A house built of wood, of course, is a great pride of its owners, as in all respects it surpasses buildings made of other materials. Platbands on the windows in a wooden house, namely, their correct choice and installation, plays a special role in the arrangement of its exterior. Platbands, today, are made of different materials and have a wide range of models. Especially popular are wooden – beautiful carved products, which, in addition to their main functions, are used for decorative purposes. To understand which model is better to choose, consider what are the options for window trims in a wooden house and their main characteristics.
Platbands on windows in a wooden house: functions and varieties
This seemingly insignificant element actually performs many functions, such as a barrier from noise and moisture, the elimination of possible cracks and holes, and, as a result, maximum heat retention in the house, by reducing heat loss. Few people know that in ancient times, carved platbands on the windows in a wooden house played the role of a kind of talisman, so they were decorated in every possible way, mythical creatures were carved on them and painted in bright colors. Also on the platbands was carved the image of the sun – the main pagan deity, which gives life and health to man. In the modern world, of course, such a function has long been forgotten, but they still remain a decorative element, the design of which is given special attention.
Window frames are present in structures erected from any materials, but in a wooden structure they are especially important. Over the years, wood tends to dry out, as a result of which, through holes can form in window openings. Platbands help to slow down this process in some way, as well as close existing defects.
Platbands for windows in a wooden house are presented on the market in a wide range, but there are two main criteria by which they are classified: the type of installation and the material that serves as raw material for manufacturing.
Platbands on windows in a wooden house: classification according to the features of installation
Depending on how the platbands are installed on the windows in a wooden house, they are of two types, namely:
- Invoices are a more outdated type of platband. The principle of their installation is reduced to fastening on top of the frame, thus closing the gap between the window and the house.
- Telescopic – a new improved design, which is a priority. The installation method is reduced to attaching the platbands between the frame and the wall of the house. These works are distinguished by special painstaking, for which additional fasteners will be needed, in particular, screws and nails. In order to make such an installation, it will be necessary to completely remove the window and securely fix the platbands along the entire length.
Options for window frames in a wooden house, depending on the material
Platbands made of wood for wooden houses are the best option, as they are in best harmony with walls made of wood. The main feature of wooden structures is their ease of processing, which makes it possible to apply various decorative reliefs for decoration under the main style of construction. In most cases, such platbands are made for windows in a wooden house (photos posted in the article demonstrate their diversity) from hardwood (larch, solid oak), which are highly resistant to the influence of the atmosphere.
But, such products are difficult to process, therefore, if a carved frame is provided, you can choose linden or more durable birch or pine. The frame can be made independently in a slotted or overhead way, when the cut parts of the ornament are attached to the board, creating a single pattern.
Frames are installed with nails or special wood glue that is resistant to humidity and temperature fluctuations. But, despite all the advantages, wooden platbands still have a significant flaw. During the manufacturing process, they are treated with special paints and varnishes, but, nevertheless, the wood remains quite susceptible to atmospheric phenomena, and, over time, its deformation can be observed.
More high-quality characteristics are possessed, often used in the modern production of platbands, plastic. It has a long service life due to the fact that it does not deform over the years from moisture and temperature changes. Beautiful window frames in a wooden house, made of plastic, can have a variety of textures thanks to modern technologies used in production. Therefore, in order not to distort the appearance of the house with artificial material, you can purchase platbands with wood texture, which will be in perfect harmony with the walls of the building. But this option may not suit adherents of absolute environmental friendliness in the interior. In this case, it is worth considering the third type – platbands made of MDF.
This is the best option, combining some of the qualities of the two previous types. In the manufacture of MDF platbands, natural woodworking waste is used, but, at the same time, high strength and durability are achieved through the use of special impregnation compounds that retain the appearance of the product for a long time, despite weather conditions.
Each of the options is good in its own way, and the choice may depend on both financial capabilities and personal preferences of the owners of the house.
Finnish window frames in a wooden house
This is a special category often found in modern buildings. Such designs have their own design features, in particular, the presence of a protruding visor installed in the upper part of the window, while the visor can be equipped with a low tide. It performs an important function by preventing moisture from entering the upper gap, which eliminates the possibility of mold formation and the development of decay processes.
It is possible to recognize Finnish window frames in a wooden house by several signs: vertical slats that form overhangs, which are always longer than the height of the window; upper lintel in the form of a cornice, exceeding the width of the opening; a visor fixed on decorative consoles. In the manufacture of these structures, wood species such as pine or larch (mainly for carved models), as well as birch or oak are used. Wooden platbands on the windows inside the house do not imply the presence of a visor, this includes only boards for tying the perimeter of the window opening. The installation of Finnish platbands provides the only option – installation between the frame and the wall of the house – the slats are not attached to the wall.
