September 26, 2016
Specialization: master in construction drywall constructions, finishing work and installation floor coverings. Installation of door and window blocks, facade finishing, installation of electrics, plumbing and heating - I can give detailed advice on all types of work.

Today I will talk about special fasteners for window and door structures, which builders call a window or frame anchor. This type of product differs from other options in a number of ways, and in order to select best option, you need to understand some of the nuances.

I will tell you what types of products are, how they are arranged and what you should pay attention to when choosing. We will also figure out how to properly install.

Types of products and their features

For some reason, all the reviews on the network are written about only one version of the mounts. Meanwhile, two types of structures are used, which differ markedly in the principle of operation and design. Let's deal with this aspect first.

Type 1 - classic window anchors

To begin with, let's deal with their design, all the components of the product are painted under the photo and drawing:

• The cut steel sleeve is made of galvanized steel, it has protrusions in the upper part that prevent the element from turning when it is fastened, and a groove is made in the lower part, into which a special nut enters. When tightened, the sleeve expands and thereby achieves a strong fixation of the anchor in the surface;
• The threaded screw is inserted into the sleeve, thanks to which the fastening is made. The head is made under the PZ3 slot, which allows you to work with a powerful power tool. The length may vary depending on the size of the fastener you use;
• A nut of a special conical shape is screwed onto the screw, it has special protrusions that are inserted into the slot of the sleeve. When tightening, the nut is pulled up to the head and wedged the sleeve until it securely fixes the anchor.

Type 2 - Hollow Window Anchors

If you need to fix windows in structures that have voids, then the classic version may not be suitable, you need an improved solution that will provide a strong fixation in both hollow and solid bases. Let's look at the design features:

• The sleeve differs in that the cuts in the lower part are not located at the very end, but indented from it. It turns out a system like in butterfly dowels, when, when fastened, the protrusions move apart, which can perfectly fix the fasteners in hollow material. The photo clearly shows and understands the principle of operation of this version of the anchors;
• The stud is used the same as in the variant above, with the only difference that it may have a longer threaded part. This is necessary in order to be able to tighten the anchor until the fasteners are fixed in the void as firmly as possible;
• The nut in this case is not cone-shaped, but flat, since it should not wedge the sleeve, but tighten it.

Once you have decided which type of product is best for your situation, you can proceed directly to the choice of a specific option. It is from this aspect that we will begin our consideration.

Window Anchor Selection Criteria

To begin with, we need to deal with the standard sizes of products, there are two main options:

• Anchors with a diameter of 8 mm are suitable for light weight structures and are available in the following lengths: 72, 92, 112, 132, 152 and 172 mm. The length is selected depending on the thickness of the frame and the distance to the base. Remember one simple rule - the minimum fixing depth in the slope should not be less than 30 mm, this is the only way to guarantee reliable installation;
• Products with a diameter of 10 mm are more in demand due to their strength and reliability. In this case, the size range is much wider, the length can be from 52 to 202 mm, so as not to paint all the characteristics and options, below is a table that shows all the data that you may need when making calculations.

When you have decided on the size, you can purchase the desired option, but there are a lot of products on the market, and not all of them meet the requirements of reliability and durability. Therefore, it is worth choosing the anchor very carefully, the quality of window installation largely depends on this. The table below shows the main criteria, taking into account which you will definitely choose a quality option.

Technical Parameter	What to Look for When Choosing Window Anchors
Production material	Solid fasteners are always made of steel, this ensures maximum reliability. But I have seen options in which the screw and nut are made of powdered metal, which is not very reliable. You can distinguish low-quality goods by weight: powder elements are very light, while steel is much heavier
Coating quality	Many believe that once the anchor is for plastic windows are not visible after installation, then very high requirements do not need to be made to their coating. In fact, this is not the case, the outer surface must be reliably protected by a layer of zinc, which eliminates the occurrence due to high humidity and prolongs the life of fasteners. Yes, and a serious manufacturer will never put on sale products with a nondescript coating.
Bushing Reliability	As you could understand from the materials presented above, it is the sleeve that is responsible for the strength of the anchor fixation, because it bursts when twisted. To ensure reliable installation, the thickness of the sleeve must be at least 0.8 mm, if you see that this element is too thin, then it is better to look for another option

Personally, I always determine the reliability of a product by its quality of workmanship: a solid coating, a clear slot for a screwdriver and a tightly spaced expansion nut are a sign of a good anchor. In addition, you can grab the middle of the sleeve and squeeze it hard with your fingers, if it gives way, then its thickness is too small.

The price of products varies depending on the size, so anchors with a diameter of 8 mm will cost you from 6 to 12 rubles, and elements with a diameter of 10 mm cost from 5 to 14 rubles. These are averages and may vary by region.

How is the installation

I will briefly tell you about how to fix a window with anchors, the process is not difficult if you understand it. Do-it-yourself instructions look like this:

• First you need to prepare an opening. If there were old structures in it, then naturally they should be removed, after which the surfaces should be cleaned and, if necessary, significant irregularities that may form during dismantling should be repaired;
• It is necessary to remove the sashes from the window frame, if it is deaf, then the double-glazed windows should be removed. This, firstly, will simplify our work due to a reduction in the mass of the product, and secondly, without removing the elements, we will not be able to fasten the window, therefore, in any case, we must release the side racks from the inside of the window. The frame is leveled; if necessary, wedges or bars are placed under it;

• Next, you need to mark the attachment points, they are usually located on the side at a distance of 30 cm from the top and bottom corners, that is, four fasteners are enough for the middle window. For large structures, the number of anchors must be increased. The frame is drilled with a drill for metal with a diameter of 8 or 10 mm, depending on the selected anchors;

• The base must also be drilled through the holes in the frame, it is not necessary to remove the window, since it is already exposed, and it makes no sense to do the work twice. Carefully insert the concrete drill all the way into the slope, then drill to the depth you need, which should be at least 30 mi, although it is better if the anchor enters 40 mm or more. For loose bases, the depth can be up to 100 mm;

• Before installation, pull the anchor all the way, that is, tighten the screw into the nut until it rests against the sleeve (it should not burst it). Next, you need to insert the fasteners into the hole, most often it goes very tightly, and it is unlikely that it will be possible to manually push it. Therefore, you should take a hammer and carefully hammer the fasteners all the way or until the hat rests against the frame, do not overdo it and do not move the structure;

• Lastly, PVC window anchors are tightened using a PZ3 screwdriver or a screwdriver with a suitable nozzle. Again, you don’t need to be very zealous, work evenly around the entire perimeter, otherwise the structure may warp, and you will have to release the fasteners in one place and tighten them in another to align.

To hide the attachment points when buying anchors for windows, purchase special plugs to match the color of the frames.

Conclusion

Anchors are ideal for any solid base, they are especially good on narrow slopes where other fasteners simply will not work. The video in this article will show the installation process using frame anchors clearly, and if you still have questions on the topic, then write them in the comments at the bottom of the page.

September 26, 2016

If you want to express gratitude, add a clarification or objection, ask the author something - add a comment or say thanks!

There are several ways to install plastic windows. Anchor plates for PVC windows are used quite often, you can fix them in different ways. Each method has certain advantages, but is not without its drawbacks. We will illustrate them, leaving the reader to choose the most suitable option for him, since it is impossible to offer a universal solution.

Difficulties associated with installation

Anchoring a frame with anchors, although it may seem like a simple task, can actually cause many negative consequences, especially if the installation is carried out by a non-professional. Before deciding whether you need such a mount, you should carefully study possible consequences errors at work.

• In this case, the frame is fastened with anchor bolts. In order to make such a mount, you will need to drill a frame. The disadvantage of this action can immediately be called the depressurization of the double-glazed chambers.
• Another problem may be the freezing of the structure, since when drilling, the reinforcement of the system is disturbed. If the double-glazed window freezes, you will encounter excessive moisture in the room, and mold may appear on the slopes over time.
• Installation should be carried out by an experienced craftsman, as with careless work plastic construction may stretch. If the frame geometry is broken, it will be difficult or impossible to return it to its normal position.

However, despite all the disadvantages, this method of fastening has an important advantage: the window will be securely fixed, and it will be possible to dismantle it only after thoroughly disassembling it from the inside. Installation takes a little time, does not require alignment, as happens with foam, after installation is completed, the structure is immediately ready for use. The connection is considered the most reliable and durable. The bolts and plates themselves are inexpensive and are sold in all hardware stores.

Types of window fastening

How to mount on plates?

Anchor plates for help make the installation process quick and easy. One of the important advantages is that there is no need to pull out the double-glazed window from the frame. The profile system will not undergo drilling, which means that it will be possible to avoid the problems that arise when drilling through the frame. Double-glazed windows do not depressurize, the structure will not lose its rigidity, it will not begin to freeze. There is no risk of frame warping. However, it is also impossible to call the method perfect: one of the important drawbacks is its unattractive appearance, as part of the mount will be visible after installation.

Advice: the anchor plate can be hidden under the slopes if they are correctly installed and masked with overhead elements.

The second significant disadvantage is the increased load on the structure with frequent opening of the valves. The window can quickly fail, which is why experts recommend fixing only deaf structures in this way.

Other methods of fixing a plastic window

There is a method that combines several ways of fastening the frame, in this case, you can avoid some of the disadvantages of both of the above methods. With the combined method top part frame is attached to anchor plates for windows, and the bottom is fixed with anchors. This allows you to avoid hitting the frame when opening, as well as adjust it in height.

Fastening plates with a window on self-tapping screws

How are windows installed on the anchor plate?

Mounting plates for PVC windows are produced differently, so before installation you need to choose the right one. There are only two types of designs: universal, suitable for any window frames, and special, which are made for non-standard windows. Such elements have special ears, with which they can be fixed with self-tapping screws by placing them in the groove of the window profile. The universal plate has no ears and is bolted.

Advice: for installation, you need to choose bolts 4.5x25 mm. Pay attention to the sting, it must have a drill for metal, otherwise it will be difficult to drill the structure.

Anchor mount

The sequence of work when installing a window on anchor plates

If you are using standard windows, you will need about 5 anchor plates. One of them will be located in the center of the frame, the rest are placed, stepping back from the corner by about 20 cm. During installation, you will not need to remove the double-glazed windows or pull out the glazing beads: the plates will be attached to the outside of the window opening, the fasteners in this case are made through.

Places for installing anchor plates on the window

Advice: if the structure is large, for example, exceeds 4 sq. m, then it should not be fixed to the plates, since the window will have a large mass. You can use a dowel connection, which can be combined with anchor plates.

The position of the plates on the wall is marked in advance so that the fastening is of better quality, a bed for the plate is knocked out with a chisel in the wall. The fastener should fit tightly into the recess, without protruding beyond it. After mounting the structure, it is recommended to fill the gaps with mounting foam: this will help to avoid drafts, as well as to fix the window more securely.

Conclusion: mounting plates for PVC windows – fast and convenient way fasteners, although not without flaws. With the right approach, it will become an affordable and quick solution for reliable installation of window construction.

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How to fix a window: an overview of fasteners and a photo report on the installation

Hello. In this article, I will talk about how to fix plastic windows in a residential building with your own hands using an available tool. I hope that this topic will be of interest to you, as installation skills can save money.

Despite the fact that for many manufacturers the price of windows includes the cost of installation, there are many companies where they will sell you a double-glazed window cheaper due to self-assembly. Saving money is obvious!

Basic information about window installation

Installation of glazing in the opening differs depending on the type of profile used and depending on the type of walls. For example, installation in a stone, concrete or brick wall is carried out directly without any structures that compensate for the mechanical loads on the window.

At the same time, installation wooden house is carried out with a mandatory casing box device, which compensates for loads due to shrinkage processes.

There are two main requirements for the installation of plastic double-glazed windows:

• Strength and reliability of the installed glazing;
• Correct location in terms of level relative to the vertical and horizontal plane;
• Properly executed sealing of gaps along the perimeter of the opening to ensure optimal energy efficiency of the glazing.

Fasteners for installation of double-glazed windows in PVC profile

Commonly used fasteners for plastic windows: a - frame dowel with a metal seal; b - frame dowel with plastic seal; c - universal plastic dowel; g - screw (self-tapping screw); e - anchor plate

Before proceeding to the description of the installation, I propose to find out what fasteners for PVC windows can be purchased at hardware stores. There are many fasteners and such a variety is not accidental, since each variety is intended for one or another type of wall.

Window fasteners, according to the type of walls, are divided into the following categories:

• for concrete walls;
• for the installation of brick walls;
• for installation in aerated concrete walls;
• for fastening to wood.

By the way, with the use of the listed fasteners, a protective grille can be installed.

Fasteners for installation in concrete openings

Plastic double-glazed windows are installed in concrete openings by means of anchors or, as they are also called, frame dowels.

For reliable fixation of a heavy window in a concrete opening, it is customary to use anchors with a diameter of 8 or 10 mm and a length of 72 to 202 mm. The length and diameter of the hardware are selected taking into account the density of the wall - the more porous the concrete, the longer and thicker the anchor.

No matter how long and thick the anchors are, the strength of the finished result will depend on how carefully the hole is drilled. If the walls of the hole are broken as a result of unprofessional drilling, even the most reliable fasteners will not provide the necessary mounting strength.

Installation with anchors is carried out in two ways:

1. A hole is drilled in the profile and the anchor enters the concrete directly through the profile;
2. An anchor plate is attached to the profile and through the plate the window structure is fastened to the opening.

The first method is relevant if the technological gap between the profile and the gap is small. If the distance between the profile and the opening is more than 1 cm, an anchor plate can be used, since the fasteners can be covered when finishing if plastic slopes are used.

Anchor plates are metal strips of a simple or complex configuration. Plain plates are ordinary perforated strips. Along with such devices, there are “crabs” - plates that cut into the profile, which simplifies the finishing of slopes.

Fasteners for installation in brick walls

The fastening of plastic windows in a brick opening is carried out in approximately the same way as in. But there is one problem: if for installation in concrete, holes for the anchor in the profile can be drilled in advance, then in the case of brick walls holes are drilled in place, as you need to get into the center of the brick, and not into the seam of the masonry.

For installation in brick, the same frame dowel is used as for concrete walls, but with a length of at least 10 cm. A length of 10 cm is the minimum entry into the brick at which you can be sure that the fastening will not loosen or weaken when operation.

If you are sure that the brick is not hollow, and today this is rarely used, you can use dowels 6-8 cm long.

Fasteners for installation in wooden openings

The best option for installing windows in a wooden opening without a casing is self-tapping screws in combination with anchor plates. This type of fastening is equally good for log, lumber and frame buildings.

If a casing box is installed in the opening, installation can be done with screws directly through the profile. To install glazing in a wooden opening, I recommend using self-tapping screws with a length of at least 10 cm and a diameter of 8 mm. We screw in the screws in increments of 30 cm.

Fasteners for installation in aerated concrete openings

Aerated concrete blocks are characterized by low density, and therefore we choose special dowels for installation and perform installation with a small pitch between the screws.

Installation of glazing in aerated concrete walls requires detailed consideration, as an increasing number of houses are being built using such blocks. That is why, in order to get acquainted with the installation technology, I offer a small photo report on the work done installation work Oh.

Installation of a plastic window in the walls of aerated concrete blocks

To perform installation work you will need:

• Perforated anchor plates (160×40 mm and 2 mm thick);
• Plastic dowels (50×10 mm) for mounting in aerated concrete;
• Universal metal self-tapping screws (60×6 mm);
• Electric drill and drills in accordance with the diameter of the dowel;
• Screwdriver with a set of bits;
• water level;
• Roulette and pencil.

Installation instructions are as follows:

• If the perforation in the anchor plates does not match the diameter of the dowels, we drill holes, if the diameter initially matches, skip this step and proceed to the next one;

• Along the perimeter of the profile, we fasten the anchor plates to the self-tapping screws so that the holes drilled for the dowels are located outside;

In order for the frame to be securely fixed in the opening, we mount the anchor plates on 2 self-tapping screws, which will prevent them from turning. In addition, the installation step should not exceed 30-40 cm.

• We install the frame in the opening on plastic inserts and position it according to the level in the horizontal and vertical plane;

• After the structure is aligned in the opening, we drill holes in aerated concrete blocks in accordance with the perforation in the anchor plates;

For drilling aerated concrete blocks, it is not necessary to use a drill with a winning surfacing. Since aerated concrete is soft, it is quite possible to use the same drill that was previously used to drill out anchor plates. By the way, when drilling, we try not to pull the drill from side to side, since breaking a hole in aerated concrete is easier than ever, and as a result, the dowel will not stick to the wall.

• We screw dowels into the drilled holes;

• We screw self-tapping screws into the screwed dowels;

At the end of the installation work, we do not remove the liners from under the window, as they will provide additional stability to the structure.

• From the spray gun, we abundantly moisten the technological gap between the opening and the profile;
• We fill the technological gap around the entire perimeter with mounting foam, so that the excess applied foam comes out from the outside and the gap is completely filled;
• After the foam has dried, the excess is cut off with a mounting knife on both sides of the profile.

By the way, how to attach a thermometer on the window and at the same time not make holes in the profile in vain?

It turns out that there is nothing complicated, just buy a special thermometer with Velcro on the glass. Thermometers with lugs and mounting holes should not be mounted on plastic, but on wooden frames. But, if there is a thermometer with holes for screws, fix this device on the profile with short self-tapping screws - this will not harm the profile.

In conclusion, I note that if you do not know how to fix the handle on the profile, you can also use small self-tapping screws that will go through the PVC and will be held in the metal.

Conclusion

Now you know how to install a PVC window block in an opening of walls of different composition. I hope that the suggested instructions were useful to you. If you have any questions, as usual, ask them in the comments to the text. Also, don't forget to watch the video in this article.

September 24, 2016

If you want to express gratitude, add a clarification or objection, ask the author something - add a comment or say thanks!

Helpful information

When specialists are engaged in the installation of a plastic window, it seems that there are no difficulties, everything happens quickly and accurately. Fitters work like a finely tuned clock mechanism, where every detail falls exactly in the right place. However, not everything is so simple and you need to know exactly what and how to fix so that the window does not cause problems. It is important to choose fasteners for correct installation, and also, directly installation of a specific design.

Basic mounting elements

The variety of fasteners can be a stumbling block for the uninformed, and installers know exactly what parts may be needed during installation. The TBM-Market store offers a wide selection of fasteners for windows, because installation fasteners, if properly installed, will significantly increase the life of the structure.

Types of fasteners:

• dowels or screws for concrete;
• frame anchors different type(anchor bolts);
• dowels and anchor plates;
• self-tapping screws of different diameters, including nipples for them;
• various screws and more.

Installers install the window, select the right mount that suits the type of walls in your apartment. A good quality fastener, not intended for a specific structural material, will give a poor result, and the period of reliable operation will be shorter.

1. Through installation of plastic windows:

• Fixings for concrete walls (pins)

Most installers prefer to use dowels or screws for concrete (turboscrews), since the dowel is installed quickly, holds the weight of the double-glazed window securely, and is firmly fixed in the material. When working, a hole is pre-drilled into which a screw with a threaded notch is screwed in without a dowel, which ensures the strength of the fastener.

The dowels have standard sizes for window openings - 7.5 by 152 (132), if necessary, replacing glass with light-protective, fire-resistant, etc., the structure is easy to dismantle.

Minus fastening: dowels cannot be used when installing plastic windows in heterogeneous walls that have a layer of insulation.

• Fastenings on frame anchors

As standard, the anchor has three components: a screw, a sleeve and a conical nut; it requires drilling a hole for installation in a profile and in a wall. The sleeve is at the same time an assisting element for screwing in the screw, an additional fixing link that ensures the fixation of the screw in the hole. The hidden head of the anchor (dowel) can be recessed into the hole or closed with a special overlay.

Standard anchors for concrete (solid bricks) have a length of at least 60 mm, for porous blocks or slotted bricks - at least 80 mm.

Dismantling a plastic window on anchors is more problematic than on screws, so you need to be especially careful during installation. The disadvantage of anchor dowels is that they cannot be used for multilayer walls, especially when there is an insulating layer.

Non-through mounting

This type of fastening assumes that the integrity frame structure will not be disturbed (no holes drilled). For panel-type houses with walls of a multilayer structure, for glazing loggias, anchor plates are used, which are fastened in window opening, and polyurethane foam. The plate is attached with the end part to the frame using self-tapping screws, and it is attached to the wall with dowels (length not more than 40 mm).