PVC angle profiles for windows: types, sizes and fitting step by step

Where a flat trim will not do, because a corner or a reveal has to be finished, the PVC angle profile steps in. It is a profile bent to an angle that covers two planes at once - ideal where a window meets the reveal or the sill. In this guide we show what kinds of PVC angle profile exist, how to choose the size and how to fit them so they last and look right.

What is a PVC angle profile?

A PVC angle profile is an L-shaped profile made of rigid polyvinyl chloride. It wraps around a corner and so conceals two adjoining surfaces at the same time - the face of a reveal and its side, for example.

Unlike a flat trim, an angle profile copes where two planes meet at a right angle. That is why it is used above all to finish reveals and the sill-to-window joint. Importantly, the material resists moisture and UV, so it handles fitting both indoors and on the facade.

Types of PVC angle profile

Angle profiles differ mainly in stiffness and in how they adapt to the corner. Broadly there are two groups: folding (flexible, taking up the angle) and fixed (with a rigid 90° angle).

Folding angle profiles (on the roll)

These are thin profiles, 1.0-1.5 mm thick, supplied in rolls. Their strength is flexibility - they fold to any angle, so they suit even less than perfect corners.

Variant	Thickness	Sizes (examples)
Folding, on the roll (flat)	1,0-1,5 mm	30-80 mm, also with a seal
White folding	1,0 mm	15/15 to 30/30 mm, 20/40 mm
Folding trim/angle	1,5 mm	30 (20/10), 50 (30/20), 70 (40/30) mm

Most models are self-adhesive and some come with a seal that closes the edge. They are packed in rolls of 50 m or 100 m, which is convenient on longer runs.

Fixed angle profiles (rigid)

Fixed angle profiles have an unchanging 90° angle and a greater thickness (usually 2.0-2.5 mm). That lets them hold a perfectly straight corner line. There are two kinds:

Equal-legged - both legs the same length:

Sizes
20/20 · 25/25 · 30/30 · 40/40 · 50/50 · 60/60 · 100/100 mm (thickness 2,5 mm)

Unequal-legged - one leg longer, for asymmetric corners:

Sizes (examples)
15/30 · 20/40 · 20/60 · 25/75 · 30/60 · 40/60 · 50/80 · 60/100 mm

There are also rounded angle profiles (30/60 and 60/80 mm), which give a softer, more decorative corner line.

Thicknesses and packing

Rigid PVC comes here in thicknesses of 1.0 / 1.5 / 2.0 / 2.5 / 3.0 and 4.0 mm. How it is packed depends on the thickness:

• 1.0-1.5 mm - rolls of 50 m or 100 m (flexible profiles);
• 2.0-3.0 mm - 6 metre lengths (rigid profiles).

Thin angle profiles sometimes arrive rolled up; it is worth unrolling them and laying them flat as soon as they arrive. A short 2-3 day journey on the roll does not affect the quality of the profile.

Colours and foil wraps

White is the basic colour, but the stock palette is far wider. Permanently available are, among others: golden oak, walnut, anthracite, mahogany, dark oak, dark green, sapele, rosewood, brown and cream.

Profiles can also be wrapped in Renolit, Hornschuch, Cova and LG foils and, if required, painted in any RAL colour. That lets you match the profile to virtually any joinery, even in an unusual shade.

Where PVC angle profiles are used

Angle profiles are versatile, so they turn up at many stages of finishing a window or door opening:

• concealing the masonry-to-window gap at the corners;
• finishing the sill-to-window joint;
• cladding external reveals and internal reveals;
• arched windows - thin angle profiles are heat-bent to the shape of the arch;
• fitting aluminium joinery and other corner junctions.

In practice it is the angle profiles that decide whether the corners around a window look professionally finished.

Fitting angle profiles - the rules

Fitting is quick, especially with the self-adhesive version, where foam tape can sit on one leg or both. Even so, a few rules deserve to be taken seriously.

1. Degrease the surface

Clean and degrease the substrate thoroughly before bonding. A clean, dry surface is the basis of a lasting bond.

2. Unroll the profile and lay it flat

If the angle profile arrived on a roll, unroll it and leave it flat before fitting. The profile then takes on a straight line and is easier to lay.

3. Leave expansion gaps

Leave expansion gaps at both ends of the profile. PVC moves with temperature, so the gap protects the profile from bowing and lifting.

4. Press home and check the corner

Finally press both legs down evenly and check that the profile wraps the corner squarely. With the folding version, set the angle to the actual corner before the tape bonds for good.

Angle profile, trim or muntin bar - which one?

These three products are often confused, though they do different jobs. To be clear:

• flat or hollow-chamber trim - conceals a flat gap on a single plane;
• PVC angle profile - finishes a corner, where two planes meet;
• stick-on muntin bar - divides the glass decoratively and has nothing to do with the masonry.

In other words: an angle profile for corners, a trim for flat junctions, a muntin bar for dividing the glass. They are often used together on the same job.

Frequently asked questions

How does a folding angle profile differ from a fixed one? The folding one is thin and flexible, so it adapts to an imperfect corner; the fixed one has a rigid 90° angle and holds a perfectly straight line. For true corners the fixed one is often better, for awkward ones the folding one.

Are the angle profiles self-adhesive? Yes, most models can be ordered with self-adhesive foam tape on one leg or both. Fitting then needs no drilling.

Why an unequal-legged angle profile? It suits corners where the two planes have different widths - the longer leg then covers the wider reveal and the shorter one the other side.

Can angle profiles finish an arched window? They can. Thin profiles are heat-bent, so they suit arched windows and other unusual shapes.

What colours do the angle profiles come in? From stock in white and many wood shades (golden oak, walnut, anthracite and others). Foil wrapping and painting in any RAL colour are also available.

In summary

PVC angle profiles are essential when finishing the corners around windows and doors. The choice comes down to two decisions: folding or fixed (depending on how true the corner is) and what leg size (so the gap is covered with room to spare). The rest is a colour or foil matched to the joinery, and careful fitting with expansion gaps.

As a manufacturer of angle profiles and PVC accessories we will help you choose the profile, size and colour for your project and prepare a quote for your specific order. Get in touch - we will recommend the best solution for your job.