Which plastic windows are better: rating of PVC window manufacturers 2021-2022

When a person is preparing to glaze an apartment or private house, the question always arises about which plastic windows are of the highest quality. I want to quickly complete the installation and forget about repairs and additional costs for a long time.

With so many options, it's easy to get confused. There are several dozen manufacturers on the market. The characteristics in the description - the type of double-glazed window, the number of chambers, the thermal conductivity coefficient - can put you in a stupor. Let's consider which windows can be called the best and what you need to consider when choosing them.

Glazing requirements

When talking about glazing requirements, you need to take into account two parameters - the type of room and the window configuration. The first parameter allows you to understand which model is best to choose for a room, be it a kitchen or a children's room. Here are the main parameters:

Living room. This is the room with the largest glass area. You need to focus on protection from the cold. A profile with four or five cameras is suitable. One or two cameras are enough in a double-glazed window. If the apartment is located on the north side or on the top floor of a high-rise building, the cavities can be filled with inert gas. It is practiced to install glass with a special coating.
Bedroom or children's room. This room should be the warmest, quality ventilation is important. We recommend installing five-chamber models filled with inert gas and special energy-saving glass.
Cabinet. The choice of glazing depends on the location of the workplace relative to the window opening. Standard window designs with double-circuit seals and double glass are suitable.
Kitchen. Here it is better to install a window with a special valve for ventilation. It will stabilize the operation of the ventilation system and prevent the formation of condensation.

The second parameter is configuration. This is the ratio of the sashes in the structure. It varies depending on the size of the window opening.

Blind sashes are cheaper, but the configuration must have at least one opening one. If it is not there, you will not be able to wash the glass. This option is only possible for private houses with attics or apartments on the ground floor, which can be easily washed from the street.

Quality criteria for plastic profile

Plastic surface . It comes in glossy and matte. In the first case, it is impeccably smooth, repels dirt well, and can be cleaned; in the second, it is rough, quickly becomes dirty, and is difficult to clean. Matte PVC is cheaper, but less convenient to use.
Installation depth . The standard for the European part of Russia is considered to be from 58 to 60 millimeters. A system of this depth is usually three-chamber. Models with 4-5 chambers and an installation depth of 70 mm are installed for operation in strong winds, on high floors of buildings. Although it is believed that the more chambers, the warmer the window, for thermal insulation it is not the chamber profile that is more important, but the size of the chambers and the volume of air in them.
The most popular window systems are with three and five cameras. On the first and second floors of apartment buildings, in openings on the south or west side, in the absence of highways and highways nearby, a three-chamber profile is usually installed. On high floors, windows on the north, east side of the building facing the highway are made from a profile with 5 chambers. They block noise and cold more effectively.
The thickness of the external walls of the frame and the partitions inside. Depending on them, the profile is classified as class A (with an outer/inner wall from 2.8/2.5 mm), B (from 2.5/2 mm), C (object-grade PVC, suitable for use in non-residential premises).

3- and 5-chamber profiles

Chambering - the number of cameras in the profile. They insulate heat and strengthen the frame. Protected from condensation (due to the difference in temperatures inside and outside the room) with moisture-removing holes. The most popular windows are those with 3-5 cameras. If we talk about the European part of Russia, here in a quiet apartment on the sunny side of the house you can install a three-chamber profile with an installation depth of 58 mm. It is better to glaze an apartment in a noisy block with windows on the north side of the building with a 5-chamber PVC profile. In harsh northern climates, a system with 5 or more cameras should be installed.

Metal reinforcement Protects the PVC system from deformation. Made from steel contour with a thickness of 1.5-2 mm. Zinc coated. The cross-section of the reinforcing contour is U-shaped or square. The second type is more resistant to stress. Therefore, square reinforcement is used in large-sized windows. It is not necessary to reinforce frames less than 80 cm long.

A high-quality PVC profile looks beautiful, without roughness or defects. It matches the opening in size and reliably insulates sound and heat. The noise and heat protection of the profile must correspond to the climatic conditions of the glazing operation.

Plastic for windows is made from polyvinyl chloride. It consists of 66% chlorine of a type that is safe for health. Window PVC has no specific odor and is resistant to winter temperatures down to -25 degrees. The material holds its shape well at high temperatures up to + 65 degrees.

Plastic windows have high moisture insulation. They can be installed in the kitchen and bathroom, where the humidity level is usually high. The tightness of the profile system is maintained by a sealing contour fixed around the perimeter of the frame and glass unit. It is easy to replace if worn or damaged. For strong fixation of double-glazed windows, PVC beads and plastic fasteners are used.

Several types of plastic are used in glazing:

Connective. Relevant for complex structures with beveled elements in various planes. They are found in winter gardens, bay windows, and facade systems.
Additional. When the seat for a window is of non-standard sizes, the profile is adjusted to the opening with additional plastic 2-10 cm wide.
Stand, with 2-3 cameras. Allows reliable installation of ebb and window sills and protects the system from damage during transportation. Typical size (in centimeters): depth – 2-4, height – 2-3, length – 60.
Starting. Used when installing slopes and connections. Fixed with adhesive and hardware. It comes with a section of different shapes (types F, I, L, LL).
Drainage strip made of plastic. Protects glazing from moisture penetration when the profile is open. Suitable for any profile system, except color.

Features of multi-colored plastic

Colored PVC glazing allows you to make your interior unique or harmoniously integrate a window into an elegant façade architecture. It is more expensive than white plastic and differs from it in its properties. On hot days it heats up faster and stronger. To avoid deformation of the profile, it is made reinforced, even if very small parts are made from colored PVC.

To paint plastic, acrylic paints are used, lamination is a thin film, and color spraying is used. Elite profiles in color are made from multi-colored plates of various shapes. The plastic surface can be flat, corrugated, or round.

The accompanying documentation will tell you which plastic windows to choose. The quality of windows is regulated by ISO 9000 and ISO 9001 standards. Strength standards are specified in international standards DIN 53453 and ISO 179-61, temperature resistance - in DIN 53460, ISO 306-68, PVC service life - in DIN 53387, and plastic hardness - in DIN 53456. The object profile for non-residential objects is either not marked at all or is marked with the inscription “object”.

How to choose a window profile

The basis of the window is the profile. It is usually called simply the frame. This is a rigid structure, inside which a double-glazed window is installed.

The profile itself consists of PVC. The polymer material is well protected from mechanical and climatic influences, does not fade in the sun, and cracking is excluded. So that the plastic can withstand strong pressure and seasonal temperature expansion, it is reinforced. An internal metal profile is used. It makes the entire structure strong and stable.

An important part of the system is the seal. It guarantees internal tightness.

An important indicator of the profile system is intimacy. Buyers often confuse the cameras inside the profile and in the double-glazed window. These are different parameters, but they both affect the overall insulation level.

The more cameras a profile has, the warmer, quieter and more comfortable the apartment will be. This characteristic affects the strength of the entire structure and its ability to withstand strong pressure.

The obvious solution is to buy multi-chamber profiles. But they are expensive and large. They are often impossible to install on a balcony or loggia.

When choosing, you need to rely on the location of the room. Systems with at least five cameras are recommended for apartments on the north side, on the upper floors of houses, and for the private sector.

There are many manufacturers on the market, and new names appear periodically. We recommend using the services of companies such as Rehau and Veka, as well as others from our rating. These are certified suppliers whose products undergo strict quality control.

There are documents and standards that regulate production:

DIN 53454 and ISO 179-61. They indicate the strength of the window and the fact that it will not deform under the influence of external factors.
DIN 53456. Standard for hardness. A particularly important indicator when installing in the private sector, where houses are characterized by gradual shrinkage after construction.
DIN 53387. The rules specify the durability of plastics. They make it clear that special plastic is used in window production, which can be installed outdoors.
DIN 53460 and ISO 306-68. The certificate shows that the structure withstands high temperatures well. Why does the window need this? In summer, the plastic gets very hot due to the sun. The standard guarantees that it will not melt and thermal expansion will be reduced.

Having a certificate is an important competitive advantage. Therefore, if the manufacturer has such a document, he will easily provide it.

Rating of profile system brands

Russian consumers have access to plastic windows from the world's leading manufacturers. Thanks to the creation of joint productions, the products of “high-profile” brands have become more affordable. Products from the following brands have proven themselves well*:

№	Brand	About the brand	Product Description	Advantages	Flaws
1.	Rehau	A company from Germany celebrated its 70th anniversary. The search for more advanced technologies is ongoing. All stages of production are under control.	A wide range of windows for different operating conditions: Euro-Desing, Sib-Desing, Intelio, Blitz, Geneo, Brilliant-Desing. Profile systems with a thickness of 60–70 mm can withstand the difficult climate of Russia.	The products are made of environmentally friendly, high-strength material. Excellent sound and heat insulation characteristics and frost resistance.	The doors are small in height. The cost is higher than budget.
2.	KVE	The German manufacturer focuses on safety and environmental friendliness. The products meet international sanitary and hygienic requirements.	Profile systems are represented by premium and budget series: Engine, Etalon, Energy, Expert, Expert-Plus, Select. In the premium series, the energy-saving double-glazed window is filled with argon.	Sophisticated ventilation system. Durability, environmentally friendly plastic, tightness. Anti-burglary fittings. Withstands temperature changes.	Relatively high price tag. White plastic may yellow slightly.
3.	VEKA	The German company has been dynamically increasing its production volumes for more than half a century. Uses high-tech equipment. Works closely with Russian partners.	The main part of VEKA window systems belongs to class “A”: Softlein, Swigline, Euroline, Alphline, Prolaine, Softlein 82. The Spektral window series has an ultra-matte finish.	Richness of color palette. Rubber seal. Steel reinforcement around the perimeter. The quality is confirmed by the European RAL certificate.	The price of products often discourages the desire to replace old windows with new ones
4.	Proplex	The Russian company produces windows on high-tech lines of an Austrian manufacturer. The harmlessness of any component of the profile is confirmed by a certificate.	A large assortment of two- and multi-chamber profiles for any window opening. The installation width of the profile is 46, 58 and 70 mm.	Reasonable price. Adaptability to harsh climates. PVC does not turn yellow over time.	Some models are outdated in appearance.
6.	Trocal	The oldest company in Europe producing plastic windows has been operating since the middle of the last century. Capacities are constantly updated, technology is improved.	The warmest possible plastic profile with a thickness of 70 mm is produced using environmentally friendly Greenline technology.	Increased profile strength. The models are distinguished by a certain sophistication, which is rare for budget products.	Ice may form at temperatures below -17C. Flimsy mosquito hooks.
7.	Salamander	The company's products are manufactured exclusively at production sites located in Germany. Strict control is ensured throughout the entire cycle.	High-quality plastic systems have an installation depth of 60-76 mm. All profiles come with a 5-year guarantee.	Easy to maintain glossy surface. Durability over 40 years.	High price. There are many clones of questionable quality.
8.	MONTBLAN	The Russian company has its own laboratories and a developed representative network. They produce windows under the English brand Reashmont.	The series are designed for different climatic conditions: Logik Quadro 70, City120, Termo 60, Termo New ECO Grand Nord 70. The profile and glazing beads have rounded corners.	High quality, Affordable price. Durability is about 50 years. Elegant appearance.	There is no international ISO quality certificate,
9.	Plafen	Since 1994, the company has been producing premium products for discerning customers. The enterprises are located in Russia, equipped with equipment from Germany and Austria.	The product catalog includes 5 categories of profiles made from high-quality imported raw materials. The windows are decorated with different types of wood.	You can choose a suitable design for your interior. The windows look solid and expensive. They serve for about 60 years. There will be no freezing or drafts with high-quality installation. Increased ability to insulate noise and heat. Read also: Soft windows for a gazebo (32 photos): PVC curtains, how to make them yourself, transparent film and flexible glass	Most designs are limited to double-glazed windows. High price.
10.	Kaleva	Russian enterprise for more than 20 years on the market. Factories carry out a full work cycle. The development of new designs is carried out independently.	Windows increase the amount of natural light in a room by 6-23%. manufactured models: Kaleva Design, Kaleva Vita, Kaleva Standart, Kaleva Deco.	Original design. Innovative designs. Increased heat-saving properties. Service life is 70 years.	Overpriced. Poor work of dealers located far from the central office, which leads to poor-quality installation.

*The rating is based on the following criteria: use of innovative technologies; durability, work of representative offices in the regions. Consumer reviews, expert opinions and pricing policies were taken into account.

Double-glazed windows in the best plastic windows

When compiling a rating of plastic windows, not only the profile, but also the double-glazed window is taken into account. To protect the room from cold, drafts, and humidity, several glasses are inserted into the frame at once. They are separated by air chambers.

A double-glazed window occupies more than 80% of the entire area of the window system, so it is important that it be reliable. There are two main types:

Single-chamber. Two glasses are installed, separated by an air chamber.
Two-chamber. The design has three glasses and two internal air chambers.

The glass is separated by a spacer frame. It is made from different materials - aluminum, steel and plastic. The element guarantees the tightness of the entire structure and prevents deformation and other potential problems.

A special air-gas mixture is pumped inside the chambers. There are also energy-saving options that have only inert gas, such as argon, in the chambers. It reduces heat loss.

To install the required double-glazed window into the profile, you must first clarify the dimensions of the system. The permissible thickness is indicated in the characteristics of the profile structure.

Choosing a contractor to install windows

An order for the installation of plastic windows should be placed where the guarantee is higher and the level of trust in the contractor is maximum. But concrete facts deserve attention, not shaking the air with promises.

Obvious markers that will help you understand the competence and reliability of the company:

Availability of professional installers with practical experience on staff. It’s great if they have been trained by the profile manufacturer and have the appropriate certificates.
Accurate and most detailed measurement by a qualified employee (at this stage the literacy level of employees is assessed).
Use only certified profiles and other components from companies with a positive reputation. Compliance with accepted European and domestic standards. The criterion for the quality of plastic profiles for windows in Russia is GOST 30673-2013.
Having our own production is a significant advantage.
Inclusion in the list of warranty repair and maintenance services. The duration of warranty service clearly demonstrates the responsibility of the contractor.

On the website of the selected contractor and on the Internet, it is worth reading customer comments, managers’ explanations of negative reviews and detailed answers to questions posed.

Of course, you shouldn’t discount attractive bonus offers. Try to evaluate how much the company is trying to follow modern trends. You can give an additional plus to companies whose list of customers includes authoritative representatives of business and government agencies.

Advice : when concluding a contract for the manufacture of windows, make sure that the brand of the fittings is indicated in the document. Otherwise, substitution is possible.

In addition, the documents indicate the glass unit formula. For example, 3i-Ar10-3M1-Ar10-3i. The indicated symbols indicate that we are talking about a double-glazed unit with a pair of energy-saving glasses (i) and one standard M1 glass. The glasses are 3 mm thick, the distances between them are 10 mm, and the spaces are filled with argon gas (Ar).

Characteristics

There are a number of important characteristics that are also taken into account when searching for the optimal double-glazed window:

Security level. It is especially important if the apartment is on the first or second floor, next to a fire escape or gas pipe. In this case, tempered glass is installed. It is very difficult to break or damage by other means.
Sun protection. Ultraviolet light penetrating into a room strongly heats objects. It also causes the dyes to gradually fade. They produce many types of tinted glass with a special coating or film applied to the surface. Optical properties are preserved, and UV rays are cut off.
Soundproofing. Those who live near sources of strong noise should pay attention to this parameter. The insulating properties are increased by increasing the thickness of the glass and pumping a special inert gas into the air chamber of the glass unit.
Thermal conductivity. The apartment loses a lot of heat through the windows - this can be seen in thermal photographs. To make the room warm, you can use special energy-saving windows with gas filling of the glass unit and external coating.

When choosing a model, the location of the apartment is taken into account. This allows you to avoid buying the most expensive options, some of whose functions will be useless in actual use.

Results

When choosing high-quality windows, you should pay attention to the profile class, wall thickness, number of chambers, and seal material. All these indicators are indicated in the accompanying documentation for the product. It is necessary to clarify which manufacturer’s fittings are used in the production of windows. For northern windows, thermal insulation characteristics are important. For windows that face a noisy highway, sound insulation is important.

The presence of an ISO 9001 certificate guarantees control of profile production according to a quality management system.

Dimensions of double-glazed windows

Durable sheet glass is installed in the window system. Speaking about thickness, there are two types:

Thickness of individual glass. The standard value for an apartment is from 3 to 6 mm. There are also thicker varieties, but they are more expensive and unprofitable in the city.
Total thickness of the glass unit. Depends on the parameters of the profile that was installed. Standard from 24 to 32 mm.

The total glazing area also changes. It is indicated in square meters.

Manufacturing glass over a large area is very expensive. Therefore, when the opening is large, compromise solutions are often used, such as installing a transom.

But if necessary, you can create a large panoramic window. It will give a beautiful view and let a lot of sunlight into the room.

Kinds

First, it should be noted that there are several types of plastic windows on the market:

By the number of doors. There are single-leaf, double-leaf and three-leaf models.
According to the method of opening the doors. Fixed windows, pivoting sashes, tilt and combination windows, sliding windows. Today, combined and sliding models are popular; they are considered modern, functional and comfortable.
According to the profile design. These are mainly three-chamber, five-chamber, six- and seven-chamber designs. The choice depends on the features of your window and its size.
of double-glazed windows - single-chamber (thickness 14-32 mm), two-chamber (up to 58 mm) and three-chamber (the width is generally the same as that of two-chamber ones, so three-chamber ones are considered inappropriate).

Double-glazed windows with special functions

Manufacturers of plastic windows are actively introducing new technologies. This allows the design to provide additional functions that increase convenience and durability of use.

Among the most common designs:

Energy efficient. Significantly reduce heat loss from the room. This is achieved by using special spraying on glass, injection of inert gas, and increasing the size of the internal strips.
Multifunctional. Stabilize the microclimate in the apartment. It will be warm in winter, cool in summer. This improves the performance of the heating and air conditioning system. It has been proven that the level of heat loss after installation is reduced by 80%.
Shockproof. Glass is created using two technologies - armoring or tempering. Both options can withstand strong mechanical stress and shock. The design is more expensive, but protects against burglary.
Sun protection. Reduces the penetration of ultraviolet radiation into the room. The function reduces the heating of things in the room and protects against fading in sunny areas.
Reinforced. Help protect against vandals and thieves. For reinforcement, a special mesh made of metal or transparent durable fiber is used.

There are also options available with a self-cleaning function. Thanks to surface coating, the window will always remain clean. This is a good solution for blind sashes in hard-to-reach places that cannot be washed without industrial climbers.

Sealing rubber

Since the window structure is made of plastic, it is necessary to solve the problem of cracks through which cold, draft and dust can penetrate. It is also necessary to compensate for thermal expansion that occurs during heating or freezing.

Manufacturers use a sealing loop. It runs along the perimeter of the sash from the outside and inside. The double-circuit sealing system does not let cold into the room, and keeps heated air inside.

When the seal is selected and installed correctly, there will be no drafts in the room, and there will be no condensation on the window glass. Duration of use largely depends on the seal material. Among the popular ones:

TRE. It is a thermoplastic commonly used to make inexpensive windows. Adheres tightly to the surface, durable, reliable. The lack of material is a strong reaction to heat. At elevated temperatures and direct exposure to ultraviolet radiation, its service life is greatly reduced. Therefore, an open sash with a sealing contour of this type should not be left open when the sun is shining on it.
Silicone. Less common than thermoplastic. Does not change elasticity under the influence of temperatures, designed for long-term use. It is quite expensive and is less commonly found on sale than TPE.
Ethylene propylene rubber. Marked as EPDM. More affordable than silicone, used for a long time, resistant to temperatures. During installation, you will have to abandon plans for independent replacement - it is not provided. You will need to call a professional for this task.
Rubber. It is inexpensive and wears out slowly. Like thermoplastic, it should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Temperature changes also harm the material.

To find the best windows, you need to find a balance. Sometimes it happens that while using a durable seal, you can change the rubber or thermoplastic contour several times. As a result, you pay less at the start, but over the years of constant replacements a large sum accrues.

Selecting a seal

The seal also helps to achieve tightness and good heat retention. It is located around the perimeter of all the doors, preventing moisture, noise from the street and cold from entering the house. So, if possible, it is better to choose a good seal option. It must be strong, durable, elastic, heat-resistant, and not emit unpleasant odors.

Rubber seal for window

Table. Types of seals.

View	Description
TRE	This is the designation of thermoplastic, the most common option, since it is most often installed during automatic window assembly. It is elastic, easily compressed by the doors, and seals joints well. However, frost or hot weather has a negative effect on it, as the material softens too much or becomes brittle. If windows have such a seal, it is not recommended to frequently open and close the sashes during extreme conditions. In this case, the material will last a very long time. In extreme cases, it can be easily replaced with a new one.
EPDM	Rubber seal, which is characterized by increased resistance to a number of influences. Costs less than silicone material. Usually installed on more or less expensive windows. It is not suitable for independent replacement - everything is too complicated.
Silicone	This is the most reliable option and the most durable. It does not wear out, is not afraid of temperature changes, or the influence of a number of other factors. But its price is high, and to replace it yourself you still need to manage to find new seals.
Rubber	A good seal that has a reasonable price. But the soft version of the rubber is short-lived and will quickly require replacement, which, by the way, is easily feasible.

Advice! Any seal, no matter how high quality it is, still needs to be changed after some time. Usually it’s easy to do it yourself, without calling a specialist. You can also try to extend the service life of already installed seals: try to handle windows carefully, do not use them often in frost or heat, clean the seal twice a year, lubricating it with silicone oil or glycerin. You only need to wash with clean water.

Accessories

Fittings are a set of parts that affect the convenience and duration of use of the window. The products help to open and close the window, fix it in the chosen position for proper ventilation.

There are several main types of fittings:

A loop. Responsible for the correct opening of the sash. Hinges can be hidden or screw-in. In production, overhead products are more often used. They can be collapsible or non-collapsible. The use of increased security means is allowed - they help prevent unauthorized persons from entering the premises.
Locking devices. Provide additional protection for opening against breakage, tampering and other potential problems.
Counterplates. Placed around the perimeter of the frame on the inside. When they are in order, the sash fits tightly to the main frame. If there are breakdowns or installation problems, there will be drafts, cold in the room, and condensation will form on the glass.
Pens. Turning helps to open the sash or lock it in a certain position. The most durable materials are made from aluminum alloys or steel. Additional protection against burglary is allowed.
Corner switches. Made from high quality stainless steel. Allows you to move the sash to a tilt-and-turn position.
Locking pins. They guarantee that no strangers will enter the premises. They also ensure smooth operation of the locking device.

Special locking fittings are also installed. The main one is needed to simply close the sash. Auxiliary provides additional protection against burglary, squeezing out the sash and other actions of intruders.

Which PVC windows are best to choose?

First of all, it should be noted that high-quality material for PVC profiles has a smooth structure without roughness or graininess, has a uniform color, no odor or irregularities. Polyvinyl chloride is resistant to moisture, chemicals (solvents, acids, oils), and temperature changes. High-quality PVC is harmless to the environment and people. The best PVC profiles are resistant to the adverse effects of high and low temperatures, and are not subject to deformation or discoloration.

A high-quality profile does not change shape due to metal reinforcement. Such products provide reliable thermal insulation and have good sound insulation properties. In addition to heat conservation and sound insulation, plastic windows can perform other functions: protection from heat and bright sunlight, protection from burglary. In the first case, glass tinting is used during the manufacturing process; in the second option, tempering and reinforcement are used.

Due to the presence of many companies on the market, buyers often do not know which PVC windows are better. Experts recommend choosing not only by brand or cost, but also by personal preferences. It’s also not worth relying on the quality of products with a low price and from an unknown company.

Coloring

There are three methods for painting a plastic profile:

Coextrusion method. The method is rarely used because it can increase the final cost of the window by a quarter. A decorative acrylic layer is applied to PVC. In this case, a classic coating is not created - both layers are soldered and become a single material. There are several advantages of using this method - high quality acrylic layer, protection from cracking and other types of damage. Under the influence of ultraviolet light, the material does not fade and retains its saturation for a long time.

Spraying. Used much more often. In this case, standard painting is carried out - special sprayers transfer very small drops of paint to the surface. The coating is uniform, without defects. The advantages include cost and production speed. Thus, you can create different coating textures - glossy or matte.

Coloring by mass. The dye is added to the plastic while it is still liquid. Stirring helps to make the color even. The advantage is that there is no external coating - the PVC itself has the desired color. This prevents damage to the decorative layer. There are many shade options available to choose from. All of them will be well protected from ultraviolet radiation and gradual fading.

Comparison table of characteristics

The table below presents the main characteristics of the manufacturers' brands under consideration. By comparing them with each other, it will be much easier for the buyer to make a choice.

Manufacturer's name	A country	Features of windows	Guarantee from the company
Salamander	Germany	high quality window assembly	5 years
Rehau	Germany-Russia	production in compliance with high technologies, an “advanced” brand in the production of plastic windows	10 years
KBE	Germany	customer focus, affordable prices, high quality products	10 years
VEKA	Germany	the best wide range, optimal ratio of cost of windows and their quality	8 years
LG Chem	South Korea	the best window supplier among eastern countries	5 years
Proplex	Austria	ratio of cost and quality of finished material and accessories	up to 60 years old
World of Windows	Russia	best price from a Belgorod company	10 years

Additional features of plastic windows

What should a good window look like? In addition to good protection from cold, drafts, humidity and extraneous noise, you need to take into account the requirements for safety and ease of use. All this can be achieved using additional accessories.

All the special fixtures are usually not included with the window system because they add to the cost. But when agreeing on the order or already at the operation stage, you can provide for an additional upgrade to your window.

Useful accessories include:

Grids. Installed on a window to prevent insects from entering the room and to prevent pets or children from falling out. Made from various high strength materials. These can be either metal threads or thin fiberglass. The fastening method also changes. So some of the most durable options are fixed on special fasteners or screws. They are designed for many years of use.
Child protection products. They are needed to prevent a child from opening the door. Performed using different methods. There are special locks that can be locked with a key. Opening limiters are also provided.
Combs. Increases the convenience of ventilation. They fix the sash in a certain position that you choose yourself. Also required to protect pets and children from falling.
Ventilation valve. Window structures use different ventilation systems. A convenient solution is to install a ventilation valve. It allows fresh air into the room. To organize ventilation, you do not need to open the sash, which is especially convenient in winter. A removable filter against dust, insects and other contaminants is installed in the valve. It can be removed and simply washed under running water.

Coordinating a set of optional accessories will greatly enhance the usability of your window system.

Window sills

A window sill is a slab that is located under a window. The slab completes the appearance of the opening. The element is also needed for thermal regulation - it closes the heating radiator, creating the correct microclimate in the room.

When installing, it is important to consider the dimensions of the part. It should protrude from the wall from 5 to 10 cm. If you do not comply with this requirement, you will encounter a situation where heat transfer is impaired. Condensation will appear on the glass and the seal will require replacement sooner.

The material varies depending on the type of window sill. Among the most common:

Stone. Looks beautiful and can withstand heavy loads. It weighs quite a lot, dear. You can choose many color and texture options - it looks impressive from the outside.
Tree. Eco-friendly material. The wood is coated with a special varnish and impregnated with compounds that prevent rotting, cracking and other problems. Despite all efforts, there is a high probability that the period of use will be short. The most durable models are made from valuable wood.
Chipboard or MDF. These are wood-containing materials that must be protected from condensation and strong heat. They can imitate wood, but are less durable and will not withstand heavy loads. There are many colors and texture types to choose from.
Plastic. A universal solution when installing PVC windows is to use window sills made of a similar material. It can withstand a fairly heavy load, looks beautiful, and is well protected from heavy wear, fading and other potential external threats.

The best manufacturers

There are many large companies and small firms. It is difficult for a buyer to choose a specific brand. The quality and cost of products vary greatly. The world's main manufacturers of quality windows:

Veka;
Kommerling;
KVE;
Deceuninck;
Rehau;
Montblanc;
Salamander;
LG Chem;
Сok;
Schuko;
Kaleva.

There are a lot of small, little-known companies. The quality of products is difficult to verify. Therefore, when choosing, it is better to focus on famous brands.

Safety of plastic windows

When deciding which plastic windows are best to install in an apartment, you must also take into account potential risk factors. One of the most important is the likelihood of hacking.

People often enter apartments through windows. There are many options - break the glass, squeeze out the window. Several real estate options are considered to be at particular risk:

Apartments overlooking quiet streets, courtyards - places where there are few witnesses.
Premises on the first or last two floors of the building.
Windows next to which fire escapes are installed, gas pipes or other structures are fixed that provide access from the outside.

Country property owners need to be careful. In the private sector, thefts occur especially frequently.

To prevent anyone from entering the apartment through the window, several basic methods are used:

Installation of special fittings. It makes forceful penetration impossible. Attackers will not be able to open the sash by squeezing or crimping, or it will take them much longer.
Installation of special glass. It can be hardened, armored or reinforced. Robbers and vandals cannot break it.

Don’t forget about safety methods to prevent children and pets from falling out of windows. For this purpose, special tightly stretched meshes made of special materials, locks and opening limiters are used.

A set of additional accessories is formed at the stage of choosing a window design. It is also possible to carry out modernization during use and supply additional fittings.

How to choose the right company for the production of plastic windows?

In most cases, when a person needs to replace a window, he has a very indirect understanding of the structure of the product and its functionality. In this regard, at the first stage, you should study in detail the characteristics of windows, understand what the profiles, accompanying fittings, and so on may be. You should definitely read user reviews. However, it must be remembered that on many sites such comments are ordered and paid for, so it is best to go to virtual resources where the publication of such materials is impossible - fortunately there are quite a lot of them today.

Today, every large company has its own website. Of course, it’s not worth studying user comments there, but looking at certificates of quality and compliance with safety requirements and other regulatory documents will be very useful. When concluding a contract for the production and installation of windows, you should be as careful as possible. The document must specify the responsibilities of each party. Under no circumstances should you agree to produce a product without an agreement, even at a significant discount.

The algorithm for choosing a company producing plastic windows is as follows: after carefully studying the characteristics of the product, you should immediately contact several companies that have the most favorable reviews on independent Internet sites. Then you need to wait for a response and determine which proposals are the most suitable - they fully correlate price and quality. If the product you like is relatively expensive, then you do not need to immediately abandon it in favor of cheaper windows. You can try to reduce the price a little: for example, in winter, ordering a window will cost much less.

Many companies offer a free call to a surveyor. It is also advisable to take advantage of this opportunity - a specialist will assess the complexity of the work, determine the exact size of the structure and calculate the cost. When all these stages have been completed, they enter into an agreement with the company, make an advance payment, and after the installation process is completed, they make a payment. Now is the time to start looking at the companies themselves. We tried to include in our review companies with not too expensive products - this will allow most readers to purchase the windows they like at a very reasonable price.

Manufacturers rating

The rating of window companies in Moscow in 2022 will allow you to understand whose profile is the most reliable. There are several main manufacturers that consumers consistently trust:

Rehau. A German company that has been producing profiles for over 50 years. Creates many design options - from budget ones to the most expensive multi-chamber ones with high insulating properties. The thickness of the profile systems is from 60 to 70 mm.
KBE. Another German manufacturer of models with system depths from 58 to 70 mm. The level of insulating qualities is high.
VEKA. One of the largest window concerns in Germany, Rehau's main competitor in the international market. The windows are of high quality, using our own innovative technologies.
Salamander. Product made in Germany. Less known in Russia, but distinguished by quality and environmental friendliness. PVC is reinforced using a special technology, which makes windows especially in demand in the private sector, where shrinkage of the house is likely. The installation depth ranges from 60 to 76 cm.
Trocal. A brand with a strong focus on sustainability. Greenline technology is used. It guarantees that the plastic contains no harmful impurities.
Proplex. The Russian manufacturer is ready to offer profiles up to 127 mm thick. The advantage is that when developing solutions, climatic conditions were initially taken into account. This made it possible to increase the service life and insulation characteristics.

Our company is included in the rating of companies installing plastic windows. When a client contacts us, we will select the best solution for him and answer all questions regarding characteristics, installation features and other parameters. To call a surveyor, leave a request on the website or call us at the indicated numbers. We provide official guarantees, perform quick installation, provide service, modernization and repair.

Eurowindow manufacturing companies periodically included in the top 10 ratings

Why in our rating: these plastic windows are worthy of attention.

Profile Deceuninck Belgium, branch - Protvino

Photo: www.isskur.ru

The average price in the Russian Federation for windows measuring 1470x1420 from a profile 71 mm thick: 10,600 rubles

The Belgian concern The Deceuninck Group (Deceuninck Group) releases its own profile in the Moscow region. The production is not certified, which is strange, because all of the company’s European factories are ISO certified. Whether this is due to unstable quality or whether management simply hasn’t gotten around to it yet is unknown. The profile “collected” the usual ratio of both positive and negative reviews. Product line:

Forward - 3 cameras, width 60 mm
Bautek - 3 chambers, width 71 mm
Favorite - 5 cameras, width 71 mm
Favorite Space - 6 cameras, width 76 mm
Eforte - 6 chambers, width 84 mm

Pros:

Availability of several highly efficient systems
Quality

Minuses:

High cost of outdated modifications

Typical reviews about Deceuninck windows: “Deceuninck profiles are very reliable, retain heat well” “The windows withstood the winter tests perfectly”

Profile SOK Syzran

Photo: www.okna-modern.ru
Average price in the Russian Federation for windows measuring 1470x1420 from a profile 72 mm thick: 11,900 rubles
Included in the list as a permanent figure in Internet ratings. From the information gleaned from the website of the company SOK (Samara Window Constructions) you can easily find out that the company does not have its own production of window profiles. The “branded” profile is manufactured at the Profine concern plant (see KBE). This means that the profile is produced in accordance with international requirements and is ISO certified, which is not bad. But the question immediately arises about the high cost of windows made from this profile, the price of which is significantly higher than KBE windows. The choice of configurations is very small, only two types:

Corporate profile SOK-470 - 4 chambers, width 62 mm
Corporate profile SOK-570 - 5 chambers, width 72 mm

pros:

quality
unique camera arrangement

Minuses:

inflated cost of finished products
small selection

Typical reviews about SOK windows: “SOK is a normal profile, no better and no worse than many” “I liked the profile, simple and strong”