Material properties
Plastic slopes made of sandwich panels
The structure of standard panels looks like a sheet, the outer side of which is solid-sheet PVC, the inner side is sheet polystyrene, and there is insulation in the middle. That is why this finishing option was called the American word - sandwich panel. They differ only in the material of the facing side, and the installation remains the same for any type.
Important! People call sandwich slopes – warm slopes. This is due to the insulation that is present in the panel
Once you have already imagined what they are, I will tell you about their advantages:
- Despite their popularity, they remain accessible to everyone due to their reasonable price.
- This is not just a building element, it is also an independent device that has its own set of components.
- The interior is filled with mineral wool or foamed polystyrene - this indicates the non-flammability of the structure.
- Excellent thermal insulation performance, as well as additional sound insulation, is achieved with their help.
- This finishing method is durable and strong.
- If you do the installation yourself, you must strictly follow the installation technology. In this case, resistance to moisture and mold will be at a high level.
Sandwich panels for finishing slopes
For those who have decided to change the windows in their house or apartment and install the slopes with their own hands, I will give you advice: you need to wait at least 24 hours after installing the windows and only then finish the slopes with sandwich panels. The advantage of installing a sandwich over plastering is that installation by hand does not require painting skills and is a clean method.
It is important not only to correctly install the slopes, but also how to cut the panels. It is better to cut plastic elements with a circular saw on plastic or aluminum. At the same time, a fine tooth pitch can cope with the task perfectly. In addition, the material must be cut at a temperature of +5 degrees Celsius - if the temperature regime is not observed, then due to a decrease in impact strength, chips may appear on the cut line. If the slopes are finished with PVC sandwich panels, then you can cut them with many tools. But the most optimal one is a hacksaw for metal; it can also be used for wood. You need to cut face up and with a slight angular inclination. At your own peril and risk, you can cut with a grinder, but if you apply a little too much pressure, the panel may break.
What are slopes?
Slopes are the inner walls of the window opening niche. Finishing with various materials or plastering internal and external slopes is an integral part of window installation. The opinion that by foaming the window you have solved the problem of thermal insulation of the house is erroneous.
Foam that is not protected by slopes quickly picks up moisture and then breaks down. Slopes not only provide the room with the necessary insulation, but also give the window a finished look.
The design of the entire house or apartment depends on the aesthetic appearance of the window opening. The slopes also protect the installation seams, which prevents the windows from fogging up.
Advantages and disadvantages
Positive technical characteristics of the material:
- Thanks to the surface structure of sandwich panels, which is similar in appearance to the structure of plastic windows and window sills, the material does not require additional decoration or processing.
- If we compare the panels with drywall, the latter clearly loses, as it is susceptible to cracking and getting wet as a result of the influence of condensation. Sandwich panels are reliably protected from this effect, thanks to the plastic coating.
- The panels provide better thermal insulation. Although the product itself does not allow cold to pass through, most often the structure is additionally insulated, but this is done more in order to immobilize the panel and obtain a reinforced bond of the material with the window block using polyurethane foam.
- Cleaning the surface of the panels is not difficult. Any stains can be easily removed from the plastic coating using a cloth soaked in soapy water.
- The panels are easy to install. which does not require any special skills.
- Long service life - according to the indicators specified by the manufacturer, it is 15-20 years.
The presence of shortcomings in sandwich panels is mainly due to the quality of the material itself:
- Poor quality panels, as a result of the influence of high temperatures, usually formed due to direct sunlight, can become deformed and acquire a yellow tint.
- In addition, poor quality also affects the durability of products, which, if manufactured unscrupulously, leaves much to be desired.
When purchasing, it would be a good idea to pay attention to the manufacturer and make sure that the seller has certification of the product
Advantages and disadvantages of the product
Currently, sandwich panels for windows are produced that have excellent properties. The following can be distinguished:
- The presence of a layer of foam is an excellent opportunity to retain heat in the room. This material does not transmit cold from the walls, which creates a special microclimate in the room, and the windows are not covered with condensation.
- The sandwich panel has an energy-saving effect - it reflects heat, limiting its loss as much as possible.
- Large selection of colors and textures. Naturally, the most popular shade is white, but if you wish, you can choose any color scheme.
- Window slopes made of sandwich panels can have different sizes. The material is selected directly based on the size of the treated areas.
- There are ready-made options that simplify the installation process.
Plastic sandwich panels come in a wide variety of colors.
Of course, there are some disadvantages. These should be taken into account:
- The material must be cut very carefully, because it can be very easily damaged, which will lead to damage to the entire part.
- Surfaces need to be prepared for work. Although this procedure will not cause any special problems.
- This option is not suitable if the distance between the wall and the hinge installed on the frame is small. That is, the material hides some space that is necessary for its installation.
You must work with the material very carefully, otherwise it can be damaged.
Installation instructions
After installing new windows, you need to wait a day for the final polymerization of the polyurethane foam and after that you can begin finishing. Installation of window slopes made of sandwich panels is done according to the following principle.
- Initially, you need to take the dimensions of the window openings. All parameters of the places where finishing will be carried out are measured (parameters may sometimes differ even with a fairly large scatter).
- Window openings are prepared for installation. All weak parts of old plaster and masonry are removed and replaced. All surfaces must be treated with antiseptic agents to protect against the formation of mold and mildew. Excess polyurethane foam is trimmed from the windows.
- A starting “P” profile is installed around the perimeter. It is attached to the surface of the opening with self-tapping screws, in the corner formed by the cut of the wall and the window frame. The fastening pitch is 150-200 millimeters. From above and below, sections are inserted into the installed profile to the entire depth of the opening.
- Panel blanks are prepared to the required size. The cutting of individual elements is done using a stationery knife. In this case, the protective PVC layer with part of the polystyrene foam located inside is cut through on both sides. The resulting cut ends can be trimmed with sandpaper on a grater.
- First, the upper sandwich panels for the slopes are installed, followed by the side elements. At the same time, insulation is placed in the resulting space (if the slope is “warm”). Installation without insulation occurs with the application of liquid nails to the surface of the workpiece and additional gluing to the wall.
- The corners of the window opening are completed by mounting the corners in the form of an “F” profile. To do this, measure and cut individual profile elements with a length greater than 50 millimeters on each side. They secure the free ends of the panels, and the edges are overlapped. Using a linear line, the joints are marked diagonally from the corner to the opening. Both ends are cut along the mark. The result should be a beautiful joint with an angle of 45 degrees.
- All joints must be carefully sealed with sealant.
Before installing the “F” profile, you need to fill the space between the panels and the wall well. The corner near the window is carefully foamed, the main cavity is filled with insulation. Or, as an option, completely fill all the voids with foam.
The construction of slopes from sandwich panels is a good alternative to the more labor-intensive plastering option. Their installation does not require a whole list of “dirty” work on applying plaster with further leveling and finishing painting.
To some extent, sandwich panels for window slopes and plasterboard are inferior, structures made of which are more sensitive to moisture and also require finishing plaster.
The only competitor for quick and easy installation may be plastic panels, but they do not have their own insulation. If you choose between sandwich panels and ordinary plastic, then the former win in terms of heat and sound insulation.
Why are slopes needed?
Many people believe that slopes are optional, so they put off finishing them until the very last moment. In fact, this is a very important procedure that ensures not only the safety of open areas of the walls, but also the installed window frame.
Installation of slopes made of sandwich panels is important for the following reasons:
- Protection of assembly seams from destruction. Therefore, finishing of plastic windows should be carried out outside and inside the room.
- Prevents moisture penetration. That is, the object itself, and mostly the walls, are protected from the penetration of moisture, which leads to the appearance of mold.
- Improved thermal insulation. Slopes on windows are the most vulnerable place; cold air from the street can enter the room through it, and warm air can also escape from the room.
Summarizing the above, we can conclude that slopes are an irreplaceable part of the room that needs high-quality finishing.
Slopes made of sandwich panels can improve the thermal insulation of windows and prevent the appearance of moisture
Let's start installation
Finishing window slopes with sandwich panels
It will be quite easy to make slopes with sandwich panels if you follow the rules and sequence of actions. Even if you don’t have experience finishing slopes with your own hands, you don’t need to be afraid of this work. Before starting installation, you need to prepare tools and materials, you will need:
- Sandwich panel – you choose what material to buy from yourself
- Start profile
- F profile
- Liquid plastic – used as desired
- Tape measure and knife
- A screwdriver with self-tapping screws, a screwdriver and a drill - probably every home has the latter.
Slopes made of sandwich panels in a panel house
I have already said that installation should be done at least 24 hours after installing new windows. Using a tape measure, you need to take measurements and cut out panels for the side and top slopes. Use a knife to remove unnecessary pieces of polyurethane foam and begin installing the starting U profile using self-tapping screws for fastening. They need to be screwed in with a gap of 10-15 cm. Do not forget that the top profile is attached first, and only then the side ones should fit tightly with the top one. Next, we proceed to install the slopes using a sandwich panel; it is inserted into the grooves of the profile. Using the same scheme, we start from the upper slope.
Finishing of plastic slopes
Then there are two options:
- The first is to insert pieces of the starting profile into the vertical bar from above and below, and then the side panels fit into these grooves.
- The second is to simply attach the panel end-to-end with the window sill and the upper slope, after which the gaps are closed using liquid plastic.
When this stage is completed, all that remains is to give the slopes a finished look. To do this, use the f profile; it needs to be secured to the edges of the sandwich fabric. For additional thermal insulation, the voids between the sandwich sheet and the wall are filled with polyurethane foam - this process does not bring any inconvenience, since it is very easy to dismantle the profile. After filling the voids, the bar is returned to its place.
Plastic slopes made of sandwich panels for a balcony block
One more tip! It is better to trim the f profile after installation - to do this, it is attached with an overlap and then a cutting line is outlined using a pencil. In this way, maximum joining of the planks can be achieved.
We also recommend reading:
Convenient finishing of slopes with a PVC profile Beautiful and convenient do-it-yourself slopes made of PVC panels, wood or simply plastered Practical and easy installation of plastic slopes on windows Features of using plastic corners on slopes Arrangement and installation of metal slopes for windows
Installation methods for sandwich panels
Installing slopes from sandwich panels with your own hands is possible in three ways:
- Cladding using polyurethane foam.
- Application of "liquid nails".
- Mounting using wooden slats.
Each of these options has its own advantages and disadvantages. It is advisable to take this into account when giving preference to one of them.
Foam mounting
Many people believe that this method is the simplest. For this installation option, it is necessary to purchase a sandwich that will have two stiffeners. The procedure itself is divided into several stages:
- Measurements are being taken. You need to get accurate data, otherwise there is a high probability of making mistakes when pruning.
- The starting profile is installed. It is a plastic element that has a groove used to secure the material. It must be taken into account that the profile is attached directly to the edge of the plastic frame.
Installation of the starting profile - The measurements are transferred to the facing material.
- Trimming is done using available tools.
On a note! Sometimes there is advice that pruning can be done using a construction knife. This is a wrong decision. This tool is only suitable for plastic panels that are used for wall cladding.
- The first thing you need to do is set the top bar. It is inserted directly into the groove of the guide profile. You should make sure that the part is completely in place.
- The gap between the wall and the panel is foamed. This should be done in such a way as to minimize the expansion of the foam. Therefore, a professional option is chosen, which is applied in a small layer.
Filling the gap with foam - Immediately fix the plastic element. This is done using masking tape.
- Then the vertical sections are covered with sandwich panels. The process is completely identical.
- Give time for the foam to dry well. Its excess is cut off, and areas are covered with overhead corners.
Fastening sandwich panels to slopes in this way allows you to create an additional layer of thermal insulation. In addition, the mounting composition perfectly withstands any impact and is not subject to destruction from moisture.
For a better understanding of the technology, we suggest watching this video:
You should know! Installation on foam can be done without the use of guides. Slopes on windows are attached directly. The technology is as follows: a sufficient amount of foam is applied to the panel. The part is pressed to the surface and torn off for a while. Next, fix it tightly by installing a spacer. This method is inconvenient because it can lead to distortion of the structure.
A similar technology is used when “liquid nails” are used. They are more convenient because they do not expand as much as foam. But this method requires a better prepared surface.
Using “liquid nails” allows you to avoid expansion caused by polyurethane foam
Mounting on wooden slats
You can install slopes made from sandwich panels yourself using wooden slats. They are most convenient to use together with a guide profile. The procedure is:
- Dimensions are taken and transferred to the panels. Details are trimmed.
- Wooden slats are installed along the edge of the window opening, which is located on the outer part. They should form a complete outline. Correctness is controlled using a level.
- The profile is screwed to the plastic frame.
- A small area will form, which will represent a void. It is filled with mineral wool or filled with polyurethane foam.
- The panels are installed in the profile, but are not glued, but are nailed with a stapler. The backing layer of PVC is pierced with a staple. Therefore, this option is suitable for three-layer products.
On a note! If you do not use a profile, then the elements must be glued. Then the inner corner is treated with sealants to hide possible defects.
Thus, covering windows with sandwich panels using wooden slats is an excellent solution that makes it possible to carry out installation quickly and efficiently.
Installation of sandwich panels for windows
The installation of such products has a number of specific and technical features, without taking into account which you may not get a positive result:
In areas with a hot climate, ordering window sandwich panels with renolit film is mandatory, since in the sun such a panel can heat up to 70°C - a temperature at which deformation of the plastic is quite likely. When installing panels, it is necessary to take into account the high value of the coefficient of linear expansion of sandwich panels, which reaches 7 * 10 -50 C. When cutting the panel to the required size, it is necessary to use a circular saw with a fine pitch of teeth, since otherwise the plastic may chip and delaminate . In this case, cutting cannot be performed at temperatures below +5°C, since in these cases the sandwich panel material becomes very brittle.
During installation, use only the starting profile recommended by the manufacturer. Profile replacement is not allowed. Immediately after installation, the protective film must be removed.
Installation of window sandwich panels is much faster and more convenient than plasterboard slopes, as evidenced by the video presented.
Performance characteristics of window sandwich panels
Despite their lightness, as well as a rich color finish (products are available with a matte and glossy plastic surface, as well as laminated), the considered window panels differ:
- high resistance to solar radiation;
- low moisture absorption;
- sufficient surface resistance against abrasive external influences;
- resistance against possible cyclic loads;
- significant operating temperature range (from –50 to + 60°C).
The appearance of the installed window sandwich panels can be seen in the photo.
Sandwich panel slopes: how to make them yourself
Making slopes from sandwich panels with your own hands may seem like a simple task at first glance to someone unfamiliar with the subject of construction.
However, to create structures using the artisanal method, you need to know some of the nuances of production.
In addition, to select the required sandwich panel materials, you should strictly focus on the average temperature and humidity of a certain area.
A sandwich panel is two frame sheets made of rigid material, between which there is a volumetric layer of insulation. The construction of panels of this kind increases the thermal insulation of the house and helps save heat.
Such “sandwiches” are often used to construct quickly assembled buildings, such as: industrial production workshops, shopping centers, car washes, one-story farm buildings, barns and garages.
A promising and promising direction in the development of sandwich panels is the design of structures that independently generate electrical energy.
Installation features and types of building structures
Ready-made material can be purchased in the store. Sandwich panels are available in several types: wall, roofing and phased assembly models. Wall panels are most often used in construction. Their light weight does not put pressure on the foundation of the building. When using panels in roof roofing, specially designed roofing panels are used.
The filler between the sheets is based on a mineral slab. Sandwich panels of phased assembly are a structure designed to be mounted on a building frame. Such structures are neither durable nor have a low chance of fire.
One of the important components of the panel is durable polyurethane adhesive. It comes in two types: one-component and two-component.
One-component adhesive hardens upon contact with air, while two-component adhesive hardens due to a chemical reaction between its two components. It is more durable than one-component adhesive.
The life of quick-drying glue can be extended by lowering the room temperature.
The following can be used as an insulation layer for sandwich panels:
- mineral wool;
- polyurethane foam;
- expanded polystyrene;
- polypropylene;
- polyisocyanurate;
- fiberglass.
The following can be used as frame sheet material:
- aluminum and zinc alloy;
- Cink Steel;
- drywall;
- hard plastic;
- polyester;
- polydifluorionad;
- pural;
- oriented strand board;
- tree;
- fibreboard.
The panels are often used in the renovation of city apartments. They can serve as the inner walls of a window opening for new plastic windows. Such panels are extremely useful for thermal insulation and sound insulation of the apartment, and also do not allow air to blow through.
Subtleties of assembling structures with your own hands
First you need to select materials for constructing the panels. They should be selected based on the degree of required thermal insulation and sound insulation of the building. It should be remembered that one-component and two-component adhesives have different shelf life.
All materials necessary for structures should be inspected before starting work. If dust or dirt is found, the materials must be cleaned. There will be no time for this directly during the assembly process.
Difficulties that may arise with glue when constructing a multi-faceted structure:
- when applied to a sheet, the glue foams strongly and needs to be compressed to give the required density and thickness;
- The glue hardens quickly and is not susceptible to solvents, which is why work should be done as quickly as possible.
To compress a sandwich panel, you must have a press with a pressure of 0.3 kilograms per square centimeter. The panel must be kept under pressure for two to four hours. If there is no press, you can use a vacuum pump, the effect of which is no more than 40 minutes.
The method is as follows: the structures are covered with fabric and clamped, then the air is pumped out from under the fabric using a pump and hose. The products are placed on a smooth surface and left at rest for the next 24 hours.
Without a doubt, factory equipment is much more convenient for quickly creating sandwich panels.
Hardened glue can only be removed mechanically or by heating it to 500 degrees, which cannot be done at home. Due to the required speed of work, the master will need a partner.
For a detailed description of the process of building a garage from sandwich panels, see here. The tools and consumables necessary for self-assembly of sandwich panels are described here.
Instructions for assembling sandwich panels with your own hands
During the manufacturing process you will need:
- a table on which a panel or free section of the floor will rest quietly;
- press or vacuum pump with awning fabric;
- rigid material for sandwich panel frame sheets;
- filler-insulation.
- durable adhesive;
- a glue sprayer or a specially designed spatula.
Build process:
- The cleaned sheet of material is laid on a flat surface.
- Glue is evenly applied to it using a spatula or sprayer designed for this purpose. It must be remembered that the glue dries and hardens within five minutes.
- Insulating filler is placed on the glue.
- Another layer of glue is applied on top.
- A sheet of frame material is placed on top.
- The panel is kept under pressure or processed with a vacuum pump.
- It is left at rest for some time.
Window slope options
The traditional way of finishing is, of course, plaster. If such work is carried out by a qualified specialist, then you can forget about repairing slopes for many years. An important point when choosing this method is that there is no need to install a plastic corner at the border of the slopes and the wall.
The choice of this method is justified primarily if the wall in which the window is located is also leveled with plaster. But, given that when removing slopes, the layer of plaster reaches 5-7 cm or more, it is necessary to install a reinforcing mesh. Only a master can do this kind of work efficiently.
This option did not suit me because the wall framing the window was made of plasterboard and, in addition, a table top was already installed, which served as a window sill.
Three alternatives were considered. Finishing window slopes with plasterboard, followed by painting, plasterboard slopes with plastic glued to its surface and the use of sandwich panels.
Nowadays, the option of painting plasterboard slopes is used perhaps only for budget repairs of non-residential premises. Plastic glued to a plasterboard base is a variation of the same economical option.
Temperature changes, as well as high humidity, quickly destroy drywall. Carrying out restoration repairs every 2-3 years is not our method. Therefore, we chose PVC sandwich panels.
The sandwich panel is 10 mm. a sandwich consisting of two PVC sheets between which there is polystyrene foam insulation. The only inconvenience when purchasing is the need to purchase a whole sheet measuring 3000x1500 mm.
There are no difficulties in working with it - it can be easily cut with a grinder and even with an ordinary knife (if rough cutting into pieces is necessary for lifting into the apartment).
Technology for quick plastering of doorways
Doorways are an important part of the interior, and their appearance says a lot about the quality of the finish. The slopes must be smooth and neat, just like the walls themselves. In this article we will tell you how to plaster the slopes of entrance and interior doorways with your own hands.
Plaster performs the following tasks:
- the base plane of the slope is formed, preparations are made for finishing
- fills the gap between the wall and the door block
- additional sound and heat insulation is provided
If it is not planned to install a door block in the doorway, the slope provides an organic transition between the planes of the walls of adjacent rooms.
What comes first: installing doors or plastering?
First, the door block is installed, then the slope is formed. There is an explanation for this.
After installing the door, a technological gap inevitably forms, which the craftsmen fill with polyurethane foam. This gap is made in order to be able to adjust, achieving a vertical arrangement of the box posts.
Materials and tools
To carry out the work you will need a set of tools and materials:
- water containers;
- plaster, water and mixer for mixing;
- masking tape will help protect the surface of the door frame;
- plastering rule;
- metal profile for installing beacons;
- spatulas for working with plaster;
- level (bubble or laser) to control the verticality of the beacons;
- a tape measure, a pencil and a square will help with marking;
- a screwdriver (possibly a hammer drill) to secure the profile;
- deep penetration primer, brush and tray for applying the primer.
Selection of plaster mixture
For plastering work, two main types of mixtures are used:
Cement-sand .
In rooms with high humidity, unheated rooms, on slopes of entrance doors, external slopes and surfaces intended for finishing with ceramic tiles, cement-based solutions are used. Such materials do not suffer from significant changes in humidity and temperature and are highly durable. You can prepare a simple mixture yourself from sand and cement grade M400 in a ratio of 4:1. They are used for economic reasons when it is necessary to process large, rough surface defects.
It is more practical to use ready-made mixtures with a balanced composition, plasticizers and improved adhesion.
In areas where additional thermal insulation is needed, warm plaster filled with perlite or vermiculite is used. Plaster .
To form internal interior slopes, which are prepared for the application of paint, wallpaper or decorative plaster, gypsum starting mixtures are used. Gypsum-based solutions are more flexible and easier to process. Gypsum is much lighter and has lower thermal conductivity.
How to plaster with your own hands
The installation of door slopes begins after the plastering of the walls is completed. This makes it easier to install the beacon profile and maintain the “geometry” of the planes.
The work can be roughly divided into several stages:
- preparation of the base;
- marking;
- profile installation;
- applying a plaster layer;
- dismantling the profile and final finishing of the plane.
Let's take a closer look at how to plaster slopes after installing doors:
- The base is considered prepared when old coatings and crumbling areas are removed, the surface is free of greasy stains, and dust is removed.
- When plastering bricks, a reinforcing mesh is often attached.
- Next, a layer of deep penetration primer is applied. Be sure to let the primer dry.
- Marking the future slope is necessary for uniform distribution of the plaster layer. On the door frame, measure the width that will not be covered with plaster (do this on both sides and at the top). A corner is placed at this mark and a line for the future slope of plaster is drawn on the floor. The beacon profile is installed vertically using these marks.
Sandwich panels for windows price and quality
When choosing sandwich panels, pay attention to their quality and finish. The cost varies depending on the type, color, structure and thickness of the cladding board
The modern market of installation materials offers a different range of structures: both embossed and smooth. In addition, a wide range of colors allows you to choose a sandwich panel individually suited to the interior of the room. The use of denser materials will significantly raise the bar in price. Also, when purchasing imported sandwich panels, you will have to pay even more. However, the quality of the domestic coating produced is no longer inferior to a foreign product. Therefore, think twice about the need to purchase imported sandwich panels.
Adhesive for sandwich panels: types, properties and application
The design of sandwich panels is quite simple. In order for all layers to adhere well to each other, you need to choose the right connecting composition. The ideal solution is polyurethane-based sandwich panel adhesive. The waterproof, frost-resistant, elastic and fairly durable composition allows you to obtain a high-quality connection.
One-component and two-component adhesive
When choosing an adhesive, they are guided not only by the technical characteristics that determine the features of working with it, but also pay attention to:
- environmental requirements;
- performance characteristics that indicate the ability to hold parts together;
- economic requirements that determine the cost of glue and work;
- various characteristics that reflect the ability to work in certain temperature conditions, at high humidity, etc.
The glue can be either one-component or two-component. Two-component formulations are best used for:
- drywall;
- painted metal;
- mineral wool;
- black steel;
- plastic.
Single-component, in turn, for:
- concrete;
- of stainless steel;
- wood;
- aluminum
The special composition of the glue allows it to be used to create sandwich panels for any purpose: roofing or wall, for residential buildings and structures, refrigeration or industrial facilities.
The main factors when choosing adhesive are:
- ease of use (the one-component hardener is water, which simplifies working with it);
- fast polymerization (with a two-component adhesive the curing process is faster);
- preparatory stage (two-component compositions must first be mixed, which requires additional equipment).
Note. Both types of glue can be applied either manually or mechanically.
Sealing tape for sandwich panels
One of the important stages of panel installation is the correct joining of parts. This is only possible if the panel fits tightly to the structural elements. This function is performed by self-adhesive sealing tapes.
Important! Seams and joints between panels are the most vulnerable place in buildings and structures constructed from sandwich panels.
The seal is made of polyethylene, which has a number of advantages:
- low cost;
- ease of use;
- reliable protection against moisture;
- resistance to alkalis and acids;
- good strength.
The tape is created with a special adhesive layer made of synthetic rubber, which makes the fastening process easy and the joint of materials itself durable. In addition, structures that were installed using seals are characterized by good tightness, which ensures their durability.
Features of the material
Unlike wooden window structures, modern plastic frames have ventilation equipment. It is for this purpose that the upper part of the sash is tilted, resulting in a narrow opening through which air masses flow. Because of this, air turbulences with sharp temperature changes are formed. To increase the service life of the window system, you need to responsibly approach the finishing of window slopes.
Drywall is often used for these purposes, but in winter this material can freeze. In addition, it needs to be carefully looked after. If the building is made of reinforced concrete blocks or bricks, a sandwich should be used for maximum thermal insulation of the slope panels. Main advantages of the material:
- does not require special care, any contamination can be removed with a soap solution;
- low weight of structures;
- resistance to sunlight;
- resistance to fungus;
- the material does not require additional decoration, the outer surface resembles window plastic;
- high rates of thermal and sound insulation; construction foam can be used to improve thermal insulation and adhesion of the panel to the slope;
- good vapor permeability, the panels do not get wet or deform under the influence of moisture;
- resistance to mechanical damage;
- stylish design;
- acceptable price;
- The material is environmentally friendly and does not emit substances harmful to humans during operation.
Despite a number of obvious advantages, sandwich, like any other building material, has a number of disadvantages. Some of them:
- improper installation of panels can cause gaps and cracks;
- under the influence of high temperatures, structures turn yellow and become deformed;
- Products cannot be installed if there is a small distance between the hinge and the wall (otherwise the panels will “walk” around the entire perimeter).
What is liquid plastic
Liquid plastic has recently appeared on the construction market. It has found application in many areas, including the installation of plastic slopes.
Liquid plastic is used for gluing plastic slopes
Liquid plastic is a type of modern sealant that can be used as glue when attaching plastic slopes. The content of liquid PVC in its base gives this material many positive qualities.
Mode of application
Using this glue, you can guarantee strong adhesion between the material and the surface.
Using liquid plastic when processing joints and seams, you can be sure that it will never turn yellow, as happens with silicone analogues. This ensures a neat appearance of the window opening.
When temperature changes indoors, plastic panels secured with silicone may lose their joint tightness. And the panels, placed on glue in the form of liquid plastic, will stay in place for many years.
When working with this material, it is important to consider that it hardens in one minute . This is the interval during which it is necessary to apply it and distribute it over the surface. You need to work quickly and efficiently the first time.
It is also worth considering that liquid plastic is quite toxic due to the chemical reaction that occurs, so when working with it you must use a respirator and ensure a flow of fresh air into the room.
It should be noted that after liquid PVC-based glue dries, it will become absolutely harmless to the environment and people.
Positive qualities of liquid plastic
The appearance of this modern material did not go unnoticed by specialists involved in the installation of metal-plastic windows. For them, the question of how to glue plastic slopes has disappeared forever. Liquid plastic is characterized by the following positive qualities:
- When processing joints, the highest degree of sealing is achieved;
- It cannot be washed off with water, like its silicone counterpart;
- It does not turn yellow over time, does not emit or absorb foreign odors;
- The material does not change its qualities even after 10 years;
- It is moisture resistant;
- Does not rot or become moldy;
- Does not collapse or fade when exposed to sunlight;
- Resistant to mechanical stress;
- Has an affordable price.
Sandwich window panel. A few words about sandwich panels
Sandwich panels for window slopes consist of two plastic sheets, between which there is insulation. The latter can be used:
- polyurethane foam;
- extruded polystyrene foam;
- free foam plastic.
Thanks to the presence of insulation, the amount of heat loss through the window opening is reduced. As for the plastic itself, it comes in a variety of colors. This allows you to select panels for any window.
Many people believe that sandwich panels are intended for plastic windows, however, they can also be used for wooden double-glazed windows. Thanks to this finish they will not freeze.
Another advantage of this solution is that windows in sandwich panels do not fog up (provided there is normal indoor humidity). In addition, the material is easy to install, as you can see below, and also does not require additional finishing, which is also a big advantage.
Thus, finishing sandwich windows with panels is one of the best solutions.
I would like to note that there are also metal sandwich panels, which are often used for the construction of all kinds of sheds, hangars, etc. Installing PVC windows in sandwich panels is associated with a number of difficulties.
Most often, for this purpose, the opening is sheathed with a profile or board (if the room is heated), and only after that the windows are installed in a sandwich panel. However, this is a topic for another article, which we will talk about next time.
After the window is installed in a sandwich panel, the foamed area on the outside must be immediately hidden with platbands, otherwise the foam will quickly turn into dust under the influence of sunlight.
Tools and materials
To finish slopes using sandwich panels, you need to prepare the following:
- A tape measure, a level, a pencil and a sharp mounting knife or grinder;
- plastic U-shaped and edging profile, liquid nails + construction gun for tube;
- rule and miter box;
- screwdriver and screws;
- liquid plastic or white sealant, primer for concrete bases + brush and antifungal agent;
- plaster mixture + spatula (if the slopes are uneven), a construction float or a block with medium-grain sandpaper, a construction mixer and a drill.