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mark_kr October 26, 2016Specialization: professional in the field of construction and repair (full cycle of finishing work, both internal and external, from sewerage to electrical and finishing work), installation of window structures. Hobbies: see the column “SPECIALIZATION AND SKILLS”
The window sill needs to be chosen correctly and placed correctly - then the window will look much better!
It is advisable to think about which window sill to choose for plastic windows in advance - not only before installing the structures themselves, but also before repairs in general. This approach will allow us to choose the optimal size of the product that meets all our requirements, and to find an option that fits perfectly into the overall style of the room.
Fortunately, there is definitely plenty to choose from here - and below I will give brief characteristics of the most popular parts.
The window sill can be quite wide!
In addition, it is not enough to choose the right window sill for a PVC window - it needs to be installed correctly. I will devote a separate section of the article to the nuances of installing window sill boards.
What is a window sill?
It is a structural element of a plastic window. The inner part is laid flush with the lower border of the frame or under it. With the help of the canvas, the window takes on a finished look.
The structural element increases the air gap near the window. It protects the wall from moisture entering the room. The canvas is also used for decorative purposes. Place flowers on it or make a work area.
The design makes window maintenance easier. You can lean on it when washing glass, or stand up to hang blinds or curtains.
Why is the use of overlays beneficial?
If a plastic window sill is damaged, the protective film on its surface is also damaged, which is why it is not possible to paint over the product. If you cover up a crack or glue a broken piece, the window sill will look unattractive, and you cannot replace the film at home.
In such cases, the window sill is usually replaced completely. This is quite a troublesome task, it requires a professional approach, financial costs, a lot of time is also spent, and besides, after removing and replacing the window sill, there is a lot of dust and debris left around. You can solve the problem without resorting to radical methods by using a plastic laminated window sill, which can be created using overlays that are sold in stores at affordable prices. Another advantage is the ability to change the appearance of the window sill without replacing it when you want to update the interior.
Not satisfied with the lamination or trim on the window sill? You can change the window sill yourself. Read more in our article “Replacing a window sill is an easy job.” Instructions for installing a plug on a window sill can be found here
Read how to handle plastic windows in our article “Care and operation of plastic windows”
Window sill kapinos: what is it
This structural element represents the free space of the canvas in front. This is a small overhang, visually increasing its thickness.
Kapinos are used for decorative purposes. The elements differ from each other:
- forms;
- bend angles;
- various decorative inserts.
They create a unique and interesting room design. Most often, manufacturers produce single-cap models, but on the market you can find double-cap models, which are located on both sides of the canvas.
Use furniture
An even more “flexible” solution for a traditional kitchen is to decorate the window space with a work surface.
Antique kitchen (Favreau Design)
So, for example, in this kitchen interior (Vermont, USA), the owners abandoned traditional cabinets, giving preference to more practical “chests”, the height of which is lower than the glass level. This solution provided additional storage space. No less successful would be the option of a table or cabinet on wheels.
Relaxation area (Starline Cabinets)
Types of window sills for plastic windows
Choose a model in advance, and not after the structure is installed. It’s better to think through everything before starting repairs. The room will turn out organic and complete with a beautiful window. Canvases are divided into 11 main types. Each option has its own characteristics.
Plastic or PVC
The structure is made from the following components:
- unplasticized polyvinyl chloride of the K67 series, which has excellent physical and mechanical properties;
- combined stabilizer, some manufacturers use lead;
- polymers;
- filler;
- color pigment;
- modifiers that protect the structure from impacts;
- modifiers that make it possible to recycle the product in case of disposal.
Advantages:
- they are resistant to high humidity;
- the structures are not susceptible to insects and microorganisms; they are often used for growing flowers;
- plastic models do not fade in the sun even after 10 years of use;
- the canvas has excellent strength indicators;
- withstands sudden temperature changes;
- fire resistant;
- Plastic structures are easy to care for; just wipe with a damp cloth;
- there are no traces of pet claws or scratches left on the surface after rearranging the pots;
- The models are inexpensive compared to other types.
The plastic type is not popular among designers when decorating the interior, as it does not look aesthetically pleasing.
TOP 5 manufacturers of this type:
- Werzalit - they produce premium models, the factory is located in Germany.
- Crystallit are leaders in the Russian market, using elements that are harmless to health for production.
- Moeller - the German representative adds wood flour during production.
- Vitrage Plast are manufacturers from Russia, they make durable and reliable models.
- Danke is a design manufacturer from Germany, the products comply with GOST standards.
PVC window sill technical characteristics.
They are as follows:
- tensile strength indicators – 36.8 MPa;
- elastic modulus is 1557 MPa;
- impact strength values – 29.6 kJ/m²;
- Vicat softening temperature indicators - 83℃;
- the light resistance value reaches 6, and the chemical resistance value reaches 5 points;
- wear resistance coefficients – 175-300.
Laminated film for PVC window sills
When producing a structure, the surface is often coated with a special protective compound. Lamination of window sills reliably protects the canvas from dirt, mechanical damage, and ultraviolet radiation.
Using film, they create an imitation of wood, stone or marble. It contains no harmful compounds.
Lamination of PVC window sills allows you to maintain the original appearance for many years. The coating is resistant to high temperatures. When washing, do not use abrasive products.
Adhesive systems
To apply lamination on PVC surfaces, 2 adhesive structures are usually used.
- Glue brand “Augsklei 60” based on polyurethane. Used together with the hardener “Augsklei Hardener 60” using the mixing method in a ratio of 1:25. Hot melt adhesive is an adhesive system and in its composition has a dry residue size of 100%.
As a result of cooling, the glue quickly sets and forms a durable polymer mesh with moisture-resistant properties.
The technology for laminating window sills using polyurethane glue contains certain deadlines:
- holding time until the material melts – 45 hours;
- the time required for ripening in winter conditions is 70 hours;
- readiness before bending the window sill profile – 13 days;
- the period required for final hardening of the product is 60 days.
Rice. 3. Glue system for lamination
The product has excellent adhesion, a neutral attitude towards ultraviolet rays, and also tolerates plus and minus temperatures well.
Due to its characteristics, you can glue both the inner surface of the window sill and the outer surface. Solvent-free adhesives have become increasingly popular in recent years and are occupying the market at an accelerated pace.
2. Polyester based adhesive. This boostilate has been a leader in this technology for about 25 years. Gluing the film onto a PVC surface is successfully done using liquefied adhesive based on polyester.
2-7% of hardener and binders are added to it. This mixture is stirred vigorously, while preventing the entry of foreign particles. Then wait for the time specified by the manufacturer in the recipe.
The container with glue must be stored closed, and if boostilate remains, it must be destroyed in accordance with environmental regulations. Short-term storage of up to a day in the refrigerator at a temperature of 4 – 7˚С is allowed.
Rice. 4. Adhesive lamination system for window sills
Advantages and disadvantages of adhesive systems
Each composition has pros and cons, so their properties need to be considered separately.
Two-component polyurethane-based adhesive
This boostilate has certain advantages:
- Versatility. This adhesive composition can connect up to 90% of the components of a solid material;
- Strength. Connected parts can be processed as one unit;
- Lack of connecting seam after gluing;
- Budget cost. The price of the glue is quite reasonable.
The disadvantages include its one-time use. After mixing the components, the glue retains its qualities for a short time from one to six hours. And also when working with this glue you need to follow safety precautions, wear gloves and use a respirator.
Rice. 5. Polyurethane glue
Polyester based adhesive
Resin of this content is formed during the distillation of alcoholic liquids for special purposes. The source of glue is polyester. For faster hardening, different brands of solvents are used.
Depending on the area of application of the material, it has different structures and qualities. The main advantage of this glue is its ability to transmit ultraviolet rays (up to 90%).
Compounds of this kind form high-strength materials and are used in the production of window sills, shower cabins, and various partitions.
Hardening of polyester resin does not require special temperature conditions; the cost of this adhesive composition is less than its analogues, for example, epoxy resin.
Rice. 6. Polyester glue
How to choose a window sill for plastic windows
You need to pay attention to the following factors:
- wear resistance;
- strength indicators;
- moisture resistance;
- life time;
- color and texture;
- manufacturer.
How to choose the color of the window sill
Select the texture and shade to match the interior of the room. It should be in harmony with the decoration of the room. If the walls and floors are of a light palette, then you should not choose a black or dark brown canvas. Otherwise, when entering the room, it will immediately catch your eye.
If the room is made in a dark palette, then the structural element can be made a tone lighter.
It is better to entrust the selection of the color of the canvas to the designer. He will choose the palette wisely so that it matches the overall interior.
Benefits of overlays
If restoration of window sills is necessary, plastic covers can be used. You do not need to carry out complex manipulations; When redecorating, it doesn’t matter what condition your window sill is in; thanks to the overlays, you can turn it into a new and stylish piece of furniture, the attractive appearance of which will last for a long time.
The overlay can be useful if you want to change the design of the window sill or it has damage that needs restoration. Thanks to such products, it has become possible to restore plastic window sills without dismantling them.
