To protect the entrance to the building, a structure made in the same style is attached to it. For the manufacture of extensions, different materials are used, the most popular are plastic entrance groups, reliable and affordable. The N-okna company manufactures to individual sizes and installs modern entrance systems in:
- private houses and country cottages;
- shops and boutiques;
- office, commercial, administrative buildings;
- clinics, beauty salons, fitness centers.
For production, original PVC profiles from different manufacturers are used:
- KBE;
- REHAU;
- VEKA;
- WHS;
- GEALAN;
- Melke.
The plastic profile is suitable for making arched and other shapes. Depending on the number of chambers and thickness, it provides varying degrees of sound insulation and thermal protection. Taking into account the style of architecture and the design features of the facade, you can order an inexpensive frame in white or decorated with lamination film of any shade and texture.
High-quality assembly and professional installation provide reliable protection from precipitation, noise and cold air. A comfortable microclimate is maintained in the adjacent room, and heat leaks are practically eliminated.
The composition also plays an aesthetic role and complements the main building. Taking into account the general concept, it can be made in a minimalist, high-tech or classic style, with columns and decor in the form of artistic forging.
Aluminum cold...
The aluminum alloy used for the manufacture of window structures has such suitable properties as lightness, corrosion resistance, greater than that of PVC, hardness and bending strength, and, importantly, resistance to thermal expansion. But the thermal conductivity of the material—221 W/(m‧°C)—as they say, leaves much to be desired. For comparison: its values for wood (pine) and PVC are 0.09–0.18 and 0.15–0.2 W/(m‧°C), respectively. For this reason, simple aluminum frames immediately freeze in the cold and are not suitable for installation in heated rooms, but they are excellent for glazing uninsulated loggias, verandas, summer gazebos, etc., and they are, although not much, cheaper than plastic ones profiles. “Cold” aluminum is used to frame panoramic structures with brush seals and fill the panels with 5 mm glass or single-chamber bags. Such a system reduces the noise level by 7–10 dB and allows you to increase the room temperature by 5–7°C.
Comparison of window types by characteristics
It is often difficult to choose between two types of windows. After a quick review, both systems seem suitable to customers. In such cases, a table comparing the main characteristics will help you understand in detail which frames are better - plastic or aluminum. To make a choice, it is recommended to put pluses in front of all the items, and then compare their number for each type of window.
| Characteristic | PVC windows | Aluminum windows |
| Maximum active leaf area (m²) | Up to 2.6 | Until 6 |
| Average heat transfer resistance coefficient of systems from one manufacturer with an installation depth of 82-90 mm (W/m²×°C) | 0,94 | 0,7 |
| Heat resistance | In the absence of reinforcement, they begin to soften and deform when heated in the sun to temperatures above +70°C | Does not change its hardness under the sun's rays |
| Lifetime | From 20 to 60 years | From 60 to 100 years |
| Frost resistance | Become brittle at temperatures below -60°C | Frost does not affect the strength of aluminum |
| Maintainability | Difficulties arise when replacing individual profile elements | good |
| Sound absorption level (dB) | High – up to 55 dB | Medium – up to 47 dB |
| Plastic | good | good |
| Load on load-bearing structures | Medium and high | Low and medium |
| Possibility of installing continuous glazing over large areas | No | Eat |
| Fire safety | The profile melts at temperatures from 220°C | The profile melts at temperatures from 660 °C |
| Disposal | Complex | Simple |
| Compatible with door opening mechanisms | Swing, sliding, folding, lifting, tilt and turn, accordion | Swing, sliding, folding, lifting, tilt and turn, accordion |
| Maximum thickness of double-glazed windows (mm) | 61 | 56 |
| Burglary resistance | Average | High |
| Possibility of laminating the surface of profiles with colored and wood-like films | Eat | The number of films is limited and the quality of lamination is worse |
| Possibility of painting profiles | Eat | Eat |
When aluminum windows are studied during the selection process, the characteristics of such structures also include points with negative qualities. The main disadvantage of these profile structures is their low energy efficiency. Even warm profiles with polyamide inserts transmit more heat than PVC systems with similar dimensions. The level of noise absorption of aluminum doors and frames is also less. In addition, you need to take into account the limited range of metal profile systems. This feature is due to the fact that window blocks made from aluminum systems are ordered less often than plastic ones, and companies are concentrated on the production of PVC products.
...and warm
“Warm” aluminum profile ALT W62 in section
To preserve heat in heated rooms, modern manufacturers offer aluminum profiles with thermal breaks - dividing inserts made of glass fiber reinforced polyamide, which eliminate the appearance of cold bridges between the outer and inner parts of the frame. This composite material is characterized by high mechanical strength, corrosion and temperature resistance (not subject to thermal expansion), and has low thermal conductivity - 0.21–0.31 W/(m‧°C). However, air convection occurs in the hollow thermal break chamber, which even at –10°C outside leads to cooling of the room side of the frame and, as a consequence, to condensation on it. To avoid this effect, the inserts are filled with foamed polyethylene, which cuts off the cold from the inside of the profile.
When choosing windows, consumers traditionally consider plastic or wood, ignoring designs made from “warm” aluminum profiles. This is due to myths that we intend to dispel.
Structure and characteristics of aluminum profile windows
Rice. 10. Warm and cold windows.
Considering in detail the structure and characteristic features of aluminum windows, we will divide them into two large groups - “cold” and “warm”.
- Cold windows This type of profile is installed in those rooms where protection from dust and wind is important, and thermal insulation is not a key factor. The cold profile design consists of one chamber, without any inserts or insulation. The advantage of this type is its low weight, thinness (however, this point must be kept in mind during installation) and if the characteristics meet the requirements, then this is a worthy option for glazing a balcony, for example.
- Warm windows For residential premises where the heat factor plays a major role, this type of profile is chosen. A warm window consists of several chambers, their number can reach up to five. This design, in addition to the frame itself and the glass, includes special inserts made from fiberglass or polyamide that allow you to insulate the room from frost. This insert is called a “thermal break” or “thermal bridge”: two metal profiles are separated by a polyamide element, thus their contact is completely eliminated, and if the outer frame is cooled, its temperature will not be transferred to the inner one.
Myth 1. It’s cold in houses with aluminum windows.
The level of heat saving of aluminum structures directly depends on the width of the thermal gap. With its size of 24 mm and a multi-chamber profile structure (ALT W62 manufactured by ALUTECH), the heat transfer resistance of the frame reaches 0.61 m²‧°C/W. Increasing the width to 34 mm (ALT W72) increases this figure to 1.1 m²‧°C/W, which meets the requirements for energy-efficient buildings. Thus, the house will be warm even in the most severe frosts.
For comparison:
for profiles with a hollow thermal break chamber, the heat transfer resistance is 0.45 m²‧°C/W; for budget models made of wood and PVC, as well as for aluminum with a 20 mm wide polyethylene insert - about 0.55–0.57 m²‧°C/W.
For the climatic conditions of central Russia, window structures made of aluminum, having a polyethylene thermal insert 20 mm wide and equipped with two or three-chamber double-glazed windows, have sufficient thermal insulation ability
“Warm” aluminum profile ALT W72
Since the main area of the window is occupied by glass, the heat and sound insulation properties of the structure still largely depend on the type and thickness of the glass unit. And here aluminum has a serious advantage over PVC: metal is stronger than plastic and, unlike it, is guaranteed to withstand massive bags with thick glass and reinforced fittings without experiencing deformation.
The use of energy-saving glass with low-emission coating in the ALT W62 and ALT W72 profiles significantly reduces heat leakage through the translucent part of the structure.
The heat-shielding characteristics of aluminum windows can be improved by installing two or three sealing contours made of flexible and wear-resistant modified rubber (EPDM). Inherent dimensional stability of the structures (aluminum is not affected by fluctuations in temperature and humidity, the sashes fit evenly to the frames, do not bend or sag)
in combination with a high-quality seal, it provides windproof windows.
How to order PVC entrance groups from N-okna
You can order plastic entrance doors on the website or by phone. The manager will accept the order, agree on a convenient time for the measurement technician to leave and other details. Material, equipment, design are selected taking into account the requirements and budget of the customer. The advantage of the services offered is:
- Design and production of complexes of any type and complexity - for country houses, restaurants, shops.
- Using the original certified profile - durable, safe and reliable.
- Custom installation of impact-resistant, tinted, mirrored double-glazed windows, anti-vandal mechanisms, additional options and accessories.
- Pricing policy focused on accessibility for customers, profitable promotions and discounts, useful gifts.
- Delivery throughout Moscow by special transport.
- Installation work is carried out by certified craftsmen in compliance with technology, standards and building codes. Customers receive an extended warranty for a long period of time.
Myth 2. Aluminum structures are not strong enough.
To give the frames the necessary strength, they are made of aluminum alloy containing alloying additives - magnesium and silicon - and are subjected to heat treatment and hardening. The polyamide insert has high bending and tensile strength and is connected to aluminum profiles by crimping. The corners of window frames and sashes are reinforced with metal embedded parts. Thanks to this design, even large-format façade systems made of “warm” aluminum cope well with significant operational and wind loads, while maintaining geometry stability.
Window profiles
Alutech W72 from 7098 RUR
For the manufacture of window, door and other translucent structures
This profile has excellent thermal insulation characteristics. Air and water tightness, wind resistance - class “A”.
More information about the Alutech W72 profile
Energy efficiency class
3
Number of cameras
Alumark S50 from 10500 RUR
For stained glass windows, partitions, windows and doors that do not require thermal insulation.
It is used for the manufacture of doors, internal partitions, stained glass and windows without thermal insulation
More information about the Alumark S50 profile
Energy efficiency class
5
Number of cameras
Myth 3: Aluminum windows are easy to break into.
If you try to break in (using wedges, a pry bar, or a drill), the aluminum window will last a maximum of ten minutes. By the way, experienced thieves will get rid of a simple plastic window without special protection in a minute or two, no more.
To improve the resistance of the structure, it is equipped with steel strikers, additional locking pins and hardware locking mechanisms, and special liners are provided in the profile chambers. In combination with a secure double-glazed window, such windows acquire the highest burglary resistance class - RC4. Moreover, it is assigned only to systems based on aluminum profiles: plastic and wooden structures with anti-burglary equipment cannot achieve this class.
Any locking devices, ventilation valves and other fittings can be installed on aluminum systems. Opening methods are traditional for modern window and door structures: rotary, tilt-and-turn, sliding, folding, etc.
Aluminum window production technology
Rice. 11. Window production.
Aluminum windows have a higher price compared to PVC profiles due, first of all, to the labor intensity of their production. We will not consider the entire procedure in great detail and technologically meticulous - we will only note its most important stages:
- Aluminum casts are heated in a special oven to make them easier to work with;
- The metal profile is cut according to the customer’s required dimensions;
- The ends of the impost (the parts responsible for holding the sashes in the frame) are milled on a special machine;
- All necessary holes for fittings and window operation are punched;
- Special holes are drilled for specific locks and components;
- The prepared frame is blown with compressed air to get rid of metal shavings and dust;
- The seal, fittings, handle, fasteners and hinges are installed;
- The corners of the profile are clamped, the seal in the corners is glued;
- The frame and sashes of the window are connected;
- Double-glazed windows are being installed.
If all the characteristics of an aluminum window suit you and you decide to buy it, in addition to carefully choosing a company, be sure to pay attention to the fact that the price of the profile will depend on:
- Thickness (with extra thickness comes extra warmth and sound absorption);
- Components (the window itself will last you a lifetime, only the fittings will need to be replaced from time to time, so it is preferable to immediately choose high-quality ones);
- The number of cameras in a double-glazed window (the more, the quieter and warmer, so for rooms choose designs with 4-5 cameras).
Myth 4. Aluminum windows are difficult to combine with other interior elements.
This is not at all true, given the design options for aluminum structures offered by manufacturers.
Most often, profiles are coated with powder paints based on polymer resins. The paint layer is characterized by good adhesion, strength and weather resistance, does not corrode, and retains its protective and decorative properties for 10 years or more.
Another widely practiced method of finishing aluminum is sublimation printing, which creates an extremely realistic imitation of the surface of stone or wood. The product undergoes preliminary chemical preparation, is primed, and then the selected design is applied to it in a thermal vacuum chamber. The sublimated coating is durable, resistant to mechanical and temperature influences, and is not afraid of moisture and ultraviolet radiation. This “decoration” costs 1.5–2 times more than powder coating.
Anodizing is also popular among customers.
(electrochemical oxidation) of aluminum, during which a durable oxide film is deposited on the surface - it enhances the protective properties of the material, masks the smallest scratches and, while preserving the natural color of the metal, gives a glossy finish. The so-called color anodizing allows you to color the profile in the tones of various organic dyes (adsorption method) or give it a noble shade of bronze, cobalt, copper, etc. - depending on the metals used as electrolytes (electrolytic method).
