Window openings are decorated with various materials, among which the most popular are plastic sandwich panels and siding. This finish is a ribbed or smooth surface that looks interesting and representative. Moreover, this option is suitable for framing windows both outside the building and inside the premises. Siding, thanks to the variety of options (vinyl, metal, wood), allows you to decorate windows in houses that are radically different from each other in their external design. It is important to choose the right type of building material, paying attention not only to the design of the building, but also to the windows themselves (they can be made of metal, plastic or wood).
We mount siding around the window
Comparative characteristics of different types of siding
So metallic or vinyl? In addition to the varieties mentioned, there is wood siding. It is used less often than these types, but it is worth noting the advantages of this material. Wood finishes decorate buildings in a particular style. Moreover, wood can be decorated with a variety of patterns. Openwork platbands look good on log houses. Such a finish cannot be called economical. But wood panels are easy to install, besides, wood is an environmentally friendly material.
If we talk about the advantages of metal, then it is strength and durability. Metal trims last up to 50 years. The flexibility of the material expands the scope of its application. Often windows in a house faced with vinyl clapboard are decorated with metal trims. And the variety of colors (metal plates are painted with polymer dye in more than 10 different colors) allows you to decorate any building with such a finish. There is a wood-like decor. Heat resistance is another plus compared to vinyl and wood. Metal not only does not burn, like wood, but also does not melt, does not smoke, like plastic, under the influence of high temperatures. But the large weight of the metal does not allow it to be used in the repair of old dilapidated buildings, which may not withstand such a massive finish.
Choosing metal window siding - the most durable Plastic is the most economical option. PVC siding is not only cheaper than the previous types, but much lighter than metal. In addition, the material is absolutely not susceptible to corrosion, does not rot, it tolerates temperature extremes well, is moisture resistant, it is easy and pleasant to take care of it. Perfectly smooth surface is easy to free from dirt and dust.
Of all the materials for siding, metal is the most durable, and PVC is the most budgetary option.
Modern technologies offer many other types of siding, for example, fiber cement. But this article will focus on finishing that you can do yourself. The main focus will be on the installation of PVC siding.
Most often, PVC siding is used for window openings. It has many of the advantages listed above. In addition, it is possible to finish the window with siding with your own hands, since the installation of such material does not present any particular difficulties, and the preliminary preparation of surfaces does not require such thoroughness as in the case of plastering slopes. It is important to choose the right elements and be able to use tools: a screwdriver, a carpentry triangle, a level, a metal ruler, an electric jigsaw (or a hacksaw for metal and wood with small teeth), a cutter knife, pliers, metal scissors. It is quite possible to get by with the listed tools.
As for siding elements, there are several of them. Panels - straight plastic strips with fastening bends at the edges (main components). Corner made of thin plastic to hide the edges of the panels, the width of its shelf is at least one centimeter. J-shaped strip for attaching the slope to the frame and to hide the edge. H-profile (it is used to connect adjacent siding panels). Corner profiles (for finishing inside and outside corners). Outside corner to neatly camouflage the edges of the siding on the outside corners. Metal or plastic sheen (metal is more durable and practical). Window strip (it adjoins the frame). Finishing plank (adds completeness to the design, adds aesthetic appeal).
If you need to save money, we install vinyl siding Fittings usually significantly affect the cost of the entire structure, therefore, some of the listed elements are often abandoned. According to a drawing drawn up in advance, it is easy to determine which parts can be completely dispensed with, and which ones can be replaced with simpler ones, respectively, cheaper ones.
Installation of finishing profiles: what should be considered?
With the difference in the facades of buildings, the shape and type of window openings, during the installation of siding, there are several important points common to all cases:
For the best appearance of the siding trim, you should use quality fittings (from the same manufacturer as the base material). Self-tapping screws must be galvanized (to avoid the development of corrosive processes).
The sides of the panels need to be cut at a 45 degree angle. This will help to avoid gaps at the corners between the individual elements.
It is very important to correctly measure the window opening. Errors can lead to the presence of gaps, which will adversely affect the appearance and practicality of the structure. For free placement of profiles, the values obtained as a result of measurements should be reduced by 0.5 centimeters.
Even a slight inclination when installing self-tapping screws reduces the reliability of fixing the profiles, so they must be screwed strictly at an angle of 90 degrees. Screws must be screwed in exactly in the middle of the mounting holes in the fastening hardware, otherwise the fastener or panel may crack.
The corners when joining the fittings must be cut strictly by 45 degrees. To connect the elements without gaps and cracks, at one docking strip, the part of the fittings adjacent to the slope is cut by 45 degrees, and at the other, they are tucked.
In order for the panels not to deform from the expansion of the material during temperature fluctuations, it is necessary to avoid tightly pressing the fittings to the main elements and screwing in the screws all the way. Leave a gap of one millimeter.
The cladding panels around the windows should be well pressed. Sealant is often applied along the joint lines to seal the joints.
If an ebb installation is planned, it is attached first. In this case, you can close the attachment points with side panels. The final strip is installed under the window for a more durable and reliable fixing of the panel.
Install drainage before siding Framing windows without slopes with siding
The advantages of such a finish also include the possibility of replacing or repairing windows or frames if necessary. Siding minimally adheres to window structures, does not complicate their dismantling.
Hand-made finishing gives the home owner maximum pleasure and increases self-esteem. In addition, knowing all the subtleties of the process, it is easy to make minor repairs to the structure at any time.
