratches, dents, chips, persistent chemical stains.

Many practicing builders have come to the conclusion that the installation of the window sill must be done at the very last moment, just before finishing. Naturally, by this moment the whole complex should be completed. preparatory work, including mounted and even plastered walls and slopes.

How to prepare a place for installing a window sill

Depending on the type of product, its material and thickness, as well as on the chosen method of fastening, we will prepare the base. The first step is to remove all loosely holding, protruding elements of the wall on which the window sill will rest, these are loose bricks, rusty plaster, installation wedges, fasteners, and embedded parts. If during the installation work formed through holes on the street, or in enclosing structures, it is recommended to foam them.

You also need to prepare strobes in the wall for the window sill to enter, here you can not do without the use of a small grinder and a puncher. If the slopes are sheathed with drywall or plastered, then their plane must be interrupted no lower than the window profile in order to form a technological niche.

Next, the masonry should be restored, and along the beacons, at a given height, pour a flat area from a durable moisture-resistant mortar. To install a window sill on polyurethane foam, it is advisable to have a gap of about 20 mm from the bottom of the product to the top of the installation site, this is so that the pipe of the mounting gun can be inserted into the window frame area. To install a heavy stone window sill on a layer of most special adhesives, only 5 mm is required, that is, from the bottom of the window, the platform must be lowered by 35 mm, where 30 mm will be the thickness of the window sill.

If outer wall sheathed with drywall metal frame, it is necessary to place a horizontal jumper passing under the window at the correct height. A common mistake novice drywall installers make is setting it too high.

Very important point preparatory work is to check the evenness of the lower edge of the window unit. Certain problems are caused by poorly manufactured or incorrectly installed windows from PVC. Very often, at the junctions of the vertical and lower horizontal profiles, there are burrs that make it impossible to press the window sill tightly against the window - they must be cut with a knife. Another common defect is the shape of the lower profile in the form of one or more arcs, curved upwards with their middle. Its presence is easy to check by stretching the thread along the bottom edge of the window from corner to corner. If a thin plastic window sill can be easily pressed against the window with wedges or foam, then with rigid products made from other materials everything is much more complicated, they only emphasize all the irregularities. As a result - very ugly cracks that will have to be sealed with all kinds of sealants. The reality is that even in new buildings of the elite class, it is necessary to repair the plastic window blocks- cut foam from under the window, remove wedges and fasteners, dismantle the double-glazed window and different ways align the PVC profile. Sometimes the case ends with a complete reinstallation or replacement of defective windows.

How to install and fix the window sill

No matter how accurately we have made preliminary measurements, before installation, the window sill often has to be cut a little, especially in places where it enters the walls. Wood and MDF, chipboard are best cut with an electric jigsaw with a metal file, but a plastic or stone window sill is cut with a grinder with a diamond blade.

To firmly press the window sill to the window, it is necessary to use wooden or plastic wedges. They are prepared based on the thickness of the product and installed near the window lintel with an interval of 400-500 mm. Some crafters prefer to pre-glue them to the substrate so that they do not move during installation. The correctness of the selection of wedges is checked by trying on the window sill dry - the product must enter tightly.

The installation profile (window plate) should be carefully smeared with silicone to seal the abutment, the protruding mass can then be cut off. The end parts of the window sill made of MDF or chipboard are also recommended to be covered with a layer of sealant, especially if there is damage to the protective coating.

The window sill is installed in its place and centered relative to the axis of the window or the lines of the side slopes. Wedges are also installed under its front part, adjusting the level of the window sill. In most cases, the cornice of the window sill is made lower than its base, pressed against the window by 2-3 mm, so that moisture does not accumulate near the junction.

A window sill made of MDF, chipboard, wood, plastic can be additionally fixed by screwing it with long self-tapping screws through the window installation profile; for this, it is necessary to remove the outer ebb.

So that the foam, expanding, does not squeeze the window sill up, it is necessary to put 2-3 spacers going from the product to the top of the slope. Along the entire length of the window sill and from above, we recommend installing even wooden bars to distribute the pressure from the struts. It is convenient to adjust them with the help of wedges. Options with placing cargo from improvised materials on the windowsill sometimes play a cruel joke with the masters, everything ends with a re-installation.

Now you can foam the space under the windowsill. The foam should be applied moderately, but evenly, without gaps, not forgetting its ability to expand greatly. You need to carefully fill the places where the side parts of the window sill enter the wall with foam, keep in mind that this is an important element of thermal insulation.

Stone window sills are not recommended to be mounted on foam, as there are cases when, during its expansion, a marble product was broken along the veins. It is better to install them on a special glue, for example, CM117, CM115 and the like. For window sills made of onyx and light marble, it is better to use white glue, which will not leave marks in case of accidental contact with the front surface.

Comb with tooth right size, about 6-8 mm, the adhesive composition, preferably in one continuous movement, is evenly leveled on a pre-prepared base. The notched trowel should be driven as vertically as possible - only in this way the height of the ridges will be the same. With an even spatula, the stone window sill is covered with glue on the back side with a thin layer and set in the design position.

If the window sill has a large overhang, then special corner brackets are used to fix it. They are fixed with one shoulder on bearing wall with an interval of up to 500 mm, but not less than three pieces per product. Often this part of the bracket is recessed into the cladding and sealed with mortars. The window sill is screwed to the consoles from below by means of short cylindrical screws.

After the foam or glue is completely dry, usually done the next day, you can remove the spacers, install the end caps, and start embedding the junctions.

How to protect the window sill from damage

The first thing you need to pay attention to is the correct storage of window sills at the facility. Products made of wood, PVC, chipboard are best stored in pairs, front surfaces to each other, between which soft spacers should be inserted. Stone window sills are stored in an upright position, they should stand on two bars with an edge, leaning against the wall at a slight angle.

Before installing any window sill, it must be covered with sheet polyethylene using masking tape, or with a special film that does not leave adhesive traces. Remember that there is still a lot of painting and installation work ahead, and this is the danger of contamination and mechanical deformation.

Attention! Factory protective film must be removed before the installation of the window sill in order to be able to check the quality and integrity of the front cover.

Window sills made of natural stone are able to absorb various substances with the formation of hard-to-remove stains, therefore, after installation, they are immediately treated with protective compounds that close the pores of the front surface.

After installation, strips of plasterboard, GVL or other similar materials should be laid on top of the film, precisely cut along the visible contour of the window sill.

Marble products are recommended to be preserved with a protective wooden shield, paying special attention to the cornice of the product. The hanging end is the most vulnerable spot; it is covered with a bar sewn in front. The casing must be securely fixed in the opening and rest on the polished surface through soft pads.

Not to be overlooked there is another very important nuance, which directly affects the correct functioning and durability of the window sill - the distance between the bottom of the window sill and the heating radiator should not be less than 100 mm.

Turishchev Anton, rmnt.ru

Tsugunov Anton Valerievich

Reading time: 2 minutes

The installation of a window sill usually completes the installation of a window. It is impossible to exclude this element from the window construction. First, it is an element of decor. Agree that window hole without a window sill it will look, to put it mildly, ridiculous. Secondly, this additional element also performs a protective function, taking on temperature fluctuations and mechanical loads. Replacing old windows with more practical PVC structures is carried out by specialists. Usually, the range of services provided includes the installation of a window sill and. However, installing a plastic window sill with your own hands is not particularly difficult, so you can save money by doing the installation yourself. Immediately clarify that this procedure is carried out only after replacing the window. Consider all stages of installation work, including sizing.

Training

The installation procedure begins with the dismantling of the old structure. This is a very important nuance: PVC structures are never installed with wooden frames. If you ordered the installation of a window in a specialized company, then this stage will be performed by installers. Specialists dismantle old frames and. You just have to prepare the window opening. To do this, it is necessary to clean the lower part of the window opening from the remnants of construction debris, remove the remnants of the plaster and make grooves in the side walls. This is done to securely fix the plastic structure.

Please note that it is not always advisable to make grooves. Usually this procedure is performed if the width of the panel will go beyond the window opening.

Then you need to foam all the cracks that remained after installing the window, level the lower part of the window opening and prime the surface. These precautions will help to eliminate drafts, respectively, to keep warm in the apartment.

measurements

Buy a product suitable sizes will not work: window sills are adjusted individually according to the parameters of the window opening. That's why plastic panel you have to cut it yourself. Fitting the window sill with your own hands to the size of the window is not difficult: plastic can be easily processed and cut with any sharp tool. At this stage, it is important to correctly calculate the length and width of the structure.

USEFUL INFORMATION: How to choose the right blinds for plastic windows: by room and size (40 photos)

First, we measure the width of the window opening. To the resulting figure you need to add 1.5-2 centimeters on each side. Usually the edges are retracted into grooves or closed with slopes. The width of the window sill depends on your desire. If the structure does not extend beyond the wall, then 2 centimeters must be added to the width of the window opening: this part will go under the window. If you plan to install a protruding structure, then ideally the window sill should reach the middle of the radiator.

It is not recommended to close the heating system. Warm air will not rise to the windows, as a result, condensation and frost will form in winter. Accordingly, the life of PVC windows will be significantly reduced. If you still decide to close the batteries completely, you need to make ventilation holes in the windowsill.

The thickness of the window sill does not play a special role: this element does not have high mechanical loads. The exceptions are situations where pvc panel installed on the entire wall, combining two windows. In this case, the thickness of the window sill should have a maximum value of 22 millimeters. Do not forget to equip the window sill with end caps.

Installation process

How to install a window sill? It is enough to responsibly approach the installation procedure and follow the instructions given. Here is a step by step installation diagram:

  • The dimensions of the structure are already adjusted to the parameters of the window opening. To make sure that the calculations are correct, the window sill is installed in place. If the panel does not fit, you need to remove the element and clean the end and front sides with a knife.
  • Please note that window sills are not laid on a concrete or brick base. Therefore, the installation of the panel involves the use of wooden or plastic supports. The recommended width of such substrates is at least 50 millimeters, the length is less than the width of the panel. The thickness of the supports is selected individually, the main thing is that the window sill clearly fits into the groove under the window. It is worth noting that the supports are installed only on a leveled surface in order to avoid distortions of the structure. The distance between such substrates: 40-50 centimeters. You can check the correct installation of the supports by trimming the window sill: a piece should fit snugly into the groove between the support and the bottom of the window.

USEFUL INFORMATION: Drywall slopes: do-it-yourself installation

  • The voids between the supports are usually eliminated. To do this, use mounting foam or mineral wool. In the second case, the substrates must firmly adhere to the base of the window opening, so the supports are fixed with silicone glue. It is recommended to degrease the surface before using this material.
  • We proceed to the installation of the PVC structure. Before starting work, you need to remove the protective film from the side of the window and install the end caps. Then we install the window sill in place.

Please note that the element should fit into the groove tightly enough, but it is not necessary to apply excessive force. On the sides of the structure, you need to leave a small gap (about 5 millimeters), this is a precautionary measure that will help prevent deformation of the window sill. For this, substrates of appropriate thickness are installed from the sides. These beacons then need to be removed, and the gaps sealed with sealant.

  • Align the panel in a horizontal plane with light taps. We check the position of the window sill by level.

  • The installation is almost complete. Now you need to foam the free space under the window. Please note that the mounting foam increases in volume during the drying process, so you need to install special spacers. If this is not done, the structure will be skewed and subsequently replaced. Spacers are made of wooden blocks, set one in the center and two on the sides. The fixatives are removed after the foam has completely solidified (about a day), the excess of which is removed with a knife.

  • Then the slopes are installed and the remaining gaps are closed. For this, a sealant is usually used. The edges of the window sill adjacent to the walls are covered with mounting tape.
  • After completion of all installation work, the protective film is removed from the window sill.

Don't repeat mistakes

Remember: a violation of the installation technology will invariably entail the replacement of the window sill.

So let's take a few useful tips which will help to avoid unpleasant consequences:

  1. Installation is carried out immediately after the replacement of the window. If you first put the slopes and plaster the walls, the risk of damaging the surface increases. Accordingly, all the work done will go down the drain.
  2. Wide and long panels need to be additionally fixed. This is usually done if the window sill exceeds the width of the window space by a third. Brackets are used for fastening.
  3. Carefully maintain the size and be sure to use the building level.
  4. For better adhesion of surfaces, the window opening must be moistened with water.
  5. Do not use too much mounting foam. When foaming the window sill space, it is recommended to leave small gaps.