Plastic windows have come into our life relatively recently, but they have already gained popularity among homeowners. They have a number of indisputable advantages over natural wood structures (low price, protection against noise and dust, attractive appearance). That is why they are successfully used not only in offices, but also in residential premises.
Many owners of such structures are interested in the question: "How to choose the right blinds for plastic windows?" And this is understandable. Blinds - a popular and effective way to protect your home from too bright sunlight. But many of our readers know that manufacturers do not recommend violating the integrity of the profile. A reasonable question arises about how to install blinds on plastic windows. We will try to answer it in our article.
Do you need blinds in the apartment?
Translated from French, the word jalousie means "jealousy." Perhaps once the blinds were intended only to hide from prying eyes what is happening in the house. Currently, their functions are much wider.
Blinds on plastic windows are regulated in accordance with the time of day and the current need. They are almost universal. In recent years, blinds are becoming more popular in residential areas, thanks to the emergence of new models that can be used in any interior styles.
Classification
Today, manufacturers offer customers a variety of window blinds. They differ both in design (horizontal and cassette, vertical and roller, rolled), and in the material used in their manufacture (aluminum and fabric, plastic and wooden, bamboo). Moreover, there are multi-structure designs. For example, fabric and plastic can be combined.
Horizontal models
This category combines the most popular types of blinds for plastic windows. The planks that make up the structure (lamellas) are arranged horizontally. Their width is different. For example, strips in aluminum window blinds have a width of 16 or 25 mm, models of wood or fabric are usually made with a lamella width of about 50 mm. One of the oldest, but not lost its relevance today - bamboo designs.
Regardless of the material used in the manufacture, horizontal blinds visually expand the space. Their price may be slightly lower than more modern designs, but we will talk about this a little later. The material and color of these products is important in the design of the interior. For example, aluminum structures are perfect for hi-tech or minimalist rooms, wooden ones will harmoniously fit into the classic interior.
Vertical constructions
This type of blinds for plastic windows visually increase the height of the room. This variety is made of fabric with special dust-repellent impregnation, aluminum, wood, plastic.
Interestingly, a horizontal straight cut at the bottom is not the only solution, the options are varied. For example, there may be a semicircle at the bottom, with the highest point in the middle of the window. In some models, a pattern is applied to the lamellas. In this case, when closed, they resemble curtains. Blinds on plastic windows of this kind will help create an avant-garde composition for any room.
Roll constructions
Many modern types of blinds for plastic windows are successfully used not only in auxiliary rooms (in the bathroom, kitchen), but also in living rooms. When opened, rolled structures move along special guides and are rolled up. They are made from fabrics with antistatic, antibacterial and dust repellent impregnations. The fabric can be either transparent or matte (blackout). The choice in this case depends on the lighting of the room and the preferences of the homeowners.
The canvas consists of alternating, as a rule, horizontal stripes of thin, but dense fabric. In recent years, a mini version of this variety has been developed, designed for plastic windows. Such structures are mounted on the window sash using special fasteners. They can be opened manually or use an electric drive and a remote control.
Cassette Models
Different types of blinds are made for different window designs. Cassette models are specially designed for plastic windows. The design is a small cassette that is attached to the sash of a plastic window using special fasteners.
The advantage of these models is the ability to open a window with them, without risking any damage to them. It is noteworthy that in the instructions for blinds for plastic windows of this type, it is recommended to install them not only on straight, but also on inclined windows.
They are available only in horizontal execution, but you can adjust the position of the lamellas, thereby achieving the necessary lighting in the room. The mini-cassettes are glued to the window sash onto foamed adhesive tape.
These types of blinds are made for plastic windows from different materials: aluminum, plastic, fabric. They are distinguished by a wide variety of colors and patterns. And now is the time to find out what material is most suitable for the design of plastic windows in residential premises.
Aluminum
This material is actively used in almost all types of blinds. Its main advantage is hygiene. Aluminum structures do not need to be washed - wipe the lamellas with a damp sponge, and they will again become like new. Therefore, they are especially in demand in children's rooms.
Corrosion resistant aluminum is durable and looks very nice on the window. Such products will be an ideal solution for a room decorated in hi-tech or modern style. The metal processed by various spraying imitates any materials, including natural wood. In addition, their color practically does not fade with time.
Wood
Wooden blinds on plastic windows (customer reviews confirm this) combine perfectly with fabric curtains, even lambrequins, classic wooden furniture. Often, wooden lamellas are varnished, which gives them a particularly elegant and solemn appearance. In addition, this coating protects the tree and simplifies the care of the product.
Wood is an environmentally friendly material. Therefore, such decor will be appropriate in eco-style interiors . Wooden blinds can be vertical and horizontal. In roll, roller, cassette models, bamboo is used.
the cloth
Lamellas of all types of blinds are made of fabric. Their popularity can be explained by the people's habit of traditional fabric curtains. The blinds on plastic windows made of fabric, despite the undeniable aesthetics of this type, require special care. When choosing fabric blinds, you will notice that in their design jacquard patterns and printed patterns are often used. Keep in mind that the more complex the decor, the more difficult it is to take care of the blinds. In addition, experts say that they have a much shorter life, and the price is much higher.
How to install blinds on plastic windows?
There are two methods for installing structures: with and without a drill. The louvres of blinds are located on the ledge, and the way of installation will depend on how you plan to install this ledge - above the window or in the window opening.
Drilling rig
The blinds can be fixed to each sash separately. Attach the cornice to the top edge of the sash and mark the places of its fastening. Put the bracket, screw in the screws and secure the cornice. Then you need to fix the fishing line that holds the lamellas. Make small holes opposite the line where the line comes out at the bottom of the sash. Pass it through the plugs and lock the holes with the plugs.
The drilling method is relevant when placing the cornice on the wall over the window or on the ceiling. In this case, holes are made, the dowels are driven into them and the brackets are fixed with screws.
Installation without drilling
We have already said, and specialists in the installation of plastic windows always warn that the holes in the windows can cause a lot of inconvenience after removing the blinds. In addition, the integrity of the PVC profile is violated, which can significantly reduce its life. Therefore, we suggest you use an alternative method of fastening. Fastening is made on top of the opening sash, while the bottom is fixed with small magnets. This method is simple and does not injure the window frame. Using this method, you can easily remove the blinds to clean them from dust.
Installation Nuances
Vertical blinds are quite suitable for mounting on a window opening, ceiling or wall. They cannot be used for fastening on sashes. Only one way is available for them - with the help of screws.
Horizontal blinds have the main advantage - the ability to install on any plastic windows. These designs are considered universal, because they are installed both in the window opening and on each casement.
It is more expedient to install rolled blinds on shutters. If they are mounted in a window opening or attached to a wall, then you will lose the opportunity to open the window with the blinds closed.
Cost
It remains for us to discuss one, but very important issue for all buyers - the price of the models described by us. The cost of the blinds varies depending on the design, material, finishing methods, etc.
For example, the price of roller and vertical blinds is quite high - from 3 to 4 thousand rubles per square meter, and the cost of models of expensive fabrics sometimes reaches 5 thousand per square meter. m. On average, fabric blinds cost from 300 rubles to 1000.
If you decide to purchase finished aluminum horizontal blinds, their average price is 500 rubles per square meter, but you can hardly find vertical ones made of the same material for less than 1000 rubles.
The exact opposite is the situation with plastic: vertical - from 400 rubles, and horizontal - at least 2 thousand rubles per square meter.
Wooden blinds, as you might guess, are not cheap: 2000-3000 p. per square meter, and vertical will cost even more. For cassette blinds, the average price is about 1,500 rubles, but mini-cassettes are sold cheaper - about 1,000 rubles.
Owner reviews
Judging by the reviews of the owners of the blinds for plastic windows, for the most part they are satisfied with such an acquisition, and regardless of design. Products perfectly cope with their main function - protecting the room from sunlight. Opinions differ only in the choice of material. Some believe that there is nothing better than wood for living quarters, although this is an expensive pleasure, while others are sure that the interior of the room will become individual with fabric blinds, but they require more complicated care.