Soft windows for gazebos - a great alternative to traditional glazing
Content
Benefits of soft windows
Soft windows for gazebos have the following advantages:
- low cost;
- high light transmittance;
- suitable for glazing structures of irregular shape;
- high performance properties;
- easy to install and dismantle, although in most variations of soft windows a ventilation mode is provided.
Such windows are mainly made of PVC. This material is resistant to adverse environmental influences, easy to clean with ordinary household chemicals. Such glazing is perfect for a veranda as well.
Video "Soft PVC windows for gazebos"
From this video you will learn how to install soft PVC windows for gazebos.
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The following types of soft windows can be distinguished:
- Transparent. They are PVC films up to 1 mm thick. The most popular option, in terms of light transmission, is inferior to traditional glass by a few percent.
- Opaque. They are a variation of PVC film, but with the addition of a dye and a special additive, which gives the material the property of blocking ultraviolet rays. Such windows are suitable for summer open gazebos located in sunny places.
- Silicone. Such a film has a large thickness and wind resistance, has a high thermal insulation coefficient. It is recommended to use it in gazebos with their active use in the cold season. They have a significant drawback - they "burn out" after prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Accordingly, they should not be exploited in the summer - they quickly acquire a muddy yellowish tint.
Rolled and stretch soft windows are also conventionally distinguished. In fact, this is the same material, they differ only in the method of installation. It is recommended to mount the tensioners with subsequent processing with a heat gun, with the help of which the material is smoothed out on its own.
Mounting methods
Soft windows are supplied in the form of a film with a soft frame, which is made either from dense rubberized fabric or from foam rubber. According to the majority, the first option is more durable.
To fix the film with your own hands, use:
- metal locks;
- staples with silicone straps.
In principle, you can use any of the proposed options - the mount will turn out to be reliable and durable. Fasteners are initially installed along the perimeter of wooden frames, where it is planned to fix those same film windows. It is recommended to install locks and brackets every 20-30 cm. If you make the gaps larger, then there is a possibility that part of the rubberized frame will stretch over time due to the wind. In most soft windows, holes for locks are prepared in advance in the frame, but you should carefully study the instructions that come with them.
Then everything is simple: the rolled material is stretched over the prepared frames and fastened to the locks.This work is recommended to be done together: while one tightens the material itself, the other clamps the locks. Thus, in just 2-3 hours you can "glaze" about 20-30 square meters. m.
The last stage is processing with a heat gun, if material was mounted that implies such a procedure (again, it should be specified in the instructions).
Care and maintenance tips
Soft PVC windows are not demanding in terms of maintenance. It is enough to periodically wash them with a damp sponge and soap or dishwashing detergent. You can also use liquid mixtures for cleaning ordinary windows - alcohol is mainly added to them, which in no way will harm such material. It is not necessary to dismantle them for the winter - PVC is resistant to low ambient temperatures and high humidity. Moreover, the most popular plastic window frames are made from this material. The only thing he is afraid of is high temperatures and open fire.
With silicone, you need to be a little more careful. With some variations of household chemicals, the material enters into a chemical reaction. It is recommended to wipe them with a soft sponge and laundry soap without dyes or fragrances.
Summing up, we can say that soft windows are a cheap and durable alternative to traditional glazing, they will provide a comfortable environment for outdoor recreation.
The materials used in their production are safe for the environment, do not react with wood structures.