Which profile is better for plastic windows: comparison of materials and design

The profile is the main detail of any window. To understand which profile is better for plastic windows, it is worth delving into a comparison of the available options. We will understand the types of designs, recommendations for choosing a profile for plastic windows, materials and consider the top rating of companies producing profiles.

Sectional profile for a window Source okna-biz.ru

Types of designs

Initially, it seems that the profile even from different manufacturing plants has the same structure, but this is a mistaken opinion. The difference in quality characteristics will become noticeable after a couple of years of use. Windows from the cheap segment often change their geometry (they tend to warp); cracks form in such profiles, which provokes negative consequences.

When answering the question about which profile for windows is better, you need to evaluate the distinctive features of various designs. The profile is the main part of the window, made of metal-plastic, wooden base, aluminum and PVC.

On average, buyers order a PVC profile, as it is additionally equipped with steel inserts, which provide increased durability, strength and rigidity. The structure itself necessarily has cavities with air, which are the basis for the formation of a high level of sound and heat insulation. Some manufacturing plants fill the cavities with special nitrogen, which eliminates fogging of the glass during temperature changes.

PVC profile Source alekspro.by

There is a classification of window profiles:

• Class A. The size of the outer wall of such a profile is 2.5 mm, the thickness of the inner layer will not be more than 2.6 mm. Thanks to these design features, excellent protection against the negative influence of weather conditions is formed, and ideal parameters for heat preservation are created.
• Class B. In this option the walls will be less thick. The internal one is no more than 2.1 mm, and the external one is 2.6 mm. This option is ideal for use in warm climates. Due to lower wall thickness parameters, the risk of deformation changes in the structure increases (by 16%).
• Class C. In this option, manufacturers independently determine the wall thickness, since there is no certification of products, which eliminates strict requirements for the finished product. These options are popular due to their low price, but their quality is incredibly low.

Trocal

The origins come from a company founded at the end of the 19th century. Since 1949, the plant has been producing plastics, and in 1954 it introduced a metal frame covered with soft extruded PVC - the first in the world!

Trocal designs are valued for:

• High thermal insulation properties.
• Light rubber as a sealant. It looks impressive and can withstand temperatures down to −60 degrees.
• Aesthetically pleasing and resistant to stains thanks to its silky matte texture.

There are no complaints about the profiles if they are installed correctly.

Types of profiles by material

The main classification is considered to be the division of profiles according to the material of production:

• Wooden - today they are again gaining unprecedented relevance due to their refined and aesthetic appearance, high level of quality and durability parameters. But such structures require proper care and have a high price.

Wooden profiles for windows Source plastok.ru

• Fiberglass profiles . They have high technical and operational characteristics. But they are short-lived, so they are practically not used in our climate zone.
• Aluminum profiles . They have a stylish look, but they have weak strength, short service life and are cold.
• Metal-plastic ones are the most relevant and popular. They consist of aluminum, which is additionally coated with high-quality plastic. The design has the highest technical characteristics. The window block has low thermal conductivity and increased resistance to temperature fluctuations and other negative natural influences.

By studying information about plastic windows, profiles, the client decides which model to choose based on technical properties and characteristics. Modern society has opted for metal-plastic structures, which perfectly combine affordability, high quality, and increased durability.

Aluminum profile is used both for windows and for the entrance group Source okna-biz.ru

Veka

In the rating of window profiles, one cannot ignore the Veka system. The company was founded in 1967. Two years later, production of window and door systems was launched. Geography of coverage - from the USA and other North American countries to Europe and Asia.

The company is on the list of leaders for the following advantages:

• Production of a large assortment of profiles, among which you can find the optimal system both in terms of technical and operational characteristics and beauty.
• Using special rubber for seals: they do not dry out or harden in cold weather.
• Products meet strict international quality standards.

It is worth considering that buyers consider the surface of the profile to be more premium than that of its analogues.

Variety in design

According to their design features, metal-plastic profiles are today divided into several groups. The main difference between the models is the thickness of the aluminum layer, plastic, the number of air layers, and the thickness of the glass unit itself. Conventionally, all designs are divided into several options:

• Models for harsh climates . They are equipped with a durable body, have high rigidity parameters, and at least 4 chambers.
• Windows for harsh weather conditions . Here, protection from strong gusts of wind and a high degree of resistance to the influence of water and moisture are additionally considered.
• Windows for temperate climates . Balanced window designs that can be used in almost any climate zone. They have an affordable price.

Most often, manufacturers offer models consisting of several cameras. The level of strength increases and thermal conductivity parameters decrease. The technical characteristics of the 3-chamber options are ideal for temperate climates, and the cost of the finished product is pleasingly low. However, there are a lot of other parameters, the study of which is simply necessary for a competent, correct, rational choice of design for each specific case.

Air chambers Source 1okna.at.ua

Main features of choice

If you are in doubt which window profile is best to choose, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the following properties and features:

• Homogeneity of the material . It is best to give preference to products that visually do not have any defects or flaws. The plastic should be smooth, uniform, and quite pleasant to the touch. If the surface has a coarse-grained structure, then most likely the quality of the material is quite low, and the production was carried out in violation of technology.
• Thickness _ You should not give preference to class C profiles, since they do not have standard wall thickness parameters. It is better to give preference to class A models, especially when it comes to the need to glaze a house or apartment. If we are talking about the need to select profiles for arranging a balcony or loggia, it is better to pay attention to class B options. A structure that is too heavy can become the basis for reducing the level of reliability of the balcony itself.

Profile thickness Source poremontam.ru
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in the selection and installation of doors and windows.

• Width . Most often, profiles have a standard width of 57 mm. These windows are perfect for apartments and houses. It is possible to use profiles whose width will be 91 or 71 mm. Such options will be more reliable. The 71 mm profile is perfect for the upper floors of the building, as it will provide the greatest protection from strong gusts of wind and cold. The 91 mm profile will additionally please you with high parameters of sound and heat insulation, high strength. But the mass of such a profile will be significant, so it cannot be used everywhere.
• Number of air chambers . The most relevant are two-chamber profiles, which provide fairly good thermal insulation and have a relatively affordable price. There are options with three cameras. Experienced professionals note that such windows are reliable and have a high level of protection of the room area from heat loss. If the profile is 71 mm thick, then this indicates the presence of five chambers. Such options are the preferred solution for rooms in apartment buildings. Today it is also possible to individually order windows with six chambers.

Air chambers in the profile Source a-okna.com

• Number of double-glazed windows . Between the double-glazed windows there are air chambers filled with specialized gas or air. Single-chamber profiles using only two glasses are considered the lightest. This option is ideal for glazing balconies, terraces and loggias. Such a window does not insulate the room well from the cold wind, but is light in weight. For an apartment or house, it is better to choose options with three glasses (or more).

Quality criteria

High-quality plastic is impeccably smooth, uniform in color, without odor or roughness. It withstands high humidity, exposure to household chemicals, and temperature changes. The material is harmless to the environment and humans. Plastic windows of the best brands are reinforced with metal. They do not deform, do not change color, and insulate sound and heat well. They can additionally protect against burglary and intense sunlight. Choose brands of PVC system manufacturers based on the characteristics and cost of the plastic.

Consider your preferences. Pay attention to:

• intimacy,
• installation depth of the profile system,
• quality of fittings, sealing rubber,
• thickness of glass filling.

Additional selection options

There are a number of additional selection options. If you don’t know which profile to choose for plastic windows for arranging a house, apartment, loggia, terrace, then these tips will help you make a competent selection of options, taking into account the individual needs and characteristics of the room.

Heat transfer resistance

Any window profile has the ability to retain heat and also resist its escape from the room. And this characteristic is one of the most important. The level of thermal resistance is indicated in the technical documentation and is determined by the Ro indicator.

Window heat transfer is one of the selection parameters Source rehau.com

The higher this indicator is, the better the design will be, since it will have the ability to retain a significant amount of heat. There are only ten classes according to the thermal resistance parameter. The best indicator is considered to be A1.

Air and waterproof

When choosing, many questions always arise about how to choose plastic windows, which profile is best for a house, cottage, apartment, and each question can only be answered if all technical characteristics are studied in detail, as well as an analysis of the most popular models by rating.

In the selection process, you definitely need to focus on the parameters of air and water resistance. There are five main classes in total (D – lowest, A – highest). The higher the specified parameter, the more resistant the window structure is to the negative effects of moisture/air.

Soundproofing

This parameter shows how much the purchased system is able to dampen noise that comes from the street. This parameter is considered quite important, especially when it comes to arranging a city apartment if the windows face the highway. There are also five classes.

What kind of windows should be for Russian city and country houses?

The harsh and unstable Russian climate and the realities of our lives (including the cost of heating) bring to the fore the ability of windows to retain heat in a room. In country houses, windows should, first of all, be warm. Therefore, incorrectly reinforced windows made from profiles with thin walls, cheap fittings and extremely simple double-glazed windows will be a very bad economy for most regions of our homeland.

In city apartments, noise protection and, in some cases, burglary protection come to the fore - therefore, a wide class A profile and appropriate fittings are required here.

You can save on anything, the only question is what consequences this may have. For a good result, you will have to attack on all fronts.

Sergey Elnikov

If we install a single-chamber double-glazed window with low energy-saving characteristics in a wide profile, we will not get the desired result. Everything must be harmonious - elements that improve thermophysics must work together, complementing each other. If you strengthen and develop one trait, leaving the rest unattended, nothing good will come of it.

Video description

See this video about windows made from cheap profiles:

Profile stiffness

The parameter from which to base your choice. Polyvinyl chloride has high strength parameters, but to increase the rigidity of the frame, manufacturing plants use a process of reinforcement with metal elements. The main materials for reinforcement are aluminum or steel. The higher the profile rigidity parameters, the more significant the dimensions of the window itself can be made without losing the strength value.

Rigidity is formed on the basis of two parameters - the quality of the PVC material itself, as well as the presence of metal reinforcing elements that are located inside the profile itself. Additionally, PVC is supplied with stabilizers, fillers, and modifiers. Based on such additives, it is possible to obtain increased strength parameters of the base material.

Functionality of metal inserts inside the profile:

• Metal elements can become the basis for the high rigidity of a window block. Thanks to this parameter, you can ultimately achieve increased reliability, strength, and durability.

Metal elements in the window profile Source stroy-okey.ru

• The presence of metal tabs in the window structure is the basis for the production of blocks of significant sizes. In the absence of such tabs, large windows would be extremely fragile and, after just a few months of use, the windows would be seriously deformed.
• Ensuring protection of the structure from deformation as a result of heating in the sun. In the summer, the heating of windows can be quite significant, especially on the upper floors. Often, it is due to heating that deformation changes in the structure and the formation of cracks occur. To prevent such negative consequences, manufacturers equip the structure with metal parts, thus increasing resistance to deformation under the influence of ultraviolet rays.
• The sashes do not sag during operation, as a clear fixation of the geometry of the window structure is formed.

If we take the German RAL standard as an example, we can see that the profile thickness is at least 4 mm. Such products will be distinguished not only by increased quality parameters, but also by increased rigidity, which will become the basis for maintaining the ideal shapes of the window block.

With the correct assessment of the parameters, making a choice is quite easy Source pvb.com.ua

Now it becomes clear how to choose a profile for plastic windows and what parameters you should focus on. When purchasing a window structure, you should be careful: check everything, calculate it and evaluate it correctly. Then it will be possible to find options that ideally suit specific requirements and modern needs.

Selecting a profile by brand rating

If you don’t know which profile is best for plastic windows, then look at the rating and study the characteristics. Today, several undisputed leaders in this field of activity have emerged. Each company offers its own unique features. Topping the list are windows from Mont Blanc, Salamander, Rehau, KBE, Century.

Salamander

This brand has high popularity ratings on the market. The plant produces profiles whose width reaches 76 mm. There are various models equipped with three, four or five cameras.

Main advantages:

• High quality parameters. All materials used by the manufacturing plant are selected carefully, the production process is controlled in detail at all stages, which allows us to completely eliminate defects.

Proplex

Russian brand of economy class profile systems. Competes with a similar segment of leading European manufacturers. The company started in 1999, introducing technology from the Austrian company Chemson into production. The brand moves with the times, introducing innovations and tracking new trends.

The products of this company are characterized by:

• Optimal value for money.
• A variety of shades and textures.
• Good heat and sound insulation.

Proplex profile systems do not cause any particular complaints from users, but when compared with other profiles, the systems have lower strength indicators.

Video description

In this video, watch a review of the Salamander Streamline profile:

• Stylish and sophisticated appearance. Such windows will be an excellent decoration for almost any room.
• There is specialized control of dealers.

We will certainly note the presence of a minus. The price of such windows is 34-41% higher than that of other manufacturers.

KBE

The German company has won special recognition in our market. There are also factories in Russia that create profiles. There are standard models with a profile width of 59 mm, 71 mm, 89 mm, 128 mm.

Positive characteristics:

• high-level quality guarantees a long service life;
• affordability;
• wide variety of models.

Each buyer will be able to find a model that will suit his needs and financial capabilities.

MONT BLANC

Budget, but very high-quality products, which are known very well to Russian buyers. At the current time, a line of seven different types of profiles up to 120 mm is offered. There are three-chamber and five-chamber options.

Main advantages:

• affordable cost;
• high performance;
• a fairly wide range of various products for any conditions and climatic features.

Video description

This video provides an overview of the Mont Blanc profile:

VEKA

“Germans” has been the undisputed sales leader for many years. Colored and white profiles up to 91 mm wide are created. The quality of the plastic is so high that it does not turn yellow when used and under the influence of ultraviolet rays. There are 3-4-5-6-7-chamber profiles.

Pros of the manufacturing plant:

• high level of quality;
• wide range of models;
• “immunity” to negative influences;
• models have been developed for various climatic zones;
• There are profiles made in color.

The downside is the high cost of products from this brand.

Rating of plastic profiles from domestic manufacturing plants

Using a search on the topic: which window profile to choose based on rating, you will certainly see that there are domestic manufacturers who also have high advantages over foreign companies. Firstly, it is affordable. Every person can afford to purchase a decent window for any purpose. Secondly, some domestic manufacturers actually offer incredible quality to consumers.

Kaleva

High quality, a wide range of models and the additional service of free installation - this is a company that operates a full cycle. But in some regions there is no representative office of the company, which makes it difficult to use the installation service.

Panorama

The company has existed for more than 20 years. According to experts, the profiles are in no way inferior to foreign analogues. They have ideal parameters for noise and heat insulation and rigidity.

Aluminum profiles from “Panorama” Source fart.kh.ua

PROPLEX

The company has just entered the domestic market, but already has high popularity ratings, offering customers a wide range of profiles up to 127 mm wide at affordable prices.

Schuco

A German brand whose history began in 1954. Today its products are widely distributed - the company has representative offices in 80 countries. German punctuality played an important role in the development of the company. The manufacturer tests its products repeatedly to eliminate toxicity, defects, and technical defects.

In addition to high quality, the Schuco profile has the following advantages:

• Compatible with various accessories.
• Wide choice of design.
• A reliable and effective seal that prevents the penetration of cold air from the street and fogging.

And in this case, compliance with installation techniques plays an important role.