Even the most expensive and high-quality window can have problems if it is installed incorrectly. Problems with hardware while closing and opening the leaf, leakage, blowing, mold, condensation and icing on glass surface - all these are the consequences of improper installation.

This article will help you to get acquinted with the main stages of installing plastic windows. You will learn what you need to pay attention to during installation, how to avoid common mistakes and how to check the installation of the window frame.

Step-by-step instructions for installing plastic windows

Proper installation of windows is a key to their long-term operation. This is a multi-stage process which requires the master's responsibility and attention to details.

At first you need to prepare all the necessary tools:

• perforator;
• anchors;
• dowels;
• screwdrivers, hammer;
• cordless;
• bubble or laser level;
• polyurethane foam;
• mounting plates;
• hacksaw or electric saw (for wooden frames);
• scrap with claw hammer;
• underlay plates;
• construction gloves and glasses.

Window structures consist of the following elements:

1. Window frame.
2. Double (two glasses) or triple glazing (three glasses). The space between the glass units is called a chamber, which can be filled with an inert gas that prevents the penetration of noise and cold air.
3. Leaf and hardware, depending on the type of opening.
4. Bezel that fixes the glazing.
5. Window profile (from the bottom of the frame).
6. Additional profile (usually on top of the frame).
7. Connecting imposts, connecting parts of large structures.

Additional elements of the window structure:

1. windowsill;
2. visor;
3. low tide;
4. mosquito net.

Installation works includes the following stages:

• desmantling of the old window;
• preparation of the window opening for installation;
• fixing of the window;
• processing of assembly seam;
• installation of low tides;
• installation of window sill.

Important! There is no need to rush in this case, the main thing is a quality result. Next, we will analyze all stages of installation work.

Dismantling of an old window

Dismantling of an old window or door structure is usually performed by installers. However, if you need to dismantle the old window frame independently there is nothing complicated here. First, remove the leaves and frames. Along the perimeter of the structure remove the lower part and the central bar (if necessary). Remove the side and top parts of the window frame. At this stage, window sills are also dismantled using a crowbar and a hammer. It is better to dismantle a stone window sill together with someone else.

Preparation of the window opening for installation

Before installing it is important to prepare the window opening. It is a technically important stage. Be sure to check:

• whether the dimensions of the window structure correspond to the window opening;
• perpendicularity and straightness of the angles of the opening;
• the presence of gaps for mounting seams, 15-20 mm from each side.

Remove carefully the old insulation and clean the window opening from various residues, dirt and building dust. Remove fragile parts of the wall area and plaster which fall away. Sealing materials are attached better if the surface of the opening is moistened and pretreated with a primer.

Fixing the window in the window opening

After completing the stage of preparing the window opening, the window is inserted into it. At the same time, the window is centered horizontally and vertically. You can use a level for this. Anchors or dowels are needed to fix the window to the wall. Their size depends on the type of wall. The distance between fixing elements is no more than 700 mm. But this value is approximate and determined by location.

The main conditions for successful and reliable fixing of a plastic structure are the following criteria:

• mounting gap should be no more than 3 centimeters;
• sealed and closed mounting holes in the frame. They prevent entering of moisture to the chambers of the window profile;
• check the functionality of the leaves and measurements such as height and width.

Remember! Opening and closing of the window should be done easily, without cracking or strange sounds and the handle should move smoothly.

Processing of mounting seam

Mounting seam consists of insulating materials that fill the gap between the window block and the wall. The processing of mounting seam is made with the following materials:

1. mounting foam;
2. hydro and vapor barrier tape.

While performing work, fill the mounting gap with polyurethane foam. Shake the bottle thoroughly before using it. The foam layer should not contain unnecessary elements. Prefer mounting foam from a proven manufacturer.

Hydro and vapor barrier tape protects the mounting seam from moisture penetration and prevents the destruction of the mounting foam. This is the so-called warm installation of windows.

Installation of window sills, low tides

How much heat will remain in the room depends on the correct installation of window sills and low tides. Low tide is an external window sill that is attached to windows and balconies. Installing of low tides is a multistage process:

• clean the outer surface of the concrete shelf;
• take measurements and cut the low tide according to the size of the window;
• previous fitting;
• prepare the wooden substrates with the help of which is set up the required angle of inclination of the windowsill;
• instal and fix the low tide to the window.

Window sills and low tides can be installed later, but it is better to do it simultaneously with the installation of windows.

Final works on installation of windows

The final stage ensures the aesthetics and functionality of plastic windows. At this stage, hardware and handles are installed. Protective film and remains of construction waste are also removed.

Choose only original hardware and window handles as they influence the durability of a plastic window.

Important! It is recommended to remove the protective film from the window frame immediately after installation or within 10 days after its completion. Otherwise, it will be more difficult and longer to dismantle the film. But if it happens you can use a hair dryer. It is easier to remove a heated film.

Most common window installation mistakes

Installing plastic windows is a time-consuming and complex process. So it is important not to make mistakes. The quality, service life and general condition of the room directly depends on the correctness of the installation. Of course, it is better to entrust this process to professionals, but even here you should be familiar with typical errors.

Here are the most common mistakes:

1. Wrong measurements. As a result, the window frame can be too small or too large for the window opening. If a window is of the wrong size, it will cause blowing, moisture seeping and appearance of mold.
2. Poorly performed dismantling or cleaning of the surface of the window opening. Due to the accumulation of dust and debris, the foam cannot adhere properly to the substrate. Dirt is often the cause of blowing.
3. Use of poor-quality fastening, unreliable fixation of the structure in the window frame. As a result, it leads to a breach of the tightness of the window.
4. Non-observance of norms and rules while carrying out installation. That leads to high humidity and appearance of mold on the slopes.
5. Incorrect processing of the mounting gap. It is important to form a three-layer mounting seam. Youcan’t use only assembly foam for this process. If the installation gap is processed improperly, it will lead to increasement of heat loss in this area.
6. Bad attachment of the window to the wall. Due to an insufficient number of dowels, there are changes in the position of the plastic structure, difficulties in opening and closing of structure.

If you know the main mistakes in the process of installation, you are able to prevent all negative consequences. It does not matter whether you do all the work yourself or observe the work of contractors.

Important! If in the process of work you notice inconsistency of installation work, improper appearance of the structure, mechanical damage or other violations, record them in the Certificate of Completion.

What does the price of installing a plastic window depend on?

It is extremely difficult to name the exact cost of installing a new window frame. The price is calculated individually according to many criteria. The main are the size of the window and dimensions of the overall configuration. The average price for installing PVC windows in 2023 is from 41 to 130 PLN per running meter. It is also worth adding to the total price the costs of installing window sills and slopes.

The cost of installing plastic windows may vary depending on the province (voivodeship) in which they were ordered. The price may increase slightly if delivery is required from one voivodeship to another. Delivery is paid according to the conditions of the carriers.

What should be remembered while installing PVC windows?

PVC windows allow us to create an optimal indoor microclimate at any time of the year and in winter helps to save on heating. It is enough to adjust the windows to winter-summer mode. If you decide to install the window yourself, you need to be diligent and not hurry.

The method of installing windows depends on many factors: wall type, place of installation, window type.

Noticed any error during installation? Don't worry, most of the drawbacks can be easily fixed. If you ignore and miss them, you run the risk of encountering a number of problems that may require replacing the window.

Please, use our calculator for counting the exact cost of the window. In addition, our specialists are ready to give advice on window installation, if necessary.