Modern windows are not only installed to replace the old wooden, they are often given preference in the construction of new housing. What to do if the installation process of the window unit fell in the winter? Is it possible to put plastic windows in winter or will it be necessary to postpone this process until spring?
When to mount windows
Of course, it is best to make an unhurried replacement or installation in the warm season under normal weather conditions and positive temperatures. But, if the construction of a new house was delayed, then the installation of plastic windows in winter is possible. The same applies to replacing old windows with new ones. There are some positive aspects this season, but you need to take into account some nuances. So is it possible to put plastic windows in winter?
Benefits of winter mounting
Windows in our country are seasonal goods. Most consumers try to make installation in the spring and summer, when it is more convenient. Most often, window installation companies during this period work with increased load, so the owners have to wait longer to complete the order.
Window installation in winter, on the contrary, gives an advantage in the quality of order fulfillment. Most construction work, including installation of windows, is less in demand in the cold season. At this time, you can find interesting proposals for the manufacture and installation of window systems: promotions, discounts and other. In addition, the installers will not be in a hurry, since the schedule is not so tight that will affect the quality of the installation. These are the main advantages with which you should not be afraid to carry out winter installation of windows.
The nuances of the cold season
It is important to consider the temperature at which the installation is carried out. It is forbidden to carry out installation of plastic windows in winter at rates below -20 degrees. In this case, construction foam, which is used as a sealant, will contain a large number of ice crystals, and the quality of such an installation will be much lower. And after a while, there will be such consequences as freezing and mold.
Also, with too much frost (-15 and below), the seal of the opening windows becomes less elastic, which can lead to poor-quality adjustment of the shutters.
If you plan the winter installation of plastic windows in a new building, then at permissible air temperatures all the work can be carried out without problems.
Another thing is replacement in residential premises. It is worth considering that the installation time is 30-40 minutes for each double-glazed window, and the rooms will cool down. For this, unlike the summer period, it is necessary to dismantle and change double-glazed windows in stages.
In winter, after the delivery of double-glazed windows, they must be kept in the house for 24 hours at room temperature so that all the elements are warmed up. This is done in order to avoid thermal deformations..
Another option for winter installation is to carry out the so-called warm installation of window systems.
Winter installation technology
Installation of window blocks in winter is complicated by low temperatures and hanging humidity. It is necessary to somehow neutralize these negative conditions. For this, installers can use two ways of winter installation of double-glazed windows.
The simplest winter installation
As mentioned above, in winter, certain nuances should be observed in accordance with the time of year.
- Firstly, for sealing it is necessary to use a mounting foam with frost-resistant components in the composition.
- Secondly, in the cold season, when foaming joints, a “heat” gun is used. Using it, a layer of applied foam is heated from the side of the street. And only then they begin to fill the gaps with foam from the inside. This is done for high-quality filling with a sealant (foam) of all voids.
- Thirdly, this is a phased installation. That is, having dismantled the old, they immediately install a new one, and so in turn, working with each aperture.
- Fourth, the mounting tape is mounted in warm conditions. If opportunities allow, then before removing the old ones.
- And fifthly, the hydro- and vapor barrier tape (PSUL) during installation is also heated by a “heat” gun.
This is the most elementary “winter” technology for installing double-glazed windows, without which it is impossible to obtain a high-quality result.
Warm installation
Using this technology will increase the cost of installing windows, but its use can smooth out the conditions of the winter season.
What does the technology for warm installation of plastic windows provide?
- Warm installation of windows is a mandatory external sealing of the opening. To protect the installation site on the opening from the street, a protective screen is fixed. A heat shield for installing windows restrains heated air in the room and does not allow freezing of installed double-glazed windows. In addition, such protection will not allow the ingress of excess moisture.
- For sealing, as with a normal winter installation, use frost-resistant mounting foam.
- Mandatory compliance with internal sealing of joints between the frame and the opening. Indoors - silicone (sealant that prevents moisture from entering). The middle layer will be the mounting foam, which serves as a sealant and insulation of the joint. Outside, all gaps are covered with a waterproof tape.
Window installation in winter provides an algorithm of work similar to the usual installation in the warm season:
- The opening closes;
- dismantling of old frames;
- preparing the surface of the opening;
- installation work;
- decoration of slopes.
Using technology warm installation is more preferable in the winter. The protective screen in combination with materials will provide a better installation without additional risks (destruction of the seal, the appearance of mold and fungus) in any type of building (brick, panel or block house). In addition, the use of triple protection during warm installation will increase the tightness, which will reduce heating costs.
Additional work
A prerequisite for high-quality installation both in winter and in summer will be the installation of the slopes of the window opening following the installation.
Why do we need this extra work? The main function of finishing slopes is to protect the gaps between the window and the opening from temperature extremes and moisture. Foam is an excellent sealant and insulation, but it is very sensitive to ultraviolet rays and humidity. If you do not close the gaps, in a month the compaction layer will lose its properties, and by the spring it will begin to collapse.
After installation works are finishing. It is best to make the slopes warm, that is, with an additional layer of insulation (polystyrene, mineral wool). In the schematic drawing you can see one of the options for warming the internal opening. This is not a very big cost. But in this way the thermal insulation of the window will be improved.
How high-quality installation
How to understand that windows were installed without breaking technology?
- The double-glazed window does not fog up and does not freeze.
- There are no drafts from under the frame or sash. Mounting the windows, they are adjusted and set seasonal settings. You can check for a draft by holding a lit match or lighter to the window. If the light does not fluctuate and does not go out, then the sealing is correct.
- The shutter opens easily without significant effort, the same applies to the transition to the ventilation mode.
- When opening or pressing the frame, there are no backlashes of the entire system.
- There should be no gaps between the profile and the window opening.
- All joints with ebbs and window sills are carefully polished.
Also, during operation for a significant period of time (several seasons), the frame should not sag and loosen in the opening. And all the fittings work correctly, without jamming and glitches. If there are any violations listed in the list, then you need to contact the company installer. Usually, all manufacturers and installers give a service guarantee and such defects are eliminated free of charge.
The answer to the question of whether it is possible to install plastic windows in winter - yes, but taking into account some nuances. One of them is compliance with the temperature regime. Installation of PVC windows in winter is a more demanding process, but it is possible, as well as in the summer. In addition, correctly installed plastic double-glazed windows will significantly reduce heating costs.