Thanks to advertising, each of us has learned a couple of terms related to the world of plastic windows. But this knowledge is superficial. It is unlikely to help you find plastic windows that are suitable for you in the sea of the offered range; How to choose quality products and not overpay is a question that deserves more detailed consideration. Let's figure out what elements make up a plastic window, and how their characteristics affect quality and cost.
High-quality windows are the key to comfort in the home Source zoon.ru
Advantages of PVC windows
The older generation remembers windows in wooden frames and the annual autumn activities for their insulation, which consumed a lot of time. In the spring we had to do the opposite operation, and in addition, periodically they had to be cleaned, sanded and painted.
The advent of plastic products saved owners from the hassle of insulating and making frames look good. PVC windows are multifunctional and have the following positive qualities:
- The main advantage is heat saving . The design provides improved thermal insulation, protecting from frost in winter and from heat in summer.
- Soundproofing . An important advantage in a big city; it is especially appreciated by those whose windows overlook busy streets. The quality of noise absorption is affected by the number and thickness of glass, as well as the profile design.
Energy saving is the main advantage of modern structures Source construct.md
- Long service life . On average, it lasts 20 years due to the products’ resistance to temperature changes, strong winds, and precipitation. The best plastic windows easily surpass the mark of a quarter of a century.
- Easy care . During operation, it is enough to wipe the plastic with a damp microfiber cloth or melamine sponge. The glass is wiped with a cloth soaked in any glass cleaning agent.
- Aesthetics . The design has a modern look; At the request of the customer, products of any color and with any geometry are manufactured. Additional elements (mosquito net) increase the comfort of use.
- Burglary resistance . High-quality windows are difficult to open from the outside, which helps protect your home from illegal entry. Leading manufacturers do not stop working to improve this property.
Any geometry and design is possible Source rosokno-msk.ru
What does the structure consist of?
To a non-specialist, the windows look almost the same: all white, with similar glass and handles that are not fundamentally different. A person who is not immersed in the topic usually experiences some difficulties, not having criteria for how to choose plastic windows; Expert recommendations are also not always clear, as they are based on special terminology.
There is a misleading impression that you just need to decide on the size and choose a cheaper design. In fact, a window is a technologically complex product, and you can save money by knowing how certain characteristics of its parts affect the quality of operation. To understand the nuances, you need to understand what is meant by the following terms:
- Frame (profile) . The frame of the entire system is a structure made of plastic (PVC) and metal. A special feature of the profile is the internal cavities (chambers). They are separated by sealed partitions, which increase the rigidity and thermal insulation properties of the system. The frame has mounting holes.
Double-glazed windows and profile cameras Source kayrosblog.ru
- Double-glazed window . This is a block of hermetically sealed glass (their number may vary). The internal air space between adjacent glasses is called a chamber, as well as the compartments embedded in the profile. There is no need to confuse them.
- Sash (opening system) . The doors divide the frame into several parts. Depending on the opening method, there are blind, rotary, folding and tilt-and-turn systems. For proper operation of the sashes, high-quality fittings are important.
- Accessories . A heavy, constantly opening and closing system requires strong and reliable hinges, rotating mechanisms and handles. To prevent the sashes from sagging or jamming, fittings made of high-grade steel with anti-corrosion protection are preferable. Plastic is acceptable for handles and plugs.
- Sealant . Material that is glued around the perimeter of the sash. It is designed to seal the structure when closed, protecting against drafts and heat loss.
- Glazing bead . A part that is attached to the inside of a glass unit and helps secure it in the frame. The size and configuration of the glazing bead is influenced by the parameters of the window profile and glass.
The fittings are designed for significant loads Source kleidaras-express.gr
- Impost . A vertical element (partition) dividing a profile into two or more parts. The impost increases the rigidity of the system, avoids distortions, and extends the service life.
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in doors, windows and related work
Ensuring ventilation in the apartment
Articles on the topic:
◾Correct windows in the apartment
◾Windows to a private house
◾Warm windows into the apartment
It’s no secret - modern plastic windows have a significant drawback, namely, high tightness, which does not allow sufficient fresh air to penetrate into the glazed room. To mitigate this design flaw, manufacturers of light-transmitting products have developed additions that allow the air in the apartment to be fully saturated with oxygen.
Let's list them:
- Combs . The presence of combs that allow you to fix the sash at a certain distance from the frame will not surprise anyone - currently, all window models with an opening sash are equipped with them by default.
- Micro-slit ventilation . Installed by turning the window handle either 45 or 135 degrees. In the first case, the sash moves away from the frame at a greater distance, thereby ensuring more intensive ventilation of the apartment; in the second, the sash is only slightly behind the frame, preventing excessive penetration of fresh air into the adjacent room. Micro-slit ventilation is also present in all models of modern windows.
- Windows . There is nothing to add here - a window is a window in Africa, however, its presence on a plastic window directly affects its ability to transmit light: the illumination of a window equipped with a window is reduced due to the presence of additional frames that prevent the free penetration of light from the street.
- Ventilation valves . They are devices installed from the inside on the top of the window frame. They work in both automatic and semi-automatic modes. Allows you to saturate the room space of the apartment with fresh air. Operation in automatic mode is carried out without human intervention - a sensor installed inside the valve is triggered when excess humidity is reached in the adjacent room, while operation in the semi-automatic version implies the need to manually open the valve valve, which starts the air flow from the street.
What you need to know about the profile
Tips on how to choose plastic windows agree that you should start with choosing a profile. The frame of the window structure is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and reinforced with metal. The choice of plastic is not accidental: PVC is environmentally friendly, is not afraid of weather influences, and is resistant to deformation. It is easy to make a structure of any shape from it, round or arched.
A profile made of high-quality PVC retains its consumer properties for 40-50 years. The quality of the plastic is confirmed by the certificate and appearance: it is odorless and has a smooth, monolithic surface, uniform in color and structure. When assessing a profile, such parameters as width, chamberness, class, and number of air chambers are important.
Variety of window profiles Source ytimg.com
Width (installation depth) of the frame
The profile width is measured at the widest point of the structure. Owners who are not sure which plastic windows are best suited for their region can rely on the following classification:
- The standard size is in the range of 58-60 mm . The frame usually contains three chambers, which is enough for operation in central Russia.
- The increased width reaches 70-90 mm . The reinforced design is suitable for installation in northern regions with long frosty winters. The number of cameras increases to 4-5, thicker double-glazed windows and additional insulation are also used.
- The deep profile of 90-100 mm is intended for specialized conditions. It is installed, for example, on control towers at airports or in the Arctic Circle.
Glazing of the veranda using profile structures Source mybesedka.ru
Intimacy
The window profiles are hollow inside, but the space is further divided into chambers by thin partitions. This technological maneuver helps to increase the rigidity of the structure (that is, its resistance to loads). Three-chamber profiles are most often used. Installation of four- and five-chamber frames is justified next to a busy highway or in cold regions.
The outer walls of the frame are the thickest. For internal partitions, the thickness ranges from 1.5 to 3 mm. As the thickness increases, the thermal insulation properties improve, but at the same time the cost of the window also increases, as more plastic is required for its manufacture. Budget models always have a minimum number of cameras (one or two) with the thinnest walls.
Profiles with different numbers of cameras Source oknaekipag.com.ua
The best plastic windows
It’s only that all PVC windows are the same in appearance. In fact, they can solve a variety of problems - one or several at once.
Windows with a high coefficient of heat transfer resistance contribute to better heat retention in the room and reduce heating or air conditioning costs.
Noise protection systems are installed in homes located near busy roads and other sources of loud sounds: airports, nightclubs, stadiums - anything that interferes with proper rest and sleep.
Windows should not only maintain a comfortable microclimate in the room, but also prevent intruders from entering - especially if you live on the lower floors. Window structures equipped with special fittings do an excellent job of protecting against burglary .
Designer frames made of colored or laminated plastic look more aesthetically pleasing and certainly more original than standard white profiles. In addition, modern manufacturers offer a choice of not only pure shades, but also prints imitating various types of wood.
1
Rehau Geneo
High level of strength without reinforcement
The lightweight design of Geneo profiles will save on heating costs. The series is so warm that it is suitable even for northern latitudes
Find out the price
Reasons to buy:
- 6 profile cameras;
- Maximum thermal insulation;
- Good installation depth – 86 mm;
- High strength with low weight.
In the production of these windows, modern material with a fiber-fiber structure is used, which is used in aircraft. The Rehau Geneo profile has a long service life: it is not subject to deformation and is resistant to external influences.
The absence of metal reinforcement made it possible to reduce the weight of the structure, which means reducing the load on the wall during installation and operation. With this system you can make extra-large elements. Even a full-wall panoramic window is not a problem.
Thermal insulation here is high, the indicator is 1.05, which corresponds to a brick wall thickness of 126 cm (one of the best indicators on the market). The system can be installed near the highway and on the side of busy streets, because it also has excellent noise insulation.
Rehau is installed on objects of any purpose and is even mounted in the roof as roof windows. The manufacturer provides a 60-year warranty on its products. The surface of the profile is non-porous, so it is very easy to care for. It remains snow-white and does not turn yellow after years.
2
VEKA WHS Halo
Best system for standard configurations
An affordable solution for apartments, outbuildings and country houses - where the creation of complex and non-standard forms is not required.
Find out the price
Reasons to buy:
- Good thermal and sound insulation characteristics;
- Budget price;
- Possibility to choose profile color.
For the WHS Halo series, it is possible to use two types of double-glazed windows: 24 and 32 mm. Four chambers provide heat and sound insulation, although the installation depth is small - 60 mm. The thickness of the external walls meets the requirements of GOST.
As a standard, windows are produced only in white, but at the client's request they can be painted or laminated in any shade. The lamination is multi-layered, so the coating does not suffer during use, repels dirt well and is easy to clean.
Despite the budget price, the fittings here are of quite decent quality. The height of the frame and sash is minimal, thereby increasing the light opening. The system can be used for the production of balcony doors and large windows.
3
Fakro PTP-V U3
Roof window with ventilation valve
The Fakro U3 profile is galvanized on the inside, which means it is ideal for wet rooms and kitchens.
Find out the price
Reasons to buy:
- Several colors with imitation wood;
- High heat and noise insulation;
- Multi-chamber profile;
- Security system with burglary protection;
- No condensation.
A special feature of the Fakro PTP-V series is a micro-ventilation system that prevents condensation. Thanks to the U-shaped structure of the ventilation duct, the air enters the room already warm. Windows are sold both with and without a ventilation valve.
The window is opened and closed manually, but it is possible to install an electric drive for remote control, which is important for high-positioned windows. The PVC surface coating is waterproof, easy to clean and lasts for many years. The glass on the outside is tempered; proper thermoregulation is ensured by the warm frame.
The unusual design of the handle and its location at the bottom allows you to open the window in two positions with locking. With one of the options, the window rotates at an angle of 180 degrees, so it is very easy to wash it from the outside. The second position is a suspended sash with an opening angle of up to 35 degrees.
All manufacturer's windows have markings at the top of the sash, which indicate the model, size and serial number of the window. This makes it possible to conveniently use the free service, select and order additional accessories.
4
Plastic windows Novotex three-leaf
The best option in terms of price-quality ratio
Single-chamber energy-saving Novotex double-glazed windows are suitable for a home, apartment or office.
Find out the price
Reasons to buy:
- Adequate price;
- Classic performance;
- High-quality durable fittings;
- Good margin of safety.
The U-shaped reinforcement of the glass unit protects the windows from the wind and retains heat well. The doors are rounded, so they look elegant and neat. The strength of the entire structure is higher than required by GOST. The width of the three-chamber profile is 58 mm, so the windows are more suitable for southern regions with a temperate climate.
The profile is ideal for installation in country houses. In the manufacture of windows, safe materials are used that can be used in children's and medical institutions.
5
Melke Art
Six-chamber profile with original design
Melke Art are premium windows that will protect you from any weather. They are warm, beautiful and very durable. And in terms of sound insulation they simply have no equal.
Find out the price
Reasons to buy:
- High heat and noise insulation;
- Original design with beautiful coating;
- Reliable anti-burglary system;
- Durability.
Melke Art offers a Class A profile, which is rare for a 60-70mm system. The installation depth of the window has been increased to 85 mm, and this guarantees warmth in the house, even for northern regions. The manufacturer promises 200 years of operation, which also indicates high quality.
In addition, Art is the only series with figured frames and glazing beads. The profile coating is very easy to clean and does not change its appearance even after years. The default bead is gray, but the buyer can choose its color to suit his taste.
The reinforced double-glazed window does not allow any extraneous sounds to pass through. Melke Art safe comes with anti-burglary fittings and a lock on the handle - a 100% guarantee of security. These windows have the highest thermal protection coefficient - 1.08
The buyer can also choose hidden fittings - without hinges, doors of any size look elegant and neat. The only drawback of this system is the high price, but it is more than justified by the premium quality.
6
Rehau BRILLANT-Design
The best windows with a variety of designs
In its design line, Rehau offers different color solutions, as well as the ability to manufacture not only standard, but also complex designs
Find out the price
Reasons to buy:
- Perfectly smooth surface;
- Energy-saving double-glazed window;
- Good insulation from external noise;
- Installation depth 70 mm;
- Reinforced reinforcement.
The wide mounting profile retains heat well in the room, regardless of any outdoor conditions. The temperature barrier is created by 5 chambers; the heat saving coefficient of these windows is very high.
A good noise insulation value (-43 dB) allows you to install double-glazed windows even in apartments facing noisy streets and busy highways. A profile with a reinforcement width of 35 mm can be used in large structures: for example, for the manufacture of balcony blocks and entrance groups. The system is able to withstand extreme wind loads.
The window sash is equipped with a canopy to drain water at the junction with the frame. The windows are equipped with the best German fittings and are protected by energy-saving double-glazed windows 40 mm thick. The glass is coated with silver ions, so it retains 70% more heat than standard double-glazed windows.
The profile is made of safe materials and can be recycled. The surface is non-porous, so dirt can be removed in one motion. Buyers have access to various colors, profile painting, aluminum overlays or lamination.
The BRILLANT-Design series is suitable for windows, doors and balconies of any level of complexity. It is even possible to produce triangular, round and trapezoidal structures. The price of this series is high, but the long service life will pay off all costs.
7
Deceuninck Favorite Space
Durable energy-saving windows
Six-chamber Belgian windows, creating warmth and silence in the house, are energy efficient and safe.
Find out the price
Reasons to buy:
- Wide profile – 76 mm;
- Noise insulation up to 40 dB and above;
- Excellent tightness;
- Environmental friendliness;
- Reasonable price.
Reinforced reinforcement with a thickness of 1.5 mm provides high strength to Deceuninck windows. About 40 color options allow you to fit the windows into any interior. For safety, a burglary glazing bead is provided.
Three sealing contours guarantee good thermal insulation. The room will be cool in summer and warm in winter. And thanks to the SmartBox III valve, fresh air can constantly flow into the room.
The manufacturer provides a 15-year warranty on the profile, components and installation. The product can be installed in medical institutions and children's rooms, as it is absolutely safe and environmentally friendly. The profile can withstand extreme temperatures from −60 to +80 °C, so it can be used in any climatic conditions.
8
KBE Greenline
The most environmentally friendly profile without lead
The environmentally friendly 5-chamber system with a width of 76 mm turned out to be universal. The Greenline series is suitable for apartments and country houses, commercial and children's institutions.
Find out the price
Reasons to buy:
- High level of thermal insulation;
- Complete recycling;
- Unchangeable appearance during long-term use;
- Justified price.
These windows fully comply with company quality standards and GOST requirements. They are easy to install, so they do not require special experience from installers, but the quality of service depends on the dealer.
The safe composition of the stabilizer will not harm the environment even if windows are disposed of incorrectly. In terms of strength, it is not inferior to lead, and its service life is no less.
The profile surface is matte and easy to clean. This is a modern heat and sound insulation system that ensures silence and warmth in the house. The profile is designed for the manufacture of windows with double-glazed windows up to 36 mm.
9
Montblanc ECO 60
The best price among three-chamber systems
A universal and affordable system for objects of any purpose. These are economy class windows, but their workmanship is quite decent.
Find out the price
Reasons to buy:
- Good technical characteristics;
- Suitable for any climate region;
- Smooth glossy surface;
- Lightweight but durable construction.
The rounded edges and glossy surface of the profile look organic in any interior. The product is certified according to GOST standards, and the manufacturer claims a service life of at least 60 years. The profile can be used for glazing of apartments, country houses, cold loggias.
The heat transfer coefficient here is quite high - 0.63 m2 oC/W. The profile design is characterized by uniform temperature distribution inside the glass unit. Sound insulation is 30 dB. This is not the highest, but quite acceptable figure.
Windows are easy to install - no special skills are required. The downside of the series is perhaps the boiling white color of the profile. In natural light it may appear dull.
10
Schuco Corona 82 Living
7-chamber system with large installation depth
The window design and 3 sealing circuits guarantee high thermal insulation of Schuco Corona windows. The system comes in an unusual dark gray color with black fittings, but the standard white design is also available.
Find out the price
Reasons to buy:
- High tightness;
- Unique sealing system;
- Several profile colors to choose from;
- Soft closing of the doors.
The system is suitable for various double-glazed windows, including special, noise-proof, etc. It is possible to manufacture frames of non-standard shapes. The user can paint the profile in any color, and there are 28 colors to choose from from stock.
In the production of windows, high-quality Roto and VarioTec fittings are used. The quality of the lamination film is the highest. The noise insulation here is also quite good - 46 dB.
The sealing system in these windows distinguishes them from their analogues: a closed contour is formed at the joints without rough indents and rollers. There are no hard bends at the corners, which ensures exceptional tightness. When airing, dust from the street does not get inside the room.
Choosing a double-glazed window: what you need to know
Which plastic windows are of the highest quality is largely determined by the characteristics of the double-glazed window, because its area reaches 70% of the window. Depending on the number of cameras, there are varieties with one, two and more cameras.
Single-chamber double-glazed windows are chosen for glazing non-residential premises: balconies, loggias, gazebos. Double-chamber packages are the most practical option, and therefore are more widespread than others. Designs with three- and four-chamber double-glazed windows are designed for cold regions.
When choosing, you should pay attention to the quality of the glass. To improve the performance of a glass unit, metal ions are sprayed onto the surface of one of the glass layers to help reflect heat back into the room.
Sometimes argon gas with a lower thermal conductivity than air is pumped into the chamber, and the glass itself is made using triplex technology. As a result, a double-glazed window costs more, but becomes safer and saves heat better.
Tinted PVC windows Source piramida-stroi.ru
There is also a visual way to determine which windows are better and which ones should be abandoned. In high-quality double-glazed windows, the glass is fixed as rigidly as possible; they are always parallel to each other, while the seals fit tightly, without gaps. If a violation of these rules is noticeable to the naked eye, you should refuse the purchase.
Selection of accessories
The last component of modern window designs is fittings, and it is better not to skimp on them. The system of mechanisms that hold and open windows bears a serious constant load. The desire to save money will result in difficulties with opening, poor fit of the sashes, and in the future - replacement.
It is interesting that tips on how to choose plastic windows; and the recommendations of specialists have almost no bearing on the choice of fittings. The fact is that it is an attachment to plastic, and by choosing a window unit, you automatically agree to the entire set.
Comfort of use depends on the quality of the fittings Source kali.kz
Some manufacturers of plastic windows agree to replace fittings if, for example, you need a special design version of handles for the interior. But even in this case, not every option is suitable; the choice will have to be agreed upon with the company. But, in general, fittings made of alloy steel are preferable; it will require less effort and will last longer.
Which seal material is better?
Protection from noise and dust is guaranteed not only by the glass with the profile, but also by a small accessory: a sealing harness. Features depend on the material of manufacture.
Rubber
Rubber is an excellent sealant. If you want them to last for more than 25 years without deforming due to temperature changes or bad weather, it is recommended to choose rubber seals. The only drawback is the color, exclusively black.
Silicone
Modern material that provides good insulation for 35-40 years. Environmentally safe, not afraid of frosts up to 40 degrees, heat, sun. A negative property is a low level of resistance to mechanical wear, for example when frequently opened for ventilation.
EPDM
Based on ethylene propylene diene rubber. To serve the stated time (18-20 years) it requires care.
TRE
According to the stated characteristics, thermoplastic elastomer resembles soft rubber and provides reliable protection in corners and hard-to-reach places where previous options may sag.
Companies and brands
The largest manufacturers of plastic windows are well known to everyone - Veka, Rehau, KBE and other experienced long-lived companies. They value their honestly earned authority, and therefore rely on quality. All companies offer a wide range of models, from the most affordable to luxury products.
Young companies are less predictable, as they often try to save on costs (for example, reduce the thickness of the profile walls), which affects the quality of window operation. Therefore, when choosing a brand, it is worth asking for customer reviews and other available information (for example, recommendations from suppliers and partners).
Wood-look PVC window Source glotr.uz
Rating of companies
The previously listed brands can be ranked by rating, which is based on the following parameters:
- the company's popularity among Russian consumers;
- expert reviews on profile quality and production technology;
- general characteristics of reliability and service life;
- average price.
| Place in the ranking | Manufacturer | Advantages | Flaws |
| 1 | VEKA | The best range in terms of price and quality ratio; Suitability of systems for use in any climate; Production of “A” class profiles only | Price |
| 2 | KBE | The company is focused on consumer needs; The most affordable price; Not only the window unit is of high quality, but also the fittings; A wide range for any climate. | Dealer-produced plastic may yellow over time. |
| 3 | REHAU | High-tech production; Strict control during window manufacturing, which guarantees product quality and a low percentage of defects; Large selection of models. | Price |
| 4 | SALAMANDER | The highest quality windows; Innovative developments. | The highest cost due to the premium class of products and the lack of factories in Russia; Lots of fakes. |
| 5 | DECEUNINCK | World leader in production; Product compliance with international standards. | Price; A small number of companies install the DECEUNINCK profile; Cheap models are worse than competitors' products in appearance and quality. |
When the window system of the desired type and manufacturer has been selected, you should pay attention to the choice of a plastic window installer. Here you need to focus on the reviews of those people who have already had experience of seeking services from a specific company. After all, even the highest quality profile can turn into a useless element if it is poorly assembled and installed incorrectly.
Briefly about the main thing
A plastic window is a technologically complex structure, each detail of which affects the quality of the product. If energy-saving properties are a priority, you need to pay attention to the number of chambers in the window profile, as well as the additional capabilities of the double-glazed window (replacing air with argon, metal spraying).
It will also be more profitable to purchase a reinforced profile with high-quality fittings. A laminated or colored (not white) profile will be more expensive than the standard configuration. It is better to purchase a window from a trusted manufacturer: the longer it is on the market, the higher the likelihood of getting a reliable and durable product.
