Did you know that 80% of complaints about plastic windows are not due to their quality, but to installation?
We carefully select double-glazed windows, inspect the profile for a long time, doubt, choosing components. And then the installers come in, quickly put up a window ... and the apartment is blown through by the winds, or the windows are constantly covered with condensate.
What should I pay attention to during installation in order to avoid unpleasant surprises? Of course, for the installation of windows in accordance with GOST.
The first (and most important) rule: double-glazed windows must be installed in full accordance with GOST.
Installation of windows according to GOST is somewhat more expensive than the work of the Moldovan team or visitors from Uzbekistan. And, despite the fact that the standard adopted in 2002 does not have legal force, it allows you to observe all the subtleties necessary for the long and successful operation of windows.
So what is the installation of plastic windows according to GOST?
First you need to align the openings horizontally and vertically with plaster. Any crack or recess with a depth exceeding 2 mm must be repaired.
The installation of windows according to GOST suggests that the plastered openings must dry for several days. However, today there are new solutions that dry much faster. But you can only install frames in dried openings!
Further installation in accordance with GOST of plastic windows (however, like any other) involves careful alignment of the window in the opening. This is the most important stage! The further operational qualities of a window depend on it in many respects. GOST indicates that deviation from the correct position may allow 3 mm per meter (linear), but should not exceed 4.5 mm in general. This accuracy can be achieved using a special tool. The owner can check the accuracy of the installation by opening the sash: if it is installed correctly, it remains in the right position, not deviating from it by a millimeter. Even the smallest deviation will contribute to the formation of condensate, the occurrence of drafts. Only the installation of windows in accordance with GOST eliminates such unpleasant things!
The next parameter, which GOST provides, is the use of an exclusively three-layer assembly window seam. Its width should correspond to a certain tolerance. Not all installers know these subtleties.
GOST recommends to leave gaps of 20-50 mm between the window and the wall. Thus, the expansion-contraction of the material with temperature fluctuations will not cause damage to the frame.
The seam itself should consist of three materials. Inside the premises, vapor barrier is used, which will protect the double-glazed windows from moisture and corrosion. For the middle layer take high-quality mounting foam. The task of the third layer is to protect the foam from ultraviolet radiation and ensure the outflow of moisture to the street. GOST recommends the use of a vapor barrier self-sealing tape for this purpose (their choice is very wide today).
It should be noted that GOST is better guided by the choice of double-glazed windows, profiles and other components of windows. This document will help to choose not just high-quality products, but a product that fully complies with the requirements for light, heat, air and moisture permeability. Plaster, foam and other solutions are also better to choose those that meet the standards. The only way to achieve long-term operation of windows, which will not cause complaints!