How to choose the right plastic windows?

Complete set and device of the window

To understand which plastic windows are better, you should at least begin to understand the structure of the window structure.

Basic structural elementscommon to all windows from the profile:

• Window frame.
• Double-glazed window or sandwich (found on balcony doors).
• Movable and / or static sashes.
• Seals.
• Glazing beads (fix the glass).
• Imposts (attached to the frame, placed between the sashes, divide the windows into 2-3 parts) or blinds (attached to the sashes).
• Accessories (handles, hinges, latches, blockers).

During installation, decorative elements must be added to the plastic structure with a frame and a package: slopes, window sills, sills.

The big problem when choosing plastic windows is that the standard set is about the same, but the quality differs depending on the manufacturer. Namely, convenience, safety of operation, as well as service life depend on the quality of all parts separately and on the assembly as a whole.

What characteristics should be considered when choosing?

The choice of windows for an apartment in an apartment building or housing in a private house will differ:

House

The most important is the number of chambers in a glass unit.: the level of sound insulation, thermal insulation depends on this.

• If the house is warm, located in a quiet area, a standard three-chamber double-glazed window will suffice.
• For cottages with access to a highway or a city street, four or five-chamber models are suitable - they better protect against noise and dust.

Number of air chambers also depends on the climate of residence: in the hot South, a single-chamber or two-chamber one is suitable in central Russia with mild winters, the glazing function will be closed by a three-chamber one, in harsh Siberia, give preference to 4-6 chambers.

Flat

Since living quarters in apartment buildings differ little from each other, manufacturers have long deduced the formula for an ideal urban plastic window: 2-3 chambers, profile up to 70 mm.

These indicators are suitable for most Russian apartments. The exception is the northern strip, the residents of this area should give preference to 3-4 chamber packages with a profile width of up to 90 mm.

Wherever the installation is supposed, you should pay attention to 5 characteristics:

1. Number of cameras... More is not always better, in most cases 3 cameras in a profile are enough.
2. Profile width... The thicker, the greater the distance between the street and the living quarters, the warmer the houses will be in severe frosts. Standard - 58-70 mm.
3. Glass thickness... The minimum recommended value is 4 mm, the standard is 5 mm, the best sound absorption is achieved due to the thickness of the outer glass 6 mm.
4. Ventilation... Companies solve the issue of airing in their own way.The most high-quality option is an intra-profile one, when the inflow of fresh air is provided without admitting cold, drafts, and extraneous sounds.
5. Gain... Reinforcing liners guarantee the durability of the plastic window: such structures are not afraid of temperature extremes, strong winds, and other weather anomalies.

Which profile should you choose?

The basis of any plastic window is a profile. A frame and sash are made from it. We briefly talked about the width in the previous paragraph, it's time to figure out technical classes:

• C... Poor quality, cold, subject to deformation. Not recommended for residential use.
• B... The thickness of the outer walls is 2.5-2.8 mm, the inner walls are 2-2.5 mm. Medium quality, low deformation resistance.
• A... The highest quality of the listed. Walls outside from 2.8 mm, inside from 2.5 mm. They guarantee excellent heat and sound insulation.

Important! The class is indicated in the product certificate and on the profiles. If you see the Object marking, then the seller is trying to sell a low quality construction that is not suitable for houses or apartments. Often, such materials for industrial premises are given out as economy options, offering them for purchase at a very attractive price.

In addition to width, thickness, class, upon acceptance, be sure to pay attention to the appearance: smooth, homogeneous plastic surface emphasizes the high quality of the product.

Which double-glazed window to choose?

The second most important detail after the profile is glass. You should choose according to the number of glasses, thickness, distance between layers, filling of chambers.

Number of layers

• 2 (1 chamber)... They can sweat, let the cold in winter, heat in summer pass.
• 3 (2 cameras)... More reliable, stronger than the previous ones. Considered the gold standard - suitable for most conditions. Among the advantages are average weight, resistance to stress, good heat and sound insulation.
• 4 (3 cameras)... Heavy compared to the previous ones, so be sure to consider the strength of the base. They are warmer (resistant to cold), recommended for use in extremely low temperatures.

Thickness

We have already said that for operation in conditions of increased noise, you should replace ordinary glass on the outside with reinforced glass - 6 mm. In other cases, 4-5.

Distance

It is equally bad to have a small gap, or too large a gap. A camera less than 10 mm thick does not retain heat, as well as a camera over 24 mm. The optimal size is 1-1.5 cm.

Filler

Inside the chambers there can be not only air, but also gas - it is warmer than ordinary air, so if you install "gas" plastic windows, heat loss will be reduced by at least 1.5 times (argon) and a maximum of 4.5 (xenon).

What is the best seal material?

Protection against noise and dust is guaranteed not only by the glass with the profile, but also by a small accessory: a sealing strand. Features depend on the material of manufacture.

Rubber

Rubber is an excellent sealant. If you want to last more than 25 years without deforming from temperature jumps or bad weather, it is recommended to choose rubber seals. Only disadvantage - color, exclusively black.

Silicone

A modern material that provides good insulation for 35-40 years. Environmentally friendly, is not afraid of frost up to 40 degrees, heat, sun. Negative property - low level of resistance to mechanical wear, for example, with frequent opening for ventilation.

EPDM

Ethylene propylene diene rubber based. To serve the declared time (18-20 years) requires care.

TRE

According to the declared characteristics, thermoplastic elastomer resembles soft rubber, provides reliable protection in corners and hard-to-reach places where the previous options can sag.

Recommendations for the selection of fittings and accessories

Correctly selected and installed hardware only seems like a trifle, in fact it is 50% success of a plastic window... If, when ordering, you choose an excellent profile and a double-glazed window, but you put a cheap body kit, you will hardly be able to enjoy using the windows in the future.

Pins

Press the sash against the frame. Protect plastic windows from burglaries: they are made of metal, there are three classes - WK3 is considered reliable.

Circuit breakers

Standard ones do not allow the sash to fall out in the position between modes. There are also child blockers - for example, so that the kid cannot open the window on his own.

Microlift

A small addition to help extend the life of the plastic window and fittings by distributing the load from the hinges and frame.

Pens

Form and design are more of a decorative function. The exception is a convenient handle with a lock, which helps to protect the sash from being opened by a child.

Hinges

They take on the bulk of the weight of the sashes, therefore, they are selected depending on the profile, glass unit: for heavy multi-chamber, reinforced ones will be the right option.

In addition to the listed basic accessories, there are also additions in the form of automatic transoms, holders, clamps and other "bells and whistles". If you want to make the design more convenient, tell the seller your requirements and he will select the appropriate fittings.

What is important to know about manufacturers?

There are a great many companies for the installation of plastic windows today, but most do not manufacture, but resell designs from well-known manufacturers. Popular firms:

1. Veka... Plastic windows made according to German standards: plastic does not fade, rubber seal does not crumble in frost or heat. Strength and tightness at an average price.
2. Rehau... One of the innovators in the field of window production: specialists work annually on safer, energy-efficient systems. The products are not cheap or expensive, but rather high quality at an average price.
3. KBE... The company has established itself in the market as a manufacturer of modern mechanisms for hospitals and children's institutions. The line includes models for apartments and houses: both at high and low prices.
4. Trocal... The production of plastic windows began in the mid-1950s, so the technology is time-tested. They are distinguished by environmentally friendly Greenline profiles - a great option if one of the priorities is caring for the environment.
5. Proplex... Russian production with the participation of European specialists: there is not much time on the market, but it compares favorably with competitors by attention to the problems and requirements of the local climate.

To make sure of the quality guaranteed by well-known companies, be sure to check the documents for the goods: the manufacturer, guarantees and other characteristics must be clearly spelled out in it.

What to consider in visual characteristics?

Although it is more difficult to choose windows by characteristics, it is also worth paying close attention to the appearance. For example, deliberately modern models in the old country style will look alien.

The shape and number of leaves determine not only by appearance, but also by the thickness of the package: the more cameras and the heavier the sash, the more compact it should be.

Window color PVC is usually white, but if you wish, you can order plastic of any shade: red, yellow, blue, black. Or choose models with imitation of wood structure - from light to dark.

Glass color also plays a role: usually transparent, but tinted ones would be appropriate in rooms facing south. Although it is more practical and cheaper not to darken the glass, but to tint with a film.

Plastic windows are a technically complex mechanism that requires attention. But it is not necessary to study all the nuances on your own, contact a trusted company with good reviews and entrust the choice to specialists.