How to make a pigtail in a house made of timber and not make a mistake with the choice. Windows in a timber house: selection rules and installation technology Plastic windows for a timber house installation

15.03.2020

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When constructing wooden buildings, in particular houses made of timber, when it comes to window openings, many craftsmen who have not previously encountered the installation of plastic windows in them have a logical question: “How to install them?”

The specifics of wooden houses require a certain approach to the installation of window blocks. Therefore, without knowing the nuances, installing a plastic window in a log house is unlikely to be possible.

Let's take a closer look at what needs to be taken into account when performing work, and how, in fact, to do it correctly yourself.

Necessary preparatory actions.

Before planning the installation of windows, you need to consider what type of material? building erected. This is very important, because if profiled or sawn timber was used during construction, then such a building must “settle.” The need for such “sludge” at home is dictated, first of all, by the high level of moisture in the wood. The optimal period is usually 2-4 years. It is because of this that plastic windows are not installed in such houses immediately while shrinkage is taking place. Instead of them, temporary ones made of wood are installed.

Important! In all cases, light-transmitting structures should not be installed on a layer (both above and below) made with polyurethane foam, otherwise there is a high probability of misalignment of the mounted products.

It’s another matter if the building was erected with. The moisture content of such material is low, and therefore, immediately after covering it with a roof, you can begin work related to the installation of PVC structures.

It should be remembered that even such timber, due to the properties of wood, is prone to slight deformations. The changes are especially pronounced after rain and in winter: in the first case, it swells, in the second, on the contrary, it shrinks.

Double-glazed windows in a log house immediately after its construction. Is it possible?

It happens that there is simply no time to wait for the completed building to shrink completely, and the openings need to be glazed immediately. In this case you will have to install temporary plastic windows, and smaller in size than the existing opening.

The gaps that appear on the sides of the light-transmitting structure are sealed with mounting foam, and the upper compensation gap is filled with wooden planks of small thickness (they will need to be removed one by one as the house shrinks). To prevent gusts of wind and precipitation from entering the premises, the planks are puttied with tow.

Of course, this option for fastening windows is temporary and is intended only to help create a warm contour in the house. After the final shrinkage of the building, the structures installed in this way will need to be dismantled, and new ones installed in their place, already “in a standard manner.”

Casing boards used for tightly fixing installed windows. Their goal is to prevent the timber from moving vertically, that is, in essence, to protect light-transmitting structures from the loads that arise when the house moves. Installation of plastic windows in a timber house using casing is possible immediately after its construction, without the tedious wait for the completion of the shrinkage process.

A characteristic feature of installing windows with casing is non-standard fastening of platbands. In this case, they are fixed not to the walls of the house, but to the casing connections. Of course, there is a real danger of damage to the platbands during the shrinkage of the building, however, the costs of dismantling the old ones and installing new ones will cost the owner significantly less than.

Sequence of installation work.

To install a plastic window in a log house, you need to follow these steps.

As a rule, when building a house, workers do it themselves grooves in the window opening, intended for installation of a sliding block in them. If there are no such recesses, then you need to make them yourself, exactly in the middle of the end side of the opening. In this case, pre-prepared sliding bars are mounted in the grooves in such a way that they do not jump out when the shrinking walls move. In this case, certain gaps for shrinkage should be provided in the upper and lower parts of the window opening.

The next stage of forming a window in a house made of timber is to work with insulation - it is laid over the entire surface of the opening. Next, the casing boards are fixed in such a way that the nails hit exactly the sliding bar, otherwise, if they hit the bar itself, over time there is a high probability of deformation of the entire window structure. When attaching the casing board, it is necessary to leave a certain distance (about 5 cm) between it and the beam in order to avoid pressure from the upper element of the opening on the glass unit when the house shrinks. After the operations performed, enter the prepared opening.

To have a more complete understanding of how to install plastic windows in a log house, check out the following video.

Possible cracks are plugged with insulation and foamed with polyurethane foam. The upper gap, left for the safety of the glass unit in case of shrinkage of the house, is insulated without using foam. Platbands are installed on top of the timber along the perimeter of the opening. Then the ebb is installed.

A wooden house means comfort, warmth and a special aroma. Today, when the frantic rhythm of a big city becomes boring, as does the abundance of reinforced concrete, wooden buildings are regaining their former popularity. In exchange for numerous advantages and logs, you have to put up with their features. For example, choosing the first plastic windows you come across and installing them using standard technology will not work - a special approach is needed, otherwise there is a risk of replacing the windows in a couple of years, no matter how high quality they are. We'll figure out which windows to choose for a wooden house and how to install them so that they last for the period stated by the manufacturer.

No. 1. What kind of windows are installed in wooden houses?

Previously, in wooden houses, as in all others, only wooden windows were installed - there were no other options, but their quality was very different. If the house has old wooden windows in good condition and it would be a pity to dismantle them, then it makes sense to restore them. However, in most cases, the most logical thing to do would be to replace the old windows with new double-glazed windows, and here great difficulties await us. The issue for a wooden house is acute for those who deal with it. You will also have to pay a lot of attention to the correct installation of the window.

The following windows are suitable for a wooden house:

ordinary wooden;
wooden euro windows;
plastic windows.

Windows with a decorative layout look impressive in a wooden house.

No. 6. Features of installing windows in a wooden house

When it comes to a wooden house, window installation is somewhat more complicated compared to concrete and other houses. The reason is strong tree shrinkage, especially in the first years after the construction of the building. Shrinkage occurs due to the wood losing stored moisture, and the worse the wood has been dried, the more volume it will lose. Over the course of a year, shrinkage can be up to 1.5 cm per meter of height; this process is most active in the first 5 years, then the tree can also change volume, absorbing and releasing moisture. If you install a window using traditional technology, then in the first year you may not notice any problems, because the layer will compress under the weight of the wood, but then the structure itself will begin to deform, and eventually the glass will crack.

Whatever design is chosen, you will need casing, or pigtail. This is an essential element of a modern wooden house, which allows you to make the window structure independent of the movement of the walls. The socket does not allow the logs to move in a vertical plane in the area where the window opening is located, but at the same time does not interfere with the shrinkage and normal breathing of the tree. In addition, the pigtail allows you to further strengthen the wall.

If installed window in a wooden frame, then installation can be carried out using simplified technology. It is enough to make a vertical groove at the ends of the logs measuring 5*5 cm, a wooden beam of the appropriate size is inserted into this groove, this will be the casing.

Second option somewhat more complicated, can be used for any type of window. It consists of cutting out a ridge in a log, on which a vertical beam with a groove, called a carriage, is installed. You can make a groove in the log, and a ridge on the carriage. The tongue-and-groove design will allow the log to slide freely without moving vertically. Installation in this case is performed in the following sequence:

Installing a window in a prepared frame comes down to the following steps:

preparing small (5-10 mm) grooves for attaching the window sill;
installing the window sill using a level and fastening it with self-tapping screws. A plastic window sill requires the use of a rubber washer. Holes are made in those places that will eventually be covered by the window;
leveling the window frame and fixing it with anchors, followed by foaming;
checking the frame for verticality and horizontality, installing double-glazed windows;
installation of glazing beads, foaming of cracks.

Of course, it is best to entrust the installation of a window in a wooden house to a professional - here you will need knowledge of the intricacies and details on which the durability of the installed structure will depend.

Glad to be useful to you again, my friends!

After examining my windows in a wooden house, I came to the conclusion that it was time to replace them. I had never encountered such a process before, so I made up for the lack of practical experience with the help of other people’s knowledge: I searched through a bunch of forums and websites, and through friends I found people who had already done similar work. Then I made a number of conclusions and determined the algorithm for my actions when reinstalling windows. Next, I will present everything sequentially.

First of all, I measured the windows and ordered new ones, providing the exact dimensions. While the order was being fulfilled, I began dismantling the old frames and then clearing the openings of accumulated debris. Upon receipt of the windows, I installed window sills and prepared double-glazed windows for installation. I placed the structures in permanent places and secured them. Of course, in reality the process was not so quick and easy, but there is nothing overwhelming about it - I managed it and you can too.

Technology for installing a plastic window in the opening of a wooden house

When installing a plastic double-glazed window into the frame of a wooden house, you cannot do without a level and plumb line - if you want the window sashes to move smoothly, not open under their own weight, or jam. Then never fix a window without making sure – not by eye, but by level – that it is level.

To ensure that the work involved in inserting the window into the opening and leveling does not go down the drain, it is necessary to fix the leveled structure with mounting fasteners.

The best option is 6 pieces for each window. They can be ordered in the same place where you submit your application for the production of double-glazed windows.

There are technical slides for these fastenings on each side of the window, so there will be no difficulties with the correct placement of the plates. Each plate has holes for self-tapping screws. Is it possible to do without plates? Yes, if you want to drill through it when attaching the frame, which will cause depressurization of the chambers in the profile. Personally, I am against such barbarism - I need windows not only for beauty, but also for reliable protection from cold and moisture. And tell the installers, if you don’t install them yourself, to install the windows according to the rules. Only in this case will the expectations from plastic double-glazed windows in a wooden house be fully justified.

I highly recommend removing the window sashes from the frame before installing it in the opening. This won’t take much time, but it will save a lot of effort: without it, it will become much lighter and it will be easier to direct it to the right place.

Algorithm for installing a double-glazed window into the opening of a wooden house:

Having inserted the structure into the frame, insert wood chips 2 centimeters thick under the lower frame;
using a water level, determine the quality of the installation;
achieve the desired indicator by placing additional chips;
Use the same pieces of wood to level the frame vertically;
Having determined the most optimal position, secure the frame to the post with self-tapping screws, inserting them into the holes on the mounting plates.

When screwing in each self-tapping screw, do not hit the ridge of the log into which the pigtail rests. To avoid loosening the screw, screw it in slightly at an angle.

After fixing the frame, foam it along the contour only after hanging the sashes - they will prevent it from bending under the pressure of the hardening foam. If the sashes are not installed before this, then later there will be problems with the movement of the vents even in a perfectly installed frame.

After leveling the frame horizontally and vertically, there should be a 2 cm thick gap on each side of the entire structure for filling with foam. The height of the distance between the top panel of the frame and the first log is no less than 5 and no more than 15 cm - the gap will prevent the wood from pressing on the windows after the frame shrinks.

Before pouring the foam, a control check is required to ensure the correct installation of the entire structure. They focus on the “behavior” of the open sash: it should not independently go further than it was opened, or try to return back, obeying its weight, and not you.

This is a short educational program on the topic of installing plastic double-glazed windows in a wooden house. I hope that my advice will help you in your noble and exciting endeavor.

Self-installation

I wanted to install plastic windows in my country wooden house. Everything that will be described below is a verbal presentation of my experience in independently installing double-glazed windows in a house made of timber.

Why did I decide to install the windows myself?

There are several reasons:

for installation you will have to pay up to 50% of the cost of the window itself (with the savings from 2 installed yourself, you can buy a third);
almost all companies that provide window installation services in wooden houses do not provide any guarantees for their work;
there is no need to pay for a service that any owner can provide to himself in 2 hours of work.

In order for the installation result to please you for many years, you need to adhere to the step-by-step algorithm of actions recommended below.

Removing old windows

Regardless of who will install new double-glazed windows in a wooden building - you or invited workers - It is permissible to install new structures only on a rigid foundation. I was lucky: the window casings in our house were replaced a couple of years ago, so the wood was flawless. That is, I did not find any wormholes, rot, cracks, dents or chips on it. Therefore, when ordering double-glazed windows, I indicated the dimensions of the new windows, taking into account that the boxes would remain. If in your case the condition of the frames turns out to be not very good, but your housekeeping will not allow you to throw them away, then the dismantled ones can be used as the basis for a mini-greenhouse.

Don't know how good and bad the boxes under your windows are? All the same, do not allow either yourself or your employees to break them out “with meat”. You will always have time to use it for firewood. The same applies to glass: there is no certainty that they will not crack during dismantling, so take it out first - they will also find a use. I was lucky again: the frames were still strong, so the structures were removed without removing the glass.

How to prepare a place

Walk around the entire perimeter of the frame with a dry brush or clean rag to sweep away anything remaining after dismantling.

Window sill installation

The first to be installed in a permanent place is a plastic window sill., which is “charged” with serving as the basis for the rest of the structure. Hence the “legs grow” of the requirement to install it perfectly level and horizontal. A regular building level will help determine how correctly it is installed in a vertical and horizontal position. To adjust its location taking into account the level readings, use cut strips of plastic or wood chips (the latter only if they have been treated with an antiseptic). To stabilize the window sill, make a notch on each side of the box, going 8 millimeters deep into the wood.

Secure the window sill with self-tapping screws, screwing it to the bottom of the window frame. Fasteners are placed with a two-centimeter indentation from the outer end of the window sill and with a mandatory backing under each washer. It will prevent the self-tapping screw from breaking through the fabric if you overdo it when tightening the fasteners. Don't worry that the fasteners will spoil the overall impression - they simply won't be visible.

How to prepare a double-glazed window

I recommend installing a handle before starting installation work. But the film can be removed later - this way there is less chance of leaving unattractive stripes on the surface of the plastic. You only need to tear off the adhesive strip where the handle is installed. When placing the lever on the sash, hold its long part parallel to the window sill.

After installing the window, this position of the handle will correspond to the mode of opening the entire sash towards itself. When the handle is moved with the end down, the sash will be locked; upwards - only the narrow upper part of the window will be able to move completely away from the frame panel.

Having secured the handle to the panel with a pair of bolts, you need to turn it end down. On the side posts, mark the holes for fastenings that will hold the window within the frame.

Window installation

We place the assembled structure in the opening, making sure that on both vertical edges the intermediate distance from the frame to the sides of the glass unit is the same (about a centimeter). At the same time, remember that the horizontal direction is given to us by the window sill that was previously strengthened in the correct position. If it is inconvenient to use a level due to the presence of decor on the outside of the wall, then use a plumb line.

While the person helping you holds the frame, you must wedge a centimeter-wide spacer bar between the frame and the window frame. Their presence is necessary for the stability of the structure being fixed at the moment of connecting the glass unit to the frame with self-tapping screws. If you are lazy or forget about the bars, you can cause the window to move to the side during the fastening process. As a result, the doors will then be difficult to open and close.

After wedging in the bars and placing the glass unit strictly according to the level indicators, secure the inserted structure in the box with self-tapping screws, not forgetting to screw them in on each of the four sides.

When inserting a self-tapping screw, you need to ensure that its location is in the free space between the window and the frame itself.

Then, during periods when the house “walks” under the influence of climatic influences and seasonal changes, the windows in it will not warp.

Installing a window in a wooden house using a self-expanding tape in the video:

How to install double-glazed windows in a wooden building?

First, take care of maintaining the passage of the drain holes - install adjusting plates between them that will prevent condensation from accumulating from the window. Then insert the double-glazed window into the opening of the box so that there is free space around the entire perimeter between the two structures. It is necessary to maintain the integrity of the glass in the frame when the frame will move behind the house in the spring or winter.

If the glass unit fits tightly to the frame (minimum gap of 5 mm), file a claim with the manufacturer of the structure. A decent contractor should respond by offering an appropriate solution to the problem.

Having inserted a double-glazed window into the box and aligned the first one on four sides with respect to the last one, secure its location with plastic beads with profile spikes. These “spiky” strips are very easy to install: just push them with small taps into the openings. When the bead's spines reach the grooves, you will hear a characteristic click.

Having achieved a fixed and correct placement of the double-glazed window in the box, fill the voids between these two structures with polyurethane foam, treating the cracks from the inside and outside.

Remove any frozen excess by trimming with a knife.

Having made sure that the work was carried out correctly: the grooves are closed, the sashes move only under the pressure of your hands, you can begin installing additional fittings, trims and drainage systems.

Secure Installation Rules

All difficulties with installing windows in wooden houses have one root: the instability of wooden structures throughout the entire operational period. Without taking this factor into account during the installation of plastic structures, be it windows or doors, it is quite possible to find yourself in a situation where the new “joinery” fails without even working for a year.

How do wooden houses differ from others? Wood loses a lot of moisture in the first years after the construction of a log house. A year, as some say, is not enough for the final drying process. In the best case, the walls of the house will take their final size in the sixth year after their construction. But in some regions the process of “walking” of houses never ends.

On average, the height of the wall can decrease by 4-5 cm. And what will happen to the double-glazed windows that were installed in the box in such a way that there was only 2-2.5 cm between the sides of these structures? Do owners of wooden houses really need to forget about dreams of plastic windows? Of course not. You just need to follow a number of technical recommendations.

First: do not neglect the casing. It is also called a pigtail. Thanks to it, any windows gain independence from the influence, within reasonable limits, of the load-bearing walls of the building. Whether they shrink or become slightly bent, this will not affect the integrity and functionality of the window.

General technical characteristics of the casing:

will protect the logs from moving away from the vertical in the area of the window opening;
does not resist vertical shrinkage of the wall;
takes on all the loads;
contributes to the strength of the wall in the window opening area.

What is casing? The most common option is to make square vertical grooves with a side of 5 cm in the ends of the logs and then seal them with bars of the same size. But such treatment of the walls around the opening is only suitable for preparing a place for wooden windows. To prepare an opening for plastic double-glazed windows, you need to make a ridge at the ends of the logs, and then install a window carriage with a groove on it. The presence of a tongue and groove will ensure that the logs slide without harming the window frame.

What is a window carriage? These are vertical bars with dimensions of 15x10 cm, with notches on the edges. The depth of the cuts is 5x5 cm, they are made for inserting jumpers topped at the ends with spikes in the form of 15x5 cm planks.

The assembled casing is 7-8 centimeters below the window opening. This gap is left due to possible wall shrinkage. When the pigtail is assembled in the opening, it is then covered with rolled tow, and carriages are stuffed on top. After such a procedure, neither creaks from shrinkage nor drafts from under the window are scary.

Then you need to make the lower jumper and also stuff the carriages onto the comb with tow. Insert the upper jumper into the hole from above, and then lower it into the groove. Then strengthen the structure with self-tapping screws, making sure that they do not touch the ridge - this is important for maintaining the resulting structure’s relative freedom. After All cracks found between the window frame and the walls must be filled with tow.

You can also insert metal-plastic double-glazed windows into this design without fear that they will jam when the house shrinks. When installing, do not forget that noise, heat, and vapor barriers also need to be taken care of.

The gap between the log house and the casing must be filled with thin strips with wound tow fibers.

When the house begins to shrink noticeably, knock out the slats to replace them with new ones. To make this process easier, I strongly recommend attaching the top casing only to the casing. If you need it, carefully remove it, change the filling, and secure it in place.

When I conducted seminars, I often encountered bewilderment about the need for a window installer to understand the technology of constructing wooden buildings. What's strange about this? Without this, the installer will not be able to install the window in such a way that it will serve without complaints for years. In other cases it is impossible to do without casing.

If you are hired to install plastic double-glazed windows in a wooden house, find out the presence of casing. If it is not there, and instead of a frame there will be a frame from an old window, tell the owner that he has two options. Either he agrees to modernize the window opening for casing and the windows are smaller than planned, or the person will receive windows in old frames without casing, but without your guarantee for a quality result. Since even old wooden houses always “walk” and to resist this, it is better to always take this factor into account when installing windows. And don’t forget to indicate in the contract that you disclaim all responsibility for the future life of the windows.

We install plastic double-glazed windows in a private house

Remember: all wooden buildings shrink. And this fact must always be taken into account when installing plastic double-glazed windows in a log house.

The strongest shrinkage processes of wood occur in the first two years after the construction of the log house is completed. Each meter of masonry shrinks by 1.5 cm. And this is a very large value to ignore when equipping a wooden house with plastic windows.

Why do they make a casing?

The durability of the plastic window and the level of comfort during use depend on how professionally the casing is carried out. It provides the window with a safe position during the period when the house is once again slightly deformed due to fluctuations under the influence of changes in humidity or temperature.

What is casing? This is a box made of thick boards. It is inserted into the window opening, secured using a certain technology, and only then they install the PVC double-glazed window. The box itself is held inside the opening using side grooves.

In the process, you cannot rely on the technical qualities of polyurethane foam or other fastening methods.

A gap must be left between the structure and the upper lintel of the window opening, the value of which should be greater than the expected shrinkage of the wooden wall.

How to make a pigtail:

inserting wooden beams into specially made grooves (self-tapping screws will then be screwed into the beams);
cutting out tenons on the edges of the logs in the window opening and forming grooves in the sides of the box (experts call this the “into the deck” technique);
tenons are made in the sides of the structure, and the ends of the window opening logs are equipped with grooves.

Nuances of preparing a window opening

Do not be intimidated by the work of installing plastic double-glazed windows in a wooden building. If you follow the correct algorithm, you can insert a modern window into a log house of any age with your own hands.

First of all, determine the distance to the window from the floor. The most convenient option is if the window sill is slightly higher than the horizontal plane of your desk. If there is none nearby, then use a distance of 80-90 cm.

Determine the lower and upper boundaries of the window opening using a water level. The top line should be 13 +1.5 cm above the top border of the glass unit, the difference on the sides should be 12-14 +1.5 cm. Leave an allowance of one and a half centimeters to seal the cracks with construction foam.

Having decided on the size of the opening, take measurements for the future window. Observe extreme accuracy both when installing the casing and when taking parameters for the design of the glass unit itself. Qualitative measurement is one of the most important nuances that affects the quality of all subsequent work on installing a double-glazed window into the window opening.

After bringing the opening to the desired condition, start tenoning the ends of the logs facing the window. The rough window is trimmed with jute on the sides and bottom. Make the casing only from well-dried wood, sawn into bars. Make connections with self-tapping screws, and cover the points of convergence along the joints with sealant. Fill the gaps in the window with tow.

For information about casing and trim when installing PVC windows in a wooden house, watch the video:

Installation nuances

The finished metal-plastic structure is placed after being ideally pulled out in the foreground or deepened into the wall. The main product is secured with self-tapping screws, screwing them into specially prepared grooves.

It is permissible to install a metal-plastic window of any configuration in an ordinary wooden house, but not made of timber, if you know how to properly frame it, take measurements and select the appropriate fittings.

When selecting tools and other materials, do not take self-tapping screws longer than 12 cm. Such “stings” will definitely go beyond the frame and dig into the main building, which is unacceptable given the mobility of a wooden house.

To waterproof the external seam, you can use acrylic sealant without additional components in the composition, sealing tape that self-expands after being placed in place, or regular vapor-permeable tape. Such protection will extend the service life of the polyurethane foam and prevent the formation of drafts.

A vapor barrier tape is placed along the inner seam, securing it with special glue. And only then the seam is treated with polyurethane foam.

Installing windows in a new log house has its own specifics. In order for the work to be of the highest quality, it is important to choose the right material, as well as the timing of window installation. If everything is done correctly, the windows will serve you for many years, and the house will always be light and cozy.

Peculiarities

The main nuance of working with a wooden base is that this material is capable of changing its geometry and dimensions over time. Many are confident that if the frames are installed after shrinkage, deformation will not occur. However, walls made of timber can still “sag” slightly. This property is not so clearly manifested in structures made of laminated veneer lumber, which is why this material is becoming more and more popular. However, even if the drawdown is only a couple of millimeters per year, there is still a risk of deformation and destruction of the plastic glass unit.

For those who want to avoid problems with windows, but do not want to give up natural wood, there is an excellent solution.

To compensate for shrinkage, it is necessary to mount the window not in the opening, but in a frame fixed in a floating way (without fastening to the wall). Due to this, it is possible to eliminate the influence of deformation on the frame, and therefore on the window.

Kinds

Modern windows are divided into different types depending on size, shape, material and design features.

Single leaf

This option is not expensive at all. It is great for kitchens, hallways and similar small spaces.

Bivalve

This model is the most common. It is suitable for both apartments and private houses. The doors of the structure can open in a vertical or horizontal plane, which makes them even more practical and convenient.

Tricuspid

This type is indispensable for houses made of timber or other materials with large rooms. Wide panoramic windows with three sashes will become a real decoration of the living room or spacious bedroom.

The room will be very light, and you will not have to make additional openings in the walls.

Deaf

Such windows have the simplest design and low price because they are not designed to be opened or closed. Blind frames are perfect for the ground floor or basement in a one-story house. They can be rectangular, round and even triangular.

Depending on the material used, there are two main types of windows.

Wooden (regular and euro)

Such options are distinguished by their environmental friendliness, strength, durability, variety of configurations, and ease of repair. They have an attractive appearance and fit perfectly into the facade of the finished house. However, such models are much more expensive than their PVC counterparts. It is also worth considering that after five years of operation of ordinary wooden windows, the structures will have to be constantly treated with special compounds to prevent the material from rotting and the appearance of cracks.

Frames for modern euro-windows are made of laminated veneer lumber, not solid wood. In this case, the wood fibers are located in different directions. Thanks to this, the structures become even stronger, more durable and more practical. Typically, wood species such as pine, larch, and oak are chosen for making windows.

Plastic

Such designs are distinguished by their affordable cost, tightness, high levels of sound and heat insulation, and a variety of designs. They are unpretentious in maintenance, resistant to mechanical damage and adverse environmental influences.

However, plastic cannot always fit into the overall appearance of a wooden structure. In addition, this material does not allow air to pass through at all, and PVC structures cannot be repaired, so any scratches will remain on the profile forever.

Also, poorly installed plastic structures are significantly inferior to wooden ones in terms of thermal insulation.

How to choose?

When choosing a double-glazed window, you should focus on certain parameters.

Number of cameras. There are single- and double-chamber double-glazed windows. The more chambers, the better the sound and heat insulation. If you live in a region with a cold climate, then opt for two cameras.

Type of glass. Depending on the type of glass, its performance characteristics also change. The most common are glasses coated with silver ions (they are called low-emissivity). In summer, they do not let heat into the room, and in winter they do not allow heat to escape outside.

Distance between glasses. The degree of noise and heat insulation depends on this factor. At a distance of 16 millimeters, the indicators increase, at 24 mm they remain unchanged, and at higher parameters they decrease.

Filling the chambers. Today, inert gas is increasingly used to fill chambers instead of dry air. Due to this, heat loss is minimal. Argon filling is also in demand due to its availability. Krypton and xenon fillings are expensive.

How to install?

When installing windows in a wooden house, shrinkage is an important point. If the structure is made of rounded or chopped logs, planed or profiled timber, then during the first 3-5 years the shrinkage will be 6-15% of the height of the structure. The shrinkage of houses made of laminated veneer lumber is approximately 2%. But even such a small indicator can have a negative impact on the windows if they are installed incorrectly.

Let's consider the algorithm for installing a window in a wooden house using plastic structures as an example.

Place the frame in the opening and temporarily fix it there to precisely adjust the size and connect it to the frame.
Level the edge using a laser or bubble level. Place wedges of different sizes under each post to achieve a perfectly level position and eliminate even the slightest distortion.
Insert the side braces. They guarantee that the same wall-to-frame distance is maintained. If the frame width is smaller than the opening, an expansion profile should be inserted. This option is better than using foam.
Align the frame vertically. After this, proceed to fastening the structure, starting with the side posts. To do this, make holes in the wood to insert dowels.
Attach the ebb into the corresponding groove under the frame, fill the gap with foam.
Attach the decorative trims to the doors and install the handle.
Install double-glazed windows on special linings that will prevent the window from bursting.
Hammer the top, bottom and side beads.
Seal the installation seam with foam.

Everything is ready, all that remains is to make the window sill.

Do not install windows and doors immediately after building a wooden house; wait until the structure shrinks.
Use sliding joints when installing windows to prevent structural deformation.
If you do not want to do the work yourself, you can turn to specialists. In this case, check the warranty period for window installation services. It must be at least 3 years old.
Make a preliminary detailed drawing of the window location.

You can install windows in a house made of timber on your own, without calling in specialists. It is important to follow the instructions carefully. Even minor errors can lead to serious consequences and the need for re-installation. Before starting work, you should clearly determine which windows will be installed and where.

Peculiarities

The main nuance regarding the installation of windows in a house made of timber is the gradual deformation of the walls. Over time, the material changes its geometry and dimensions - a phenomenon called shrinkage. For this reason, some owners prefer to make the final installation of windows and doors 12-24 months after the construction of the house. This is how many years it takes for shrinkage to occur.

There is no need to wait that long. Firstly, the phenomenon may be relevant even 5 years after construction. Secondly, windows in houses are placed in a special box, which protects them from possible deformation. To reduce the effect of shrinkage on the structure, it is worth leaving a small gap between it and the opening, the width of which does not exceed 5–7 cm. After installation, it will need to be filled with special means.

When installing PVC windows, you will need to use reflective foil tape. It will preserve the quality of the polyurethane foam, which could be negatively affected by wood fumes. An important nuance is the selection of the window sill. It must be selected taking into account the possible installation of heating radiators. If the window sill completely covers it, the heating of the room will worsen, and the material itself will suffer significantly. The window should be several centimeters smaller than the opening prepared for it.

Important! Particular attention should be paid to the surface of the window opening. If there is mold or moisture remains, then it is strictly not recommended to install the box with a window until the wood is completely cleaned and dried.

Types of windows

For the purpose of installation in a timber building, wooden windows are most often used, although if desired, you can choose plastic ones. Both designs will last for many years, and installation is almost the same. However, they have their differences.

Wooden windows are characterized by a high level of environmental friendliness. They blend beautifully with the overall appearance of the house and fit into any interior. They are quite attractive in price. The disadvantages include the need for regular additional treatment with special means after 5 years of operation. This will prevent deterioration in the appearance of the material and its rotting. For the manufacture of frames, pine, oak or larch (in the form of laminated veneer lumber) are usually used.

Plastic windows let in less cold in the winter and have good thermal insulation and tightness. They are presented in many models on the market, which makes choosing the ideal option quite easy. Plastic is easy to maintain, resistant to impacts and does not lose its properties when used in unfavorable climatic conditions. The main disadvantage is considered to be low compatibility with the appearance of a house made of timber. And a low-quality design can retain heat poorly, significantly transmit sound from the street and have a short service life.

Windows also differ in their design. The installation process for them is identical, but operation can differ radically. The issue of choice should be approached as seriously as possible.