In addition to giving windows a polished, tidy appearance, metal window slopes are strong and weatherproof. You can increase the value of your house and have a rewarding project by creating these slopes yourself.
We’ll walk you through the process of making metal slopes for your windows in this guide. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced do-it-yourselfer, following our detailed instructions will help you produce results that look professional.
Everything will be covered, including the supplies you’ll need, the equipment needed, and the methods to guarantee a perfect fit. You’ll be prepared to take on this project independently after reading this article, both in terms of knowledge and confidence.
Step | Description |
1. Measure | Measure the dimensions of your window to determine the size of the metal slopes needed. |
2. Cut Metal | Use metal shears to cut the metal sheets to the required size. |
3. Bend Edges | Bend the edges of the metal sheets to fit the window frame snugly. |
4. Prime Metal | Apply a primer to the metal sheets to prevent rusting. |
5. Attach Slopes | Secure the metal slopes to the window frame using |
Creating your own metal slopes for your windows can be a simple and satisfying project. You can improve the long-term viability and visual appeal of your house with the correct supplies and equipment. Without the need for specialized knowledge or pricey services, this guide will walk you through every step of the process, from measuring and cutting the metal to installing and finishing the slopes. The end result will look professional.
- Main design functions
- Pros and cons of finishing window openings outside with metal
- Preparing for installation
- Video on the topic
- Window decoration from the street. Do-it-yourself installation of metal slopes and ebb on EPS.
- HR: Exterior window trim with metal slopes
- Premium model. Metal slopes Iron Felix .
- Do-it-yourself exterior window decoration with metal slopes
- METAL SLOPS AND FLOWS. WINDOW TREATMENT. FRAME HOUSE. BUILDING ONE. #31
- How to take window sizes to order metal slopes
Main design functions
Prior to installing windows, you should confirm that slopes are required. To do this, let’s examine their primary roles:
- Heat conservation: since slopes insulate microcracks and seams, this helps to effectively protect rooms from heat leakage from the house (read how to make warm slopes inside and outside the house here).
- Protection of polyurethane foam from moisture, ultraviolet radiation, wind and other negative factors. This protects the material from premature destruction.
- Window structures made of metal-plastic or wood, especially in northern regions, are exposed to moisture and begin to freeze. It is the slopes that protect them from this negative moment.
- Aesthetic appearance. Slopes on the windows make the facade complete and beautiful. Metal slopes are made of galvanized steel and are covered with a polymer layer to protect against rust, which creates their pleasant appearance.
Pros and cons of finishing window openings outside with metal
After thinking about the purposes of slopes, you should think about the material that can be used to create them (see another publication for information on selecting cladding material and creating slopes from different materials). There are numerous choices:
- plaster, which looks neat and is cheap, but over time begins to become covered with cracks, and, therefore, requires regular repairs (find out separately about plastering window slopes);
- drywall almost not intended for exterior decoration of the house and will not withstand large amounts of moisture on the street (how to make slopes from plasterboard?);
- plastic withstands moisture, and it will not grow mold, like in plaster, but this material is not suitable for climates with low temperatures, from which it becomes brittle (details about the procedure for installing slopes made of plastic are described here, and in this article read how to make installation of slopes from PVC plastic panels).
It is now simpler to install window slopes yourself thanks to modern building and finishing materials. You can also read about creating wooden slopes out of MDF panels or siding on our website.
What’s left is metal, which has several benefits and is consistently shielded from rust and other environmental factors by a unique coating.
Unquestionably, metal slopes have the following benefits:
- Long service life (almost unlimited) and no need for periodic repairs or painting.
- Metal is a durable material that, when galvanized and coated with a polymer layer, is reliably protected from corrosion and rust.
- Usually has two colors (white and brown), but they can be painted to match the color of the facade, roof, or order any other shade.
- Easy installation that you can do yourself.
- Easy to clean (just wipe off dirt with a cloth or microfiber).
There are far fewer drawbacks than benefits, however it is important to note the following are some of the drawbacks:
- The fairly high cost of the material, which pays off with a long service life and high sealing characteristics.
- Metal is not suitable for arched window openings; in fact, this is its only limitation in shape.
- If installed incorrectly, metal can create noise during rainstorms if you forget to use softening and sound-absorbing materials.
Preparing for installation
Installation preparation doesn’t usually present any unique challenges. To start the installation, make sure you have the following supplies:
- Specially prepared metal sheet.
- Silicone sealant.
- Polyurethane foam.
- Antiseptic, for disinfecting seams from bacteria and mold.
Equipment required:
- scissors for cutting metal;
- a screwdriver and screws matched to the color of the slope;
- painting knife;
- measuring instruments: tape measure, level gauge, corner, ruler;
- measuring tape.
You should measure the window opening precisely to avoid any problems or destroying the material. This will speed up and save the installation process.
There are multiple guidelines:
- first of all, the contour of the window is measured at the wall level;
- then the internal contour of the opening, as well as the width of the slopes themselves.
Since the contours of the opening are not always symmetrical with respect to one another, it is crucial to measure every one of them.
Making metal slopes for your windows is a DIY project that can be very satisfying. It improves the insulation and protection of your house in addition to its appearance. You don’t need to hire a contractor to get professional-looking results if you follow the instructions in this guide.
To guarantee longevity and a perfect fit, don’t forget to measure precisely and select premium materials. In the long run, taking your time during installation will pay off, giving you slopes that