We put aluminum windows, how to do it yourself, the advantages and disadvantages of aluminum windows, how to properly care for aluminum windows
Ideal windows should be practical, comfortable and easy to clean. Modern aluminum profile windows have the following advantages. In addition, they allow you to implement unusual design solutions, while maintaining high performance.
Content
- Main characteristics and scope of aluminum windows
- Types of Aluminum Windows
- DIY aluminum windows installation
- Advantages and disadvantages of aluminum windows video
- Caring for aluminum windows
Main characteristics and scope of aluminum windows
Aluminum is an excellent structural material used in the manufacture of facade structures and windows. Products made of aluminum have the following characteristics:
- ease;
- resistance to physical activity;
- resistance to corrosion;
- environmental friendliness (without impurities of heavy metals);
- resistance to high temperature extremes.
Until recently, aluminum windows were used in the construction of public (shopping centers, offices) and industrial (workshops, storage facilities) purposes. This was due to low thermal insulation and the high cost of aluminum window frames.
With the development of technology, it was possible to reduce the thermal conductivity of windows due to insulating liners, which made it possible to install aluminum structures in residential buildings. Particularly popular are sliding aluminum systems in the glazing of balconies and loggias.
The trend towards the use of metal windows in the design of premises has rapidly increased. The characteristics of aluminum profiles allow you to perform designs of any complexity and size, any method of opening and color.
Types of Aluminum Windows
There are many options for aluminum window structures and in order to choose the best, you need to decide on the purpose and place of installation.
Depending on the configuration and method of opening, the following types of window systems are distinguished:
- Sash pivoting windows open in the same plane, usually inside the room. The traditional option, convenient for washing the outside of the window.
- Hinged windows open only the upper part of the window (sash hinges). Applicable in pantries, stairwells and window openings located high enough.
- Swing-out windows are the most convenient and popular option, as it combines the functionality of two types of window systems.
- Multi-winged windows are used on large areas of glazing (loggias, balconies). Provides for the presence of valves of various types of opening.
- Dull windows perform one function of lighting the room. There is no opportunity to open windows. Often used for glazing windows and facades.
- Sliding sash systems move along profiles. Operating sliding windows saves space.
Depending on the type of profile used, aluminum windows are divided into two types:
- Warm windows - profile design includes: two aluminum profiles with a layer of heat-insulating material (polyamide fiberglass). In addition to maintaining heat, the thermal bridge improves the sound insulation of the room. They can be used in heated houses and apartments.
- Cold windows - are installed on balconies, storage rooms or as an internal partition in heated buildings (offices, shops).
DIY aluminum windows installation
Installation of aluminum windows is a laborious but feasible process. It is necessary to responsibly approach each stage of installation, and the window will last a long time without requiring repair work.
necessary tools
To complete the work, you need to prepare:
- chisel;
- hammer;
- jigsaw;
- screwdriver;
- building level;
- drill;
- hammer drill;
- polyurethane foam.
installation steps
Consider the procedure for installing windows from an aluminum profile in stages:
- Dismantling of old windows. Sashes and window frames are removed, and openings are cleaned. The old window sill and the outer tide also need to be removed.
- The frame is exposed in a window opening and its horizontal and vertical position is adjusted.
- Permanent fasteners are carried out through anchor plates with dowel nails.
- The void between the wall and the frame is filled with foam (sealing from the bottom up, with a layer of about 40 mm).
- After two hours (the mounting foam should harden), the foaming should be repeated.
- Excess foam is cut off.
- Fastening the ebb with screws.
- The foamed seam on the outside of the window is glued with tape that provides air circulation and further prevents the penetration of water.
- A double-glazed window and accessories for aluminum windows are installed.
- Mounted window sill.
- At the end of the work, the protective film is removed from the glass packet and the frame.
features of installation of sliding systems
Sliding aluminum windows are installed in the same way as traditional ones. The difference lies in the features of the assembly of the sliding system, which includes: a double-glazed window, rollers and guide rails.
A pair of rollers (about 5 cm from the edge) is attached to the sash from the bottom with screws. A brush seal is attached to the horizontal and vertical parts of the leaf. After mounting the fittings, the sash is installed in the frame (it is inserted in the upper part and placed on the rollers).
useful tips
When installing aluminum windows, the following should be considered:
- before installation, it is necessary to check the windows for defects (scratches, cracks, distortions);
- the allowable gap between the window frame and the wall ranges from 15 to 55 mm;
- the cost of installing aluminum windows does not exceed the cost of installing windows from alternative materials (PVC, wood).
Advantages and disadvantages of aluminum windows
Windows made of aluminum profile have worked well. A number of their advantages can be distinguished:
- fire safety;
- structural strength, which allows you to design large glass surfaces;
- long term of operation (about 80 years);
- aesthetics retain their original state for a long time;
- anti-burglary properties in addition to the fact that the profile itself is strong enough, special hardware is provided to the windows that counteracts breaking;
- ease of use and care;
- a wide range of products in recent years, the number of manufacturers has increased.
Before buying, it is advisable to study the information about the manufacturer, its experience in the window market and determine the aluminum windows that are suitable for the room (customer reviews can be read on the forums and profile sites on the Internet).
Some disadvantages of metal windows should be taken into account:
- high price the cost of window structures made of aluminum is 2-3 times higher than a similar structure made of PVC;
- windows with a cold profile do not retain heat well.
Caring for aluminum windows
Aluminum windows do not require frequent and painstaking personal care.
It is sufficient to periodically wipe the profile from dust and dirt. To maintain the aluminum profile in its original form, use a silicone tool.
Scratches and more visible imperfections can be hidden with proofreaders and aluminum resin.
It is recommended to lubricate window fittings with oil once a year (you can use mineral oil, which does not include acid and resin).
