Plastic profiles from manufacturers REHAU and Kaleva have excellent performance characteristics and are in the same price range. The products of both manufacturers are durable, reliable, beautiful, and convenient. Deciding which profile is better - REHAU or Kaleva - is not an easy task. To help you make an informed choice, let's compare these profiles based on their criteria.
Profile class
PVC for glazing is classified into one class or another depending on the thickness of the outer wall of the profile. The value of 3 mm is typical for B-class and inexpensive plastic models “KALEVA”, “REHAU”. The first brand produces a more durable profile in combination with a less durable one. B-class systems are installed in small openings of standard buildings. In large-sized and heated rooms, A-class products with an outer wall of 3 mm or more are installed. Even though they are more expensive, their cost is fully justified with balcony or panoramic glazing.
REHAU and Kaleva produce A- and B-class profiles. An example of this is the Blitz series from Rehau, Standart from Kalev, B-class, as well as Geneo and Deco, respectively, A-class.
Installation width of the window block
The noise and heat insulation properties also depend on the width of the window block or, in other words, the depth of the profile. The Kalev company produces models with a profile width in the range of 70-80 mm, Rehau - 60-86 mm. The models of the German manufacturer are distinguished by a wide variety of widths, which allows you to select products that are most suitable for the specific climatic conditions of the region in which construction is carried out. For example, windows with an installation width of 60 mm will better meet the conditions of the southern regions in terms of their heat-insulating qualities, a width of 70-80 mm for central Russia, and a profile width of 86 mm for the regions of the Far North.
Number of cameras
The traditional solution for the Russian Federation is three- and five-chamber profile systems. Quieter and warmer analogues with 6–8 chambers are installed less frequently; they are installed mainly in regions beyond the Arctic Circle. The largest number of cameras, namely 6, are found in Brillant Design windows from REHAU. Thanks to them, the glazing resists thermal conductivity with a coefficient of 0.79. The five-chamber analogue of Kaleva Gold insulates heat with an index of 0.77, Kaleva Deco - 0.84. This reliable thermal protection is largely the result of the three-lobe seal. Maximum heat is provided by the Geneo system from REHAU, reinforced with steel. Its thermal protection coefficient is 1.05. This profile can be safely recommended to those who live in a climate zone with a sub-zero average annual temperature.
Both Rehau and Kaleva produce three- and five-chamber profiles, but with equal chamber profiles, REHAU products have better other consumer properties.
Glazing thickness
A double-glazed window is the main element of a window, occupying about 80% of the area of its structure, so most of the heat from the room is lost through the double-glazed window or a large share of noise from outside penetrates. In this regard, double-glazed windows are made airtight - the design of a double-glazed window consists of 2, 3 or even 4 glasses, united by spacer frames of a certain width, resulting in the formation of one, two or three air chambers.
The German company uses double-glazed windows with a width of 35 to 53 mm, the Kaleva company uses a width of 40–54 mm. That is, Rehau products have a wider range, allowing you to select windows with thinner glass units for budget glazing options or for installation in buildings located in southern regions, where energy saving requirements are less stringent.
Type of gain
Kaleva systems were originally created on the basis of REHAU PVC and are similar to analogues of the German concern. In REHAU profiles, a U-shaped reinforcement-inlay made of aluminum is often found, in Kaleva it is always present. Lightweight aluminum makes PVC stronger, but not heavier. Weight is a critical criterion for choosing a profile for large-sized or panoramic glazing. The first Rehau profile with lighter composite polymer reinforcement was Geneo.
PVC from both manufacturers is reinforced in the same way, except for the Geneo system from Rehau.
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Heat transfer resistance coefficient
The heat transfer resistance coefficient or CRT is an indicator that is influenced by almost all parameters of a particular window system: the number of profile chambers, installation width, thickness and number of glass unit chambers, the number of sealing contours. The higher this coefficient, the better the heat and noise insulating qualities of the window. Models from the Kalev company have K = 0.71 - 0.92, windows from a German manufacturer - K = 0.62 - 1.05. That is, the Rehau company has a wider range of KST models.
To summarize:
window systems from compared manufacturers have approximately equal performance properties, and you can choose completely identical models from both companies. However, Rehau produces some window systems that have a wider range of performance characteristics, and therefore offers a wider range of products.
KALEVA or REHAU?
It is impossible to say unequivocally that the profile systems of any of these manufacturers are better. When choosing a profile for glazing, you need to decide on the selection criteria. It is important to decide which parameters are priority for you. The products of both Kaleva and Rehau are distinguished by high performance characteristics and are comparable in price. Therefore, the choice of brand is determined by the customer’s preferences in a particular case.
Most of our clients prefer high quality glazing at an affordable price and choose REHAU. The systems of the German concern are reliable, durable, with a seal recognized as a standard in the industry. The warmest Rehau windows are the Geneo series. In terms of thermal protection and combination of consumer properties, today it is the undisputed leader.
Number of sealing circuits
Sealing contours or in other words - sealing inserts, which serve to tightly fit the sashes to the frame, are made of high-quality rubber. The quality of the rubber and the shape of the liner affect the service life of the seals and the overall ability of the window to protect against noise, moisture penetration and heat loss. According to consumer reviews, the seals of the German company are of higher quality.
Different window models from the compared companies are equipped with 2 and 3 sealing circuits.
Profile KALEVA TITAN PLUS
Kalev Titan Plus windows are an improved version of models assembled from TITAN systems.
They are excellent for use in northern latitudes. These energy-efficient structures are assembled from 5-chamber profile systems with an installation depth of 79 mm. In addition, TITAN PLUS windows are supplemented with a third seal, which divides the gap between the active sash and the frame into 2 isolated chambers. By increasing the number of sealing circuits, the level of energy efficiency of structures increases by approximately 3%. To improve the performance of models intended for operation in conditions of severe frost and wind, Titan systems are supplemented with two auxiliary elements:
- the second sash with 5 mm glass - provides additional protection from the wind, creates another air chamber, increases the level of sound insulation, and also makes it possible to install built-in blinds;
- external aluminum linings – increase the rigidity of windows, making them wind-resistant, protect the plastic surface of the profiles and improve burglary resistance.
A mechanical drive is used to control the built-in blinds in TITAN windows. These premium models are recommended not only for use in harsh climatic conditions, but also for completing energy-efficient houses of the new generation. Titan Plus windows are also suitable for use in noisy urban areas, as they have excellent sound insulation.
Main advantages and disadvantages of REHAU
The advantageous characteristics of products from the German brand REHAU include:
- most positive reviews from craftsmen and users, leader in popularity among profile designs from other manufacturers;
- GENEO has a six-chamber system, which guarantees maximum protection from the cold;
- innovative reinforcement made of polymer material without the use of metal is used, which strengthens the structure without weighing it down.
It should be noted that the brand produces only profile structures, so the quality will also depend on the glass unit and fittings. ]“Smart Windows”[/anchor] manufactures any types and models of window structures and doors from German profiles, performs glazing of private houses, high-rise buildings, shopping, entertainment and sports complexes, and industrial premises.
Only original profiles and fittings are used; it is possible to manufacture non-standard designs, which not all companies do. Delivery, installation and warranty service are provided, as well as repairs during the post-warranty period.
Customer Reviews
The most correct and truthful information about the quality and features of a particular type of plastic windows can be provided by reviews of people who use them in their homes or other premises. Manufacturers may remain silent about any shortcomings and reduce their importance. It is important for the manufacturer to present its products in the most favorable light in order to interest a potential client.
The buyer needs information received from uninterested people who do not have material or reputational benefits. Let's consider the opinions of users about plastic profiles from different companies.
Rehau
The Rehau profile, reviews of which are almost always positive, is one of the leaders among all alternative types of plastic windows. German quality, a wide selection of models, affordable prices for most varieties make Rehau attractive to most buyers.
Among the reviews there is not a single complaint about the quality of the profile. However, many users are dissatisfied with the quality of the assembly or installation of windows.
This is done by local companies that work on finished material, but the buyer does not need to understand the details. There are often cases of unskilled approach to work, which reduces the effectiveness of Rehau products in the eyes of customers. We recommend ordering installation of Rehau windows with a 2-year warranty.
Kaleva
If there is a need to compare Kalev or Rehau windows, which is better and more practical, you need to analyze customer reviews. And they are expressed in opposite tones - either complete dissatisfaction with the quality, or evidence of the high quality of Kalev’s products. If we take a closer look at people’s opinions, we can note that most of them write not about the windows themselves, but about the disorganization of local companies performing assembly and installation.
However, there are allegations of a decline in product quality, which was previously quite high. Therefore, today, to the question “Kaleva or Rehau, which is better?” the answer will not be in favor of the Russian company Kalev .
Deceuninck
Many buyers are interested in Deceuninck or Rehau - which is better? For a more correct answer, you should read the opinions of the owners of these windows. The products of the Belgian company are assessed positively by Russian users, although there are many complaints about the quality of frame assembly and the level of training of installers.
There are no complaints about the properties of the profile, although production is located in several countries around the world, and the products are somewhat different. In general, there is a correspondence between price and quality, a high degree of sound insulation, and an attractive appearance.
Mont Blanc
The manufacturer of the Mont Blanc plastic profile was founded in Russia, so users have a somewhat wary and even biased attitude towards it.
Initially, for most users, judging by their reviews, the criterion for choosing this profile was the relatively low price. That is, the question “which is better: Mont Blanc or Rehau windows?” did not occur to anyone.
However, after several months of operation, it turned out that the quality of the windows is no different from any other options. Thermal energy is retained in the room; many owners testify to the high level of sound insulation. It is argued that Mont Blanc windows can compete with any alternative types.
Schuco (Shuko)
A German company that has been producing plastic profiles for more than half a century, Schuko supplies the market with high-quality and in-demand products. If you need to choose Schuco or Rehau products, you must first consider your financial capabilities.
Shuko products are generally more expensive (if you do not take into account one expensive Rehau profile), but the quality is no different. Therefore, most buyers do it simply - since there is no difference, they choose the cheaper option.
Users who chose Shuko note high quality, good heat conservation and sound insulation . In addition, the lighting in the apartment increases, which is also highly appreciated by window owners.
Reinforcement type
Plastic does not have sufficient strength characteristics and is not able to bear the weight of a double-glazed window alone. For this reason, it is reinforced with galvanized steel sheet. The strength of the window depends on the thickness. The wider it is, the stronger the profile. However, this increases the weight of the profile and its price. Both companies use a G-shaped reinforcing profile in their profiles with a depth of no less than 1.5 mm. Thanks to this, you can give the design any shape and size.
The Rehau brand is ready to offer its customers the Geneo series with a width of 86 mm with mass reinforcement. For the strength of the profile, the latest fiber fiber is used, which allows you to create products with a weight that is 40% lower than a profile with conventional reinforcement.
