How to choose quality plastic windows in an apartment and for a private house - expert's recommendations

The first wave of installation of plastic windows has long gone and now users are trying not only to replace the wooden frames on the PVC profile, but also pay great attention to the thermal insulation and suitability of window constructions for specific conditions. This is very important because of the longevity of the purchase, and mistakes made at the same time, sometimes, can not be corrected. There are more than 12 criteria for evaluating the quality of plastic windows and understanding these factors will allow you to buy products for 50-60 years, which will retain coziness and comfort in both summer and winter.

The best producers of plastic windows - which company to choose

The construction market has been competing for a long timemanufacturers of plastic windows from European and Asian countries.

If there is no particular time to delve into all the differences of such products, you can buy a quality product from one of the audited companies:

• KBE;
• Rehau;
• LG Chem;
• Veka;
• Schuko.

But considering the wide variety of technical characteristics and price takeoff depending on the device of windows, it is worthwhile to study the rating of the best manufacturers of plastic windows in order to understand the suitability of the product for certain conditions.

For demanding customers, detailed information about the device and the options for selecting plastic windows is provided below.

Principle of operation and the device of plastic windows

The plastic window reliably protects the room from penetration of cold or heat because it has in its design a chamber structure with hermetically stored gas. This makes it possible to minimize heat exchange and create a clear climatic boundary.

Still such products isolate well from various sounds from the outside, which undoubtedly was appreciated by the inhabitants of the first floors, whose windows go out to the bench at the entrance. Perfectly protect the PVC windows and from the penetration of dust into the apartment, because they do not have wide gaps and purging.

Plastic structures have proven themselves and are reliable in the case of vandalism, because they have a multi-level profile structure and are reinforced with reinforced inserts. They are also convenient from the practical point of view: they do not need to be stuck in the winter and tear off the coating in the spring, they do not swell during the rainy season and do not sow in the summer.

To open the sash it is easy enough to turn the handle. To prevent slamming, various fixatives are provided, and the ventilation and microventilating function allows you to regulate the flow of fresh air from the street.

To create convenience and comfort with the use of plastic windows, many additional devices have been created. To prevent flies from entering, there are small meshes with a frame that can be ordered for any size of the window. Their installation occurs on four latches and self-tapping screws for metal.

For protection against sunlight indoors, beautiful blinds with vertical or horizontal arrangement of thin strips are installed.

Developers have spent a lot of time to produce the plastic window design that is available today.

The structure of plastic windows includes the following elements:

1. Frame - creates the outer dimensions of the window and contains mounting holes to the opening. It is made of polyvinyl chloride( PVC) and has several internal compartments with partitions to maintain a light weight and sufficient rigidity. Angles are connected by welding, and reinforcement reinforcement is fixed with self-tapping screws.

2. Flaps - divide the area of ​​the structure into several parts and allow you to open part of the product for washing or airing. They are made of PVC with reinforced inserts.

3. Double-glazed windows - represent a chamber structure with glass walls and a sealed air space between them. There are from 1 to 3 cameras.

4. Fittings - hinges and handles for opening the sash and protecting against vandal breaking. Locks are most often performed in the form of a continuous strip, extending the bolt at three points.

5. Glazing bead - a fixing element made of plastic strip for pressing the insulating glass unit from the inside of the room.

6. Sealant is a layer of soft material adhered to the perimeter of the opening leaf. It is called to protect from penetration of drafts or raindrops.

7. Impost - partitions that separate the structure into several parts. Proper placement of the separators gives an additional rigidity to the product and extends the service life without distortions and cracks.

Parameters for selecting plastic windows

Despite the great popularity of plastic windows, the decision to install them can either create a cozy and pleasant temperature regime, or become a test for patience due to constant fogging, cold and poorly opening flaps.

In order to realize the choice of this durable product it is necessary to understand the key parameters of this product correctly.

Availability of warranty and certificates

Before the detailed interview with the consultant for determining the size and internal arrangement of the windows, you should make sure that you have the appropriate certificates for the products to be installed.

Modern plastic windows from proven manufacturers are always accompanied by ISO 9001 documents, which indicates the safety of the materials used and high quality.

The second factor is a temporary guarantee provided by the vendor. Good windows can last up to 60 years, but will periodically need to be adjusted and replaced with small parts.

The new product should run smoothly for more than five years as all components are in excellent condition. If the firm-seller provides a guarantee of less than five years, it is a "bell" about understated characteristics and savings on quality.

Depth of profile frame

This parameter is measured from the inner wall of the plastic window to the outer wall at the widest point in the structure.

1. The standard size is recognized as 58 mm. This is an optimal indicator for most locations( schools, hospitals, private housing).

2. Deeper frames with an index of 70-90 mm refer to reinforced models and are designed for cold regions with low negative temperatures.

3. The profile depth of 104 mm refers to the largest profile and is installed only in specialized institutions( polar stations, towers at airports).

Profile class

The parameter is prescribed in the documentation and is indicated by the letters A and B.

1. Class A means the thickness of the plastic wall facing the street from 2.8 mm, and on the side of the room this layer will be 2.5 mm.

2. Class B has a thickness of material at the appropriate locations of 2.5 mm and 2.0 mm. These parameters partially affect the insulation properties of the structure.

• If you need to install windows for private housing, you need to look for a profile class A.
• For household buildings( garage, goods stall, balcony) is enough class B.

Find out the thickness of PVC visually does not work, so you need to carefully check the accompanying documentation. Here it is worthwhile to be cautious and not tempted by the cheaper cost of profile B and the assurances of sellers in an insignificant difference of a few tenths of a millimeter.

Total thickness of double-glazed windows

Double-glazed windows are glass walls with an air layer that does not have a message with the external environment. The size is indicated in the characteristics and does not depend on the number of internal glass partitions. This protects against the exchange of temperatures.

The greater the distance between the panes, the thicker the protective layer, which will resist cold and heat, as well as extraneous sounds( as in the case of the thickness of ordinary walls in the house).

1. The minimum parameter is the thickness of 14 mm, the subsequent values ​​are 16-28 mm. Such double-glazed windows are suitable only for use in non-residential premises( gazebo, garage, summer kitchen).

2. For apartments, offices and houses it is necessary to look for double-glazed windows from 32 to 44 mm.

Kind of glass

1. The most affordable option is the usual glass that is good for transmitting the sun's rays. They are bought with an inexpensive repair designed to refresh the look of the room, but which does not take large amounts from the budget.

2. For increased heat preservation in private houses and apartments energy-saving species with special silver coating on their surface are used. This does not prevent transparency, but allows you to keep the temperature a few degrees higher than conventional glasses.

3. For housing and offices near the road, it is worth purchasing soundproof glass called triplex. This will allow us to live and work in a quieter atmosphere.

4. Where there is an increased risk of vandalism( shops, stalls, hazardous areas), it is recommended that windows with shockproof triplex glass and high impact protection class are installed.

5. For solar-powered homes and offices, sun protection options with Solar tinting and coating will be optimal.

Thickness of glass

Another parameter on which the insulation and shockproof properties depend is the thickness of the glass to be installed. The heterogeneity of materials plays an important role here.

1. For a non-residential premise, two elements of 4 mm each are sufficient.

2. For an apartment in a sleeping area, the outer glass is 8 mm, the average is 4 mm, and the inner is 4 mm.

3. On a noisy street it is worth using the parameters 8-6-4 mm.

Number of chambers in the insulating glass unit, their type and filling

The number of chambers inside the double-glazed window plays an important role in isolation from sounds and cold. The air gap between the two panes is one chamber.

There are two- and three-chamber models. Regardless of the width of the glass unit itself, the number of cameras complements the number of thermal boundaries and increases the comfort in the room.

Count to the nonspecialist the presence of internal glass partitions can be by means of a tray of lit match or lighter to the window - how many reflections of the fire you see, as many windows in the device. Three lights will mean a two-chamber model.

An important role is played by the distance between the glasses themselves in each individual chamber.

1. From 6 to 16 mm is a variable indicator with the growth of which the insulation characteristics also improve.

2. Over 24 mm - does not carry a key load and the growth of positive properties stops.

The chambers themselves can be filled with ordinary air or argon. The latter significantly increases the insulation in view of its density, which complicates the heat exchange processes.

1. Single chamber bags are suitable only for gazebos and balconies.

2. In warm regions, two-chamber windows with 6-8 mm distance of each section are sufficient.

3. For a cold climate three-chamber models with a distance of 8-16 mm and filling with argon will be required.

Number of chambers in profile

The internal structure in the plastic frame consists of compartments. These cavities are also called chambers and are responsible for the structural rigidity and thermal insulation properties.

1. The most common are three-chamber profiles, which are optimally suited for a sleeping area or non-residential premises.

2. In the central part of the city it is better to purchase frames with 5 cameras in plastic.

3. For buildings near factories or stations the best design is with 8 cavities in the profile.

The number of vertical and horizontal blocks

The window area can have only a frame around the perimeter, and the rest of the surface consist of a glass component. Such windows are called continuous and suitable for small openings 1200x1500 mm. As the area increases, it is necessary to strengthen the structure by adding an impost.

These separators help to hold the double-glazed windows and keep the correct geometry of the whole window. The number of partitions can vary from one to three vertically, and one or two horizontally.

The combination of all kinds of dividers in one frame is especially important in large window openings for gyms and swimming pools.

In the case of an arched cottage frame, the impost helps to distribute the load from the top edge of the opening and allows you to maintain the correct shape for a long time without distortion. Small round and triangular windows in attics and basements do not need dividers.

Number of opening flaps

1. Solid "blind" windows can be used only in rooms where there is an additional ventilation system( exhaust, air conditioning with external air supply).But there is a difficulty in how to clean such windows - from the ground on the stairs or hire a lifting machine, or a special service with a cable car.

2. In most apartments it is cost-effective to install windows with at least one opening flap, which will allow airing the room and clean the windows in the spring.

3. It is practical to take a construction with the opening function for ventilation in the kitchen and bath( only the upper edge of the leaf is flung open).

4. For the hall and bedroom, you can take simple loops for a full opening. If the area of ​​the window is divided by two imposts, then the opening part is reasonable to place in the middle.

Sealant

To prevent wind and moisture from penetrating through the opening parts of the window, a seal is attached around the perimeter of the door leaf.

1. The most affordable option is the hollow rubber, which is well pressed against the frame and blocks the way to precipitation and drafts. But its service life is 5-7 years, after which it coarsens and begins to flow moisture.

2. Longer types of sealant are rubber or silicone. Such materials will last about 10 years and will not be deformed from high temperatures or severe frost.

Anti-theft system

Because of thick glass and durable plastic, thieves try to open the sash by vandal breaking, pressing and inserting metal parts into the opening.

To withstand this pressure, manufacturers supply windows with mushroom-shaped trunnions and clamping bars. This completely blocks the sash, not only for extrusion, but also for offsetting to the side, since the fungus's head is firmly fixed in the nest and does not allow to move anywhere.

Buy windows with additional protection is for residents of the first and second floors, as well as shops. For multi-family houses, this factor can be saved.

Which plastic windows to choose

1. For a kitchen or bath, a structure with an opening flap is required for all types of ventilation, two cameras with gas and a profile of 58 mm. The distance between the glasses can be chosen 8 and 16 mm.

2. In the hall and bedroom in a noisy area, it is worth looking for products with triplex glasses, two cameras with argon and five-chamber Class A. The doors can only open for full swinging. But you need a mosquito net and a silicone sealant.

3. For a cottage, practical constructions with two or three imposts, several opening flaps, a three-chamber double-glazed window and a Solar cover will prove to be practical. The thickness of the glasses themselves is desirable 8-6-4 mm. As a sealant, rubber is suitable.

4. For "attic" and basement "blind" windows( triangular, round) with one chamber and profile B of three cavities in the composition, with conventional glass with a distance of 16 mm and a rubber seal are possible. The same type is suitable for a balcony, but it is necessary to order the opening of several doors.

How much are the plastic windows of

The final amount of repair for the replacement of windows depends on the number of openings and their area. PVC products with double-glazed windows are sold per square meter and the cost is calculated in this way.

For the above categories of rooms, the windows will cost the following:

1. For the kitchen and bathroom from 6500 to 7500 rubles / m2.

2. For the hall and bedroom 7000-8000 rub / m2.

3. In the cottage 9000-17000 rubles / m2.

4. On the balcony or attic 6000-6800 rub / m2.