It is not for nothing that regulatory documents regulate the standard sizes of windows and other structural elements of buildings, and these figures are not taken out of thin air. Specifically in the case of windows, they reflect the optimal parameters for creating an attractive appearance of facades, normal illumination inside and minimizing heat losses in winter. The requirements of GOSTs and SNiPs are mandatory for mass housing construction, but private developers often neglect them.
Standards change over time, and with them the appearance of buildings changes Source dzenokna.ru
Justification of standards
Window openings perform many functions. Through them, natural light and fresh air penetrate into the rooms, they allow you not to feel locked in a confined space, uniting it with the outside world.
However, windows must provide normal thermal insulation and be a reliable barrier to noise from the street, otherwise a comfortable stay in the house will be impossible. The appearance of the building and its visual perception are also of considerable importance.
For reference! The facades of residential buildings look harmonious when their glazing area is 40-50%.
Accepted standards, the main one of which is GOST 11214-86, take into account all these requirements and determine the optimal window sizes depending on the following factors:
- purpose of the premises, purpose of its use;
- room area;
- dimensions of the building as a whole;
- geographical and climatic features of the location of the house;
- wall material;
- technical characteristics of a double-glazed window (material of manufacture, glass thickness, number of glasses), on which its light transmittance depends.
The sizes, shapes and designs of windows should be determined at the stage of designing a house Source okna-forte.ru
Standardization greatly facilitates the design of high-rise buildings, townhouses and standard country houses, allowing you to do without additional calculations. Moreover, it allows for some deviations from the norms, making it possible to vary in one direction or another. For example, in the already mentioned GOST, the standard window height can vary from 116 cm to 206 cm, and the width from 87 cm to 267 cm.
A private developer cannot be required to comply with these requirements. But for the sake of your own comfort, positive emotional background and aesthetic satisfaction, it is advisable to understand how to correctly calculate the size of window openings and place them relative to other structures.
Window area
In order for the room to be properly lit and not require the use of artificial light during the day, the glazing area must be at least 0.03 m² for each cubic meter of its volume. There are also simpler and more understandable standards that require that the area of the window be no more than 6-8 times less than the area of the room it illuminates. In other words, the proportional ratio of areas should be in the range of 1:6 – 1:8. Or the window clearance should be 13-16% of the total area.
The optimal window size for a 20-meter room is 2.5-3 m² Source oknabm.ru
In this case, the maximum proportions are used when the windows face the sunny side and are not blocked by trees or other buildings. And vice versa.
Note! The larger the area of solid glazing without sashes, the thicker the glass should be.
The indicated values do not apply everywhere, but only in certain geographical latitudes. They are relevant within the range from 45° northern latitude, where cities such as Krasnodar and Simferopol are located, to 60° of the same latitude (St. Petersburg, Vologda).
This is a strip from St. Petersburg to Kyiv in the west and from Magadan to Komsomolsk-on-Amur in the east Source rossiikarta.ru
See also: Catalog of house projects with panoramic windows.
In other regions, an increasing or decreasing coefficient is used:
- North of the 60th parallel – 1.2.
- South of the 45th parallel – 0.75.
Based on the fact that the size of window openings in northern latitudes, according to all standards, should be larger than in southern latitudes, the problem of heat conservation arises. It is solved by increasing the glass in the double-glazed unit and the air chambers in the window profile. In regions with a warm climate, a single double-glazed window is sufficient, but in the northern regions it is better to use double or triple glazing.
Here it should be clarified that a two-chamber double-glazed window consists of 3 glasses and 2 air chambers, and a three-chamber double-glazed window consists of 4 glasses and 3 chambers. And each glass increases the refraction of light, which negatively affects its penetration into the room. Therefore, it is also advisable to take this parameter into account.
Single and double glazed windows Source 4okna.ua
These standards allow you to calculate the window opening for living rooms, but they are not required for bathrooms, storage rooms, verandas or terraces, where the windows can be much smaller or larger.
Location of openings
The location of window openings on the wall is also of great importance for the psychological comfort of people and the ergonomic use of space. If we talk about the distance from the window sill to the floor, then it differs for rooms for different purposes:
- living quarters - 80 cm;
- kitchens – 90 cm;
- bathrooms – 130 cm;
- attic – 100 cm.
However, such gradation has a bad effect on the appearance of the facade, so they try to level the level of openings on one floor. An exception is made for bathrooms, toilets, boiler rooms and other utility rooms, for which the possibility of ventilation is more important than the level of illumination.
The location of windows on the facade also needs to be taken into account Source oknaveka.com
Since the height of the window is important for the aesthetics of the facade, when calculating its optimal area, they “play” with the width. But even here there are some restrictions regarding the distance from the internal walls: the opening should not be located close to them. It is recommended to make a minimum indent of at least half a meter. Ideally, the window is placed exactly in the center of the front wall.
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in working with doors and windows.
The influence of the type of windows on their sizes
When discussing the size of the window and the standard of illumination, we must not forget that the opening is partially blocked by frames and sashes. Their parameters vary depending on the design, strength, and material of manufacture.
Professionals involved in the manufacture and installation of windows are well versed in what the thickness and width of the frame profile should be, the layout of the frames for an opening of a given size, how many sashes can be made to open and how many to be blind.
Window size and installation technology
Let's take a closer look at how to measure windows to replace them with plastic ones in a wooden house. Let us immediately emphasize that this measurement technique in log and timber houses differs significantly from a similar process in stone buildings.
In general, there are two approaches to installing new windows yourself:
- installation instead of an old window;
- window installation with cutting out a new window opening (or expanding the old one).
It is not at all difficult to understand how to measure a window in case of simply replacing the old one: after the old window frame is completely dismantled, you should measure the internal perimeter of the casing and reduce each size by the amount of the installation gap (15-20 mm).
Let us remind you that in wooden houses, the measurement of a window opening is always carried out taking into account the dimensions of the casing frame, which is necessary to stabilize the size of the window in a wooden frame (read more about the types of casing and how to choose its design in other articles on our website).
Installation diagram of a plastic window
Is it worth changing the casing when replacing an old window with a new one? Theoretically, it’s not necessary, but from a practical point of view, yes, it’s worth it. The fact is that the window and casing frame are the main place where new cold bridges appear, so the slightest violation of the integrity of these zones should be accompanied by preventive measures to restore thermal insulation.
In cases where measurements of a plastic window are carried out for installation from scratch or with an expansion of the opening, the sequence for determining the size of the window opening consists of the following steps:
- basic dimensions are determined (as a rule, these are standard sizes of double-glazed windows);
- To the measured data, tolerances are added for the installation gap (15-20 mm), casing (30-50 mm), seal (3-5 mm), window sill thickness (up to 50 mm) and for the compensation gap above the vertical strip of the frame (60-100 mm).
Important! In order for the measurements taken to be correct, it is necessary to decide in advance on the type of casing (T-shaped, U-shaped or embedded beam), since the width of the cut depends on this.
If a U-shaped structure is used as a casing frame, you should measure in advance the depth of the groove for the tenon in the vertical posts and, when calculating the size of the opening, reduce its width by 2 tenon heights, and its height by 1 tenon height.
It is also worth mentioning another, less obvious factor that affects the size and number of windows. When assembling timber and log houses, an element such as a fixing dowel is often used, the task of which is to prevent the logs from moving in the horizontal plane and to ensure a tight fit during the entire shrinkage period.
In view of this, a situation quite often occurs when one team assembled a log house based on a preliminary window arrangement, and the second encountered problems when trying to install windows according to a new plan.
To avoid such disagreements, we recommend that you clearly define the number, size and type of windows even at the preliminary design stage.
accepts orders for all types of work to bring a log frame to a state of complete readiness for finishing, including the preparation of window openings for PVC windows. More detailed information about the terms of the agreement can be found by any type of communication published on the “Contacts” page.
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Video description
You should listen to their advice and recommendations so as not to get the same result as in this video:
Today, the most popular are PVC or metal-plastic windows. They have many advantages over wooden ones:
- the dimensions of plastic windows and the area of solid glazing can be much larger due to the high strength of metal-plastic profiles that can bear a significant load;
- they are quickly manufactured and easy to install;
- the configuration of the plastic window can be any, including with radius elements;
- the variety of fittings makes such windows very functional, and the presence of air chambers in the profile makes them warm;
- their cost is lower than wooden analogues with similar parameters.
But the frames and bindings in such structures are quite powerful and eat up a significant part of the usable area of the opening. In this regard, windows with aluminum profiles are more effective - it allows you to increase the glazing area due to the smaller width with comparable strength.
Window profiles made of different materials Source partner-74.ru
Maximum size of plastic structure
If you still want to provide more illumination and install larger window sashes, you should know the requirements set forth by building regulations:
- The total area of the structure should not exceed 6 square meters. meters. Otherwise, it may not withstand the wind load, and in bad weather the glass unit will crack and crumble into fragments. Safety rules cannot be ignored: weather conditions in all regions of Russia are unpredictable.
- A large block must have partitions; the area of each individual door should not exceed 2.8 square meters. m.
- The maximum dimensions of the doors are 110x240 cm. It should be taken into account that a very large structure will quickly fail. A metal-plastic profile with a two-chamber or three-chamber double-glazed window is very heavy; due to its considerable weight, the fittings will soon begin to sag and sag. The sash will creak and warp, making it inconvenient and unsafe to use.
- If you want to install an arched window, the radius of the arch must be at least 35 cm. The requirements for the maximum size of the sashes are the same as for conventional turning systems.
Failure to comply with any of the requirements will pose a threat to residents, so do not neglect them. If you still want to provide your home with maximum illumination, you need to order modern panoramic glazing systems made of tempered glass or triplex. They cost much more, but will provide residents with a good overview and maximum safety.
When deciding how to choose a window size, you should take into account the climate and wind load in the region. The colder the winter, the more heat will be lost through the glass to the street, and the more significant the costs will be required annually for heating.
Construction of window openings
When arranging openings in a house under construction, it is necessary to take into account the material of the walls and their manufacturing technology in order to maintain the design dimensions.
In brick houses
In brick houses, openings are often made with a quarter, arranging small protrusions of 5-6 cm (a quarter of a brick) on the outside of the walls on either side. These protrusions prevent frames from falling out, reduce cold bridges and eliminate the need to finish external slopes.
Diagram of an opening with a quarter and a window in section Source lisichansk.com.ua
As can be seen in the diagram, the internal clearance of the opening is larger than the external one, so the width of the window must be sufficient for the frame to rest against the outer side ledges. The support strip is 2-3 cm on each side and 1.5-2 cm on top. The lower plane of the frame, on the contrary, is raised 2 cm from the bottom of the opening so that from the street side it is possible to arrange an ebb with a slope.
In block houses
When installing window openings in walls made of foam concrete or gas silicate blocks, it is necessary to take into account their dimensions and position in the masonry:
- The side walls of the openings should not be located in line with the vertical seams.
- The height of the opening is limited from above by entire rows of blocks, since a lintel is laid on them. It can be increased from below by cutting blocks.
If the facade will be faced with bricks with quarters, they must be taken into account when calculating the size of the opening. In other cases, it is made 2-5 cm larger than the intended window on each side, which are necessary for installation seams.
Diagram of an opening without a quarter Source prorab.guru
Block thickness and what does it depend on?
According to the standards, the thickness of the opaque component of windows is determined by the average thickness of the bars, sashes and frames from which it is assembled.
According to this indicator, wooden windows
are divided into 3 classes :
- premium - 80 mm;
- medium - 67 mm;
- minimum - 58 mm.
This indicator affects the energy efficiency of the window unit; the higher it is, the less heat loss, and therefore the warmer the room will be and the lower the cost of heating services.
For blocks with equal thickness and different numbers of chambers in the frame, the energy efficiency characteristics do not increase. To increase them, it will be necessary to simultaneously increase both the thickness and the number of chambers.
Useful tips
Windows are an important functional and aesthetic element of any home. The quality of life in it will depend on the choice of their size and design, and proper installation. Therefore, you need to think about, calculate and weigh all the nuances in advance.
For example, the French windows that many people like so much are truly magnificent: they create a feeling of spaciousness and let in the maximum amount of light into the room. But their choice in our climate is associated with additional costs for maintaining heat.
When installing windows for the first time or replacing old frames with new ones, it is important to take correct measurements. As a rule, this is done by the installation company’s employees, but the owners of the house must be able to control them:
- When measuring the height and width of an opening, measurements are made at several parallel levels, and the smallest of the obtained values is taken into account.
- The height of the roof windows is selected taking into account the degree of roof slope. They are placed between the rafters so that on both sides there is at least 5-6 cm left to the window frame.
- During installation, be sure to use a level to install the frames in a strictly vertical position.
Windows for a wooden house: Mistress, what opening should we cut out?
Anyone who has built or is planning to start building a wooden house knows that openings for windows are cut out a year after the walls are erected.
Photo: the house must shrink before installing windows, © depositphotos We followed this rule, although it did not save us from an unpleasant surprise.
When we built the house, wooden log houses were just gaining popularity and not all window installers knew the intricacies of installing windows in them. And the builders, as it turned out!
At the design stage, the window sizes were determined. I wanted fairly large windows, not panoramic, but not average either. And then, finally, the day came when the house stood up and the builders began cutting the openings.
“What size openings do we cut?” — the foreman asked me, and without blinking an eye, I gave the dimensions “from now to now,” which meant the size of the window + a gap for foam of 20 mm on each side. No sooner said than done. When the openings were cut out, a measurer from a window company arrived and asked me a strange question: “Where is the window frame?” To my bewilderment, he explained that the window frame is a special insert in the opening, and windows cannot be installed without it. In general, the curtain. Unknown to me and my builders until that day, the sapling “ate” an additional 20 cm from the window openings I had planned. The end result was a very standard design. But I can now give lectures to builders about the okosyachka (what an unpleasant word!).
General provisions. What else do you need to pay attention to?
Unification of openings.
If your new windows are located in one line, of course they should be unified in vertical size. There is a possibility of error in the heights of the openings. Therefore, the height of all products along the same horizon line is taken along the smaller opening. The width of the products is not so important here, but even in this case, if the difference is no more than 30-40 mm, then it is better to make the windows the same in width. A more significant difference will be caused by an incorrect installation seam that does not meet the standards.
Mounting depth
It is affected by the material, as well as the width of the frame:
plastic - 58-120 mm;
aluminum - 45-125 mm;
wood - 58-165 mm.
The temperature and noise level in the room depend on the installation depth. Manufacturers adhere to standards, but sometimes the minimum values may differ. Priority, of course, is given to Russian GOST. But when the situation requires a non-standard solution, it is better to seek advice from an experienced expert.
Window location
When designing window openings in a new building, it is advisable to think in advance about the placement of furniture in the room.
This is especially true for kitchen areas, when a suddenly installed refrigerator can cover the window unit and reduce the amount of natural light in the kitchen.
In the kitchen, it is better to place windows at a height of 80-90 centimeters, ideally at the same level as the future kitchen unit. Then it will be possible to increase the working area due to the window sill.
The same height is suitable for other rooms in the house. It will provide a comfortable view for both a standing and a sitting person.
