Human nature is indestructible: some are looking for a “freebie”, others are trying to slip a beautiful candy wrapper with “slag” inside under the guise of candy. Our portal has already described ways to deceive consumers when ordering suspended ceilings. It turned out that this is also possible when installing plastic windows. An unenlightened customer may think that this is impossible - all windows consist of glass and profiles. At the same time, plastic profiles from all manufacturers are made of the same material - polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and the assembled windows look almost the same.
The difference begins to appear after a few years (sometimes within a year), when the frame and sashes become deformed - they are difficult to open and close, there is wind from the street, condensation appears between the glass panes, and then black mold.
Therefore, it is very important to know the criteria to avoid fakes when choosing a profile for plastic windows.
Our portal is faced with the fact that it is not always possible to carry out repairs according to our instructions. We are receiving requests for help in choosing a reliable contractor. We contacted several companies in Moscow. The Relit company, with 22 years of experience, has won our trust: a permanent office on Basmannaya, a spare parts warehouse, experienced craftsmen, a separate manager for each order. There are many positive reviews from clients: they work quickly, carefully, and do not impose unnecessary things. Using the code word STROYGUR there is a 5% discount. Tel.: +7 (495) 023-14-23 (website). PS Dear site visitors, we value our own reputation very much. Therefore, for a long time we did not work with direct advertisers - we were not sure of their integrity. This is the first company that was able to convince the site team that their advertising will not compromise our portal.
Types of profiles and their classification
The main structural element of the doors and frame is the profile. It determines not only the aesthetic perception of the window, but also its strength characteristics and service life. European standard EN 12608 SR and GOST 30673-99 profiles made of polyvinyl chloride are classified according to several parameters.
1. Thickness of the outer walls. The profile is a closed hollow structure with a system of partitions inside. All the basic consumer properties of the window depend on the thickness of the walls that form the structure: cost, strength and durability.
The European standard distinguishes the internal and external walls of a plastic profile. The internal walls include all the outer walls of the profile in an already installed window that are invisible to the eye. From the first definition it logically follows that the outer (outer) walls are the front walls of the window and are visible both from inside the room and from the street (see photo).
Depending on the thickness of the polyvinyl chloride in the external and internal walls, there are three classes of profiles (in this regard, the Russian standard is more stringent):
- “A” - the thickness of the external walls is >= 2.8 mm, the internal one is >= 2.5 mm according to the European standard (minimum 3.0 mm for the external wall according to GOST), which ensures a high level of window strength, the best heat and sound insulation;
- “B” - external walls have a thickness of 2.5 mm, internal walls - from 2.0 mm (in line with GOST). A profile of this class retains heat 10-15% worse, is 12-17% less resistant to various types of deformation, and blocks street noise 10-20% worse;
- “C” - European standard and GOST do not impose certain requirements for this profile class. It is mainly used to make windows for non-industrial facilities. A number of companies, meeting the requirements of one of the parameters of class B, which is important, make economy class windows for the population (in general, this is a class C profile).
Classification of profiles by wall thickness in accordance with the European standard.
Unscrupulous window installers, emphasizing the low price, persuade customers to install an “object” profile (class C, not a single parameter corresponds to classes A and B), intended for non-residential premises (in fact, the price is almost twice as high as the real one, but significantly lower than the cost profile B).
Such windows do not retain heat and quickly become deformed. It is visually difficult to distinguish such a profile from a standard one (class B or A) - measurements with a caliper are required. The inscriptions on the protective film “object” can also help determine the quality of the proposed profile.
Attention: only if both parameters meet the requirements of the standard, the profile belongs to a certain class, which must be confirmed by the corresponding certificate. Without presenting documents confirming quality, it is better to refuse the transaction.
It is easier for consumers who understand profile classes to decide which plastic to choose for their windows.
2. By temperature zones. In Europe and Asia there are countries with very hot, temperate and cold climates. Window manufacturers took the current situation into account and produced their own line of products for each zone. In Europe it is tied to the hottest month of the year, in Russia - to January.
Depending on the average temperature in January, the profiles produced may be:
- lightweight version - for countries with hot climates, where the average temperature of the coldest month remains positive (must withstand short-term temperature drops down to -5 degrees Celsius);
- standard version - for a temperate climate zone with an average temperature of -20oC in January (maximum permissible negative temperature -45 degrees Celsius);
- frost-resistant - for the Far North, where temperatures drop to minus 55 degrees Celsius.
The last two types are mass produced in Russia. Lightweight windows are produced only by Russian ones (Krasnodar) - they cover the entire south of Russia.
3. Resistance to mechanical loads. According to impact resistance, the profile is divided into classes I and II. Class I PVC must withstand the fall of a special striker weighing 1.0 kg from a height of 1.0 m at a plastic temperature of minus 10 degrees Celsius. For class II, the fall height is increased to 1.5 m.
This classification makes it possible to determine how correctly the internal partitions are located (they counteract the deflection of the outer walls into the structure under mechanical stress) and how the plastic reacts to lower temperatures (everyone knows the property of plastics to become brittle in severe frosts).
Salamander
Another German manufacturer of profiles for plastic windows and doors. The company was founded in 1973. Salamander profile systems have high quality PVC, the profile does not turn yellow. Profiles made of reinforced polyvinyl chloride are durable, safe for humans and the environment. They last up to 50 years, withstanding high and low temperatures - down to −55 degrees.
System advantages:
- Good thermal insulation.
- Variety of colors.
- Optimal cost.
Attracting with affordable prices, the designs require special care in installation.
Consumer properties of profiles that you need to pay attention to
Which profile to choose for PVC windows so that it is warm, quiet, airtight, inaccessible to burglary and, at the same time, not to contact scammers? The main characteristics will help with this.
System width
The first indicator you should pay attention to is the width of the profile structure. It depends on it how warm and cozy it will be in an apartment or wooden house. For consumers who are encountering plastic windows for the first time, it is difficult to understand how the width of the frame and sash affect the comfort in the room. Let's try to explain.
A double-glazed window is installed in the window sash, which consists of several glasses fixed around the perimeter with a PVC profile frame. The air pockets between the glasses are called chambers. In standard windows, there is simply air in them; in the “Premium” segment, inert gas is pumped into the chambers to improve all the characteristics of the double-glazed window.
From school physics lessons we know that air is a poor conductor of heat, and glass with an air pocket is a poor conductor of sound. Therefore, the more cameras in a double-glazed window and, consequently, the number of glasses, the more comfortable it is to stay in the room. Window manufacturers mainly offer the classic version of the profile width - 58 mm, which allows the installation of single-chamber windows. For two cameras a minimum of 70mm is required.
For regions of the Far North with their extreme temperatures, windows with three or even four chambers are offered. But this requires an appropriate profile width: 90 mm for 3 chambers, 110-120 mm for 4. This type of product belongs to the “Premium” class. Due to their heavy weight, such windows are not recommended for installation on balconies and loggias.
Profile width.
Number of profile cameras
The window design has two units with cameras. One is a double-glazed window, which is discussed above. The second is the profile itself. The profile is hollow. To create structural strength, fasten fittings and increase the level of heat and sound insulation, there are partitions inside the profile. The hollow volumes created by them are called chambers. The more there are, the better the performance of the window. The location of the jumpers is calculated mathematically - each of them performs a specific function.
On sale you can find 3-chamber profiles (this is the minimum possible number of cameras) and 7-chamber profiles. The most popular ones are 5-chamber ones. They offer the best combination of price and quality.
It is difficult to check the quality of the samples offered by the company by the installer, but you can pay attention to the little things that will say a lot:
- The company logo, date and place of manufacture applied to the protective tape will with a 90% probability confirm the origin of the product;
- The surface texture will also help: for high-quality windows, the surface of the plastic should be perfectly smooth. Graininess indicates the Chinese origin of the product or Russian handicraft production;
- The applied paint should be uniform in color and without streaks.
Let's define it in terms: what is a double-glazed window and what is a profile?
When choosing plastic windows, you should understand what lies behind the words “double glazing” and “profile”. In the first case, we mean a design of 1–2 glasses with one or more chambers (gaps between the glasses). The second concept refers to a frame, which consists of several chambers separated by PVC partitions. Externally, the profile resembles a hollow plastic mold with a solid metal frame for better strength.
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Profile Manufacturers Rating
The manufacturers' ratings will help you figure out which profile for plastic windows is better. In this case, the rating can be compiled based on the popularity of the product, its cost, levels of heat and sound protection, strength, etc.
General ratings do not always accurately reflect the place of some brands, since it is difficult to evaluate in specific figures the various consumer properties of a product. They are mostly subjective.
There is also a commercial factor involved. Some manufacturers buy sites from sites in general ratings, which is difficult to do when ranking products based on one indicator. Therefore, so that the portal’s editors are not suspected of a commercial approach to ranking windows, we will create two types of ratings: for global brands and Russian manufacturers.
Rating of the world's best manufacturers of plastic windows
Various specialized sites put KBE, Rehau, Century, Salamander, Mont Blanc in first place. It all depends on the indicators that were taken as a basis. But these manufacturers are distinguished by nuances, and it may turn out that the leading Rehau is not exactly suitable for a particular buyer. Therefore, we will consider the products of these companies without determining a specific place in the ranking - they all deserve to be in first place.
Salamander
In terms of popularity on the Russian market, it is inferior to all the companies listed in the rating, since there is no plant in Russia. In terms of technical indicators, it is not inferior to any manufacturer.
SALAMANDER profile.
Produces profiles with a width of 60-76 mm:
- Design 2D - 60 mm, number of cameras 3.5 (4);
- Design 3D - 76 mm, number of cameras 4.5 (5);
- Streamline - 76 mm, 5 cameras.
Advantages:
- excellent design;
- European quality control;
- control of sales points (dealers) throughout Europe.
The main and only disadvantage is the high cost (compared to Veka and Rehau, it is 35-40% higher).
KBE
A famous German company with factories in Russia (the cities of Voskresensk and Khabarovsk). Experts did not find any differences in the quality of windows from the products of competing companies, with the exception of some nuances.
Attention: the company has come up with an excellent marketing ploy - it issues an “Official Partner Certificate” to the best window assemblers, which does not give any guarantees to the customer regarding the quality of the windows.
KBE profile.
The factories offer the customer a fairly impressive line of profiles, with a width from 58 to 127 mm:
- “Engine” and “Etalon” - 58 mm, 3 cameras;
- "KVE-Expert" - 70 mm, 5 cameras;
- “KVE-88” - 88 mm, 6 cameras;
- “KVE-Expert+” - 127 mm with 5 cameras in the frame and sash and 4 in the impost.
Among the advantages it should be noted:
- democratic price - products are available to mass consumers;
- high quality;
- launch of the greenline technological line.
No disadvantages were identified either in consumer reviews or in the expert community.
MONT BLANC
Austrian manufacturer of budget, high-quality products. After the construction of a plant in the Moscow region (Elektrostal), it became well known to the Russian consumer.
Produces a line of 7 types of profiles with a width from 58 to 120 mm:
- “Logic” - 58 mm, 3-chamber;
- "Tempo 60" - 60 mm, 5-chamber;
- “Nord 70” - 70 mm, 5-chamber;
- "City 120" - 120 mm, 5-chamber.
Among the advantages:
- budget price;
- long period of operation without loss of consumer properties;
- wide range of produced profiles.
Among the disadvantages, one can note the shortcomings of the marketing service - for 15 years the company has not made any attempts to obtain an ISO certificate for the products of the Russian plant.
VEKA
The German company with half a century of experience is one of the sales leaders. Built in the Moscow region. It produces white and colored profiles with a width from 58 to 90 mm, which do not turn yellow when exposed to UV rays.
The profile line consists of a number of models with a width of 58-90 mm:
- “Euroline” - 58 mm, 3-chamber;
- “Proline” - 70 mm, 4-chamber;
- “Swigline” - 82 mm, 5-chamber;
- "Alphline" - 90 mm, 6-chamber;
- "Softline 82" - 82 mm with 7 cameras.
Product advantages:
- Consistently high quality;
- large model range.
A significant disadvantage of the product is that the consumer significantly overpays for the brand - Russian-made products are practically no different in price from the profile produced in Germany.
REHAU
Another German company with extensive experience in the production of plastic windows. The company was created to produce products for the middle class. Currently, this line has been erased - at a price you can find products for every taste. It adheres to an interesting tactic: it maintains the price level of its main competitor, the Veka company, on the market.
In 2002, the company launched its own plant in Gzhel (Russia). Profiles are available in widths of 60 mm, 70 mm, 80 mm and 86 mm:
- “Blitz” (economy class products) - 60 mm, 3 cameras;
- “Brillant-Design” - 70 and 80 mm, 5 and 6 cameras;
- "Geneo" - 86 mm, 6 cameras.
The manufacturer’s pros and cons completely replicate the advantages and disadvantages of its competitor, Veka (see above).
Rating of the best Russian manufacturers of plastic windows
Enterprises with purely Russian origin have a short history, but have managed to compete with Western manufacturers - the sales volume of Russian windows is increasing every year. Among the best:
Kaleva
A Russian company with a Finnish name, the only one in the country that operates on a full cycle: from profile production to installation of windows for the customer. This is both a plus and a minus for the company at the same time.
- Plus: by producing and installing a very high quality profile yourself, the manufacturer significantly reduces the price of the finished window.
- Disadvantage: in the regions they are not ready to work at the level of the main enterprise - most of the installed windows do not last the warranty period and have to be reinstalled. The company is not yet eager to somehow influence the work of its regional centers, leaving customers alone with dealers.
PANORAMA
The company from St. Petersburg has 20 years of experience. According to experts and consumers, the product quality is one of the best - it can easily compete with German brands. The profiles have an ideal balance of rigidity, good noise and heat insulation, and a pleasant design.
However, the legacy of the Soviet past is taking its toll - the company’s management works poorly with consumers and pays little attention to advertising. In terms of potential, the company is capable of becoming the leader of PVC windows in Russia.
PROPLEX
Proplex is a young Russian company that is rapidly winning the market from the old-timers. Windows developed specifically for Russian conditions (the model range consists of profiles with a width of 58-127 mm) have affordable prices and high consumer characteristics.
Further expansion in the Russian market and entry to the international level is hampered by two unpleasant moments:
- backward profile design;
- lack of an international ISO quality certificate.
Rehau
The company was created in the 40s of the twentieth century. Already in 1958, she introduced a profile made of polyvinyl chloride. Confident in the high quality of its products, the brand provides a 40-year guarantee. The company develops original technologies and markets classic and exclusive window systems. Their advantages:
- Excellent noise and heat insulation.
- Increased fire resistance (thanks to unique self-extinguishing technology).
- Easy to care for.
- Possibility of decoration - from any colors to imitation wood and other materials.
- Environmental friendliness of materials. Profile systems are certified for installation in children's and medical institutions.
The service life of window structures is directly affected by the quality of assembly and installation. If an automatic window assembly line is installed in production, then the “human factor” can be eliminated. But during installation, there are enough small errors for the best profile for windows to receive unfair criticism.
Selecting the StroyGuru portal
When choosing a leader among global brands, the portal's editors unanimously voted for Rehau. Our choice is explained simply: thanks to this company, window production is on the verge of revolutionary changes - the innovative material “Rau-fipro” has been patented.
The portal’s employees would personally install windows only for two and “Panorama” - why pay for a brand if the quality of the named companies is no worse. The votes were evenly divided.
Our portal is faced with the fact that it is not always possible to carry out repairs according to our instructions. We are receiving requests for help in choosing a reliable contractor. We contacted several companies in Moscow. The Relit company, with 22 years of experience, has won our trust: a permanent office on Basmannaya, a spare parts warehouse, experienced craftsmen, a separate manager for each order. There are many positive reviews from clients: they work quickly, carefully, and do not impose unnecessary things. Using the code word STROYGUR there is a 5% discount. Tel.: +7 (495) 023-14-23 (website). PS Dear site visitors, we value our own reputation very much. Therefore, for a long time we did not work with direct advertisers - we were not sure of their integrity. This is the first company that was able to convince the site team that their advertising will not compromise our portal.
No. 12. Necessary little things for the window
When installing a plastic window, you should not skimp on little things - this will not bring much benefit. It would be much more reasonable to provide the structure with everything necessary so that its operation is as durable and comfortable as possible.
What necessary elements need to be added to a plastic window? Among the most important:
- mosquito net. Everyone is convinced of its necessity with the arrival of spring and summer, because this simple detail protects the house from poplar fluff, leaves, insects, and dirt particles, without interfering with the free circulation of air. Usually the mesh is inserted into the frame and can be easily removed from it, but you can provide it with its own hinges - this is an option for large windows;
- window sills play a decorative and functional role;
- platbands - overhead strips for decorating a window opening, made of the same material as the window sill;
- slopes are strips that are inserted between the window profile and the walls. It is important that these elements are made to the highest possible quality, otherwise due to high humidity they will become moldy;
- low tide installed on the outside and designed for rapid removal of precipitation. It may seem that this detail is not so necessary, but without it the waterproofing of the window is gradually compromised.
No. 13. Plastic window design
We are accustomed to standard plastic windows in white frames, but there are many, many more design options. Here are just the basic techniques that are used to give a window an individual style:
- frame lamination with film allows you to design a profile for wood of any species;
- decorative layout - dividing the window into zones, often rectangular, but can be triangular and round. They not only decorate the structure, but also make it stronger;
- glass tinting will give the room a unique shade, reduce exposure to ultraviolet rays, and it will be difficult for outsiders to see what is happening outside the window;
- stained glass drawing on glass;
- Smart glass changes the degree of transparency depending on the light level. This happens under the influence of electric current. While this solution is rarely used, it is an excellent alternative to conventional blinds;
- Decorative triplex is not only protection and additional safety, but also an opportunity to make the interior unique. By using layers of glass of different transparency and with a specific pattern, you can achieve the most incredible results;
- mirror glass protect from prying eyes and sunlight.
It is worth noting that plastic windows can be not only rectangular, but also oval, arched, etc.
