Window frames are special constructions, the main purpose of which is to strengthen the glazing field. They can be used both in residential buildings and in various kinds of outbuildings. In addition to actually strengthening, window frames often also perform purely decorative functions. Structures of this type are most often made of wood. Moreover, their elements can be located both vertically and horizontally.
Main purpose
In addition to reinforcing and decorative, window frames also perform the following functions:
allow you to open part of the window for ventilation;
provide the best thermal insulation of the room;
delay noise from the street.
What materials can be used for manufacturing
Wooden window bindings are usually collected only from coniferous timber. Such material is characterized by resistance to drying and durability. Usually for the manufacture of window frames are used:
Often for the assembly of such structures, a larch beam is also used. According to the standards, wooden bindings can be installed only in houses with normal temperature and humidity conditions. In private housing construction, however, they are often used for glazing baths and saunas. In this case, it is desirable that these binders be collected from larch or cedar.
Main varieties
Bindings can be classified according to several criteria:
By design, bindings are:
Single . Such models are usually used only in small suburban summer houses. A single window cover cannot provide reliable thermal insulation .
Double . In such binders, two glasses are already installed on one box. Designs of this type provide more reliable thermal insulation.
Paired . In this case, the design uses an additional sash.
Twin (paired) . The binders of this variety are assembled from two pairs. This allows you to create structures with the best performance. Twin window covers are durable and stiff and much better than previous varieties protect the interior of the house from cold and extraneous noise. The standard distance between the glasses of such blocks is 53 mm.
Double separate window bindings . When assembling such structures in one frame are placed two independent from each other leaflets that can move both in one direction and in different directions. The distance between the glasses in separate binders is usually almost half that of conventional double binders.
According to the method of operation, bindings are:
Casement . These are traditional windows, using which you can easily ventilate the room.
Deaf Such windows close the opening constantly.
Lifting . Folds of such bindings also allow you to ventilate the room, but when opened, they move in the same plane (usually up).
Rotary . Such structures for ventilating rooms recline towards the premises.
Also in country houses often used and combined bindings. In such models, for example, deaf and movable elements can be combined.
Basic structural elements
Whatever variety the binding is used in the house, a box will necessarily be included in its design. It is on it that all the other elements are attached. Binding window units may also include:
sashes - moving parts of the window;
strapping bars dividing the glazing into several zones;
window leaves - small parts of the window intended for ventilation;
transoms - upper blind or hinged parts of the window;
strengthening humps, the use of which allows the use of thinner glass;
the middle ones are the jumpers between the wings and transoms.
Also, the design of wooden bindings necessarily includes glazing beads. These elements fix the glass in the sash. To improve the heat and sound insulation properties, window frames can also be supplemented with sealing gaskets. Actually operated window bindings with the help of accessories - handles, loops, etc.
Window boxes
For wooden houses, this main element of bindings is made of wide thick boards. They are sawn into bars and installed not in a monolithic design, but in turn. Large window frames are usually divided into two or more parts in order to strengthen the imposts. The latter can be horizontal or vertical. Fasten them to the box in blind or through nests with spikes.
A window box can be assembled with or without an influx. The first option is more expensive, but also provides the best operational quality binding. In this case, the bars of the box partially overlap each other in the front plane. Bindings of this design have the best thermal insulation properties.
Vents
It is also quite an important element in the design of the binding. They are usually supplemented with windows of even small country houses. According to the regulations, the window must necessarily open in the same direction as the casement window. The higher this element is located, the better the room will be ventilated. But, of course, you should not lift the window too far from the floor. Otherwise, she will be uncomfortable to use.
What should be the size
Window binding in wooden architecture plays an important role. The same applies to the construction of concrete and brick houses. When engaged in the construction of a suburban private building, it is, of course, necessary to observe, including certain standards of SNiP. So, according to the rules, the size of the windows should be approximately 1 / 5-1 / 8 of the floor area. Compliance with this recommendation will ensure proper lighting of rooms. If the house is located on a shaded area (for example, behind trees or large buildings), the windows should be made larger. If the residential building is located in a place well lit by the sun, it makes sense to reduce the area of window frames.
What problems may arise
Wooden binders usually last a very long time. But, of course, from time to time, these structures require repair. Most often, owners of country houses face problems such as:
Box Repair Features
Of course, rotten and shriveled window frames need to be repaired as quickly as possible. Otherwise, after a while the window will have to be completely changed. Very often in binding under the influence of moisture and heat, the box itself is damaged. Eliminate defects on it usually as follows:
Dismantle the glass.
Carefully inspect the lower horizontal bar and the adjacent ends of the vertical ones. In order to more accurately determine where exactly the defects are located, use a hammer. They gently tap the binding bars.
The rotten parts are cut out with a hacksaw. In this case, they must use a square.
Sawed from a new beam blanks of the required length. Before installation, they are necessarily treated with an antiseptic.
Connect the new sites with the old half-tree method.
If necessary, the lower bar with parts of adjacent vertical ones is completely removed. Next, the exact same design is made of timber. Its connection with binding is done with straight spikes. Additionally, the joints are strengthened with nails, recessing their hats in wood by 2 mm.
Elimination of distortions and cracks
Dry window covers (photo of constructions with such a defect can be seen above) are usually repaired using special metal corners, which can be purchased at a specialized store. Fix these elements at the joints of vertical and horizontal bars. Two screws are screwed into each side of the corner. The longer the sides of these reinforcing elements are, the more durable the repaired binding will be.
The gap between the casement and the binding box is also usually formed due to drying of the wood. Eliminate this problem using a wooden plank. It is simply glued onto the sash from the hinge side. Of course, this should not be done right in the opening. The sash is first removed from the hinges and rounded to the end with fresh wood. The strip itself should be narrower than a gap of 1-2 mm.
Stud replacement
These elements in binders also rot quite often. The replacement of the stud is as follows:
the rotten element is cut off with a hacksaw;
cut a nest for a new spike;
the new spike itself is sharpened;
the element is smeared with casein glue and inserted into the nest.
It is desirable to make new spikes from very strong wood - oak, beech.
Rules for the operation of window frames in the house
Wood is a living and natural material. It absorbs moisture very well, as a result of which it is mainly destroyed. Therefore, in order to extend the service life of structures such as window frames, their elements must be painted or varnished. To protect the bars such a finish will be long. But every time when washing windows, the condition of the paintwork must be checked. If necessary, cosmetic repairs must be carried out.
Of course, during the operation of windows, it is imperative to periodically lubricate the hinges and other accessories. This will prevent the sash and box from loosening. You also need to check the condition of the seals from time to time. As necessary, they should be replaced with new ones.