The construction market today includes such an event as glazing of buildings in any functional design (cold or heated premises). Let's take a closer look at plastic windows: profile, differences between profile systems, rating of manufacturers on the Russian market. After reading the article, you will be able to avoid problems with heat loss and come to the right choice of glazing with PVC trim.
Sectional view of a plastic window Source mpanov.ru
Briefly about the design of plastic windows
To understand how places are distributed in the ranking of the best profiles for plastic windows, it is worth understanding the general structure of translucent structures. Physical parameters and PVC finishing are not the main criterion for choosing glazing.
Structurally, a PVC window consists of manual binding, double-glazed windows and fittings. The frame is a profile system consisting of plastic (external) and reinforcing (internal) elements. In fact, it is the load-bearing part of the entire product, the nature and characteristics of which determine the scope and durability of the entire window. Therefore, it is important to choose the right profile.
Double-glazed windows can be represented by sheets of different thicknesses and in different quantities. For example, 3-4 mm glass is relevant for a summer veranda or living space in a warm climate zone. In the conditions of the harsh north, the choice should be made in favor of 5-6 mm and double, triple glazed windows with thermal tape inside a solid structure.
Three-chamber double-glazed window Source i-okna.ru
The fittings include all other components. These are mechanisms, seals, handles with loops. This also includes additional locking systems and stoppers, ventilation inserts, etc. That is, this group of window components can be classified as additional, and not basic, against the background of profiles and double-glazed windows.
A few words about double-glazed windows
Products are made from at least two glasses of varying thickness. The canvases are tied together into a single structure using a thin frame binding and sealing materials. As a result, there is air or gas between the glasses, which provide additional resistance to the penetration of heat outside and cold into the room.
The void between the translucent panels is conventionally called a chamber. The more there are, the better the thermal insulation and acoustic properties of the double-glazed window. At the same time, the weight of the structure increases, which is important to consider when choosing glazing along with a PVC window profile.
Types of double-glazed windows by number of chambers
Structurally, a double-glazed window consists of two or three parallel sheets of glass installed at a certain distance from each other. The sheets are glued to a special structure - a spacer frame made of metal or plastic of a given width.
It performs several functions:
- connects glass into one structure;
- determines their parallelism;
- seals the internal cavity (chamber);
- strengthens the glass unit;
- allows you to remove excess moisture from the chamber.
According to GOST 24866-2014, two types of double-glazed windows are produced in Russia - single-chamber (SPO) and double-chamber (SPD). Single-chamber ones consist of two sheets of glass and one spacer frame, double-chamber ones - of three sheets of glass and two frames. The same GOST provides for other designs consisting of four or five sheets of glass. But such double-glazed windows are most often manufactured to special order and make up a small percentage of the total window production.
Glass for double-glazed windows is used only of the highest grade M1, the so-called float glass. It is produced using a very interesting technology, invented in Great Britain in the 50s of the last century. It consists in the fact that molten glass (a mixture of sand, dolomite, soda ash and lime, Melting point ≥ 1000 0C) is poured into a bath of a given shape onto a layer of molten tin (Tmelting point = 232 0C). Melted tin has all the properties of a liquid, the main of which in this case is the formation of a perfectly flat horizontal surface. The high density of the metal eliminates the appearance of waves and splashes from air movements.
Glass melt is poured onto the metal mirror, which spreads over the surface in a layer of a given thickness and cools to the temperature of complete crystallization. The sheet of resulting glass has exceptional accuracy of parameters, high transparency and the absence of defects that most often arise from uneven cooling.
Some float glass is used immediately after cooling, and some is tempered—reheated to a high temperature, below the melting point, and cooled rapidly. As a result, the internal structure of the material changes, it becomes stronger and safer. When destroyed, it does not crumble into fragments, but into rectangular pieces that are unable to cut or otherwise injure a person. Some double-glazed windows are built on the basis of tempered glass.
Single-chamber double-glazed windows
The most common of double-glazed windows. It is used in almost all technical windows for offices, industrial premises, retail establishments, restaurants, cafes, warehouses. A significant part of PVC windows in houses and apartments are also equipped with single-chamber double-glazed windows.
Main advantages:
- light weight;
- sufficient level of thermal insulation;
- high light transmittance;
- low price.
The thickness of the glass unit is in the range of 24 – 54 mm with a glass thickness (standard) of 4 mm. Some double-glazed windows can be made from glass of greater thickness, but the total width of the package does not fall outside the permissible range.
It is very convenient to use single-chamber double-glazed windows using energy-saving glass. One of the main advantages - lightness of construction - is retained, and the heat-shielding properties increase significantly.
Double-glazed windows
This design is also included in the main types of double-glazed windows for plastic windows. Recently, the overwhelming number of windows for the residential sector are produced with this type of glazing. The total width of the package does not exceed the dimensions of a single-chamber package - 18 - 54 mm. Three sheets of glass 4 mm thick occupy 12 mm of the width of the glass unit, the rest falls on the air chambers. Naturally, the widest double-glazed windows have the highest level of thermal insulation.
The level of sound insulation of double-chamber double-glazed windows is significantly higher than that of single-chamber double-glazed windows, but it can be further increased by using spacers of different widths - sound waves in this case are actively damped as a result of asynchronous vibrations of the glass.
Three-chamber double-glazed windows
They are used somewhat less frequently than double-chamber ones and much less frequently than single-chamber ones.
There are several reasons for this:
- a large mass of sashes, which requires the use of more durable and, therefore, expensive fittings;
- slight increase in sound insulation properties;
- reduction in light transmission;
- reducing the thickness of the air chambers;
- increase in cost.
Three-chamber windows (4 sheets of glass, 3 spacer frames) are justified only if windows are used in very cold climates with an increased frame width. In ordinary windows, apart from accelerated wear of the hinges and a decrease in the intensity of natural light, no other effect is observed. The same restrictions apply to four-chamber windows, which can only be considered as special designs for special operating conditions.
Types of window profiles
Let's look at what profiles there are for plastic windows.
PVC window profile Source obustroeno.com
There are European standards, on the basis of which production is established abroad and in Russia: EN 12608 SR. There is also a domestic regulation - GOST 30673 from 1999. Here are specified the technical requirements that relate to the quality of PVC, physical parameters that determine the thermal insulation and strength characteristics, and the durability of the profile.
Selection of profile material
The rating of profiles for windows is headed by wood, aluminum, and PVC. Among the former, larch and cedar stand out for their durability; the latter is in the lead due to its lightness and undemandingness in anti-corrosion protection. But the combination of polyvinyl chloride with steel reinforcement is in great demand. It is durable, stylish and easy to care for the surface - periodic wiping with a damp cloth.
Glazing with aluminum profile Source stavbadomu.sk
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in doors, windows and related work
PVC window profiles comparison of characteristics
Due to the design features of the binding, several types of profiles for plastic windows can be distinguished. The criteria for classification are the physical parameters of products, technical design and the number of chambers. Let's take a closer look at each of the parameters.
PVC window profile thickness
The frame is essentially hollow slats with an internal partition system and external walls. We are talking about the latter when the concept of PVC window profile thickness is considered. The cost of the structure, durability and strength depend on this parameter.
Based on the thickness of PVC partitions and visible walls, three classes of profiles are distinguished (according to European standards). The table provides detailed information.
| Class | Inner walls (mm) | External walls (mm) | Peculiarities |
| A | from 2.5 | from 2.8 | According to domestic standards, internal partitions must be at least 3 mm. This will ensure better strength and insulation characteristics. |
| IN | from 2 | from 2.5 | Here, against the background of class “A”, thermal insulation properties are worse by 10-15%, acoustic properties by 10-20%, and strength properties by 12-17%. |
| WITH | without clear restrictions | Products of this class include profiles for windows for domestic (not industrial) purposes. In this case, many manufacturers are partially guided by the standards for class “B”. | |
Since there are a large number of suppliers of PVC windows on the modern market, it is worth considering products only from trusted brands. This is justified by the good faith of the manufacturers. Among them there are those who claim to comply with one of the parameters of class “A” or “B” in the manufacture of “household” profiles. In fact, all the walls are thinner, the cost is unreasonably higher, and the quality is noticeably worse. It is difficult to visually determine whether the parameters correspond to the declared ones (based on the accompanying certificate), so you will need a caliper.
Plastic window profile width
The width of the PVC window profile is one of the basic criteria for choosing structures. This can be explained by the fact that the slats are a seat for double-glazed windows. So, for a single-chamber canvas, a binding width of 50 mm is required, and for a two-chamber one, at least 70 mm. In the far north, the figures reach 90 and 120 mm for 3 and 4 cameras, respectively. That is, the parameter indirectly affects the thermal insulation properties of the window as a whole and the installation conditions of the glass object. The main thing here is to take into account the mass of the finished window in advance. The base may need to be strengthened.
Standard width of a three-chamber profile Source td-pilot.ru
Profiles for plastic windows performance comparison
Taking into account the climatic characteristics of specific regions, you can find windows in various designs on the market. When making calculations, foreign representatives focus on the hottest month, domestic ones – on January. Thus, in Russia the line of finished products is represented by three samples:
- Lightweight . Here the average temperature in winter should remain positive. A short-term drop to -5 degrees Celsius is acceptable.
- Standard . Designed for use in temperate climates. The average is about 20, the minimum limit is not lower than -45 degrees Celsius.
- Frost-resistant . These windows are manufactured for the harsh conditions of the far north. Here the limits are close to 55 degrees Celsius below zero.
Among Russian manufacturers, Krasnodar Krauss stands out. This company is the only one dealing with lightweight profile systems for glazing in the southern part of the country.
Windows from Krauss Source okna-absolut64.ru
Windows according to GOST 30674-99
We produce and sell windows, window blocks, balcony blocks, entrance doors from PVC profiles.
Structures manufactured in accordance with this GOST include fixed and opening windows and doors with single sheet glazing, glazing with single and double-glazed units, filled with sandwich panels, and are made on the basis of a three- or five-chamber PVC profile. Opening windows and doors can have a rotary or tilt-and-turn design. The structures cannot be used as protective, fireproof, easily resettable, burglary- and bullet-proof. Used for installation in heated and unheated rooms for various purposes.
GOST 30674-99 does not apply to roof windows and products with sliding opening sashes.
The products are manufactured on the basis of PVC profiles manufactured in accordance with GOST 30673-99.
| Are you interested in windows according to GOST 30674-99? Send your request by email and our specialists will answer you as soon as possible! We guarantee you excellent quality, full compliance with GOST, fast and accurate delivery, clear documentation, and, most importantly, LOW PRICES! |
The products are frame elements welded from PVC profiles, reinforced with metal liners. Imposts of frame elements are secured by mechanical connection and welding. Opening structural elements have at least a double sealing contour.
Products are manufactured according to customer requirements and dimensions, but cannot exceed a total area of more than 6 m2, with a maximum area of \u200b\u200beach opening element of 2.5 m2
The characteristics of heat transfer, noise insulation, light transmittance and air permeability are shown in the table:
| The name of indicators | Indicator value | |
| Reduced heat transfer resistance, m2 °C/W, not less: | ||
| with single-chamber glass | ||
| 4M1-16-4M1 | 0,35 | |
| 4M1-16Ar-4M1 | 0,37 | |
| 4M1-16-K4 | 0,54 | |
| 4M1-l6-H4 | 0,58 | |
| 4M1-16Ar-K4 | 0,59 | |
| 4M1-16Аг-И4 | 0,63 | |
| with double-glazed windows; | ||
| 4M1-8-4 M1-8-4M1 | 0,49 | |
| 4M1-10-4M1-10-4M1 | 0,51 | |
| 4M1-10Ar-4M1-10Ar-4M1 | 0,54 | |
| 4M1-12-4M1-12-4M1 | 0,53 | |
| 4M1-12Ar-4M1-12Ar-4M1 | 0,56 | |
| with double-glazed windows with heat-reflecting coating | ||
| 4M1-8-4M1-8-K4 | 0,57 | |
| 4M1-8-4M1-8-H4 | 0,61 | |
| 4M1-8Ar-4M1-8Ar-K4 | 0,63 | |
| 4M1-8Ar-4M1-8Ar-H4 | 0,65 | |
| 4M1-12-4M1-12-K4 | 0,61 | |
| 4M1-12-4M1-12-H4 | 0,66 | |
| 4M1-12Ar-4M1-12Ar-K4 | 0,67 | |
| 4M1-12Ar-4M1-12Ar-H4 | 0,72 | |
| Airborne noise insulation from traffic flow, dBA, min. | 26 | |
| Sound insulation class, not lower | D | |
| Total light transmittance (reference value) | 0,35 — 0,60 | |
| Air permeability at DP = 10 Pa, m3 / (h×m2), no more | 17,0 | |
| Air and water permeability class, not lower | IN | |
| Reliability of window devices and hinges, the “opening-closing” cycle | According to GOST 23166 | |
| Durability, conditional years of operation: | ||
| PVC profiles | 20(40) | |
| double-glazed windows | 10(20) | |
| sealing gaskets | 5(10) | |
PVC profile of white glossy color, painted in the mass, resistant to UV rays, it is possible to produce structures in other colors with decorative wood-like coatings
It is recommended to use adjustable hinges in products, devices for tilt-and-turn opening that provide slot ventilation, as well as ventilation with an adjustable opening angle, using safety devices against accidental opening (including when the devices are positioned in ventilation mode).
To ensure a fixed gap between the lower profiles of the sashes and frames, it is recommended to use guides (impedance) pads, rollers or special fittings.
Plastic window profiles comparison of manufacturers
An important point that is taken into account when choosing a product is the brand. Based on customer demand, reviews and the best manufacturers, a rating of quality windows is compiled. It also takes into account such points as cost, commercial factor, technical and consumer characteristics. Based on the above, the top foreign manufacturers include:
- Salamander . The width of the PVC window profile is 60-76 mm, 3-5 chambers. The windows are distinguished by their quality-controlled design on the European and domestic markets. The disadvantage is the cost due to the lack of a plant in Russia.
- Veka . The German representative built its plant in the Moscow region. Profile width from 58 to 90 mm, number of chambers - from 3 to 7. Advantages: wide range and high quality. The disadvantage is overpaying for the brand, regardless of the production address.
Profile from Veka Source pnz-remont.ru
- Rehau . A plant was launched in Gzhel. The cost is maintained at the level of the main competitor from the same country (Veka). Profile width – 60-86 mm, chambers – from 3 to 6 pieces. The situation with pros and cons is similar with Veka.
The ranking of the best plastic windows from domestic manufacturers includes:
- Kaleva . It is distinguished by the provision of a range of services from measurements to installation. Due to our own production of high-quality profiles, the cost of windows is ultimately lower. This is justified by the absence of intermediaries. However, there are dealerships that do a noticeably worse job with the quality of installation.
- Panorama . According to reviews, the company from St. Petersburg is considered the best among its German competitors. But there is a weak point in communication with customers.
- Propl ex . Domestic manufacturer of plastic windows, on the market since 1999.
Line from Proplex Source ruprom.ru
The lineup includes PVC profiles for plastic windows with a width of 58 to 127 mm. Pros include low prices, good quality. Cons: weak design and lack of ISO certification.
In addition to the listed brands, products from other manufacturers are also in demand. For example, Wintech from Turkey works on German equipment and has all the certificates. Deceuninck from Belgium, KBE from Germany, Grain and Exprof from Russia are also worthy competitors of leading manufacturers.
Briefly about the main thing
The main components of the window include the profile system. The frame is responsible for the strength of the structure and insulating properties.
The main criteria for choosing a profile include its width, chamber design, thickness of internal partitions and external walls, classes of thermal insulation and strength characteristics.
Externally, quality can be determined by the condition of the plastic: smooth and evenly colored. The information on the protective tape and in the accompanying documentation is also taken into account.
Specifications
There are several parameters that are considered important:
- Width (thickness) .
Two indicators depend on the value of the transverse size - sound and thermal insulation. Manufacturers produce 3 profile options. The first is 58-60 mm, the second is 70 mm, the third is 80-82 mm. The most popular is 58 cm, it is considered classic. The size provides decent design characteristics and comfortable use in regions with any climate. It depends on what type of double-glazed window can be installed. The element with two chambers is 58 cm wide and is suitable for installing a single-chamber double-glazed window (2 glasses and one chamber). - Heat transfer coefficient . The two-chamber element has K = 1.9 W/m2K (R = 0.52 m2K/W.
- Outer wall thickness . The reliability of the design, the level of thermal protection, noise insulation, and service life depend on the indicator.
Important! To get decent parameters, you need to install a high-quality double-glazed window.
