To keep your home warm and protect it from drafts, you simply cannot do without plastic windows! Especially when it comes to maintaining the family budget. But how not to make a mistake and choose really high-quality double-glazed windows? In this rating we have collected the best manufacturers and their products.
People's choice:
| Model | Price |
| Kaleva Design Plus | from 14,000 rub. |
| KBE 88 New | from 20540 rub. |
| Salamander Blue Evolution 92 | from 20100 rub. |
| Veka Softline | from 6300 rub. |
| Rehau Geneo | from 14,000 rub. |
Table of the best companies
Don't forget:
The best power tool manufacturers in the world The best curtain rods The best construction levels
Which plastic windows are best to buy in 2022
Visually, all plastic windows are the same. It seems to the consumer that managers needlessly ask so many questions when ordering. Therefore, the majority makes a choice “at random”. And in the best case, focusing on the experience of friends and acquaintances.
In fact, it is necessary to take into account a lot of nuances. And first of all – the profile geometry.
The effectiveness of the entire structure is based on its parameters:
- installation width;
- thickness of the outer walls of the profile;
- number of air chambers;
- thickness of the reinforcing insert.
The universal width is 7 cm . This option is suitable for different regions and is considered average. But in the northern regions it may not be enough, so it is advisable to start from an eight-centimeter width. In the south, on the contrary, the parameters can be reduced. Focus on 6 centimeters.
The strength of the frame is determined by the external profile thickness. Often budget proposals surprise with minimal indicators, which ultimately leads to rapid failure of the entire structure. You should not settle for a thickness of less than 3 mm .
The number of air chambers determines the risk of heat loss during operation. Manufacturers offer a wide selection of modifications - from two to eight. Traditionally, consumers choose 2-3 cameras. In rare cases, a five- or eight-chamber “pie” is ordered.
The highest quality and warmest windows have a reinforced insert in the middle of the structure. Durability is affected by:
- thickness;
- form.
For normal functioning of the profile, a thickness of 0.12 cm is sufficient. The shape also matters. The best inserts are:
- square;
- U-shaped.
They provide the necessary structural rigidity. But the option in the shape of the letter “G” is placed in economy class.
We understand double-glazed windows: type and quantity of glass, markings, spacer frame
A double-glazed window compared to traditional window glass is a complex design. This is a block of glass, hermetically sealed together. The space between the two glass sheets is called the chamber. It should not be confused with those included in the profile.
What does the thermal and sound insulation of a double-glazed window depend on?
The ability to retain heat and keep noise out depends on:
- From the thickness of the glass unit. For a house or apartment, a double-glazed window with a thickness of 32–44 mm is suitable.
- Depending on the number of cameras. Typically, a double-glazed window consists of 3 glasses and 2 chambers between them. For harsh climates or houses located in places with high noise levels, three- and four-chamber packages are produced. Single-chamber ones are suitable for arranging balconies, loggias, and gazebos.
- From the width of each chamber of the glass unit. The larger it is, the better the insulating characteristics. However, after 24 mm, increasing the thickness no longer increases the positive properties of the product.
- From filling the cells. Inert gas pumped between the glasses reduces heat loss and protects against noise and ultraviolet radiation. Argon retains 50% more heat compared to air, krypton - 2 times more than argon.
- From the thickness of the glass. If you install 5 or 6 mm external glass instead of the standard 4 mm in a window facing a busy street, the sound insulation will increase, but only slightly. And glass of different thicknesses will not resonate with each other.
- Depending on the type of glass. It makes sense to choose a material that is more expensive, but with additional useful properties. Low-emissivity glass that reflects infrared rays keeps your home warm in winter and cool in summer.
Advice from Mr. Build. Sometimes there is no point in spending money on extra glass: you can put single-chamber double-glazed windows on the external block of the balcony, and the internal block will protect from noise and cold. For comparison: full glazing of a 3-room apartment with three-chamber double-glazed windows will cost 75,000 rubles, and if you install single-chamber double-glazed windows on the balcony, the total cost will drop to 71,250 rubles.
Glass types
To obtain low-emissivity glass, a thin metal film is sprayed onto it.
- K-coating is a tin film that reduces heat loss by 25% in a single-chamber double-glazed window.
- I-coating (i) is a layer of rare earth metals that retains more than 30% of heat. It is installed only from the room side, the coating is turned inside the chamber, since it is not resistant to mechanical damage. Often labeled E-low.
USEFUL INFORMATION: Which sealant is better for plastic windows: inside and outside
Due to such glass, a single-chamber double-glazed window approaches the thermal insulation properties of a double-chamber one and can even exceed them.
If you listen to the recommendations of experts in the field of energy saving, then the best choice in terms of heat conservation will be a two-chamber double-glazed window filled with an inert gas and having one glass with a special coating. Thermal packages will help you save on heating in winter and on electricity due to less frequent use of air conditioning in summer.
Let's look at an example. Ordinary double-glazed windows for a private house cost the owner 150,000 rubles. In winter, you have to pay 8,000 rubles for heating. per month, and in the summer, due to the operation of the air conditioner, you need to pay 600 rubles more for electricity. per month. If the owner of the house installed thermal packages, he would pay 180,000 rubles for them. But at the same time, heating costs would drop to 4,800 rubles. per month, and for air conditioning – up to 420 rubles. It turns out that thermal packages pay for themselves in two years, and then bring benefits.
It is practically impossible to break glass laminated with triplex. The same quality is found in glass reinforced with special metal or polymer meshes.
INTERESTING FACTS!
- Energy-saving i-glass was invented completely by accident. Japanese scientists were researching the development of protective equipment against radiation and found that some metals applied to glass reflect heat. First, this technology found application in space developments, and is now used in the manufacture of double-glazed windows.
- Scientists still have not been able to explain one amazing phenomenon. After 39 years of operation of a plastic window, the outer wall of the profile becomes 0.75 mm thinner. Not a single version explaining this fact has yet been recognized as sufficiently reliable.
- Triplex laminated glass was also created by chance. The famous French scientist Edward Benidictus dropped a glass flask on the floor. It cracked, but did not shatter into fragments. And the reason for this was a mixture of cellulose nitrate, which froze on the walls of the burst flask and created a layer that prevented the glass from disintegrating.
Glass unit markings, tables
The structure of a double-glazed window can be understood by the markings, which indicate the thickness of the glass, the width of the chambers, and the type of coating. For example, the designation 4-12Ar-4-12 Ar-4I is deciphered as follows:
- double-glazed window;
- glass thickness – 4 mm;
- the distance between them is 12 mm;
- I-type inner glass;
- the chambers are filled with argon.
The following tables will help you choose the ratio of glass unit parameters.
Distance frame
The frame between the glasses sets the distance between them, which ranges from 6 to 24 mm. Frames are made from aluminum, steel, and plastic. Distance frames made of stainless steel or plastic conduct heat to a lesser extent and prevent the formation of a cold bridge, therefore they are considered the best option.
The second function of the frame is moisture absorption. It has an absorbent inside that absorbs liquid, preventing windows from fogging up in winter, and there is perforation on the surface.
Rules for choosing double-glazed windows
To choose reliable double-glazed windows, you need:
- Make sure that there is a marking with the manufacturer’s logo, production date and information about components. Its absence is a reason for serious suspicion.
- Inspect the glass for chips and cracks.
- Check the quality of sealing. There should be no traces of liquid sealant along the bar that regulates the distance between the glasses. The outer layer of the product should look smooth and neat. Sagging and cracks indicate unreliable quality of the package.
- Use a tape measure to determine the accuracy of the geometry. The difference in measurements along the diagonals (more than 3 mm) proves that the glass unit parameters do not meet the standards. The thickness of the package, measured with a caliper, cannot differ from the declared thickness by more than 1 mm.
- Use a square to measure the displacement of the glass planes. A deviation exceeding 1 mm indicates non-compliance with standards.
- Determine the transparency of the glass, the presence of water and steam in the chamber.
Decorative and functional elements
To give the window a more sophisticated look, so-called sprats are used (see photo).
They can vary in color, thickness, and be located between the glasses or on top of them.
Built-in blinds can be a convenient addition to the window design. They are located directly in the glass unit chamber and are controlled from the outside. But such a system has a serious drawback - the impossibility of maintenance and repair.
Read about choosing blinds for plastic windows in this article.
It is much more profitable to order all additional fittings and accessories at once: this way you will not have to pay for their delivery and installation, which will cost from 1,300 rubles.
Which glass unit is warmer?
This table shows how the level of thermal insulation of a double-glazed window increases with the increase in the number of glasses and the thickness of the chambers:
| Double-glazed window formula | Reduced heat transfer resistance coefficient, m2×°C/W |
| 4M1-12-4M1 | 0,30 |
| 4M1-Ag12-4M1 | 0,32 |
| 4M1-16-I4 | 0,59 |
| 4M1-Ar16-I4 | 0,66 |
| 4M1-10-4M1-10-4M1 | 0,47 |
| 4M1-12-4M1-12-4M1 | 0,49 |
| 4M1-Ar10-4M1-Ar10-4M1 | 0,49 |
| 4M1-Ar12-4M1-Ar12-4M1 | 0,52 |
| 4M1-12-4M1-12-I4 | 0,68 |
| 4M1-16-4M1-16-I4 | 0,72 |
| 4M1-Ar6-4M1-Ar6-I4 | 0,64 |
| 4M1-Ar10-4M1-Ar10-I4 | 0,71 |
| 4M1-Ar12-4M1-Ar12-I4 | 0,75 |
| 4M1-Ar16-4M1-Ar16-I4 | 0,80 |
Please note: from the point of view of heat conservation, a single double-glazed window with I-glass is superior to a regular double-glazed one.
Which profile of plastic windows is better: quality certificates
Composition of a plastic window
International ISO standards imply compliance with a whole range of requirements. The higher the product characteristics, the greater the chances of receiving a certificate.
Manufacturers of plastic windows who want to receive confirmation of the quality of their products take into account a lot of parameters, except for the main ones:
- sound insulation;
- translucency;
- resistance to wind loads;
- profile uniformity;
- build quality and more.
The ISO 9001:2000 certificate is issued only to those companies that have organized their activities in such a way as to ensure compliance with the requirements in various areas:
- technological;
- economic;
- organizational.
Important! Potential buyers generally do not pay attention to the presence of a certificate. But in fact, only this document provides a guarantee of quality from the manufacturer. It is not recommended to agree to a product that has not been certified.
About accessories
The functionality and ease of use of any window depend on good fittings. By the way, how high quality it is can often be understood by its appearance. These are not just locks and hinges, but also a system for protecting the window from burglary, sealing it and pressing it. Good fittings should be made of high quality steel. Sometimes elements that do not experience severe loads can be made of alloys.
Almost any plastic window sashes can be opened at different angles or set for micro-ventilation with just the movement of a handle. No windows are needed to easily ventilate the room, so there is no cluttering of windows with unnecessary elements. But the entire window control system for PVC sashes is quite complex.
All the fittings of a plastic window surround it in a circle and are well fixed inside and on the sashes in special grooves. All elements must be correctly adjusted and configured for the window to work well and for a long time. Window fittings include groups of hinges, a locking mechanism and handle, and switches for the direction of movement of the sashes. The structure also contains special combs and tapes that transmit force from the human hand to other elements. Usually the fittings are installed immediately at the factory; the craftsmen only adjust them when installing the profiles.
Accessories for plastic windows - so different
Table. Types of window fittings.
| Type | Description |
| Turning | The usual option, the same as for wooden windows. The plastic frame simply opens and closes along a vertical axis. The fittings can be installed on the left or right side of the frame. |
| Folding | Such a sash can open 180 degrees along the horizontal axis. It can be opened up or down - it depends on where the mechanism is installed. Usually there is still an element limiting the angle of rotation. |
| Tilt&Turn | This is the option that can mostly be found on plastic windows. It allows you to open and partially open the window vertically and horizontally. With such a window you can use the micro-ventilation function. The control is carried out using the sash handle. The most convenient and most complex type of fittings. |
| Sliding | Such a sash can move along the plane of the window. Sometimes you can find them on the doors of loggias. There is another option - tilt-and-slide. Such windows can be moved or opened slightly at the top for ventilation. |
The plastic window sashes are quite heavy. Only good fittings can withstand such a load and last the stated period. Its usual version can withstand a load of 50-130 kg. For home - the best option. Good and expensive fittings can withstand about 60 thousand opening and closing cycles. As a rule, the manufacturer gives a 10-year warranty on it. Cheaper fittings will withstand up to 10 thousand cycles.
On a note! You can adjust the fittings yourself. All actions are performed using a hex key. But without some experience, it is better not to take on the matter yourself, but to call a specialist.
Profile selection criteria
During the selection process, it is important to focus on key parameters:
- country of origin of the profile – German companies are considered the most popular manufacturers in the Russian Federation, but many of them actually turn out to be Russian, simply working using German technologies;
- number of thermal insulation chambers - love for the largest possible number of chambers can lead to the opposite effect to the expected one, so the optimal option does not exceed 2-3 chambers,
- profile width – the wider the profile, the more durable it is;
- the number of chambers of a double-glazed window - for almost all Russian regions a “two-chamber” will be sufficient;
- reinforcing steel insert - an open circuit is recognized as the warmest;
- ISO 9001 certificate.
No. 9. What determines the cost of a double-glazed window?
The cost of a double-glazed window is influenced by a lot of factors:
- glass type Energy-saving, tinted, shock-resistant and other specialized glasses are more expensive than regular glass, but in some cases you cannot save;
- number of chambers and total width of the glass unit. Often, insufficiently wide double-glazed windows are inserted into cheap profiles with a thickness of 60-64 mm. Outwardly, everything looks great and can be executed with high quality, but this option is not suitable for harsh winters;
- gas with which the chambers are filled;
- accessories.
You can save on purchasing double-glazed windows if you carefully consider the requirements for the window unit in each room. Companies often force the client to choose one type of design for all windows, although this is often not necessary. For a bedroom, for example, sound insulation and heat protection are important, and in the kitchen you can install a window that is far from being the “warmest” and “quiest” - here it is important that it can open skillfully, both completely and slightly, and forming a small gap. For the first floors, a tinted or burglar-proof window would be appropriate.
However, it is important not to overdo it with savings. We immediately reject offers that are too cheap, as well as frankly inconvenient options. For example, a blind window unit will be inexpensive, but it is inconvenient to use. On the other hand, overly intrusive offers from a manager of expensive functions should also not inspire confidence.
The best burglary-resistant plastic windows
Anti-vandal designs are in great demand. They are especially of interest to owners of private houses who are afraid of intruders entering the first floors of a residential building.
Veka Softline
Energy-saving technology Veka Softline
Energy-saving technology in this line is complemented by a special option - windows are sold with protection against penetration and burglary. In its segment, Softline 82 has no analogues, since the developers applied several innovations simultaneously:
- anti-burglary fittings;
- impact-resistant reliable glass.
To create the latter effect, triplex technology is used, which provides protection against accidental impacts of medium strength.
Also worth noting:
- five-chamber profile;
- width 7 cm;
- Possibility to install double-glazed windows up to 4 cm thick.
Advantages and disadvantages
effective three-level seal
100% tightness of the vestibule
possibility to install even 4 glasses
reliable fittings from the famous MACO brand
high price
You can order a window from traditional white and colored profiles.
They are recommended for installation in cottages and village houses, as they significantly increase the overall level of security of buildings from intrusion by thieves.
Veka Softline profile
Schüco Corona Si 8
Comfortable Schüco Corona Si 8
The developers of this line put the comfort and safety of customers above all else. The result is a reliable and complex product from an engineering point of view, capable of satisfying even the most demanding customer.
The Si 8 stands out from its competitors with its neat and flowing lines. Windows look elegant and can become a real decoration of the building. Also worth noting:
- six-camera profile;
- width 8.2 cm;
- coefficient 0.95 m2°C/W.
Advantages and disadvantages
tightness ensured by a triple seal
good thermal insulation
noise protection
high-quality fittings
No
Many highlight the unusual silver shade of the profile. It gives an interesting visual effect - expansion of space.
The anti-vandal system requires extensive experience from installers. The slightest error during installation nullifies all the advantages of the design. Many buyers consider this a disadvantage of Corona Si 8.
Experts recommend these windows to almost all categories of buyers. The product is equally good in the southern and northern regions.
Schüco Corona Si 8 video review
Quality certificates
A high-quality profile can be determined even by eye. He:
- smooth;
- uniform color;
- without unpleasant odors;
- without chips or other damage.
But even a visually ideal window system can turn out to have a catch. Requesting for certificates will help reduce risks. If a company works for quality, it has all the necessary documents. And at the request of the client will provide all certificates.
The international certificate covers all parameters. But there are also other types of certificates. The strength of the structure is confirmed by assigning one of the following categories:
- DIN 53453;
- ISO 179-61.
In order for the system to serve for a long time, it is important to choose high-quality material. The plastic used in enterprises has a different resource. The highest corresponds to the DIN 53387 .
The profile must be hard, which is determined by the DIN 53456 . Not all structures withstand temperature changes equally well. The following standards meet the highest requirements:
- DIN 53460;
- ISO 306-68.
Important! Some products are produced for industrial premises. They have their own marking – object. Such products have slightly different characteristics than usual.
The first and most important tip is – don’t rush into purchasing.
As practice shows, the process of buying windows occurs as follows:
- First, a decision is made to replace the windows. Where does it come from? There are different reasons here - I’m tired of insulating them for the winter, it’s difficult to wash, it’s drafty, it’s cold, it’s ugly, it’s noisy, “the neighbors have had them for a long time, but we’re worse off,” and so on.
- Searching for offers on the Internet or choosing a company based on the advice of friends/neighbors.
- Comparison of offers based on the main criterion – lower price. Most often, buyers do not think about what is included in this price.
- Next is payment and installation.
- After six months or a year, disappointment and regret about the money spent. Why? Because the windows began to sweat, freeze, it was inconvenient to open them, and the list went on.
Why is this happening? Because the need that drives buyers when buying windows (read point 1) was not voiced to the seller, and the seller did not find out or ignored it. Important factors were not taken into account, for example, family composition, number of floors, design, heating operation and other important points.
Understand that in most cases both you and the manager have the same goal - a deal for the minimum price. It’s easier for him to sell a lot of cheap windows than a few expensive ones. Every option you add to your window increases its cost. And if you yourself do not recognize the capabilities of windows, then the manager may not offer them. Alas, this is reality. Based on what has been said, the second piece of advice follows.
If you are looking for a window that will last 1-5 years, read no further. Just find the cheapest window, it will last for this period.
My advice is for those who are looking at a future of 20-30 years and for whom family values and comfort in the home are not an empty phrase.
Window sills for metal-plastic windows
Manufacturers produce not only window systems, but also window sills for them. Buyers are offered a choice of several materials:
- PVC is a convenient and easy-to-clean option that is laminated to match the color of the window profile;
- wood is a rather rare solution for plastic windows, determined by the personal preferences of the customer;
- stone - natural stone is very expensive and difficult to maintain; against this background, acrylic, imitating a stone structure, looks more preferable.
Window sill coverings can be:
- glossy;
- matte.
The option is selected based on the profile lamination. But sometimes buyers settle on a contrasting solution.
How to choose seals
Without seals, it is impossible to seal double-glazed windows and close the window tightly. They are made from rubber, thermoplastic, thermopolymer and silicone.
- Rubber seal is the most inexpensive, but also short-lived. Cracking from heat and frost. It's easy to replace, it's always on sale.
- Thermoplastic (TPE) is the most common because it is suitable for use on automatic assembly lines. It has excellent characteristics, but with frequent opening and closing of the window it quickly wears out, as it becomes brittle from temperature changes. It's inexpensive and easy to change.
- Thermopolymer (ethylene propylene rubber, EPDM) is a more resistant material. Suitable for expensive and moderately expensive windows. It is advisable to call a professional to replace it.
- Silicone is the best sealant. Does not wash out, does not deform, is resistant to temperature changes and cleaning agents. But it is expensive and difficult to find on sale.
Expert advice: the service life of the seals can be extended by regularly (2 times a year in the off-season) cleaning them and lubricating them with silicone oil or glycerin.
Rating of the 12 best PVC window manufacturers for 2022 according to the editors
If there is a need to install new window structures, then you should focus only on the best manufacturers in the segment:
- REHAU is a well-known German brand known for its own developments, which, after testing, are put into production;
- VEKA – it is impossible to overtake this brand in terms of sales volumes in the Russian Federation and the reason for this is the high quality of the products;
- KBE is a German manufacturer that keeps prices relatively low. therefore, his product is always in demand on the market;
- Schüco , a brand not best known to Russians, confidently wins over its consumers and succeeds well in doing so, since all systems are reliable and simple;
- Montblanc - a Russian company is only increasing production, and its products successfully compete with foreign brands;
- Salamander - the brand produces products without complaints from consumers and experts;
- Deceuninck is a Belgian manufacturer with the widest range of window designs;
- Proplex - an Austrian company managed to adapt its products to Russian conditions, but the outdated design often repels consumers;
- Kaleva is a Russian brand that boasts 100% domestic production, which allows them to keep affordable prices and reduce waiting time;
- Deceuninck is a Belgian manufacturer with the widest range of window designs;
- SOK - a Russian-German company confidently entered the market, but has still not been able to solve the problem of excessively hard plastic;
- Panorama - a developing brand from the northern capital produces high-quality products, but sells them inactively, which negatively affects growth rates.
Selecting the opening method
Window designs differ on this basis:
- Deaf - installed in rooms that do not need ventilation, or combined with opening doors.
- Pivot - allow the doors to open in one direction.
- Tilt-and-turn - have two ways of opening: they turn inward, and can also recline, which is important when there is a small child in the apartment or the window sill is filled with flowers. This is a rational option for a kitchen that requires regular air exchange. With a combination of folding and rotating mechanisms, it is convenient to ventilate the room at any time of the year.
- Rotating around its axis - this type is good for large windows; it is equally easy to wash the outer and inner window surfaces.
Expert advice: in a wide window there is no need to make all the sashes openable. The price of such a window will be unreasonably high. Usually one moving element is enough.
Let's look at an example of balcony glazing. A tilt and turn door costs 12,500 rubles, a tilt and turn door costs 11,200 rubles, a swing window costs 10,750 rubles, and a blind window costs 5,900 rubles. If the inner window and two outer ones are rotary, and two more outer ones are tilt-and-turn, you will have to pay 67,150 rubles for everything. And if you make an internal window and three external ones blind, and only one external one - tilt-and-turn, full glazing of the balcony will cost much less - only 44,900 rubles.
