Plastic windows are an indispensable attribute of modern housing. A large selection of offers on the modern market causes certain difficulties in acquiring suitable options.
We will find out which plastic windows are better to put in an apartment, and which in a house, what are the nuances of choosing products from specific manufacturers.
How to choose the right window profile
Before choosing, you should figure out what windows are and how to choose the best profile.
In this case, the following factors must be taken into account:
- Room type: for residential buildings it is recommended to choose profiles with increased thermal insulation, while profiles with lighter characteristics are suitable for office buildings.
- Window opening width: the larger it is, the thicker the profile should be in order to prevent window deformations.
- Number of cameras. The more chambers in the profile, the better it retains heat and the higher the sound insulation;
- Material quality. For the production of profiles, aluminum, PVC, wood are used. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages, but it is important to pay attention to quality and durability.
Depending on these factors, the optimal window profile is selected, which will meet the established quality requirements and provide comfortable living.
The following parameters are also taken into account.
Classes
Window profile classes are usually defined by their thermal insulation properties. The most common profile classes are A, B, C, D and F. Class A is the highest and provides the best thermal insulation, and class F is the smallest and therefore provides the worst thermal insulation.
air chambers
Air chambers in window profiles are used to increase thermal insulation properties. The more chambers, the better the thermal insulation. The most common profiles with 3-4 air chambers.
Also an important parameter of the window profile is the wall thickness. The thicker the wall, the higher the rigidity and strength of the profile, the better the sound insulation.
In general, in order to select the optimal window profile, it is necessary to take into account the requirements for heat, sound, and moisture insulation, as well as operational characteristics - reliability, durability, simplicity service.
Frost resistance
The frost resistance of a window depends on the material of manufacture and the type of double-glazed window. Standard plastic windows have a frost resistance class of at least MV-70 (withstand temperatures up to -40°C), wooden windows have a higher frost resistance, not lower than MB-90 (withstand temperatures up to -50°C). Proper installation of windows plays an important role, which will provide additional protection from cold and wind.
Width
The width of a window profile in a house can vary depending on the manufacturer and type of window. For plastic windows, profiles with a width of 60 to 88 mm are mainly used, and for wooden windows - from 68 to 92 mm.
The choice of double-glazed windows
When choosing a suitable double-glazed window, it is necessary to pay attention to important nuances.
What affects the heat and sound insulation of a double-glazed window
Let's find out what affects the sound and heat insulation of a double-glazed window. This will determine which windows are best placed in a private house.
It is worth paying attention to the following parameters:
- Number and thickness of glasses. The more glasses and the thicker they are, the more effective the double-glazed window will be in terms of heat and sound insulation.
- frame material. The frame must be well sealed and have high-quality thermal insulation, which is important for keeping the heat inside the room. Also, the material can affect the sound absorption.
- Interpane space. The larger it is, the better the heat and sound insulation.
- Availability of coatings. Lamination and metal coating improve the heat-shielding characteristics of a double-glazed window.
- Installation of a double-glazed window. Proper installation of double-glazed windows, a tight fit to the frame and the use of a sealant are important to prevent air ingress and heat leakage.
- Location of windows in the building also affects the heat and sound insulation of a double-glazed window. For example, windows that face the sun can be more thermally insulating because the sun's radiation heats the glass, which creates additional thermal insulation.
Glass types
Let's find out what is the difference between single-chamber and double-glazed windows. There are several types of glass that are commonly used to make insulating glass units:
- Single chamber are conventional single layer glasses that can be used in simple frames or for making single layer windows.
- double-chamber glass - these are double-glazed windows consisting of two separate glasses separated by air or an inert gas. This type of glass provides better thermal insulation, sound insulation and safety.
- Three-chamber glasses - these are double-glazed windows consisting of three separate glasses separated by air or inert gas. They provide higher thermal insulation, sound insulation and increased safety.
Manufacturers offer different types of windows in a private house with any parameters and characteristics.
Insulating glass labeling
The marking contains information about the year of production, type of glass, dimensions, sound insulation level, thermal insulation, burglary resistance. Other technical specifications are also indicated. Marking allows you to determine the quality of the double-glazed window and its compliance with safety and quality standards.
remote frame
The distance frame is a part of a double-glazed window that is installed between two glasses of the package and protects them from moisture and condensation. The correct choice of the distance frame will provide additional sealing and thermal insulation of the double-glazed window. When choosing an element, it is necessary to take into account the material, the level of thermal insulation, resistance to temperature extremes and other parameters that affect the functionality of the double-glazed window as a whole.
Rules for choosing double-glazed windows
When choosing double-glazed windows, observe the following rules:
- determine the purpose of installing double-glazed windows: improving sound insulation, thermal insulation or increasing security;
- choose the right type of glass depending on the purpose of the installation, the noise level and the temperature in the room;
- the sizes of double-glazed windows are selected taking into account the size of window openings and the type of window frames;
- the quality of production must comply with safety and quality standards;
- it is recommended to pay attention to the availability of quality certificates and a warranty period for double-glazed windows and installation.
Decorative and functional elements
Decorative and functional elements of a double-glazed window may include:
- Decorative insert - This is a glass decoration that can be made in various colors, shapes and patterns. It can be made of glass, plastic or special fabrics.
- Sun protection It is a coating that protects against ultraviolet rays and helps maintain a cool temperature in the room. It can be applied to glass in the form of a special film.
- Soundproofing - This is a special coating that reduces the noise level in the room. It can be applied to the glass or to a layer between the glasses.
- energy saving - These are double-glazed windows with improved thermal insulation characteristics. They can be made with two or three glasses.
- Security fittings - this is an additional protection against burglary, which can be built into the frame of the double-glazed window.
Optimum and minimum parameters of a double-glazed window
The optimal parameters of a double-glazed window depend on the purpose of use. For areas with an average climate, it is recommended to install double-glazed windows with a heat transfer coefficient of U=1.7 W/m²TO. For winter zones - triple-glazed windows with U = 1.2-1.4 W / m²K.
The minimum parameters of double-glazed windows are double-glazed windows with a heat transfer coefficient U = 2.7 W / m² * K. Such double-glazed windows are used where thermal insulation is not required: in domestic premises, offices.
How to choose seals
The following factors should be taken into account when selecting glass seals:
- type of seal: depending on the design of the double-glazed window, standard vinyl, silicone or elastomeric seals can be used;
- seal size: it must exactly match the size of the window and leave no gaps;
- level of noise and heat insulation: the choice of sealant depends on what requirements are imposed on the level of sound and heat insulation;
- material quality: seals must be made of quality materials so that they do not fade in the sun and do not lose their properties over time.
Selection of fittings
For the selection of fittings, the following factors must be considered:
- dimensions of the window unit: fittings must match the design of the double-glazed window;
- the required level of security: choose fittings that provide the required level of rigidity and strength;
- style and color: fittings must match the design of window frames;
- material quality: fittings must be made of durable and strong materials to ensure long and reliable operation.
Selecting a window opening method
The choice of window opening method depends on the characteristics of the room and personal preferences. Here are some of the more common options:
- Hinged windows – can be opened both outside and inside the room, providing full ventilation and access to the space outside the window. They can be installed in any type of room and on any floor, however, they can take up a lot of space when opened inwards.
- Hinged windows are quite popular in Russia. They only open from the bottom provide good ventilation next to the floor and the lower level of the window frame. Roll-up windows are ideal for use in bathrooms, toilets and other areas where it is important to reduce the level of condensation on the windows.
- sliding windows — can be opened by lateral or vertical shift and used on any floor of the building. They save space but can have high installation costs. In addition, they are more difficult to clean and maintain.
- reversible windows - differ in that they can open both outward and inward, they also serve for convenient and quick cleaning of the premises.
The best manufacturers of plastic windows
When choosing plastic windows for glazing home, office and other premises, pay attention to product manufacturers.
Veka
VEKA is the world's largest manufacturer of plastic profiles, founded in Germany over 50 years ago. The company also produces a wide range of profiles with different thicknesses and a multi-chamber system, which allows you to create windows for any conditions.
VEKA is a reliable and high-quality manufacturer of plastic windows that offers a wide range of products and guarantees the durability and strength of its products.
KBE
KBE is a German company that manufactures PVC profiles for window systems. Founded in 1971, it is famous for the high quality of its products. In addition, KBE offers a wide range of window systems that can meet the needs of different customers.
rehau
Rehau is a German company that specializes in the development and production of PVC profiles for window, door and facade systems. The company was founded in 1948 and today operates in more than 50 countries around the world. Rehau products are distinguished by high quality, environmental safety and innovative technologies.
Salamander
Salamander is a German manufacturer of PVC profiles, specializing in the production of window and door systems. The company was founded in 1973 and is one of the leaders in the plastic window market. Salamander products are durable, characterized by a variety of styles and designs, as well as reliability and quality.
Proplex
Proplex is a Russian company that manufactures and sells PVC profiles for windows and doors. The company was founded in 2002, now this is one of the largest manufacturers of window profiles in Russia. Proplex products are characterized by an excellent price-performance ratio, as well as high technology and excellent surface finishes.
Montblanc
Montblanc is a French company that manufactures PVC profiles for window systems. Founded in 1963, creates high quality products with attractive designs.
LG Chem
LG Chem is a South Korean company that specializes in the production of PVC profiles for window systems. The company was founded in 1947, has offices and representative offices in dozens of countries around the world. LG Chem products are known for their strength and durability.
Trocal
Trocal is a German manufacturer of PVC profiles for window and door systems. The company was founded in 1951 and offers a wide range of products including high quality window systems. Trocal products are distinguished by high quality, durability and innovative technologies.
"Russian windows"
A domestic company that manufactures and installs window systems. Founded in 2002 and has an impeccable reputation in the domestic market. The products of "Russian Windows" are distinguished by full compliance with the established standards of quality and reliability, as well as an affordable price.
Schüco
Schüco is a German manufacturer of PVC profiles for window systems that has been operating for over 60 years. The company develops and manufactures products for residential buildings, offices and industrial buildings. Schüco products are characterized by modern design and high technology in engineering and production.
If you follow all the recommendations, you will be able to choose the best plastic windows with the necessary set of characteristics and properties.