PVC profile dimensions. Comparison of profiles for Rehau and Proplex windows. General information about the profile of plastic windows

Replacing old windows with new ones is a time-consuming and difficult stage of repair. But if you make the right choice, you can enjoy warmth, good sound insulation, trouble-free fittings and other delights of a high-quality plastic profile with sealed double-glazed windows for 20 years. And for this you need to know which plastic windows are better, which profile and which double-glazed window to choose. We also became interested in this issue and decided to look into it. To do this, we collected analytics, studied the technical characteristics, looked at the certificates, read the reviews and made the conclusions that we outlined in this review. We offer our rating of the 10 best manufacturers of plastic windows.

10 best manufacturers of plastic windows. Opinion of independent experts

On the huge market of plastic windows, products of several dozen manufacturers are represented. In the face of fierce competition, each of them tries to stand out and offer the consumer quality products at affordable prices and attractive conditions (for example, free installation, warranty). And since all manufacturers have several lines in different price categories, it would be unfair to unconditionally give someone the palm, and leave someone as an outsider. Therefore, we have placed the top 10 plastic window manufacturers in random order.

Which profile is better: Veka or Rehau? Brusbox or KBE Proplex or LG?

Best plastic windows 2018: profile quality rating

We studied the opinions of reputable experts, customer reviews, sales statistics and, based on these data, compiled a profile quality rating. In the table, we have presented the most important characteristics that consumers and specialists in the field of plastic windows production pay attention to.

Profile for PVC windows: characteristics and types

A profile is a metal-reinforced plastic window frame into which a sealed window is inserted. The profile itself is not solid, but hollow inside. It consists of several isolated chambers filled with air. Why is such a design needed? The fact is that the chambers improve the thermal insulation properties. Therefore, manufacturers proudly demonstrate their window profile in section.

Profile uniformity

PVC is a thermoplastic that is produced by their mixtures of polyvinyl chloride with various modifiers, stabilizers, pigments, etc. If the manufacturer follows the technology and uses high-quality raw materials, then the profile surface is uniform and uniform, without streaks, inclusions, bumps or scratches.

Profile width

The minimum allowable mounting width of the profile is 50 mm, the standard width is 58 mm. Also on the market you can find a profile with a width of 70-90 mm. This is a more expensive multi-chamber profile designed for difficult climatic conditions and buildings that are located in very noisy areas, for example, on the territory of the enterprise.

Number of air chambers

The gold standard and quite a budget option is a three-chamber profile 58 mm thick. In a profile with a thickness of 70 mm, there are usually 3-5 chambers, in a 90 mm profile - 6 chambers. Does the quality of windows depend on the number of cameras? This is not the most important characteristic if you do not live in harsh northern conditions, where in winter the thermometer drops to the menacing -50 ° C mark.

Number of double-glazed windows

The number of double-glazed windows characterizes the thickness of the glass itself. The easiest and cheapest option is. This means that only 2 glasses are installed in such a frame, between which one is an air chamber. Such windows are suitable for a summer cottage or a balcony without insulation. In a double-glazed window there will be 3 glasses and with two cameras between them. This is quite enough for residential and office premises in central Russia. Windows with a 3-chamber double-glazed window are very heavy, and such a “pie” has no particular practical value. Therefore, they are not popular.

Profile class (thickness)

Class is a characteristic of the thickness of the profile, more precisely, of its plastic walls. The wall thickness can be determined by class as follows:

No one will refute the truth that in our latitudes, good windows in an apartment or house are important. Many buyers are misled by the apparent simplicity of designs. It is believed that there is nothing particularly complicated in plastic windows - an ordinary frame, glass, a simple locking mechanism. There are differences between window structures and often very significant.

There are significant differences between windows from different manufacturers. In the last 2 decades, PVC structures have become popular. PVC profiles differ in material quality, uniformity, thickness, width. There are a number of other parameters that the manufacturer of high-quality windows takes into account - we will analyze them in a further description. In the review, we will consider the top manufacturers, the best pvc windows in 2019-2020.

Which pvc windows are better to choose?

First of all, it should be noted that high-quality PVC profile material has a smooth structure without roughness, grain, has a uniform color, odorless and uneven. Polyvinyl chloride is resistant to moisture, chemicals (solvents, acids, oils), temperature changes. High-quality PVC is harmless to the environment and people. The best PVC profiles are resistant to the adverse effects of high and low temperatures, are not subject to deformation and discoloration.

A high-quality profile does not change shape due to metal reinforcement. Such products provide reliable thermal insulation, have good soundproofing properties. In addition to heat savings and sound insulation, plastic windows can perform other functions: protection from heat and bright sunlight, protection from burglary. In the first case, glass tinting is used in the manufacturing process, in the second case, hardening and reinforcement are used.

Due to the presence of many companies on the market, buyers often do not know which pvc windows are better. Experts recommend choosing designs not only by brand or cost, but also by personal preferences. Relying on the quality of products with a low price and an unknown company is also not worth it.

Criterias of choice

When choosing plastic windows, you should pay attention to especially significant indicators: the number of double-glazed windows and air chambers in the profile, the thickness and width of the profile, the quality of fittings and seals. On the question - which PVC window profiles are better. The normal width of the profile to ensure thermal insulation and silence is at least 50 millimeters. The best examples have a width of 58 to 70 millimeters. In northern and very noisy areas, wider

The thickness of the profile for residential premises must be at least 2.5 mm (internal walls) and 2.8 mm (external walls). Thinner walls have less thermal and sound insulation properties. The optimal number of air chambers in the profile is from three to eight units. The more cameras the better.

Experts do not advise choosing ordinary glass. Now double-glazed windows are produced with fire-resistant, laminated glass (practically does not break). Samples are produced with a special coating to reflect the sun's rays. Reputable companies do not save on the quality of fittings. Good locking and locking devices are an equally important part in plastic windows. Silicone and rubber are used as good seals. These materials are not deformed, durable. Rubber seals are less durable and are much cheaper.

Top Producers

There are many large companies and small firms. It is difficult for a buyer to choose a particular brand. The quality and cost of products vary greatly. The main global manufacturers of quality windows:

• Veka;
• Kommerling;
• Deceuninck;
• Rehau;
• Mont Blanc;
• salamander;
• LG Chem;
• Schuko;
• Kaleva;

There are a lot of small, little-known companies out there. The quality of products is difficult to check. Therefore, when choosing, it is better to focus on reputable brands.

best plastic pvc windows

The review includes plastic windows, taking into account functional features, demand and customer reviews. The list was compiled after analyzing the characteristics and properties of structures. The popularity of the brand, competitive qualities and cost of products were also taken into account.

Profile of the popular brand Rehau

Average cost - 9500 rubles

In Russia, the German brand "Rehau" produces high-quality plastic windows with a high degree of wear resistance. "Rehau" is one of the leaders in sales in the world. The company's products are manufactured in many countries, have international certificates of quality, safety and compliance.

Many profile models are installed in children's and medical institutions. Marriage in production is excluded due to absolute control by the management and specialists of the company. The service life of Rehau window structures is 50-60 years.

Rehau profile companies produce several types of multi-chamber and simple high-tech window structures. The profile material of German developers can be used for the production of non-standard windows. Company profiles differ in characteristics, dimensions and parameters.

Main types of profiles: Delight Design (70 mm, 5 chambers), Rehau Brillant Design (width 70-80 mm, 5-6 chambers), Geneo (width 86 mm, 6 chambers), Euro Design (60 mm, 3 chambers), Intelio (86 mm, 6 cameras), Blitz (60 mm, 3 cameras), Sib Design (70 mm, 3 cameras and 5 cameras thermal block).

1. Brillant Design is a premium profile. The material has improved characteristics in terms of sound insulation and heat saving. Air tightness and moisture protection are provided by 2 types of seals. Locking mechanisms provide increased protection against burglary. The thickness of the glass pack is more than 40 millimeters.
2. The budget version of the Blitz profile has good parameters for keeping warm even in severe frosts. The design has locking mechanisms against burglary, 2 types of seals to ensure air tightness and moisture protection.
3. The Sib Design profile is suitable for the Russian climate zone. The structures provide excellent thermal protection (2 types of seals), the possibility of installing a double-glazed window thicker than the standard version, water resistance, and locking mechanisms against burglary.
4. The Geneo profile is a new development of German specialists. High heat-shielding properties are provided by a composite fiber material. The products are lightweight due to the material used instead of heavy steel elements. The design provides excellent sound insulation - 50 decibels, has locking mechanisms against burglary, 2 types of seals, convection limiter.
5. The budget version of the Euro Design profile provides reliable protection against cold, dampness, burglary. The design provides: 2 types of seals, locking mechanisms against burglary, decorative film under the tree.

Pros:

• a large selection of designs;
• all designs are burglar-proof;
• seals against dampness;
• availability of a guarantee.

Minuses:

• High price.

High quality Salamander profile

Average cost - 26000 rubles

The profile from the German brand "Salamander" (company "Salamander GmbH Industrie-Produkte") is produced in Germany. The subsidiaries produce windows under the name "Brugmann". The company produces a wide range of profiles with different parameters and characteristics. Windows are available in color and white versions.

There is a choice from a single chamber to a six chamber profile. Types of profiles: Streamline (width 76 mm, 6 chambers), Design 3D (width 76 mm, 4-5 chambers), Design 2D (width 60 mm, 3-4 chambers), bluEvolution category A (width 92 mm, 3 seals, 5-6 cameras, double-glazed window 60 millimeters). Average soundproofing properties - up to 46 decibels. The durability of products in conditional years is 45 years. Factory warranty - 5 years, accessories - 10 years.

Guaranteed frost resistance - up to -55 degrees. Salamander constructions include anti-burglary mechanisms (resistance RC2), high-quality seals with resistance to heavy rains of class 9A, resistance to wind loads of B4-C4 classes.

Pros:

• Internal and external quality of the material;
• quality is controlled by company representatives;
• Beautiful design;
• long warranty period and post-warranty service;
• different color solutions;
• excellent heat protection, waterproof, sound insulation.

Minuses:

• Very expensive profile.

KBE Profile

Average cost - 7800 rubles

The German quality of the KBE brand was highly appreciated by buyers from Russia. Products are competitive in terms of thermal insulation, protection from moisture, wind, sound insulation and cost. The products have ISO quality and conformity certificates.

The company produces products: KBE 88 (width 88 mm, 6 chambers), KBE Expert + (width 127 mm, 5 chambers), KBE Select (width 70 mm, 5 chambers), Engin (width 58 mm, 3 chambers), Etalon ( width 58 mm, 3 cameras), KBE Expert (width 70 mm, 5 cameras), KBE Energy (width 70 mm, 3 cameras), KBE Etalon (width 58 mm, 3 cameras), KBE Extra (width 127 mm, 5 cameras ), KBE Balance (width 70 mm, 3 chambers), KBE Elita (width 70 mm, 5 chambers).

Guaranteed frost resistance - from -40 to -65 degrees. Average soundproofing properties - up to 48 decibels. KBE products are supplied from Germany and manufactured at Russian factories. The durability of products in conditional years is 50 years.

Pros:

• Long service life;
• good value for money ratio;
• excellent properties (moisture protection, thermal insulation, noise protection);
• a large assortment;
• manufacturer's warranty.

Minuses:

• No deficiencies found.

Montblanc Profile

Average cost - 7900 rubles

Extrusion STL operates under the Montblanc brand and manufactures standard and premium profiles. In the manufacture, high-quality primary German-made polyvinyl chloride (Vinolit) is used, which is considered an environmentally friendly and fireproof material.

The concern has a large dealer network and several factories in Europe and the former Soviet republics. Products are distinguished by beauty, ease of use, thoughtful design. Glossy rounded profile shapes are easy to clean. There is a wide color range of production, certificates of quality and compliance with ISO.

The range of designs includes several main models: Grand 80 (width 80 mm, 6 chambers), City 120 (width 120 mm, 5 chambers), Termo 60 (width 60 mm, 5 chambers), Nord 70 (width 70 mm, 5 chambers), Eco 60 (width 60 mm, 3 chambers, thermal protection class B2),

Quardo 70 (70mm wide, 4 cameras), Logic (58mm wide, 3 cameras). The average soundproofing properties of the profile are up to 49 decibels.

Pros:

• Good value for money;
• there are no sharp corners in the models;
• quality of material and assembly;
• reliable fittings of European quality;
• durability (60 years);
• a wide range of;
• reliable noise and heat insulation;
• environmentally friendly material;
• possibility of use in different climatic zones;
• fire safety.

Minuses:

• No deficiencies found.

Veka Profile

Average cost - 9600 rubles

The profile under the brand "Veka" is produced in Germany and in Russia. The company has an extensive dealer network and a number of subsidiaries. The product quality is very high. Veka profile is characterized by increased environmental safety, improved thermal insulation, soundproofing, protection against burglary. Profile "Veka" has a quality mark RAL (Germany), international certificates of conformity and ISO quality. The durability of products in conditional years is more than 40 years.

In the production of window structures, energy-saving, soundproof and standard double-glazed windows are used. PVC does not turn yellow and does not fade. High-quality seals do not dry out in hot weather and do not freeze in frosty cold. The range of designs includes several basic models: Proline (width 70 mm, 4 chambers), Alphline (width 90 mm, 6 chambers), Softline (width 70 mm, 5 chambers), Euroline (width 58 mm, 3 chambers), Softline 82 (width 70 mm, 6-7 chambers), Swigline (width 82 mm, 5 chambers).

Pros:

• High quality material and assembly;
• a large assortment;
• certificates of conformity, quality marks;
• suitable for all climatic zones of Russia;
• variety of colors;
• environmentally friendly material.

Minuses:

• Slightly overpriced.

Profile Kaleva

Average cost - 10,000 rubles

Kaleva products are characterized by high reliability and simple appearance. The company produces balcony and sliding doors, plastic windows in the usual version (PVC) and combined, four, two-chamber double-glazed windows. The company specializes in the production of high-quality structures for loggias and balconies. In the production of products, the company uses high-quality material of Austrian origin, which does not fade or deform under the influence of frost and heat.

The range of designs includes several basic models: Kaleva Deco (70 mm wide, 5-6 chambers), Kaleva Design (70 mm wide, 4 chambers), Kaleva Standard (70 mm wide, 4 chambers), Kaleva Design+ (70 mm wide , 4-5 chambers), Kaleva Vita (width 70 millimeters, 4 chambers). The product line includes classic and designer options.

The company independently produces a series of structures in different forms: trapezoidal, polygonal, rectangular, triangular. Products are distinguished by a variety of devices: tilt-sliding, swivel, tilt-and-turn, folding. Protection against deformation and tightness is ensured by gluing the triplex into a double-glazed window. The average soundproofing properties of the profile are up to 38 decibels.

Pros:

• Attractive design;
• good quality of material and assembly;
• variety of mechanisms and forms.

Minuses:

• Slightly overpriced.

Deceuninck's profile

Average cost - 10800 rubles

The Deceuninck Group, under the Belgian brand Deceuninck, is one of the leaders in the production of high quality PVC profiles. The concern's factories are open throughout Europe and in Russia. The company's products can withstand very low temperatures - up to -60 degrees. Harmful substances are not used in production. Elastic seals are resistant to the adverse effects of sunlight, moisture, frost.

Deceuninck products have international certificates of conformity and quality ISO. The range of designs includes several basic models: Eforte (width 84 mm, 6 chambers), Forward (width 60 mm, 3 chambers), Favorit Space (width 76 mm, 6 chambers), Bautek (width 71 mm, 3 chambers), Favorite (width 71 millimeters, 5 chambers). Seals do not freeze in severe frosts and do not dry out in the heat. The durability of products in conditional years is more than 40 years.

Pros:

• Value for money and quality;
• variety of innovative systems, mechanisms and forms;
• high quality material;
• quality assembly;
• good thermal insulation at very low temperatures;
• safety;
• a large assortment;
• functionality;
• Beautiful design.

Minuses:

No deficiencies found.

IVAPER GmbH is one of the leading suppliers of PVC profiles in Russia. The main activity is the production and supply of IVAPER plastic window and door profiles. The production process takes place under the constant supervision of German technical specialists. Firm quality, reliability, stylish design are the distinguishing features of profiles from IVAPER.

LG Chem, Ltd., South Korea - is a division of the international corporation LG, which has long and well established itself in Russia. Today, LG Chem is the largest manufacturer of PVC profiles. As a manufacturer of PVC profiles, the company has a long history, the first batch of profiles rolled off the line in 1976. For 30 years now, we have been improving our systems, focusing on internal needs and characteristics of product markets. The LG profile is successfully sold in the USA, Japan, China, India, Turkey, and other countries.

The Provedal profile system has been successfully used for more than 15 years. The developer of such profiles is the Spanish company Provedal Systemas. On the territory of Russia, due to the high coefficient of thermal conductivity, they have found their main application for glazing loggias and balconies. Made of metal and glass, they perfectly protect against strong winds, noise, dust and precipitation.

In 2003, a joint Russian-South Korean enterprise was opened to produce slidors profiles specially adapted for operation in Russian climatic conditions. SLIDORS (Slaydors) is a sliding profile PVC system for glazing balconies and loggias, developed by the South Korean company HANWHA.

Rehau and Proplex have a good reputation in the modern market of plastic windows in the middle price segment, but what is better - the undeniable and respectable German quality, time-tested, or Russian ergonomics using Austrian technologies - is difficult for an ordinary buyer to understand. Judging by the reviews on the network, the products of both companies are worthy of attention. To understand all the intricacies of choice in order to wisely spend your savings and get the warmest, quietest, strong, durable, safe plastic windows, a detailed comparison of their designs will help.

Rehau and Proplex product range

To get a better idea of ​​the strengths and weaknesses of Proplex and Rehau products, it is worth starting with a brief historical background and getting to know their range.

Rehau is a world-famous German concern operating in Germany since 1948, which released the first profile for pvc windows in 1959. To date, its range includes more than 10 types, the most popular of them are the following:

1. Geneo – the latest development, a six-chamber innovation, reinforced in the mass (RAU-FIPRO technology) with a lighter almost twice, but still strong construction that allows the use of double-glazed windows up to 54 mm. At 86 mm depth, the highest heat retention coefficient is 1.05, and the sound insulation is 47 dB.
2. Intelio – 80 mm novelty in 2017, has six chambers, with double-glazed windows up to 51 mm perfectly retains heat (0.95 m2 ° C / W), and also protects against noise (47 dB).
3. Brillant-Design – an exclusive figured five-chamber design for the realization of any design ideas (70 mm), together with a double-glazed window up to 44 mm, it perfectly saves heat (0.81 m2 ° C / W), and also filters noise (36 dB).
4. Grazio- an elegant five-chamber representative among 70 mm structures with double-glazed windows up to 41 mm, which attracts not only with its aesthetics, but also with high performance - heat transfer resistance - 0.85, sound insulation - 45 dB.
5. Delight-Design - a five-chamber design for dark rooms (70 mm), lets in 10-15% more light, with double-glazed windows up to 41 mm, excellent for frosty areas (0.80 m2 ° C / W), sound insulation 32 dB.
6. Euro-Design 60 - 60 mm economy class version, with three chambers having a good heat saving index (0.65 m2 ° C / W), double-glazed windows up to 32 mm, sound insulation 35 dB.
7. Blitz - a three-chamber budget option with an elegant shape, as well as an extended color range. Depth of 60 mm allows the use of double-glazed windows up to 32 mm, heat transfer resistance 0.64, sound insulation 32 dB.

Proplex profiles

The Russian company Proplex is one of the five largest manufacturers of profiles for plastic windows in the country. Its plant is located in the Moscow region and has been operating since 1999. Production is carried out according to unique Austrian technologies. Today Proplex's offers are as follows:

• OUTLINE - A 42-mm two-chamber profile from Proplex, which has a not too high coefficient of resistance to heat transfer of 0.405, but which, in combination with double-glazed windows up to 22 mm, is quite enough for the second line of glazing (balconies, loggias, verandas, terraces) or unheated non-residential premises.
• basis – Affordable, reliable 58mm three-chamber design with decent heat-saving properties (0.64 m2°C/W). It can be used with double-glazed windows up to 32 mm for glazing office or industrial premises, as well as residential buildings located in warm areas or operated mainly in the summer (dachas). Can be combined with anti-burglary fittings.
• Optima - 58 mm budget three-chamber version, which has basic security, but at the same time is warmer (0.70 m2 ° C / W) due to the internal features of the structure (special arrangement of chambers and a reinforcing insert). Designed for use with double-glazed windows up to 34 mm for residential glazing, withstands significant temperature fluctuations.
• Comfort – 70mm energy efficient 4-chamber design, suitable for insulating glass units up to 42mm, with a heat loss resistance coefficient of 0.80. A great option for living spaces without regional restrictions.
• hit – the popular five-chamber design (70 mm), which has an ideal price-performance ratio. In combination with a double-glazed window up to 42 mm, it perfectly retains heat in the room (0.81 m2 ° C / W) even when temperatures drop to -60 degrees.
• Premium - a five-chamber premium version with a coefficient of resistance to heat loss of 0.82 at 70 mm. It can be used with double-glazed windows up to 42 mm, suitable for glazing buildings in harsh climatic conditions, as well as in areas of increased noise.

Benefits of Rehau and Proplex

The range of both competitors is impressive. In order to decide: Proplex or Rehau, it is necessary to analyze the advantages that their products have.

Benefits Rehau

Comparison of Rehau offers with analogues of the main competitors made it possible to identify a number of advantages of the German concern:

1. The very first window from Rehau was installed in Germany more than half a century ago, it is still standing, which allows us to judge the quality and durability of German products.
2. A wide range of performance options allows you to implement any design projects.
3. The line includes models of different price categories - from economy to premium class.
4. Their window frames are as warm as possible (up to 1.05 m2 ° C / W), quiet (up to 47 dB).
5. Products are constantly being improved, there are innovative models, reinforced in mass using our own technology, lighter, but very durable.
6. High-quality two- or three-loop double-lobe seal provides the best window sealing.
7. Excellent appearance - a snow-white, shiny, very smooth surface that does not turn yellow over time, practically does not get dirty, which reduces maintenance requirements to a minimum.
8. Guarantee in operation of 60 years.

Benefits of Proplex

Windows from the Proplex company also have their undeniable advantages:

1. Production at a Russian plant in compliance with Austrian technologies - affordable quality.
2. Environmental friendliness of windows, Proplex is the first Russian company that does not use the heavy metal lead as part of the profile. It has been replaced by calcium-zinc additives, which makes the products as safe as possible for humans and the environment (confirmed by EcoMaterial Green in 2017).
3. Scratches are not visible on a smooth semi-gloss surface.
4. Products are unpretentious in leaving, they are easily cleared.
5. Good value for money.
6. The versatility of components, which determines the compatibility of all variants of the profile line with each other.
7. Adaptability to any Russian climatic conditions.
8. Sixty year warranty.

The main differences between Rehau and Proplex

Windows from the Rehau profile differ significantly from Proplex products, which becomes clear even with a superficial comparison of competitors' offers:

1. The assortment of the German concern is much wider, and over 60 years of activity, it has developed more branded and unique manufacturing technologies than the Russian one over 20 years of existence on the market.
2. The minimum thickness of the window profile for Proplex is 58 mm, it has 2 or 3 chambers, the largest possible width of a double-glazed window is 24-34 mm, the resistance to heat loss is from 0.405 to 0.70, and for Rehau it is 60 mm, 3 chambers, 0, 64-0.65 m2°C/W.
3. The maximum performance of products from a Russian manufacturer is a frame 70 mm, 4 or 5 chambers, a double-glazed window 42 mm, resistance 0.80 - 0.82, German - 80-86 mm, 6 chambers, a double-glazed window 51-54 mm, resistance 0.90 - 1 .05.
4. The Proplex company in the line has a profile with minimal characteristics and cost, designed for secondary glazing, for example, balconies or verandas, that is, in those places where aesthetics or cost savings are more important than warmth and silence.
5. Rehau has a unique code on each product, by which you can check the originality.

Comparison of Rehau and Proplex profiles by characteristics

The main thing that you need to pay attention to when choosing a manufacturer is the technical characteristics and features of its products. To decide between Rehau and Proplex, it is necessary to conduct a detailed comparison of their profiles.

To lean in favor of one of the manufacturers, you should compare their offers according to the following characteristics:

• wall thickness of window frames;
• number of cameras;
• quantity and quality of sealing circuits;
• type of reinforcement;
• mounting width;
• thickness of double-glazed windows;
• appearance;
• operational period.

Waterproofing and the quality of the seals used

Good waterproofing is a guarantee that the window will not subsequently fog up, accumulate condensate, “grow” mold, and freeze. Waterproofing of PVC windows is carried out by means of a special sealant arranged in contours by Proplex, for example, in most designs there are two of them. Rehau also basically has two sealing circuits everywhere, except for the latest novelty Geneo, in which there are three.

An important role is played by the material (mainly EPDM) of the seal, as well as its shape. Rehau has a two-petal sealing gum without internal cavities. It does not collect moisture, does not stretch, does not age, retains all its properties unchanged, being in the temperature range from -40 to +120 degrees.

Sound and heat insulation

A plastic window should first of all be warm, and secondly, it should isolate the room well from street noise. These properties are determined by the structure of the structure - its depth, wall thickness, number, size, location of air chambers, quality, quantity of sealant. If we compare the maximum thermal insulation performance of Proplex and Rehau plastic windows by class, then the Russian manufacturer in the premium category noticeably loses to the German one - 0.81-0.82 versus 0.95-1.05. In other classes, the difference in resistance to heat transfer is not too obvious:

• economy - 0.64-0.65 for Rehau versus 0.64-0.70 for Proplex;
• the standard is 0.80-0.85 for Germans versus 0.80 for Russians.

As for soundproofing, Rehau also holds the mark here. In their budget models, this figure is 30-35 dB, in more expensive models - 45-47 dB. Proplex, on the other hand, does not specify the sound insulation parameter by type of PVC profile, but claims that in any of them it is at least 30 dB.

Reinforcement type

The strength of the window structure is determined by the presence of a reinforcing base inside it, made of steel tape with a minimum thickness of 1.2 mm for small and at least 1.5 mm for large windows. An important nuance is the shape of the reinforcing insert. It can be P, G, G-shaped or square. The strongest is the latter, but the G-shaped base is only slightly inferior to the square one.

The basic models of the Proplex window profile are made with U-shaped reinforcement, while the premium versions are made with square reinforcement. Rehau has a similar situation - in budget variations P-reinforcement, in more expensive G-reinforcement. It would be possible to count a draw, but thanks to its latest development - RAU-FIPRO fiber reinforcement technology, embodied in Geneo, the German manufacturer is taking the lead. The bottom line is that the reinforcing mesh is placed in the structure itself during its production, so additional reinforcement with a steel insert is no longer required. At the same time, the strength characteristics remain at the same level, but the weight drops by almost half, which expands the range of use of such frames and extends the life of the accessories in them.

Mounting depth of PVC profiles

Mounting depth is the thickness of the frame in the opening. All properties and technical parameters depend on it. Considering the offers of competing manufacturers, the following can be noted:

• German budget models have a frame of 60 mm, Russian - 58 mm;
• Rehau also has designs of 70, 80, 86 mm with heat retention coefficients of 0.80-0.85, 0.95, 1.05, the deepest Proplex profile is 70 mm, the heat saving index is 0.80-0.82 .

It follows that Rehau products are significantly ahead of Proplex products in this parameter.

Thickness of the outer wall of the profile

The thickness of the outer wall of the window frame largely determines its strength, durability, wear resistance, as well as resistance to various mechanical damage. World standards and Russian GOST (30673-99) define the minimum wall thickness values ​​on the outside for classes A (the best, at least 3 mm in the world, from 2.8 mm in Russia), B (from 2.5 mm), C (less than 2.5 mm).

At Rehau, all standard and premium types have a wall thickness of 2.8, 2.9, 3 mm, respectively, they belong to the highest class. Walls in budget variations with a thickness of 2.7 mm, which allows them to be classified as class B. The Proplex factory has only a PVC profile Premium belongs to category A, the rest to B or even C.

Number of air chambers

The main technical characteristic of the window profile is the number of cameras, which in Proplex varies from 2 to 5. Rehau has options with 3-6 cameras. Air chambers, more precisely, their number and size, are responsible for ensuring that the rooms have silence and a comfortable temperature. The more of them, the higher the energy-saving and noise-insulating performance.

Proplex windows have leaders among offers ( hit, Premium) have five chambers, and the heat saving index is 0.81-0.82. Rehau is doing much better. Their five-chamber Delight, Brillant, Grazio resistance to heat loss is 0.80, 0.81, 0.85, and for six-chamber Intelio, Geneo- 0.95, 1.05. The difference is obvious.

Maximum glass thickness

The thicker the double-glazed window is used in the window, the quieter and warmer it will be in the room. You can put thick double-glazed windows only in a deep frame.

The German concern has offers:

• 60 mm for double glazing up to 32 mm ( Blitz, Euro);
• 70 - 41 mm ( Delight, Brillant, Grazio);
• 80 - 51 mm ( Intelio);
• 86 - 54 mm ( Geneo).

The profile from Proplex lags far behind in this regard, it has:

• 58 mm and allows you to install a double-glazed window 24–34 mm ( OUTLINE, basis, Optima);
• 70 - 42 mm ( Comfort, Premium, Hit).

Appearance and service life

In appearance, the windows of competitors also differ. Rehau designs are as smooth, shiny, glossy as possible with a bright white surface that does not turn yellow, gray, or fade over time. At the same time, dirt practically does not linger on it, which makes it possible to replace the capital washing of the frame by wiping it with a damp cloth only a couple of times a year.

The profile for plastic windows from Proplex does not have a bright white color, it is rather milky with a semi-matte, non-shiny surface. Looks stylish, but somewhat dull. But on it scratches are practically not visible. Dirt delays, but is washed off quite easily.

As for the service life, both companies guarantee 60 years of maintaining the profile of all its qualitative characteristics.

Comparison table of Rehau and Proplex profiles

To summarize the comparison, it is worth once again referring to the main characteristics of the Proplex and Rehau profiles, for convenience, collected in one table.

Comparing the profiles of competitors, it can be noted that the 58 mm Proplex designs are similar in technical characteristics to the 60 mm Rehau products. They are just as warm and quiet, but inferior to the Germans in strength, since the thickness of their outer walls does not even reach class B.

The 70-mm Russian profile for pvc windows is positioned by the manufacturer as a premium product, while the Germans only belong to the standard class, while in terms of heat saving, let it be just a little bit, but Proplex loses (0.80-0.82 versus 0 .80-0.85). Premium offerings from Rehau have a thickness of 80.86 mm, as well as maximum heat retention and sound insulation (0.95-1.05, 47 dB).

Price comparison Rehau and Proplex

An important factor is the cost of products. Both manufacturers rank their products in the middle price category. For completeness of information, it remains only to compare the estimated prices for the same windows, for example, double-leaf windows from Proplex and Rehau.

The prices for Rehau and Proplex plastic windows given in the table reflect only the approximate cost of a two-leaf construction (1300 * 1400) with one blind, the second tilt-and-turn sash, excluding installation, slopes, and window sills. The table shows that Russian offers are 25-30% cheaper than German ones.