Plastic windows. Do-it-yourself installation of plastic windows

Most owners of their own homes choose plastic windows for installation, not only because of their excellent performance, but also because of the ease of installation. This process is simple due to the fact that the design provides for very easy-to-install fasteners and additional parts that are included in the window package. Many are interested in how professional installers install windows. With the most minimal tool skills, any homeowner is able to install such windows.

Of course, as with the installation of any structural element, when installing PVC windows, you will need to observe a number of features and certain actions. It is advisable to perform this kind of work with an assistant, even if they do not have any building skills, some difficulties may arise when leveling the window if you do this work alone. The correct execution of all the nuances of installation will help you to accurately complete the work and save on the labor of employees.

Performing measurements and calculations

Before purchasing windows, you should measure the openings - based on these data, you will make an order to the workshop. When taking measurements, it is necessary to take into account whether they are a quarter or not. For buildings made of foam concrete, openings with a quarter are characteristic, which greatly reduces heat loss. For an opening without a quarter, when ordering fiberglass windows, the length will be 5 cm less than the same parameter for the opening. 3 cm is subtracted from the value determined as the width of the opening. Gaps of 1.5 cm should be provided along the contour - they are necessary in order to carry out foaming. At the bottom, an additional 3.5 cm should be left for mounting the window sill. According to GOST, it is supposed to leave 2 cm around the perimeter.

To make the correct measurements for an opening with a quarter, measurements must be taken at the narrowest point. When ordering windows, 3 cm must be added to the measured width, the length does not change the value.

More often, PVC window structures are not arranged in the middle of the opening, but retreating in depth from the outer plane by approximately 1/3. But if you are going to install the design yourself, the window can be slightly shifted at your discretion. To order ebbs and window sills, these parameters must be taken into account. Add 5 cm to the width indicators that are calculated for the intended location of the windows.

When determining the width of the future window sill, the battery must be taken into account - it should be about half closed by the window sill. Add another 2 cm - the window sill will need to be brought under the base of the window frame. It is necessary to leave a margin along the length - at least 8 cm. But it will be much better if you add 15 cm - this allows you to cut the window sill more beautifully.

In the kit, plastic side plugs are usually attached to the ebbs and window sills. You should not refuse them, although some masters do just that.

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Window frame mounting methods

The technology for installing PVC windows does not depend on how many internal chambers are in the metal-plastic profile, or on the number of chambers in double-glazed windows. When developing an installation plan, you will need to take into account the following points: the material from which the walls of the housing are made, and the dimensions of the window plastic structure. Depending on this, the method of fastening and the devices that will be used are determined.

Plastic window frames can be fixed in the opening using the following elements:

• using dowels, mounting anchors, which must be introduced into the walls through special through holes that are made in the profile in advance;
• another option is special toothed plates pressed into the profile, which are not inserted into the wall, but placed “by surprise” and fixed with screws.

The most reliable of them is considered the 1st option. It is more often used in cases where it is necessary to install window systems with considerable dimensions and weight. Window frames with through fastening quite well resist various shock loads that can occur, for example, when operating PVC systems with sashes that open in different positions. Anchors passing through the plastic frames through, allow you to more accurately adjust the structure during installation both vertically and horizontally.

Those who wish to find out the method of correct installation of PVC windows, which are small in size, with blank double-glazed windows, may be interested in fixing the structure using anchor plates. Fasteners will not spoil the appearance of the window - they are closed by slopes.

To install anchor plates in the openings of walls made of brick or concrete, it will be necessary to make recesses. If they are not done, it will be necessary to apply an extra leveling layer before installing the internal slopes.

Sometimes installers try to combine these 2 methods. The anchors are deepened into the walls through the bottom profile, that is, the base of the window structure and the sides of the frame, and the upper part is fixed with plates. If the installation of PVC windows is carried out in a bathhouse built of wood, anchor plates should not be installed - they loosen during operation. In some cases, galvanized self-tapping screws are used instead of anchors.

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The nuances of installing plastic windows in wooden buildings

The installation process will be significantly influenced by the type of material from which the housing is built. For example, for walls made of hollow or solid bricks, foam concrete, the differences will be only in the depth at which the anchors are installed. But openings in walls made of logs or beams will require a special approach. Here it will be necessary to take into account the installation method and choose the right time for this.

Plastic windows can be installed in walls made of wooden building materials only a year after the construction of the house. It is even better to wait 2 years - during this time the shrinkage process will enter the stage in which subsequent operation will be longer and more reliable. For buildings made of glued laminated timber, the shrinkage period lasts the fastest.

Installation of a window should not be carried out immediately into the opening, as is sometimes done in villages.

A plastic window should only be inserted into a wooden box, which will protect the window structure from skewing. The window block itself must be free from any damage, defects, rot are unacceptable. Before starting work, it should be treated with an antiseptic composition.

After the PVC windows are installed in place, the shrinkage of the log house does not end. True, it will not continue so intensively. In order for it not to cause a crushing defeat to plastic structures, it is recommended to leave a gap of 3-7 cm between the upper edge of the frame and the window frame. After the window is put in place, the gap is filled with jute insulation and closed on both sides with platbands.

There are no exact recommendations in the building codes on what materials ebbs and window sills should be installed in wooden houses. As a rule, standard ebbs are installed, which are ordered in one set with the window design. Window sills are both wooden and made of polymers. The bottom profile can be supported on a wooden window sill, i.e. it can be installed before the window is installed.

For those who are going to install windows with their own hands, but do not have much experience in this matter, the following information may be useful. Since wood passes moisture vapor well, the technical qualities of the mounting foam used when installing the window are seriously reduced. So that the foam blown around the perimeter of the structure is not exposed to moisture and does not get wet, along the line on which it is applied, foil polyethylene tape should be applied to the window block. This nuance is not specified in the regulations, but experienced installers highly recommend not to neglect such equipment when installing a window.

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Standard installation methods for plastic windows

The technology for installing plastic window structures includes such a moment as the use of mounting foam. In addition to providing insulation, it will give additional rigidity to the connection of the opening with the frame. Thus, a layer of polyurethane foam, obtained as a result of its polymerization, simultaneously protects the opening and fixes the structure. So that under the influence of adverse external influences the foam layer would not lose its technical properties, it is better to surround it with additional insulation.

Regarding when exactly to insert PVC windows, the decision is made by the owners of the home. You can also find such an opinion that it is better to install it not in summer, but in winter - in this case, all installation flaws will appear immediately and can be corrected very quickly. When choosing mounting foam for work, pay attention to the information on the composition - it should indicate at what temperature you can work with this product. The foam will only cure at the temperature specified in its performance data, so you should not use foam intended for use in extreme cold conditions for summer work, and vice versa.

How to carry out foaming can be found in the instructions that the manufacturer applies to specific products. Usually foaming starts from the bottom, gradually moving up. The movements must be circular. In order to use less expensive material, it is better to blow out the foam in several steps, counting segments of about 25-30 cm.

To shift the dew point, it is better to perform foaming with different densities. In practice, it looks like this: they try to compact the outer layer of foam less than the layer facing inward. Foam should be poured around the perimeter of the window frame as evenly as possible, without gaps and voids.

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How to prepare a window opening for work?

To install PVC windows, preparatory work will be required before work. Before installation, any contamination should be completely removed from the window opening: dust, construction debris, particles of old paint. When performing work on their own, craftsmen should be aware that when installing a new plastic structure in a used wooden window frame, it is better to completely plan the top layer. It is not reliable enough, it is better to remove it completely so as not to disturb the adhesion of the foam to the surface.

If the gap between the opening and the window frame does not exceed 4 cm, they are filled only with foam. With a larger width of the gaps, it is better to fill them partially with other, cheaper materials. It can be pieces of timber, drywall, polystyrene, brick fragments and other construction waste.

Plastic windows are increasingly being installed by owners of country houses, as they have many advantages over wooden products. Also, they are reasonably priced. But before you install, you need to carefully prepare for such work. To do everything yourself, you need to know the features of performing all operations.

All plastic products are equipped with parts for installation, so with proper preparation, you can install the window without outside help. It is necessary to perform all actions very carefully so as not to damage the structure. In order to fix the windows in the opening more accurately, it is worth working with an assistant. In some cases, before carrying out work, it is necessary to strengthen the opening.

Materials required for work

Before starting the installation, you need to prepare the following materials:

• wedges inserted for the correct location of windows;
• mounting foam;
• sealant;
• hydrovapor barrier material necessary to protect the joints from moisture;
• anchor bolts.

Wedges are used during the installation process for a more precise installation of the plastic profile. Without these materials, it is much more difficult to follow. Mounting foam is an insulating material that fills the space between the wall and the frame. When choosing a foam, it must be borne in mind that it must correspond to the temperature at which the work will be carried out. If you purchase a material intended for use in the summer, its use in winter may lead to the creation of a poor-quality insulating layer.

Also during the work you will need a self-expanding sealing tape. This material is glued around the perimeter of the window from the outside, after which it expands. Sealant is used to fill the space between the slopes and the window sill.

How to determine the correct position of the plastic window

Before carrying out installation work, it is important to correctly determine the position of the frame in relation to the wall thickness. The plastic window should go inside about a third from the street side. This rule is not mandatory, but when shifting the window in any direction relative to the specified distance, it should be borne in mind that the length of the ebbs and window sills must correspond to the project.

It is important to consider the size of the radiator and its position. The window sill should not overlap it by more than ½ of the width. If you completely block the radiator, this can adversely affect the temperature in the room in winter, as well as the condition of the window. If installed incorrectly, plastic windows usually begin to fog up.

The length of the window sill should be approximately 15 cm longer than the window opening. Thanks to this, it is possible to process the edges of the window sill during the finishing of the slopes. Side plugs are included with the window sill, which should also be fixed after installing the window.

Methods for fixing plastic windows

The choice of a particular fixing method depends on parameters such as the size of the window opening and the material of the walls. This should also be taken into account when choosing fasteners for a plastic structure.

Fixing plastic windows can be done in several ways:

1. With dowels or anchor bolts. They are fixed in pre-created holes in the wall.
2. Serrated plates that are outside the window profile. They are mounted on a spacer and fixed with self-tapping screws.

The first described method is considered more reliable. That is why with the help of dowels, plastic structures that are large in size are fixed. The fastener passing through the window block is more reliable and able to withstand impacts.

If you decide to install a plastic window that is small in size, they can be fixed using anchor plates. These fasteners can be hidden by slopes and finishing materials. But before carrying out the work, small recesses should be prepared for them. This will avoid plane alignment problems.

It is worth noting that when installing plastic windows, professionals combine these methods. In this case, anchor bolts are used to secure the base of the profile and its vertical parts. The upper part is fixed with plates.

Basic rules for installing plastic windows

To properly install windows, you should follow a few basic rules:

1. Installation of plastic double-glazed windows should be carried out using polyurethane foam. This material allows you to give the structure additional rigidity. It also acts as a fixative and heat insulator.
2. To protect the space between the window and the wall, it is necessary to fix a waterproofing material on the outside, and a vapor barrier on the inside.
3. Windows can be installed at any time of the year. Many professionals recommend that work be carried out in the winter, as this will allow you to immediately see if mistakes have been made.
4. Before purchasing foam, you must carefully study the features of the composition. These materials differ in several ways. One of them is the solidification temperature. The instructions on the bottle indicate the most favorable conditions for using the foam. If they are ignored, the material may begin to break down during the operation of the building.
5. During the foaming of the gaps between the plastic windows and the walls, it is necessary to fill in small portions. This allows you to use less foam.
6. If the opening crumbles, it is necessary to clean the surface of old materials and reinforce it.

By following the rules described, you can install windows with your own hands without making the mistakes that people who do not have experience in such work make. The technology for installing plastic windows in a brick house is quite simple, but it is important to carefully follow each step so as not to make a mistake.

How is the preparation of the opening

Before performing work on the installation of windows, it is necessary to thoroughly clean the opening from dirt and dust. It is important to remove all paint and building material residues. Before installation, it is also important to compare the dimensions of the opening and the plastic frame. If the gap is more than 4 cm, it is necessary to use not only foam. This is due to the fact that when using it, it will not be possible to create an even and high-quality seam. In addition, a lot of foam will go away.

Before installation, it is necessary to remove the sashes from the frame. To do this, just pull the pin out of the loops. If it is necessary to remove the double-glazed window from the frame, the glazing beads holding the glass are removed. These steps must be performed very carefully so as not to scratch the glass.

After removing the sash and double-glazed windows, place them on a soft pad and lean against the wall so that they are in a stable position. Double-glazed windows are not laid flat, as this can lead to scratches on the glass surface.

After that, the protective film is removed and markings are applied to the places where the fasteners will be located. The distance between them should be about 40 cm. It is important to consider that the indents from the corners should be more than 15 cm.

Installation process

After carrying out the described actions, spacers should be inserted into the window opening in the brick wall to create the necessary gap. The alignment of the frame should be done using the building level. It is also important to control the side clearances.

In the openings of brick houses, it is necessary to mark the installation sites of anchors. After that, holes are created in the walls. If fixing is done with anchor plates, it is necessary to bend them in such a way that they lie well on the wall.

The next step is to install the frame. It is important to check the horizontal and vertical structure of the structure before. How will it be finalized? After that, the bolts are finally tightened until the cap protrudes above the surface by no more than 1 mm.

After all the described work, the installation of sashes and double-glazed windows is carried out, as well as the functionality of the entire structure is checked. If you installed the products with your own hands for the first time, you should carefully inspect the opening and make sure that no mistakes were made during the work.

Slope installation

Before installing external slopes, it is necessary to measure the width and length of the opening. Cutting plastic slopes is done using a circular saw.

Important! It is necessary to fix the slopes only on clean and leveled surfaces.

At the first stage, the upper horizontal part is fixed. It needs to be drowned as deep as possible, and the space filled with mounting foam. Worth remembering. That it should not be released too much, since when hardened, the material can change the shape of plastic products.

After that, the installation of vertical slopes takes place. During these works, it is important to check the verticality of the elements. In the same way, the installation of the lower slope occurs. It is important to ensure that all elements are properly docked, and there are no gaps between them. The corners between the plastic slopes are closed with a special detail.

The installation of internal slopes should be carried out only after careful preparation of the surface. If the opening crumbles, it is better to clean it up to the main wall and only after that carry out further work. After that, the opening is leveled and filled with insulation. If necessary, strengthen the window opening.

Helpful information

When specialists are engaged in the installation of a plastic window, it seems that there are no difficulties, everything happens quickly and accurately. Fitters work like a finely tuned clock mechanism, where every detail falls exactly in the right place. However, not everything is so simple and you need to know exactly what and how to fix so that the window does not cause problems. Important is the choice of fasteners for proper installation, as well as the direct installation of a specific design.

Basic mounting elements

The variety of fasteners can be a stumbling block for the uninformed, and installers know exactly what parts may be needed during installation. The TBM-Market store offers a wide selection of fasteners for windows, because installation fasteners, if properly installed, will significantly increase the life of the structure.

Types of fasteners:

• dowels or screws for concrete;
• frame anchors of various types (anchor bolts);
• dowels and anchor plates;
• self-tapping screws of different diameters, including nipples for them;
• various screws and more.

Installers install the window, select the right mount that suits the type of walls in your apartment. A good quality fastener, not intended for a specific structural material, will give a poor result, and the period of reliable operation will be shorter.

1. Through installation of plastic windows:

• Fixings for concrete walls (pins)

Most installers prefer to use dowels or screws for concrete (turboscrews), since the dowel is installed quickly, holds the weight of the double-glazed window securely, and is firmly fixed in the material. During operation, a hole is pre-drilled, into which a screw with a threaded notch is screwed without a dowel, which ensures the strength of the fastener.

The pins have standard dimensions for window openings - 7.5 by 152 (132), if necessary, replacing glass with light-protective, fire-resistant, etc., the structure is easy to dismantle.

Minus fastening: dowels cannot be used when installing plastic windows in heterogeneous walls that have a layer of insulation.

• Fastenings on frame anchors

As standard, the anchor has three components: a screw, a sleeve and a conical nut; it requires drilling a hole for installation in a profile and in a wall. The sleeve is at the same time an assisting element for screwing in the screw, an additional fixing link that ensures the fixation of the screw in the hole. The hidden head of the anchor (dowel) can be recessed into the hole or closed with a special overlay.

Standard anchors for concrete (solid bricks) have a length of at least 60 mm, for porous blocks or slotted bricks - at least 80 mm.

It is more problematic to dismantle a plastic window on anchors than on screws, so you need to be especially careful during installation. The disadvantage of anchor dowels is that they cannot be used for multilayer walls, especially when there is an insulating layer.

This type of fastening assumes that the integrity of the frame structure will not be compromised (no holes are drilled). For panel-type houses with walls of a multilayer structure, for glazing loggias, anchor plates are used, which are fixed in the window opening, and mounting foam. The plate is attached with the end part to the frame using self-tapping screws, and it is attached to the wall with dowels (length not more than 40 mm).

Currently, more and more people give their choice in favor of metal-plastic windows. Such double-glazed windows are equipped with ordinary apartments, and country houses, and chic country mansions. And quite often people install new windows with their own hands. Depending on the chosen method of installation and the skills of the installer, the process of installing one window will take from one and a half hours to half a day. The technology for installing windows is extremely simple and straightforward. It does not require the use of any complex tools. The main thing is to adhere to the installation order and comply with all the requirements dictated by the installation technology.

Necessary measurements before ordering plastic windows

Proper installation of new windows requires an accurate measurement of the window opening. In addition, it is important to know the features of installing windows in openings with a quarter. Such window openings are usually found in foam concrete buildings. They help to significantly reduce heat loss. The main difference is that a window with a length of 50 mm less than the length of the opening is installed in the opening without a quarter. 30 mm must be subtracted from the measured width. Leave gaps of 15 mm along the contour of the opening for foaming. In accordance with the current GOSTs, 20 mm must be left around the perimeter. From below, additionally leave 35 mm under the window sill.

If the installation of PVC windows will be carried out in a window opening with a quarter, measure at the narrowest point. When ordering, add 30 mm to the window width. The length does not need to be changed.

As a rule, the window is not installed in the center of the opening, but at a distance of about 1/3 deep from the outer plane. If the installation of PVC windows is done by hand, then the owner can move the structure in any direction convenient for him. Think over the offset in advance and take this parameter into account when ordering a low tide and a window sill.

To the width of the ebb and window sill determined in accordance with the location of the window, add 50 mm each. When calculating the width of the window sill, additionally take into account such an indicator as the location of the battery.

The window sill should cover the radiator halfway. Add 20 mm to insert the product under the base of the PVC window. The margin in length must be at least 80 mm. But it’s better not to save too much and add 150 mm so that in the future you can cut the window sill beautifully without any problems. Together with the ebb and window sill, you will be offered to order side plastic plugs. You don't need to give up on them.

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Which frame mounting method should I choose?

The installation of PVC windows does not depend on the chamber size of the double-glazed window, nor on the number of internal chambers in the profile. The order of installation of the product can change only taking into account the material of the walls and the size of the window. A suitable fastening and installation method for PVC windows is selected in accordance with the listed parameters. To fix the window structure, you can use:

1. Dowels or anchors that cut into walls through existing or pre-prepared through holes in the profile.
2. toothed plates. They are pressed into profile. They are fastened against the wall and fixed with screws.

Practice shows that the first option is the most reliable. It is most often used when installing heavy and large windows. In the case of through fastening, the window will normally withstand multiple shock loads that inevitably occur when turning and tilting window sashes. In addition, with the help of anchors, the installer gets the opportunity to adjust the horizontal and vertical of the product to be installed as accurately as possible.

Those who install windows with blank double-glazed windows, i.e. without hinged and flaps, more interested in installation using anchor plates. These products are hidden under the slopes, so they will not spoil the appearance. If the walls of the house are made of brick or concrete, then it is recommended to prepare small recesses for the plates. They will eliminate the need to apply a leveling layer before the slope device.

Sometimes both methods are used in combination. Through the lower profile and the side parts of the frame, anchors are deepened into the walls, and plates are used to fix the structure. If the windows are installed in a building made of wood, it is better to refuse the use of plates, because. they loosen after a short time. In this case, galvanized screws are more preferable.

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What you need to know the owner of a wooden house?

The process of installing PVC windows is very dependent on the material of the walls. In the case of brick and foam concrete structures, the differences come down only to the depth of the anchors. With openings from a bar and a log house, everything is a little more complicated.

If the walls of the house are made of wood, you need to remember a number of important rules. Firstly, it is recommended to start installing PVC windows in a wooden house no earlier than a year, and even better, 2 years after the completion of the construction of the house. This requirement is dictated by the fact that during this time the material shrinks. Glued laminated timber is characterized by the smallest value and period of shrinkage. Secondly, windows are not installed directly into the opening. The product can only be mounted in a wooden box. It will protect the PVC window from deformation. The block must not have any defects, signs of damage by insects and rot, etc. Before starting any work, the wood must be treated with an antiseptic without fail.

After 1-2 years, shrinkage does not stop completely, but is no longer so strong. After the installation of PVC windows and the completion of finishing work, it will also take place. That is why at the top between the box and the opening you need to leave a gap of 30-70 mm. The size of this gap is selected taking into account the type and moisture content of building materials. After installation is completed, this gap must be filled with jute and closed with platbands.

Building codes do not establish any clear recommendations regarding materials for window sills and sills. As a rule, standard ebbs are used, which come with a PVC window. The window sill can be made of wood or polymer. The lower profile can be supported directly on a wooden window sill, i.e. you can, if desired, install this product before installing the window. Or you can not get rid of the old window sill, if it is normally preserved.

Experienced builders give a very useful recommendation, which is not in the regulatory documents, but it will be useful to anyone who decides to install a PVC window on their own. The wood is permeable. If no action is taken in this regard, these evaporations will gradually degrade the properties of the foam. And to prevent the foam from moistening, a polyethylene foam foil tape should be pasted along the line of its application.

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Preparing the opening and window for installation

Before proceeding with further work, prepare the tools for installing PVC windows. You will need the following:

1. Screwdriver.
2. Foam gun and directly foam.
3. Level.
4. Electric jigsaw.
5. Perforator.
6. A set of hex keys.
7. Pencil.
8. Yardstick.
9. Stationery knife.

After you dismantle the old window, carefully clean the opening of paint and debris. If the walls of your house are made of wood, you will have to additionally cut off the top layer if the new window is mounted in a box that has already served for some time. This pre-treatment provides a stronger adhesion of the foam to the top layer.

Builders recommend using foam to fill the gap only if the gap between the opening and the frame does not exceed 40 mm in size. If the gaps are larger, it is better to partially fill them with foam, drywall and other available materials. For example, in a house made of timber, you can use segments of the same timber.

First you need to remove the sash from the frame. To do this, pull the pin out of the top loop. You can carefully pry it off with a screwdriver or pliers. After that, remove the sash from the bottom hinge. If the window is deaf, you need to remove the double-glazed window from it. First, the longitudinal glazing beads are taken, after them - the transverse ones. Beads are easily removed with a spatula or a wide knife. It is enough to insert an auxiliary tool into the gap and begin to gradually shift it. Be careful not to damage the glass.

If the window is small, you can insert it using mounting plates without having to first remove the double-glazed windows or sashes. If it is possible not to violate the integrity of the factory design, then it is better not to do this. Take a sash or double-glazed window and lean the product against the wall at a slight angle, placing it on a flat horizontal surface, previously covered with thick cardboard or some kind of soft material.

In no case do not lay double-glazed windows and sashes flat. It is also forbidden to put them skewed. Even because of the smallest pebble under the base, a crack may appear in the product. Remove the protective film from the outside of the frame. It is better to do it right away, because. in the future, this process will require much more effort.

Mark the places for installing fasteners. Builders recommend installing fasteners in increments of 40 cm. In accordance with the current state standards, the step should not exceed 70 cm. The standard indents from the impost and corners are 15 cm. If you install a PVC window using plates, attach them to the frame in advance. For this, self-tapping screws are used. Prepare holes for long self-tapping screws or anchor bolts. Use a metal drill for this. Drill from the outside of the frame.

Most instructions indicate that before starting installation, you need to fix it with PSUL protective tape. However, practice shows that it is quite inconvenient to glue it before installation. Therefore, you can do this after the installation is completed, nothing terrible will happen because of this.