Platbands on windows in a wooden house

All windows are always equipped with platbands. They are not only a beautiful addition to the window, but also perform a number of protective functions, both in the room and in the wash of the window frame.

Architraves on windows in a wooden house is a universal attribute that protects the house from dust and improves insulating properties. Therefore, they are necessary for installation in any wooden house.

Trim function

Many perceive the platband as part of the decor for the window frame. And indeed it is. It gives a finished look to the window opening and hides leaks between the frame and the wall of the house. This is the protective function of the platbands.

Casing functions:

• Minimization of thermal energy losses to the environment;
• Reduction of drafts;
• Dust proof and soundproof;
• Moisture protection

In ancient times, platbands served to decorate the home and were a kind of amulet. They were carved with patterns that symbolized protective creatures, and they were also decorated with bright colors.

Architraves for windows in a wooden house are very important, because over time the tree undergoes deformation, dries out, and the gaps between the wall and the window may increase. It is the installation of platbands that will help reduce the activity of the deformation process, as well as minimize the consequences of existing gaps.

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Varieties of platbands

For the design of window openings in wooden houses, several types of platbands are used. Basically, they are similar in design and differ in the materials used. All types of platbands are distinguished by the method of their installation and there are 2 main varieties:

1. platbands of laid on type;

2. telescopic architraves

The first type of architraves has been used for a long time and is the most common. It is very simple to install such a platband. It is enough to fix it on top of the frame. The platband fixed in this way protects the room from the penetration of sunlight, dust and moisture.

Telescopic platbands are modern. This type of platband is placed in the space between the window frame and the wall. No additional fasteners, such as screws or bolts, are required to fasten the platbands. In connection with this method of its placement, the platband is securely fixed along the width and height of the window.

It is better to use telescopic platbands in wooden houses. They are very convenient and reliably protect the room and prevent the processes of deformation of window frames. The main problem with its installation is that for its installation it is necessary to remove the frame, and in wooden houses this is quite difficult to do.Therefore, many experts recommend installing overhead platbands that are easy to mount.

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Materials used for the manufacture of platbands

Architraves on windows in a wooden house can be made of various materials. In most cases, wood is used. It is wooden platbands that are in perfect harmony with the walls made of that material.

But it is possible to use the following materials:

• tree;

• plastic;

• MDF.

Platbands made of wood

Platbands made of natural wood are very practical and can be used in any interior. Such platbands can perfectly complement the style of the house with an interesting detail and emphasize its individuality. On platbands made of wood, you can apply a beautiful ornament or pattern.

Designer's tip: To make the architraves and walls of the house look harmonious, it is better to use one type of wood. With the same texture, you can give the platbands a different color with special paints or compositions.

Wooden architraves fell in love with designers because of the ability to diversify their shape or apply decorative reliefs. Platbands from other materials are difficult to process.

Despite all the advantages of wooden platbands, there are still several disadvantages in their use. Wood is quite susceptible to temperature extremes and high humidity. At low temperatures, it can deform and change its structure.

Plastic architraves

You can find windows in wooden houses that have platbands made of plastic. This material is practical and convenient, both in operation and in manufacture. Platbands made of plastic can have any shape and color, their color can even imitate natural wood.

The obvious advantage of plastic architraves is its resistance to deformation caused by moisture, high or low temperatures. Also, its lifespan is much longer than that of a tree.

As for its installation, it also does not cause any particular difficulties. Here you can do without additional fasteners. The platbands are attached to the built-in elements and there are no traces of nails or screws visible on the front side of the platbands.

It is worth noting one significant drawback of plastic. These are its artificial components included in the composition. It is rare that the owner of a wooden house agrees to install plastic trim on the windows, thereby reducing its environmental friendliness.

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Platbands from MDF

MDF platbands are an intermediate option between platbands made of solid wood and plastic. MDF boards are made from remnants and waste wood. This guarantees the naturalness of the materials, and the special composition with which the plate is impregnated guarantees a long service life and resistance to moisture.

Often platbands on windows in a wooden house are additionally laminated, which additionally protects them from the effects of negative environmental factors. The disadvantage is the low strength of the material compared to wooden and plastic trim.

Each homeowner independently chooses what material to choose for the manufacture of platbands, because they all have both advantages and disadvantages.

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Preparing for the installation of platbands

The installation of platbands on windows in a wooden house is preceded by a preparation stage. Firstly, all necessary measurements are taken from the already installed window. It is important to choose the right width of the platband.It should completely cover the contour of the window frame. Secondly, before installation, all necessary work is carried out with wood or other material that is used for platbands.

If wood is used as the material, then the platbands cut to size are processed before installation or decor is applied to them. As a treatment, compounds are used that reduce deformation and protect against penetration of insects into the wood. Platbands made of MDF and plastic do not require pre-treatment before installation.

Expert advice: it is important for architraves to use completely dried wood. If the wood is still damp, it may warp during the drying process.

After the platbands are cut out and prepared on them, it is necessary to determine the places of fasteners and mark the places where they will join each other. If there are any holes, they must be prepared in advance. Platbands of any material must be well sanded before installation.

After the platbands are prepared, it is necessary to prepare a place for their installation. The joint between the window and the wall must first be isolated, since after stopping the platbands this will no longer be possible.

Before proceeding with the installation of platbands, it is necessary to determine the method of their fastening.

For overhead platbands, there are several types of fasteners:

• with nails;
• deaf thorn;
• through spike.

Fastening with nails is the simplest, but at the same time, traces remain on the platbands that are difficult to hide. Also, this method of installation can spoil the material or create an additional load on it during installation.

Mounting on deaf spikes implies the presence of small protruding parts on the window frame itself and holes for them on the platbands.

A through spike is the same type of fastening, only the hole on the casing is made for its entire thickness.

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The installation process of platbands

After all the preparatory work is completed, it's time to start installing the platbands. All parts of the platbands are interconnected and fastened with nails, spikes or glue. Often glue is used as an additional material to connect the parts of the casing.

If the platbands are mounted on hidden or through spikes, then the installation work is carried out as follows:

1. on the window frame and the casing, the places where the spikes and holes for them will be located are marked;

2. spikes are installed on the window frame. Spikes can be made by yourself or purchased from a store;

3. holes are drilled on the casing, in the places marked earlier;

4. the last stage - the platbands are fixed with spikes.

At the first stage, it is important to evenly distribute the hole for the fasteners, as well as the spikes themselves. This is necessary so that the load is evenly distributed around the entire perimeter of the platbands. After that, holes for the spikes are drilled, and they themselves are installed on the window frame.

The actual process of mounting the casing is to align the holes for the spikes with the spikes themselves. It is important that all the spikes line up with the drilled holes. In order to securely fix the spikes in the holes, you can use special glue. It will give the reliability of the structure and fix the platbands well.

Often, ordinary screws are used to fasten platbands. This, of course, will simplify the process of their installation, but at the same time spoil the appearance of the product.When installing in this way, all holes should be treated with a special compound that will prevent deformation when moisture enters.

There are no special problems with the installation of platbands made of any material. For this, basic skills in working with tools are enough.

After installing the platbands in a wooden house, it remains only to periodically take care of them and monitor their condition. In order for them to serve for a long time, experts advise taking the stage of preparing the platbands before installation with great responsibility and using high-quality products as impregnations.

Thanks to high-quality preparation and installation, window frames in a wooden house will last for more than one year and protect the house from moisture, dust, heat loss, cold and drafts, and will also decorate the house and give it a unique look.

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Photo gallery - platbands on windows in a wooden house

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