The composition of the profile used in the manufacture of plastic windows is based on polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This element is chemically neutral, which means that it does not react with air and moisture, and is resistant to most inorganic alkalis, acids, detergents and solvents.
The design of a plastic window itself consists of the following components: profile (frame, sash, impost, glazing bead), glass, fittings, sealing contours (rubber bands).
Frame
The frame is the main part of the window structure. Its shape completely follows the dimensions and shape of the window opening to ensure maximum fixation in the opening. The number of air chambers in the frame can vary from 3 to 7 depending on the type of profile and its brand. In our country, the most popular are three- and five-chamber profiles - i.e. the profile has either three closed chambers (cavities) or five. The thickness of the plastic walls ranges from 2 to 3 mm. When choosing a profile, you should consider the region in which you live. So, for example, for the southern regions, with warm winters, a three-chamber profile is suitable, which is cheaper; in the northern regions, a five-chamber profile is optimal, which will better retain heat in the room. The plastic profile is reinforced with a special U-shaped profile made of stainless steel, which ensures high strength of the product. The metal profile is inserted inside the plastic profile, into one of the chambers (the largest, specifically designed for this purpose) during the manufacture of the frame. Since the profile is also empty, it does not affect the thermal conductivity of the frame.
What is a window transom
Before you decide what kind of plastic window you need, you need to understand what a window transom is and whether you need it. This term refers to the part of the structure located on top; it is necessarily separated by a horizontal strip and can be placed on the window separately or be part of it. The transom can be opening or blind.
When choosing a window with a transom, it is best to order a design in which it will open; this will make it easier to care for the window.
The transom of a window is found quite often, but people do not always pay attention to it, without separating it into a separate part that has any name. The shape of the transom can be different: for example, there are designs in the shape of a trapezoid or arch.
The most common element option is a square or rectangle. Less often you can find a polygon or other non-standard shapes, the choice of which depends on the customer’s design intent, or the unusual shape of the window opening. The window transom is most often part of a PVC profile structure; less often, a separate installation of the element is provided, and the buyer has the choice of installing the structure with or without it.
You can see a window with a transom if its size is larger than average. Such an element will not look good on small windows and will not fit into the design. The optimal window size should be more than 170 cm. A window transom is needed not only to make the appearance of the structure more attractive and visually enlarge it, but also to let more light into the room.
The design allows you to create large windows, while significantly reducing the load on their sashes and the structure itself. The room becomes brighter, the windows visually become much larger, adding a feeling of free space to the room. Eliminating excess pressure on a PVC structure allows you to increase its service life and facilitate operation.
Using this technique will allow you to create a large window opening without the need to install a bulky, expensive window. Such windows are used in private houses and apartments with high ceilings. Large window openings not only look attractive, but also make the room quite bright.
When choosing a window with a transom, it is best to order a design in which it will open - this will make it easier to care for the window, it will be easier to clean, and will also provide an additional window for ventilation.
Sash
The sash is the opening part of the window. Its shape completely repeats the structure of the PVC frame, where inside there is also a steel reinforcement made of a reinforcing profile. The sash also includes a double-glazed window and glazing beads, and can be made either as a full part of the window opening (its half) or as its upper part (window window). At the moment, windows are equipped with fittings that allow them to be fixed into the sash in ventilation mode; therefore, the need for vents has disappeared.
Part 4. Mounting details
Instructions for installing a PVC window in an opening may vary, so here I will describe only those parts that are used most often:
- Base (stand) profile - attached to the bottom of the frame, used as a support, and also as a place for attaching the window sill and ebb. Made from unpainted PVC, usually has a height of no more than 30 - 35 mm.
Cast polymer window sill
- A window sill is an internal horizontal panel that overlaps the mounting seam at the top. The simplest and cheapest window sills are made from hollow PVC panels, the most expensive are made from cast artificial stone. To prevent the glass from fogging up, special grilles are cut into the wide window sill boards that completely cover the radiator.
- Flashing is a plastic or metal panel that is installed at the bottom of the window from the outside. Attached to the stand profile or to the bottom of the frame, it prevents rain and melt water from flowing into the installation seam.
Low tide installation diagram
It is worth laying a layer of foam rubber or polyurethane foam under the drip strip - this way it will not rattle during gusts of wind.
- Sloping strips are panels that mask the edges of the window opening and cover the mounting seam from the top and sides. In addition to PVC panels, slopes can also be finished using plaster, plasterboard and other materials.
- Expansion profiles are PVC panels that are used to increase the dimensions of the structure and bridge the gaps between the frame and the window opening.
- Connecting profiles – used. As you might guess, for connecting several products. They can have a wide variety of designs, ranging from the simplest plastic panels with latches to a reinforced profile for a reinforced connection.
Connecting profiles
Accessories
The fittings are used in movable window elements - opening sashes and vents. A very important functional part of any PVC window, thanks to which the process of opening and closing the sashes is carried out, as well as moving them to the desired position. There are rotary fittings and tilt-and-turn fittings. The tilt-and-turn one is cheaper, but has a limited range of movement, while the more expensive tilt-and-turn allows you to open the window, both in the classic version, and tilt the upper part of the window, for example, for ventilation.
On the outside, only handles act as fittings, but in reality everything is much more complicated here, since all the internal structural mechanisms of a metal-plastic window are included here. The choice of fittings should be approached very carefully, since the ability of the window to fulfill its main functional purpose in using the modes of opening and closing the sashes depends on its quality and reliability.
Among the most common modes of opening the doors are: transom or flap; regular swing sash (simple opening); tilt and turn system (most often used); sliding window systems.
Transom
Transom - the horizontal upper blind part of the window, the side or upper part of the door opening. The linear dimension from the ceiling to the top of the door frame can also be called a transom.
Transom horizontal upper blind part of the window side or upper part of the door opening
In common parlance, a transom is also called a downward-opening (folding) upper part of a window frame, which is often used for the safety of children and ventilation without drafts, since the cold air outside, as it descends, gradually warms up.
The window transom is made blank, and sometimes unglazed. When the word "transom" is used in relation to doors, it usually refers to the upper or side compartments, which can be rectangular, arched, oblique, triangular, etc. in shape. The transom can have an inspection hole, glazing, forged grille, etc., and can be made of wood, plastic (PVC), metal, plasterboard. Transoms with glazing serve to decorate the room and improve illumination.
Blind transoms can be used instead of erecting walls when installing doors in small passages to improve gas, noise and heat insulation of the room. They are also used for massive windows and doors, when the entire structure cannot be opened due to excess load. An opening design is possible for the upper section.
Double-glazed window
A double-glazed window is the transparent part of any metal-plastic window, which is valued for its ability to reliably retain heat in a room, as well as facilitate the penetration of bright sunlight. A double-glazed window is made of two or more glasses connected to each other using a special technology. Based on the number of glasses in a double-glazed window, single- and double-chamber double-glazed windows are distinguished (there are also three-chamber double-glazed windows, but they are not very common). Single-chamber double-glazed windows have lower heat and noise insulation rates. Single-chamber double-glazed windows are usually used in unheated rooms. For residential apartments and houses, double-glazed windows are chosen. 1. The standard type of double-glazed window with a single chamber includes a pair of glasses and has the following parameters: 24 mm (4x16x4), the thickness of the glasses themselves is 4 mm, the distance between them in the frame is 16 mm. 2. A double-glazed window has the following parameters: 32 mm (4x10x4x10x4), has 3 glasses, the thickness of which is 4 mm, the distance between which is 10 mm. Such double-glazed windows can be up to 44 mm thick. In addition, the glass of such window designs can even be tempered, strengthened, energy-saving, and also have different thicknesses and structures.
Window handles
Window handles are the simplest yet most important detail. There are several varieties of PVC windows, differing in functionality. The choice of the right one is determined by the required capabilities, depending on the room and personal preferences.
- Standard. They are the most common and available for mass sale. The main function is to open the window using a swing or tilt-and-turn method. The composition includes: wrapping, self-tapping screws, decorative overlays. They are easy to install; simply secure them to the frame with self-tapping screws.
- Anti-burglary. The main task is to protect the room from external influences. The appearance does not differ from the previous representative, and it includes a complex mechanism that blocks hacking.
- Removable. Popular with families with small children. The process of opening and closing the doors is in the hands of the parents.
- Double-sided. Suitable for balcony doors, opening from both sides.
- Having a burglary safety button. You must press the button before opening. But this option is considered unsafe; the child is able to press it independently.
Choosing a pen is the simplest step that does not require knowledge or skills. It all depends on its purpose.
Types of plastic windows
There are several types of plastic windows, differing in certain characteristics:
- Window shape. This parameter is determined by the shape and size of the window opening. There are round, square, triangular and other windows.
- The color of the window is also determined by the individual preferences of the customer. The most common colors are white, brown and other colors that imitate expensive types of wood.
- The type of sash opening is selected individually. There are the following types of opening: tilting (fanlight), rotary (traditional), tilt-and-turn (complex) and bobbin-type (sash-to-sash type of closing), sliding, rotary-sliding. The window can also have no sashes at all - a blind window.
Rotary opening of the window is carried out due to vertical awnings. The disadvantage of this method is that the sash has a large swing (takes up a lot of space) and there is no possibility of adjusting the air flow - the window can swing open under the pressure of the wind.
The folding mechanism allows you to open the sash slightly, tilting it slightly - this ensures smooth ventilation of the room, while the window is practically closed.
Tilt-and-turn plastic windows are equipped with a mechanism that allows you to open the window in two different ways - traditional and tilting.
The sash-to-sash splint opening provides a large open space when both leaves are open.
Sliding windows move on rollers along the plane of the window (as in a wardrobe). This mechanism has the excellent advantage of saving space.
Tilt-and-slide windows open slightly towards themselves and then slide to the side. This option is much more convenient than traditional opening.
Polyurethane foam for plastic windows. features, types and methods of use.
