Plastic windows just right. What are the best plastic windows: get acquainted with the recommendations of which company has good plastic windows. The impact of low temperatures on plastic windows

Plastic profile, double-glazed window, fittings, seal - how important are these elements of a plastic window, which of them can you save on, how to choose them correctly and arrange them into a single whole? How to choose a window manufacturer? For these and others current issues Let's try to answer in this article.

So, you have decided to install plastic windows in your home. How not to make a mistake when choosing good ones window systems, which will serve for a long time and with high quality, because the market is overflowing with supply? Hundreds of companies present their products, competing with each other with discounts and a variety of promotions. Unfortunately, many of them, to put it mildly, treat their clients unfairly. As a result, the consumer has to delve into the peculiarities of the market, the intricacies of the production of PVC products, as well as the installation and configuration of windows, not paying attention to aggressive advertising and marketing gimmicks.

Principles for choosing plastic windows

A modern plastic window is complex system, all elements of which are closely interconnected. Among them there are no particularly important or secondary ones. Oddly enough, one of the most common consumer mistakes is choosing a window based only on a specific brand of PVC profile. At the same time, it is obvious that plastic windows will definitely disappoint the customer if the manufacturer uses thin double-glazed windows, cheap fittings, low-quality fittings, and short-lived seals for their production. Let's take a closer look at what components they consist of. metal-plastic windows, let's look at the features of the configuration.

To make expensive metal-plastic windows successful and long term investment, you need to accurately determine your needs.

The technical nuances of window systems will largely depend on their operating conditions. The main criteria for selecting window elements will be:

• temperature conditions indoors and outdoors;
• safety requirements.

Everything is important: in what climatic zone You are at; where the windows will be oriented - towards a busy street or a quiet one patio; what room the window is intended for - kitchen, children's room or balcony in the bedroom; on what floor is your home located?

How to choose a profile for a plastic window?

The PVC profile is rightfully considered one of the main elements of a plastic window. The service life of the product as a whole, its insulating properties and appearance. Naturally, you should pay attention only to a certified plastic profile that meets all modern standards and current GOSTs.

Which window profile manufacturer is better?

Practice shows that many window companies prefer to work with German-made profiles, especially since most foreign manufacturers offer several series of profiles that differ in both their characteristics and cost.

Note that the profile market is divided into segments. There are relatively inexpensive trade marks profile, there are strong middle peasants. Until recently, the main prerogative Russian manufacturers was an economy class, the so-called “tender” profiles for objects where quality issues are relegated to the background, and the main thing is the low cost of products. To be fair, we note that domestic companies For several years now they have been successfully competing with foreign manufacturers in the middle class, as they use their own raw materials, equipment and technologies.

Some Western European manufacturers of PVC profiles are represented only in the highest price category, as a rule, they are produced outside of Russia. Experts are confident that there are no fundamental differences between the products of the world's leading companies; only economy-class products that do not stand up to criticism should be avoided. Therefore, what is much more important is not the promotion of the brand, but the technical characteristics of a specific profile series.

Selecting window profile characteristics

The plastic profile is the basis of the entire window unit; it performs a load-bearing function. The width and height of the profile affects static performance finished product. Massive frames and sashes can be equipped with an additional third sealing circuit, wider double-glazed windows (up to 48 mm), anti-burglary fittings, big amount air chambers. The market offers profiles with widths from 58 to 121 (“Dutch series”), naturally, the wider the better, but also more expensive.

The bulkheads inside the profile form air chambers, which play a huge role in the sound and heat insulation of the window, and also serve as stiffening ribs. The more chambers, the better the insulating properties of the finished product. Three-chamber windows width 58 - 60 mm is recommended for use only in areas with temperate climates or in unheated rooms, for example, on the loggia. For most of our country, profiles with five or more chambers, with a width of 70 mm or more, are better suited. By the way, in Europe, where climatic conditions are much milder, three-chamber profiles are practically no longer used in housing construction.

Another extremely important indicator PVC window profile, which directly affects its strength and durability is the thickness of the outer walls. According to GOST, for middle-class windows (A-class) this figure should be at least 3 mm, although some manufacturers, in order to reduce the cost of profiles, reduced the thickness of the front walls to 2.5 - 2.7 mm, presenting the world with a “lightweight” series economy class.

It is also necessary to clarify which reinforcing liner will be used in the production of windows. The reinforcing liner is inserted into the main chamber of the PVC profile in order to provide rigidity to the structure, as well as stabilize the shape and linear dimensions plastic product, actively changing due to temperature fluctuations. According to standards, it is made of galvanized steel 1.2-2 mm thick, U-shaped or rectangular shape sections. It is not uncommon for unscrupulous window manufacturers to use a reinforcing profile with a small wall thickness - from 0.5 mm, or made of ferrous metal.

Attention! Reinforcing metallic profile must be installed in white windows with a length of more than 800 mm, as well as in colored products of any size.

Based on the degree of resistance to climatic influences, PVC profiles can be divided into normal and frost-resistant. Frost-resistant profiles are used in areas with an average monthly temperature in January lower than -20°C; they are marked with an additional letter “M”.

Window profiles can be selected in any color according to the RAL scale. In most cases, tinting is done by lamination. front surfaces special films. Films often have a wood texture and also imitate some valuable species: oak, walnut, beech. It is also possible to laminate the front and outside of the window in different colors. Another way color decoration plastic profiles - this is co-extrusion painting. It consists of applying a thin layer during the production of profiles. acrylic coating, which is integral with the PVC base. The acrylic (plexiglass) layer has excellent resistance to ultraviolet radiation and local heating, so it is not susceptible to cracking and peeling. In addition, window profiles are painted by spraying colored varnish. Profiles Brown can be tinted in bulk. By the way, different manufacturers window profile there may be options white: blue-white to milky white.

Note that no matter what tinting method is used, this extra work for the manufacturer, accordingly, the price of the profile will be 10-20% higher compared to white. Moreover, colored windows are subject to special requirements- this is less permissible distance between fasteners and mandatory reinforcement of profiles with metal inserts.

When choosing a profile, you need to pay attention to the following details:

• number of air chambers;
• profile width and height;
• thickness of the front walls;
• presence and characteristics of the reinforcing liner;
• frost resistance (if necessary);
• toning;
• brand recognition.

Choosing a double-glazed window

Just like a multi-chamber plastic profile, a high-quality double-glazed window provides the window with PVC good soundproof and high thermal insulation characteristics. It is difficult to overestimate the importance of selecting suitable technical characteristics glass unit, especially since the area of ​​the opening covered with glass is disproportionately larger than the area filled plastic elements. The role of double-glazed windows is so important that many large window manufacturers manufacture them themselves in their own workshops for proper quality control.

Modern double-glazed windows have serious versatility, so when making the right choice capable of comprehensively solving a lot of problems and problems. Special properties are imparted to double-glazed windows by the use of special films and coatings.

They can be of a wide variety of shapes: arched, oval, triangular, trapezoidal; and also have a thickness from 14 to 60 mm (GOST 24866-99).

The main criteria for choosing a double-glazed window are:

• peculiarities climatic conditions;
• sound exposure level;
• safety requirements;
• nuances of architectural and design solutions.

Single or double glazing?

A single-chamber double-glazed window is a structure of two glasses glued together at a certain distance. Depending on the size of the spacer frame and the thickness of the glass, they are most often 24-26 mm thick. Double-glazed windows with two glasses, without the use of any energy saving technologies, it makes sense to use only in southern latitudes, in unheated or well-ventilated production premises. In other cases, they are prone to fogging.

Double-glazed windows have much higher rates of sound and thermal insulation, therefore, with a total thickness of at least 32 mm, they are best suited for use in residential premises middle zone Russia. The design of three glasses separated by two spacer frames was, in general, conceived to optimize the insulating properties of the window as a whole.

Often glass double-glazed window placed at different distances from each other, using distance frames of different widths for cameras of the same block, from 6 to 16 mm, which makes it possible to suppress more effectively sound vibrations and improve thermal insulation properties. Another trick of the developers regarding improving sound insulation is to increase the thickness of the outer glass from the minimum allowable 4 mm to 5-6 mm.

Energy-saving technologies in the production of double-glazed windows

The problem of saving heat with double-glazed windows is being solved different ways. Most often this is the use of energy-saving glass with a hard or soft coating. Soft coverings applied to the finished glass in the form of films. Hard coatings are applied to glass during its production, and are sprayed with low-emissivity compounds that transmit visible light, but at the same time reflect thermal radiation towards its source. In this way, heat loss can be reduced by almost three times; in addition, in sunny weather the room heats up much less, interior items do not fade, and condensation does not form on the windows. Depending on the type of sprayed composition and the technology of their application, there are k-glasses and i-glasses. The former have low thermal conductivity, neutral color and are easy to manufacture. The latter have even more outstanding insulating properties, but their production process is somewhat more complicated and expensive, and the i-coating is a little noticeable to the human eye.

The use of two glasses with energy-saving coating in a single-chamber double-glazed window is not very effective, in contrast to a two-chamber design with a 10 mm distance between the glasses - according to the diagram 4i-10-4-10-4i(4 - glass thickness; 10 - chamber width; i - type of coating).

Another option for energy-saving technologies is gas filling of the glass unit chambers. Used for these purposes inert gases, argon and krypton, have much lower thermal conductivity and heat capacity compared to air, and also due to molecular features they transfer heat from one glass to another more slowly. Experts believe that the thermal insulation characteristics of a single-chamber double-glazed window with ordinary glasses when filled with gas, they improve by about 5%, but a similar double-glazed window with one i-glass will become another 10-12% warmer - diagram 4-16Argon-4i. Therefore, it is recommended to use these technologies in tandem, including in double-glazed windows.

What is a “safety double glazed window”?

The safety issues that a special double-glazed window solves concern two things. Firstly, it is its resistance to mechanical stress, and secondly, it is the nature of the fragments when damaged.

You can never rule out the possibility of window glass breaking, producing multiple pieces with sharp edges. To protect people from problems in such a situation, double-glazed windows with tempered glass are used in the production of windows. Such glasses are made by heat treatment after cutting them to size. As a result, they become 5-7 times stronger, this applies to both impact and impacts on deflection and stretching. Damaged tempered glass breaks into small fragments no larger than 3 cm 2 in size, which have no sharp corners. After heat treatment, glass does not lose its light transmission and thermal properties, so any double-glazed window can be tempered - sun-protective, energy-saving or multifunctional. Double-glazed windows with tempered glass Most often used for children's rooms, entrance groups and facades, skylights, winter gardens, fire hazardous premises.

Glass with a polymer layer—triplex—has special characteristics. These are glasses that have a complex multilayer structure, all layers of which are connected by a special film or a special resin. When a double-glazed window breaks, the fragments do not scatter around, but remain on the polymer gasket, and therefore are not capable of causing harm to a person. Multilayer triplex technology formed the basis for the production of armored, bullet-resistant glass. Note that laminated glass weakly transmits vibrations, therefore they are an effective element of sound insulation of a double-glazed window and the window as a whole. Double-glazed windows with triplex glass can safely be called burglary-resistant, since it is just as difficult to get into a home through them as through a good entrance door, so they are very often used for suburban construction and in apartments on the lower floors.

Reinforced glass is not only safe for mechanical damage, but also perform a fire-fighting function. Thanks to the glass structure embedded metal mesh, double-glazed windows retain their integrity in the event of destruction and prevent the spread of fire. Such glasses are produced both smooth, transparent, and with patterns and corrugations.

Recently, the issues of protecting premises from electromagnetic radiation, in particular to prevent information leakage. Screening of windows, glazed doors and partitions is carried out by metalizing the glass with a mesh or pasting them with conductive films. Screened double-glazed windows are easily integrated into the electromagnetic screen of special rooms, which, in addition to solving privacy problems, can protect people from exposure to harmful radiation, and complex instruments and devices from electromagnetic noise.

Double-glazed windows that are visible only from one side help maintain privacy. As a rule, they have a mirror appearance on the outside. Most often they are used in offices, banks, and on the first floors of apartment buildings.

How do sun glasses work?

Sun control glasses are designed to limit the amount of inner space light and thermal energy. They are most in demand special properties V summer period when it is necessary to combat overheating of premises. Previously, it was assumed that for these purposes it was simply necessary to reduce the flow of transmitted light as a whole, so dark glasses were considered to work. Now, in addition to tinted glass and covered with film, glass with various types of coatings is actively used.

Depending on the coating technology and its type, solar control glasses are created that reflect or absorb radiation.

To be precise, they are either predominantly reflective or predominantly absorbent (tinted). As a result, the consumer has the opportunity to order the production of transparent double-glazed windows that reflect thermal energy sun, but letting in the bulk of natural light.

What are sprats, what are they for?

Questions may be structural element windows designed to strengthen large area glazing. They divide it into several fields filled with individual double-glazed windows. Structural beams are part of the frame and are made of a plastic impost profile.

Decorative bars are an inter-glass layout that forms a variety of spatial patterns. Such sprockets are attached to the spacer frame during the production of a double-glazed window. They can be made in any color according to the RAL scale, but the most popular are white, brown, anodized, and “gold” layouts. The profiles of the sprockets have a width of 8, 18, 26, 32 mm, thanks to the connecting elements of various configurations they create very interesting geometric shapes, from simple lattices to complex structures with curved under different angles lines. Decorative strips allow you to bring individual design ideas to life. The light opening of a window with an internal layout receives a certain amount of exclusivity and recognition, which, you see, is important for standardized PVC window blocks.

Choosing fittings for a plastic window

Plastic window fittings ensure that the sashes open in different directions and are securely locked. The quality of this element determines the service life of the window, its thermal characteristics and appearance. Any experienced window fitter will tell you that you can’t skimp on fittings. Moreover, there has even been a trend in which manufacturing companies equip inexpensive window units with high-quality European fittings almost by default.

What is the difference between quality fittings?

Modern PVC windows can be equipped with fittings from almost any manufacturer, but the best way The products of the following companies have proven themselves: Roto, Maco, Siegenia-Aubi. Their fittings are almost identical in quality and cost; they fully comply with current Russian GOSTs.

The fittings for PVC windows should only be steel, which is capable of providing several dozen openings per day for at least 20 years. The hinges of high-quality fittings can easily withstand a weight of more than 100 kilograms; with its help, window sashes open smoothly, without jerking or extraneous noise (creaking, rustling, rustling).

Be sure to ask the window manufacturer to provide certificates of conformity for the fittings being installed. For example, plastic fittings It is not certified in Russia and no one will show you such documents for it.

What kind of accessories are there?

The design criterion for the classification of fittings is the method of opening the window. There are three possible options for the movement of the sashes: tilting (fanlight), rotary and tilt-and-turn. Depending on the side to which the opening occurs, there are right and left hinges.

Anti-burglary fittings are designed to prevent unauthorized entry into a home through windows. According to statistics, in more than 70% of cases, burglars prefer to break open the window sash. Already in the standard version, high-quality fittings have basic level security, in addition to this, there are several more anti-burglary classes, the highest of which provide protection against thieves armed with heavy hand tools such as a crowbar or a powerful electric tool.

The window becomes as reliable as high-quality ones entrance doors, thanks to the use of high-strength fittings made of alloy steel (hooks, hooks, mushroom pins, hinges, locks, strikers...), an increase in the number of locking points, as well as some constructive solutions, borrowed from the field of anti-burglary doors. Additionally, the degree of protection is improved by a hidden anti-drilling pad, as well as a handle with a lock or lock, which is required for all configurations of anti-burglary fittings.

Obviously, a window with anti-burglary fittings must be equipped with a multi-layer protected glass unit, inside plastic profile there must be a high-quality reinforcing liner that provides reliable fastening counter strips.

Windows with well-adjusted fittings are easy to open even by the smallest children. Several methods are used to protect curious children. Windows can be equipped with fittings with elements that block the rotating function of the sash - child locks, opening blockers. The most effective is to use a handle with a lock or a hidden button, as well as a plug socket with removable handles.

The fittings can have a micro-ventilation mode, which means that in a certain position of the handle - 45°, the sash deviates from the frame by a few millimeters. This ensures access to the room fresh air without the formation of drafts. This function is also called “slot” or “winter” ventilation.

There are some additional functions of the fittings - this is a stepped opening, which allows you to install the sash in different positions; tilt locking, preventing incorrect rotation of the handle in the open position of the sash; protection against spontaneous slamming, which helps to securely fix the sash in the open position.

In addition, high-quality fittings include handles and decorative overlays. various colors and design.

How to choose seals?

The compaction system is closely interconnected with the drainage system profile system. Together they have a much greater impact on the thermal characteristics of the window than it might seem at first glance. It is the seals that provide PVC windows with exceptional tightness, which provides the entire structure with sound and heat insulation. They protect the fittings from condensation, debris, and abrasive particles harmful to its functioning. Unfortunately, the consumer’s choice comes down more to questions of color - for many it is only important that the seal be inconspicuous and gray. Often managers who accept orders, for certain reasons, are also not inclined to discuss the choice of sealing materials.

Depending on the type of profile, plastic window blocks can have from one to three seal perimeters. Depending on where they are located, the sealing contours are divided into internal, external and middle.

Seals for plastic windows are made of special rubber, silicone, rubber-plastic or caoutchouc. Of course, they all have special characteristics: elasticity; softness; resistance to temperature changes and exposure to ultraviolet radiation, acids, alkalis, oils. But each has its own disadvantages - rapid aging, difficulty in replacement, decreased elasticity when low temperatures, significant cost (silicone). According to many experts, seals made of EPTC material - ethylene-propylene-thermopolymer-rubber, internationally labeled - EPDM - have the best price/quality ratios.

It is believed that although manufacturers of plastic windows have the opportunity to independently assemble their products, it is better if seals recommended by its manufacturer are used for a specific profile system. This will ensure a perfect match between the groove and the seal.

When ordering a plastic window, ask for a certificate of conformity for sealing materials. Give preference to products from European manufacturers.

Who to order a window from? Instead of an epilogue

So, we examined in detail all the elements of a modern plastic window, their types and technical features. However, it is not enough just to properly staff window unit, a lot depends on the professionalism and integrity of the employees of the company that will manufacture your windows. Do not forget also that in most cases they install the products.

When choosing plastic windows, do not place the main emphasis on the brand of PVC profile, but choose a window manufacturer who the best side has proven itself in the market, has solid experience, and a staff of qualified employees. It's better if it is big company, working in your city for several years.

Beware of entering into contracts with seasonal “fly-by-night companies” that offer windows at the most low prices, huge warranty periods, many tempting promotions. They cease to exist already early winter, when consumers begin to file complaints about low-quality products en masse. Such companies do not have competent managers, measurers, installers, and sometimes their functions are performed by the same person. It happens that seasonal companies do not have their own office, but accept orders by mobile phone, and contracts are concluded at the customer’s home.

When choosing a window, discuss in detail with the seller the options for completing the windows, ask for advice on what you can save on. Often after such conversations, much becomes clear about the contractor’s competence.

Take the time to talk to the surveyor about the details of design and installation; keep in mind that his call does not oblige you to anything. If the level of knowledge of the subject, appearance or manner of communication of the measurer is alarming, consider whether it is worth continuing further cooperation with this company.

Ask managers to show you certificates for the services provided and products provided. The quality certificate must be for the window as a whole, as well as for all its components - profile, double-glazed window, fittings, seals.

Order windows only when concluding a contract, which indicates the full details of the manufacturer, the configuration and cost of the products, the terms of their production and installation. Only with the help of a contract can you protect yourself from unforeseen price increases, delays, poor-quality assembly and installation, and mis-grading of components.

Stick to these simple rules, and you will get a really high-quality window.

Window blocks with wooden frame Almost everywhere they are now being replaced by plastic analogues. Plastic is cheap, durable, looks more presentable and is easier to maintain. But how to choose the right PVC windows for your apartment or Vacation home so that they serve properly long years. We tried to collect all the expert recommendations on this issue to make it easier for you to make a choice.

Instructions

PVC windows account for 70% of window volume in Europe. PVC plastic is non-flammable, environmentally friendly, resistant to aggressive environments, has excellent thermal protection (0.53 m2 °C/W), has good sound insulation (26 dBa), frost-resistant (up to -60 °C), easy to maintain, has low gas and air permeability (17 m3/h m2), high strength of corner joints (1000 N), long service life (up to 50 years) and relatively low cost. For the climatic conditions of Russia, the world level of PVC profile quality can be achieved, for example, with the following design: box width - at least 70 mm; number of hermetic chambers – at least 5; number of sealing circuits – at least 3; width 36-40 mm (usually 24-32 mm); The wall thickness of the PVC profile is 3 mm (usually max 2.3-2.7 mm) plus its reinforcement with a galvanized square with a wall thickness of 2 mm - this increases the durability of the products up to 50 years.

Certified double-glazed windows of European quality are single-chamber - 24 mm thick, mainly for industrial premises; two-chamber – 28 and 32 mm thick for industrial premises and 36 mm – for residential premises, and three-four chamber – more than 40 mm thick – for modern luxury residential premises, in which only PVC with a frame width of 100 mm or more provides maximum window resistance to heat transfer and complete isolation from street noise, dust and moisture. Seals serve the same purpose - elastic gaskets around the perimeter of the window between the frame and the sash. The highest quality PVC should not use ordinary domestically produced rubber seals, but certified elastomeric seals developed specifically for the climatic conditions of Russia.

Fittings are an important element of the window design for attaching it to the frame, opening, locking and ventilating. In PVC windows of the highest class, you need to use German “safe” tilt-and-turn fittings, which allow you to open the window in 4 ways: turning, tilt-and-turn, tilting (fanlight) and slotted (winter). This type of fittings is one of the best in the world; it is extremely reliable, durable and easy to use and maintain.

An important element is also the installation of PVC windows. The quality of installation is determined by the following factors.
Correct measurement of window openings (measurement from inside and outside, while a quarter should be no less, and the window should be larger than the external dimensions of the opening by 30-40 mm in width and 15-20 mm in height). Correct installation and fastening of frames to the wall (the new frame is installed from the side of the room by 2-3 cm per quarter: 3-4 cm in panel houses and 10-15 cm in brick houses, strictly according to the level, without distortions of the frame, the frames are fastened with an anchor bolt or a clamper, the voids around the perimeter are filled polyurethane foam). Correct installation of window sills (under the frame with an entry depth of no more than 1 cm and into the wall 1.5-3 cm) and slopes - in panel houses with a width of 100-300 mm and a thickness of 20 mm, in brick houses - with a width of 300- 800 mm and 20 mm thick; the optimal solution is PVC window sills up to 800 mm wide and 20 mm thick with a reinforced ELESGO acrylate resin, electron beam cured surface). Correct final adjustment of installed window structures: sash clamping (checked by clamping a sheet of paper between the sash and the frame - it should not stretch ), fittings (all hooks must work smoothly). After this, the remnants of the protective film on the inside must be removed, and the gaps in the seal at the corners of the beads must be sealed with colorless silicone sealant.

Anton Tsugunov

Reading time: 17 minutes

Plastic windows are on the crest of popularity. They are comfortable, high-tech, attractive. But the abundance of models with different characteristics confuses the ignorant buyer. To choose plastic windows, you need to pay attention to every detail of the design - profile, double-glazed windows, seals and fittings - and listen to the opinions of experts.

How to choose the right profile

When talking about a profile, an analogy is often drawn with the skeleton of a window. This complex structure made of plastic and metal has several cavities - chambers - separated by sealed partitions. Their number affects the strength of the window and its ability to retain heat. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is used to make window profiles.

Reasons why this type of plastic is used:

• ability to withstand adverse conditions;
• low thermal conductivity;
• cheapness;
• environmental Safety;
• preservation of consumer properties for a period of at least 50 years;
• reliable sound insulation.

The usual color of PVC is white, but there are multi-colored profiles, as well as laminated ones for different types of wood.

By examining the plastic, you can determine how well the window frame will serve. High-quality PVC is an absolutely smooth, monolithic, homogeneous material. The presence of stains and graininess eloquently indicates a fake.

Profile classes

The quality of windows is determined by the thickness of the outer part of the contour and internal partitions. According to this indicator, profiles are divided into 3 classes:

• Profile A is ideal for residential buildings: the thickness of its external walls starts from 2.8 mm, internal - from 2.5 mm.
• Profile B – suitable for heated and unheated rooms. It has a thickness of external walls from 2.5 mm, internal walls from 2 mm, windows made from it are less adapted to loads.
• Profile C - called object profile, used in rooms without heating. Such windows often do not have opening sashes. The wall thickness is not standardized, but it is usually less than that of other types of profiles.

Metal inserts play an important role - they increase the strength of the structure. Therefore, such windows are sometimes called metal-plastic.

Air chambers

• The three-chamber profile is the most commonly used. Suitable for regions with temperate climates, where winter temperatures do not drop below 30 °C. Standard width is 5.8 cm.
• Four- and five-chamber profiles are more expensive and weigh more. Their installation is justified only in cold regions, where they will keep the room warm even in the most severe frosts. They are also chosen for windows that face a busy road due to higher sound insulation.
• Single- and double-chamber products are popular due to their low price. But it makes sense to install windows from such a profile only in the south of Russia, where there are no cold winters.

This is interesting! The thermal conductivity of a profile with 7–8 chambers is lower than that of products with fewer chambers: numerous partitions negate the insulating properties of the air in the chambers. A wide profile with a small number of chambers will retain heat better than a narrow multi-chamber one.

External chambers, thanks to special openings, also serve as condensate drains. They do not affect the quality of thermal insulation and do not spoil the aesthetic appearance of the structure. On the contrary, the absence of technological holes indicates low quality: such a window will last less than the standard period.

Recently, window designs have become widespread, in the chambers of which the air is replaced by foamed heat insulators. They retain heat even better, but the price becomes significantly higher.

Frost resistance

Another profile parameter is frost resistance. It should not change its properties at low temperatures. A frost-resistant profile that is suitable for the domestic climate should be marked “M”. The degree of resistance to adverse conditions can also be seen in the passport.

Profile width

For standard windows, the profile width (installation depth) ranges from 50–80 mm. When it does not exceed 60 mm, the number of cameras in the frame is usually 3, and at 70 mm – 4–5. The greater thickness allows the use of more durable fittings, additional soundproofing and insulation contours, and thick double-glazed windows.

Read about which windows are better, plastic or wooden.

Educational video about the secrets of choosing a PVC profile:

Expert advice: for the middle zone, a 3-chamber profile is more than enough. There is no point in overpaying for multi-chamber products that are positioned as warmer: you will not notice the difference. It is better to choose a class A profile; class C is unacceptable in residential premises. And you should always remember that the quality of assembly and installation of the window is more important than the profile parameters.

We understand double-glazed windows: type and quantity of glass, markings, spacer frame

A double-glazed window compared to traditional window glass is a complex design. This is a block of glass, hermetically sealed together. The space between the two glass sheets is called the chamber. It should not be confused with those included in the profile.

What does the thermal and sound insulation of a double-glazed window depend on?

The ability to retain heat and keep noise out depends on:

• From the thickness of the glass unit. For a house or apartment, a double-glazed window with a thickness of 32–44 mm is suitable.
• Depending on the number of cameras. Typically, a double-glazed window consists of 3 glasses and 2 chambers between them. For harsh climates or houses located in places with high noise levels, three- and four-chamber packages are produced. Single-chamber ones are suitable for arranging balconies, loggias, and gazebos.

• From the width of each chamber of the glass unit. The larger it is, the better the insulating characteristics. However, after 24 mm, increasing the thickness no longer increases the positive properties of the product.

• From filling the cells. Inert gas pumped between the glasses reduces heat loss and protects against noise and ultraviolet radiation. Argon retains 50% more heat compared to air, krypton - 2 times more than argon.

• From the thickness of the glass. If you install 5 or 6 mm external glass instead of the standard 4 mm in a window facing a busy street, the sound insulation will increase, but only slightly. And glass of different thicknesses will not resonate with each other.

• Depending on the type of glass. It makes sense to choose a more expensive material, but with additional useful properties. Low-emissivity glass that reflects infrared rays keeps your home warm in winter and cool in summer.

Advice from Mr. Build. Sometimes there is no point in spending money on extra glass: you can put single-chamber double-glazed windows on the external block of the balcony, and the internal block will protect from noise and cold. For comparison: full glazing of a 3-room apartment with three-chamber double-glazed windows will cost 75,000 rubles, and if you install single-chamber double-glazed windows on the balcony, the total cost will drop to 71,250 rubles.

Glass types

To obtain low-emissivity glass, a thin metal film is sprayed onto it.

• K-coating is a tin film that reduces heat loss by 25% in a single-chamber double-glazed window.
• I-coating (i) is a layer of rare earth metals that retains more than 30% of heat. It is installed only from the room side, the coating is turned inside the chamber, since it is not resistant to mechanical damage. Often labeled E-low.

Due to such glass, a single-chamber double-glazed window approaches the thermal insulation properties of a double-chamber one and can even exceed them.

If you listen to the recommendations of experts in the field of energy saving, then the best choice in terms of heat conservation will be a two-chamber double-glazed window filled with an inert gas and having one glass with a special coating. Thermal packages will help you save on heating in winter and on electricity due to less frequent use of air conditioning in summer.

Let's look at an example. Conventional double-glazed windows for a private house cost the owner 150,000 rubles. In winter, you have to pay 8,000 rubles for heating. per month, and in the summer, due to the operation of the air conditioner, you need to pay 600 rubles more for electricity. per month. If the owner of the house installed thermal packages, he would pay 180,000 rubles for them. But at the same time, heating costs would drop to 4,800 rubles. per month, and for air conditioning - up to 420 rubles. It turns out that thermal packages pay for themselves in two years, and then bring benefits.

It is practically impossible to break glass laminated with triplex. The same quality is found in glass reinforced with special metal or polymer meshes.

INTERESTING FACTS!

• Energy-saving i-glass was invented completely by accident. Japanese scientists were researching the development of protective equipment against radiation and found that some metals applied to glass reflect heat. First, this technology found application in space developments, and is now used in the manufacture of double-glazed windows.
• Scientists still have not been able to explain one amazing phenomenon. After 39 years of operation of a plastic window, the outer wall of the profile becomes 0.75 mm thinner. Not a single version explaining this fact has yet been recognized as sufficiently reliable.
• Triplex laminated glass was also created by chance. The famous French scientist Edward Benidictus dropped a glass flask on the floor. It cracked, but did not shatter into fragments. And the reason for this was a mixture of cellulose nitrate, which froze on the walls of the burst flask and created a layer that prevented the glass from disintegrating.

Glass unit markings, tables

The structure of a double-glazed window can be understood by the markings, which indicate the thickness of the glass, the width of the chambers, and the type of coating. For example, the designation 4-12Ar-4-12 Ar-4I is deciphered as follows:

• double-glazed window;
• glass thickness – 4 mm;
• the distance between them is 12 mm;
• I-type inner glass;
• the chambers are filled with argon.

The following tables will help you choose the ratio of glass unit parameters.

The frame between the glasses sets the distance between them, which ranges from 6 to 24 mm. Frames are made from aluminum, steel, and plastic. Distance frames made of stainless steel or plastic conduct heat to a lesser extent and prevent the formation of a cold bridge, therefore they are considered the best option.

The second function of the frame is moisture absorption. It has an absorbent inside that absorbs liquid, preventing windows from fogging up in winter, and there is perforation on the surface.

Rules for choosing double-glazed windows

To choose reliable double-glazed windows, you need:

1. Make sure that there is a marking with the manufacturer’s logo, production date and information about components. Its absence is a reason for serious suspicion.
2. Inspect the glass for chips and cracks.
3. Check the quality of sealing. There should be no traces of liquid sealant along the bar that regulates the distance between the glasses. The outer layer of the product should look smooth and neat. Sagging and cracks indicate unreliable quality of the package.
4. Use a tape measure to determine the accuracy of the geometry. The difference in measurements along the diagonals (more than 3 mm) proves that the glass unit parameters do not meet the standards. The thickness of the package, measured with a caliper, cannot differ from the declared thickness by more than 1 mm.
5. Measure the displacement of the glass planes with a square. A deviation exceeding 1 mm indicates non-compliance with standards.
6. Determine the transparency of the glass, the presence of water and steam in the chamber.

Decorative and functional elements

To give the window a more sophisticated look, so-called sprats are used (see photo).

They can vary in color, thickness, and be located between the glasses or on top of them.

Built-in blinds can be a convenient addition to the window design. They are located directly in the glass unit chamber and are controlled from the outside. But such a system has a serious drawback - the impossibility of maintenance and repair.

Read about choosing blinds for plastic windows.

It is much more profitable to order all additional fittings and accessories at once: this way you will not have to pay for their delivery and installation, which will cost from 1,300 rubles.

Which glass unit is warmer?

This table shows how the level of thermal insulation of a double-glazed window increases with the increase in the number of glasses and the thickness of the chambers:

Please note: from the point of view of heat conservation, a single double-glazed window with I-glass is superior to a regular double-glazed one.

Double-glazed windows for residential premises: minimum and optimal parameters, price comparison

The formula for a double-glazed window suitable for an apartment or house located in central Russia:

• Minimum parameters: double-glazed window 4-10-4-10-4. This is a generally accepted standard with good sound and heat insulation characteristics.

Advice: if you live in a quiet area, it will be more profitable to order a single-chamber double-glazed window with I-glass. It is not as good in terms of sound insulation, but retains heat much better than the standard two-chamber option (see table below).

• Optimal parameters: double-glazed window 4-16Ar-4-14Ar-I4. There are all the necessary additions: wide chambers of different thicknesses for better noise protection, argon filling, energy-saving glass.

Expert advice: the service life of the seals can be extended by regularly (2 times a year in the off-season) cleaning them and lubricating them with silicone oil or glycerin.

Which fittings should I choose?

Fittings for heavy, constantly opening and closing windows must be durable and reliable. Otherwise, the handles will break, and the sashes will sag and jam. The brands Winkhaus, Siegenia Aubi, Roto, G-U, Maco have earned trust. High-grade steel with anti-corrosion coating is used for the manufacture of fittings. Polymers are allowed only for plugs and decorative covers.

The best fittings are those that can withstand 50–60 thousand cycles and have a 10-year warranty. The cycle consists of 4 actions: opening for ventilation, closing, swing opening followed by closing.

When purchasing, you should choose adjustable fittings that will allow you to open the sash as needed, and special stoppers will prevent involuntary slamming. Owners of private houses, ground-floor apartments, and summer cottages prefer windows with anti-burglary devices that will prevent intruders from entering. If desired, the fittings are supplemented with details that provide:

• slot ventilation;
• turning limitation;
• functioning of the microlift:
• sash tilt in several positions;
• restricting children's access and other functions.

Expert advice: choose fittings only with the functions you need. Make sure that the extras you pay top dollar for (high-quality European fittings are expensive) are what you actually need. For example, anti-burglary devices are unlikely to be useful on upper floors.

Choosing the opening method

Window designs differ on this basis:

• Deaf - installed in rooms that do not need ventilation, or combined with opening doors.
• Pivot - allow the doors to open in one direction.
• Tilt-and-turn - have two ways of opening: they rotate inward into the room, and can also recline, which is important when there is a small child in the apartment or the window sill is filled with flowers. This is a rational option for a kitchen that requires regular air exchange. With a combination of folding and rotating mechanisms, it is convenient to ventilate the room at any time of the year.

Expert advice: in a wide window there is no need to make all the sashes openable. The price of such a window will be unreasonably high. Usually one moving element is enough.

Let's look at an example of balcony glazing. A tilt and turn door costs 12,500 rubles, a tilt and turn door costs 11,200 rubles, a swing window costs 10,750 rubles, and a blind window costs 5,900 rubles. If the inner window and two outer ones are rotary, and two more outer ones are tilt-and-turn, you will have to pay 67,150 rubles for everything. And if you make an internal window and three external ones blind, and only one external one - tilt-and-turn, full glazing of the balcony will cost much less - only 44,900 rubles.

Which plastic window manufacturer is better?

Competition and strict control in the window market have driven out outright marriage. But experts unanimously lean towards large manufacturers. They have equipment that smaller companies don't have, so their products are of higher quality. Experts have learned to cope with unwanted linear expansion of PVC, low elasticity coefficient, and improve resistance to temperature changes. Additives and stabilizers for these purposes undergo strict control and do not cause harm to health.

Which company should you choose?

A list of the best window profile manufacturers, compiled based on ratings and reviews.

Veka

Leads in number of sales, in the top three in all ratings. The technical base allowed the company to finally stop producing low-grade products; only class A profiles are produced. Window models are diverse, durable, known for their reliable noise and heat insulation, tightness, and are equipped with a rubber seal that is not afraid of frost. Disadvantage - they are a bit expensive.

KBE

The company uses environmentally friendly plastic, the windows are durable, have good noise and heat insulation, cope with temperature changes in the range from -50 to +50 °C, and do not fog up. Disadvantages: high price, over time the plastic develops a yellowish tint.

Rehau

The products are distinguished by their environmental friendliness, wide range, durability, sound and heat insulation that meets the requirements of the time, and frost resistance. Disadvantages: reduced height of the sashes, higher cost than other brands.

We recommend paying attention to Rehau windows made from the BLITZ New profile with an installation depth of 60 mm. This is an energy-saving, affordable and high-quality solution. Three-chamber profile, with the ability to install double-glazed windows up to 32 mm. Retains 30 times more heat than wooden Soviet frames. Noise reduction up to 40 Rw dB and excellent appearance.

High-strength sealed profiles for all climatic conditions made of perfectly white plastic. All load-bearing walls are made according to RAL class A, the declared service life is up to 45 years. The company's factories are located in Germany, Poland and Belarus.

Montblanc

Windows of different types, attractive, inexpensive. Durable, adapted to Russian weather. Disadvantages: there is no quality management certificate, the fittings are rather weak, the seal emits a chemical smell.

LG Chem

A combination of decent heat and sound insulation characteristics and professional design. Glossy plastic, reasonable quality/price ratio. A relative disadvantage is the recent entry into the market in the central part of the country, which affects its popularity.

Trocal

Windows have a deformation-resistant design, designer finds and a large selection of reliable and sealed models that attract buyers. Disadvantages: heavy profile; built-in blinds break after several years of use.

Russian windows

Russian plastic windows are cheaper than foreign ones. But this does not mean low quality. Typically, domestic manufacturers use German technologies. The cost is more affordable due to cheap energy resources and labor. You also need to remember this when choosing.

For example, the Russian company Kaleva works according to a full cycle scheme: from the moment of window design to installation. This is not a common occurrence. The Panorama company from St. Petersburg has been operating in the plastic window market for more than 20 years. Its PVC profiles are distinguished by their quality, the right balance of rigidity, reliable insulation, and aesthetic appearance.

Which profile for plastic windows did you choose?

Anton Tsugunov

Reading time: 7 minutes

During renovations, we must not forget about the “mirrors of the soul” of our home – the windows. When choosing between structures made of wood or PVC, few people these days prefer wooden windows, which are expensive and troublesome to maintain and install. Plastic structures are a modern answer to the last century. But they are also divided into types and categories that differ from each other in many respects. Let's find out which windows are best to install in an apartment and how not to get confused in their diversity.

Components of window construction

Before replacing old windows with plastic ones, it is necessary to study their main components: correctly selected elements ensure the reliability of the entire structure. A metal-plastic window consists of:

• profile;
• double glazed windows;
• accessories.

Each of these elements is divided into different types and selected depending on future operating conditions.

What does the profile consist of?

The profile is the supporting base of the PVC window on which the double-glazed window is supported. The profile includes three elements:

• frame;
• glazing bead;
• sash.

Frame

The frame is a blind element that is mounted in the window opening. When choosing a window, you need to pay attention to the material from which the frame is made:

• Matte plastic is an impractical material that is becoming increasingly rare. Its main disadvantage is that it gets dirty quickly, and traces of dirt and fingerprints remaining on the frame are difficult to clean.
• Glossy plastic outperforms matte plastic in every respect. Of course, all traces and prints will stand out more clearly on gloss, but it is also much easier to wash them - just wipe the surface with a damp cloth.

Beading bead

The bead is a narrow strip with a thin rubber gasket that holds the camera. Its width depends on the thickness of the glass unit; the shape can be different - curly, rounded, square. They are made of two materials: PVC or glass composite, which is characterized by increased strength and higher cost.

Tip: the bead has a limited service life, after which it requires replacement, so you should pay attention to a glass-composite product.

Additional functions of the bead:

1. Preventing drafts and dust from getting into the cracks between the frames.
2. Noise and heat insulation.
3. Making the window look more aesthetically pleasing and complete.

Sash

To choose the right type of PVC window sash, you need to consider its types separately. She may be:

• deaf;
• rotary;
• folding;
• tilt and turn;
• shtulpovoy.

It is a fixed PVC window structure and cannot be opened. The advantage of such an element is its low cost (due to the lack of fittings and panels), the disadvantage is its immobility. It is permissible to install a blind sash only in combination with an opening one, otherwise it will be impossible to ventilate the room and wash the double-glazed window from the outside (if it is not the first floor of the house).

A blind window is symbolically designated by the signs “+” or “×”.

Pivot sash

This type of sash is much more convenient than a blind one, but is better suited for a window opening that has a large height and small width. The large swing product creates some inconvenience in the form of a strong draft. Also, indoor flowers cannot be placed on the windowsill of such a window.

The rotating sash is symbolized by the mathematical sign “<».

Folding (fanlight) sash

This type of sash in PVC windows can tilt at the top to a certain degree. This option is usually installed in small rooms where it is necessary to use the size of the room sparingly and regularly ventilate.

Tilt-and-turn sash

It has the best reviews in terms of convenience and functionality of the design. It is a little more expensive compared to previous options, but the window is not installed for a year or two, so it is worth considering in advance the options for using the space near the window. The tilt-and-turn design is a sash that, depending on the position of the handle, swings horizontally inward or tilts upward.

Classification of PVC profiles

Window profiles differ in the following parameters:

• by wall thickness;
• by the number of cameras;
• by type or class.

The profile dimensions are selected depending on the thickness of the walls and the dimensions of the opening. A correctly selected profile provides better insulation and sound insulation of the room.

Number of cameras

If you look at the profile in section, you will clearly see that its internal space is divided into isolated chambers. In the middle there is a reinforcing metal U-shaped tab; the other chambers of the profile are designed to remove condensate and create an additional air cushion to improve the heat-saving properties of the window.

The number of air chambers of a metal-plastic profile varies from 1 to 8 and directly affects its energy-saving properties. For central Russia, a profile with 2–5 cameras is suitable.

Thickness of outer and inner walls

According to this parameter, profiles are divided into 3 types:

1. A class - the thickness of the outer wall is at least 2.8 mm, the thickness of the inner wall is at least 2.5 mm.
2. B class - at least 2.5 mm for the outer and 2 mm for the inner walls.
3. C class - does not have clear requirements for the ratio of wall thickness.

Profile types

Profiles for PVC windows can be divided into three types:

1. Economy option is the cheapest type. Standard size is 58–62 mm. With this profile, a single-chamber double-glazed window with a width of 24 mm is usually installed. Withstands temperatures down to -15°C and does not allow drafts to pass through.
2. Standard is a universal type. Standard size is 62–74 mm. Three- and four-chamber profiles can be installed with a two-chamber double-glazed window with a width of 38–42 mm.
3. Luxury is the most expensive and high-quality type. The standard size is 90 mm, but the range of sizes starts from 80 mm. It is a five-chamber profile with a double-glazed window 38–42 mm wide. Compared to other types, it has the best heat-saving ability and has a more attractive design.

Manufacturers rating

• Rehau;
• Veka;
• Salamander;
• Montblanc;
• Kaleva.

Types of double-glazed windows

The double-glazed window is the second most important element of a PVC window. The heat and sound insulation properties of the structure depend on it. They can have from one to three air chambers. In addition to dividing according to this criterion, the following types of double-glazed windows are distinguished:

1. Frost-resistant - the fogging process begins not at -35, but at -55 degrees. They are used in regions with harsh climates.
2. Sunscreen – reflects ultraviolet rays.
3. Shock-resistant – packages of the “Triplex” system with a special film coating are able to withstand even strong impacts. It is advisable to install them for residents of the first floors.
4. Energy-saving - due to special reflective i-glass with sputtering and the presence of argon in the chambers, they retain up to 90% of heat.
5. Noise-proof – they have chambers of different thicknesses and may additionally contain resin as an insulating layer.

Single-chamber double-glazed window

It consists of two glasses, between which there is an air layer that provides heat and sound insulation. Metal-plastic windows with single-chamber double-glazed windows are best installed in regions with a warm climate and when living in areas with low noise levels, since they are not able to provide a high level of heat and sound insulation. In addition, apartment owners with installed single-chamber double-glazed windows complain about constantly “sweating” windows.

Double-glazed window

It consists of three glasses, between which there are two air cushions. Compared to the single-chamber version, this one has much more attractive characteristics.

By varying the thickness of the glass and the size of the chambers in the double-glazed window, making one of them wider, you can significantly reduce heat loss and noise levels in the apartment. For a product with a thickness of 32 mm, the ratio of the thickness of the glass and air chambers will look like this:

• standard version - 4 × 10 × 4 × 10 × 4 - three glasses 4 mm thick with two chambers of 10 mm between them.
• improved – 4 × 12 × 4 × 8 × 4 – the camera located closer to the street is thicker.

Three-chamber double-glazed window

Due to the presence of three glasses and four air chambers, it perfectly retains heat in the room and does not let in street noise. It is not popular due to its large thickness, which is not compatible with every opening, and its massive weight, which leads to rapid wear of the fittings. For effective protection from severe cold or for high-quality sound insulation in the city, it is better to prefer energy-saving and noise-proof options.

Accessories

Fittings are all the movable metal or plastic elements of the window: handles, hinges, locks, lock mates, various hinge covers, etc. These are small in size, but by no means small in importance, details that you should not skimp on. These elements will be used every day, which means they must be reliable and of high quality.