Production of double-glazed windows with a hole for air conditioning

A double-glazed window with a hole for an air conditioner is a unique solution to the problem of cooling indoor air. It is quickly installed, does not require special maintenance, and maintains optimal temperature in the building.

The tightness and all technical characteristics of the window unit remain intact, even if there are several holes in the window, depending on the specific situation. When there is no need to operate the ventilation system, the hole can be closed with a decorative grille.

Step: 1 Application

Step: 2 Measurement

Step: 3 Calculation

Step: 4 Manufacturing

Step: 5 Delivery

Step: 6 Installation

Why do you need a hole in a double glazed window?

The need to have a hole in a double-glazed window arises, in most cases, for ventilation purposes, when the standard approach with split systems is not suitable:

• the cost of a split system is too high as opposed to mobile systems;
• the cost of laying routes for split systems is too high or involves a large amount of “dirty” work that is not allowed indoors. Significant damage to the interior;
• problems with the location of the remote unit due to neighbors’ dissatisfaction with noise or dripping condensate;
• prohibition of installing remote blocks that violate the façade of historical buildings;
• There is no need for initial high-altitude work and further periodic maintenance of systems at high altitudes.

Of course, you can route the air duct of a floor-standing air conditioner into an open window or a slightly open sash. However, this significantly degrades the thermal efficiency of the cooling system.

Like any double-glazed window, one with a hole can be installed by specialists within 1-3 hours, which, again, distinguishes it favorably from a split system that can paralyze office work for several days.

In addition to the hole for the air conditioner, other options for using such double-glazed windows can be:

• installation of an exhaust fan in the smoking room;
• installation of ventilation systems in the enterprise workshop;
• heating the room with a mobile air conditioner when the outside temperature is below -10°C;
• the need to create a “dormer window” for the security service in office partitions.

Supply and exhaust fans: with us it’s clean and fresh

The store's catalog contains models for ensuring normal ventilation in different rooms: kitchen fans from the world's leading manufacturers of various power and sizes, Russian and foreign roof-mounted supply and exhaust fans protected from negative external influences by a special galvanized housing, as well as fireplace and window fans, centrifugal and multi-zone fans .

Based on their main technological characteristics, ventilation devices are divided into supply and exhaust fans used in industry and in everyday life.

The household supply and exhaust fan is designed to provide a comfortable environment in apartments, private houses and cottages. The distinctive characteristics of household ventilation devices are their relatively low air output, noiselessness, low energy consumption and attractive design. The price of the models presented in the RoomKlimat store catalog makes them accessible to a wide range of customers.

Do your windows have them?

Boris Buttsev is a physicist by training (graduated from MEPhI), Ph.D. For many years I worked in the field of window production, promotion of modern ventilation systems, now I advise on any situations with condensation and mold, microclimate and comfort in inhabited premises.

What are these “holes”?

If you look closely, there are a lot of holes in the frame of a plastic window: not only in the lower, but also in the upper part of the window profile. Why do they all? For business! Holes in the frame of a plastic window remove moisture from the structure and provide window ventilation, compensate for wind pressure and reduce heating of colored profiles. We tell you which holes are needed for what purposes. Check if everything is in place at your window or the manufacturer “forgot” about them “as unnecessary”.

Drainage holes

There is a proverb: “water will find a hole.” It is also true for plastic windows. No matter how well PVC window blocks are made, there is a possibility that water will get inside the structure. Firstly, this can happen during rain or sleet. And secondly, with sudden temperature changes (condensation forms). And if the water cannot flow out, ice will form inside the window and the profile will simply collapse. To remove accumulated water, manufacturers make special drainage holes in plastic windows. They are found both in the moving part of the window (sash) and in the stationary part - the frame of the window block. The number and location of holes in a window structure are regulated in GOST standards and “processor folders” of a specific window system.

Holes in the sash

designed for draining the cavity between the edges of the glass unit and the folds of the profiles. According to »Window blocks made of polyvinyl chloride profiles. Technical conditions “GOST 30674-99”, they must be located in the deepest parts of the folds at a distance of no more than 600 mm from each other. There must be at least two drainage holes in the lower profile of the sash, measuring at least 5x10 mm (or with a diameter of at least 8 mm). The larger the window block, the more holes it should have. Two holes are made in the upper profile up to a meter long. If the profile length is more than a meter - three.

Holes in the window frame

serve to drain water. According to the same GOST, the lower profiles of boxes and horizontal imposts must have at least two drainage holes measuring at least 5x20 mm, located at a distance of no more than 600 mm from each other. Such holes can be located both on the inside of the window and on the outside. The latter should be protected by decorative visors.

Wind pressure compensation holes

As a rule, they are made in window systems intended for installation at a height of more than 20 m. When there is a large wind load, increased pressure occurs inside the window, due to which water cannot escape through the drainage hole. Special holes in the upper horizontal profile of the window frame, located in the cavity between the frame and the sash, help compensate for wind pressure.

Important

: The holes must be offset in the profile walls by at least 50 mm relative to each other. Otherwise, the windows may begin to “whistle.” The size of the holes to compensate for wind pressure is regulated by GOST and must be at least 5x10 mm or 6 mm in diameter. Box profiles no longer than one meter must have two holes, and longer ones - three. In this case, the location of the holes should not coincide with the installation locations for the linings under the double-glazed windows.

Ventilation holes in plastic windows

They are made from the outside in colored window profiles. The fact is that under the influence of sunlight such profiles can overheat and then become deformed. Ventilation of external chambers helps to reduce the impact of the sun on the profile and avoid negative consequences. To do this, at least one through hole is made on each side of the window profile (through the walls of the outer chambers of the sash and frame profiles), with a diameter of 5–6 mm.

Important:

Any technological openings in plastic windows (for ventilation, water drainage, wind pressure compensation) should not pass through the walls of the main chambers of window profiles.
The edges of the holes must be smooth, without burrs that impede water drainage. How to clean openings in windows
Drainage holes in PVC windows periodically become clogged, preventing the effective removal of water. To avoid ice forming inside the window unit, the holes must be cleaned periodically. This is quite easy to do using a regular household vacuum cleaner.

• We wipe the window from dust and wash it thoroughly.
• We take a vacuum cleaner and try to pull out all the dirt from the drainage holes.
• Using a cotton swab or toothpick, remove everything that the vacuum cleaner could not remove.

By the way:

The same operation must be done with the holes in the upper chamber of a two-chamber refrigerator.

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O'Erre Smart 15/6 M – five modes

Reversible window fan with the ability to set one of five rotation speeds. A reverse option is provided. The principle of operation of the device is supply and exhaust. Control is via a remote electronic remote control.

The curtains are opened or closed manually, using a telescopic insert that is adjusted to the actual thickness of the window. The plastic of the grille and body are made in a splash-proof design. The structure is fully prepared for installation in a window opening.

Pros:

• Five rotation speeds, remote control.
• Possibility of installing reverse.
• Rain, wind and sun resistant plastic.

Minuses:

• Consumers do not note any negative aspects.

Manufacturing a double glazed window with a hole

It is important to understand that cutting or drilling a hole in a double-glazed window while preserving its functional features is impossible at home or in a DIY setting! Only a professional master, using professional equipment, will be able to perform high-quality work like this!

Production stages

1. Preparation of glass sheets according to the dimensions of the future double-glazed window.
2. Milling of holes in each glass according to precisely measured measurements.
3. Processing cut edges, cutting spacer frames.
4. Assembly and sealing of double-glazed windows (primary and butyl sealants). Filling with inert gases;
5. Delivery of the finished product to the site and its installation.

Elicent VITRO 6/150 PA – automatic blinds

A device mounted on a window transom or directly on a double-glazed window. Designed to move air masses outside to update the air composition. The fan is equipped with an automatic system for opening and closing protective shutters.

The latter are made taking into account the effects of atmospheric moisture, solar radiation, and temperature changes. It is possible to work with a programmable timer to set the frequency and duration of fan operation.

Pros:

• Automatic operation mode, setting a timer simplifies control.
• It is quite compact and light weight, which allows it to be installed directly into a double-glazed window.
• Works in the kitchen, easily removes odor and smoke when something burns on the stove.

Minuses:

• A bit noisy, but not too much.

How and where to drill PVC windows correctly?

Plastic windows can be drilled if this is unavoidable. This must be done very carefully. The most important thing is that the holes do not deteriorate the thermal insulation properties or the rigidity of the window structure, and that the fasteners do not interfere with the smooth opening/closing of the sashes. When drilling, it is very important not to touch the glass unit or fittings with the drill. As a rule, plastic window structures are drilled around the perimeter of the profile. To be sure that you won’t hit the double-glazed window with the drill, and also won’t damage the bead lock, it’s best to play it safe (especially if you don’t know how deep the double-glazed window is into the profile) and make a two-centimeter indentation from the bead.

You need to drill a PVC window with a metal drill.

Very often, holes are drilled in plastic window structures for cables (Internet, telephone, alarm). One or two holes reaching 1 centimeter in diameter will not damage the window in any way if everything is done correctly. In addition to the above drilling rules, you also need to take into account the diameter of the cable and select a drill so that the cable fits into the hole as tightly as possible. This way, you won't have to use sealant to seal extra millimeters.

Vortice Vario 230/9″ AR – full functionality

High quality product from an Italian manufacturer. The window fan can operate in supply and exhaust mode. Equipped with automatic blinds. High-quality materials and ball bearing supports significantly increased the overall service life of the assembled product.

Increased rotation speed and productivity. The outer grille is made in a weather-resistant design. The body and blades are made of impact-resistant polymer. Power supply: from a stationary power supply of 220 volts.

Pros:

• Supply and exhaust ventilation, automatic blinds.
• Reliability, durability, service life.
• Easy installation and operation.

Minuses:

• High noise at full load.
• The price is high.

Where can you not drill PVC windows?

The glass unit and latches (places for attaching glazing beads) are the most vulnerable areas of a plastic window. It is strongly not recommended to make holes around the perimeter of the bead connection to avoid damage. The most unacceptable area for drilling holes is considered to be the distance from the place where the bead seal begins and to its lower border, but not less than 20 millimeters. To avoid the risk of damage to the glass unit, be sure to take this distance into account. Also, you cannot drill moving parts of a plastic window structure. Holes can only be made in the frame and blind sashes.

Systemair BF-W 230A Window fan – installation on a window or wall

Window fan to create air flow to renew the air mass inside the room. Can be installed directly on a window or wall.

The design is equipped with a gravity check valve, which is opened by the pressure created when the device is turned on. Closing - when disconnected.

The fan is installed in residential, domestic and civil premises. Used in catering establishments. It features high performance with low power.

Pros:

• Performance with little power.
• Universal installation.
• Gravity check valve.

Minuses:

• Very noisy at full load.

Self-tapping screws for PVC windows

An incorrectly selected screw, as well as an incorrectly selected drilling location, can severely damage a plastic window. To install various additional and decorative elements on plastic window structures, experienced installers, as a rule, use self-tapping screws 9.5 millimeters or 15-17 millimeters in length. At the same time, as mentioned above, they need to be screwed into potentially safe places. Self-tapping screws should have a thin base and be without a drill at the tip. The main mistakes that non-professionals make when drilling plastic windows:

1. If you try to screw a self-tapping screw into the glazing bead or slightly below it, the glass unit will be damaged. The glass used in PVC window structures is very durable, but despite this, touching a self-tapping screw to a double-glazed window will cause cracks to appear on the glass. Repairs will not be possible; the glass unit will need to be replaced completely. It will cost at least a third of the entire cost of the window structure.

1. A self-tapping screw of the wrong length (too long) will most likely break the tightness of the internal chambers of the PVC profile. As a result, the heat and sound insulation properties of the structure will be lost. Also, incorrectly selected screws can disrupt the operation of the fittings and cause the window to stop opening.

1. It will not be possible to disguise a hole from an incorrectly screwed screw without compromising the aesthetic and performance qualities of the structure.

Based on all of the above, it becomes obvious that, if possible, it is worth choosing other methods of attaching additional elements to a plastic window. And if drilling cannot be avoided, it is better to trust the professionals.

Wind-K 125 ST – low noise

Exhaust fan installed in a window. It features controlled blinds and a timer. The latter function allows you to automate the operation of the device by setting a program for turning on or off the electric motor at certain intervals.

The design includes a protective cap that completely blocks the air flow when stopping. The quality of workmanship and proper balancing allowed the fan to achieve low noise during operation.

Pros:

• Quiet during operation, does not whistle like a jet plane.
• Price, cap - it doesn't show through the window.
• Timer: programmed, turned on and forgotten.

Minuses:

• Pull cord switch, it can be more expensive, but to work from the remote control.

Reasons and necessity for making holes

Modern plastic windows installed recently when closed do not allow air into the room, unlike wooden ones. This fact requires measures to equip rooms with ventilation, which is carried out by installing window air conditioners or fans.

In addition, floor-standing air conditioners, which require an air duct to be installed outside, are becoming very popular. In this case, the device itself is installed near the window in a convenient place.

Often, when purchasing such household appliances, to simplify their use, it is advised to only lead the air duct to the street through an open window. However, this method minimizes the use of air conditioning, since hot air will enter from the street through the remaining gaps.

To work effectively, you need to make special holes. It should be taken into account that there should be no gaps between the air duct and the hole for it, for which it is protected with sealant and rubber seals.

If this is not done, hot air will enter the room, significantly reducing the efficiency of the air conditioner.

In the case of using a floor-standing air conditioner, only the cost of cutting a hole for the air duct is added, which is much cheaper and easier than installing a split system. But also in such cases, a function that is not available with split systems is implemented. This is heating a room at an air temperature well below 10 degrees below zero.

To install air conditioners or fans, you need to make square (for an air conditioner) or round (for an air duct, hood or fan) holes in the glass being installed or already installed.

When choosing a particular fan, you must take into account that not all manufactured models are suitable for installation in holes. This must be clarified before purchasing them and cutting holes for them. It is especially necessary to clarify the thickness of the fan fit and compare it with the thickness of the window in which it is planned to be mounted. Otherwise, the fan will not fit in thickness and will not fit, even if the passage is of the required size.

But you should also be careful when choosing air conditioners. In particular, glass cannot withstand heavy loads, so in most cases it is impossible to plan to install a household window air conditioner into the hole.

Currently, not all enterprises produce products with holes of the required sizes.

ERA HPS 15 – inexpensive

An axial type fan built directly into the window opening - a window transom. A check valve is provided, controlled by a cord switch. Opening the protective device - towards the street, outwards.

Durable ABS plastic is used for the housing and impeller, resistant to moisture, ultraviolet radiation and temperature changes. Optimal for work in small rooms, kitchens, change houses.

Pros:

• Lightweight, quite economical, simple operation.
• The price is just right for installation in the kitchen.
• Easy installation, especially on wooden windows.

Minuses:

• I had to work on a collective farm to make a transition trim for the window. There are no ready-made ones for sale.

Methods for making holes in double-glazed windows and requirements for them

The work of cutting holes of the required size and shape is done manually, taking into account the requirements of the customer and the device for which it must fit. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the requirement of tightness of the hole, otherwise the effect of the installed household appliance will be reduced to a minimum.

When planning activities for cutting a hole, it is necessary to take into account that this cannot be done in a finished assembled double-glazed window, because the glass itself can be damaged from the lateral load during cutting. In addition, it is very difficult to accurately make holes in three glasses at the same time and exactly opposite each other.

That is why, especially in the case of double or triple glass, the work is carried out by qualified specialists, dismantling and cutting holes in each glass separately using glass cutters.

In this case, the inlets and outlets must absolutely coincide with each other, since after cutting and installing the glass, it is necessary to seal them and ensure a tight fit of the household device or air duct.

And also one of the methods for producing holes, often used in such cases, is cutting using a sandblasting machine. It makes it possible to cut a passage of absolutely any shape and size, which is inaccessible to conventional glass cutters.

This method is used in difficult cases by a qualified specialist and only with the appropriate equipment.

In addition, a household appliance, for example a fan, can be removed and the hole can be closed with a special plug to prevent precipitation from entering the room.

The corrugated pipe from the floor air conditioner must match the diameter of the outlet in the device itself, otherwise the air output will be insufficient and the device will overheat.

Taking into account all the requirements for cutting holes for the use of various household appliances will ensure their efficient and long-term operation, as well as a comfortable stay in the house.

Prices

The cost of manufacturing such products is very individual and depends on:

• glass thickness;
• their quantity (number of cameras);
• type of glass (regular M1 or reinforced will vary greatly in cost);
• shape and dimensions of the desired hole.

Therefore, all prices are calculated individually, after a free measurement by our specialist.

On average, the price tag will be about 8,000 rubles for a regular M1 single-chamber double-glazed window with a formula of 4/16/4 (24 mm).

Installing a sandwich panel instead of a double-glazed window will cost less - about 6,000 rubles in a similar situation.

Delivery

The tables indicate the cost of services per m2, including installation. Please note that the final cost will be calculated by the technician on site after inspecting your window.

Hole in glass unit

Unfortunately, at home, making a hole in a double-glazed window with your own hands is an almost impossible job for many home craftsmen. This is due, first of all, to the complex design of the window profile, and even the double-glazed window itself, in which you need to make a hole for an air conditioner or fan.

A glass-cutting compass will not help with this problem either, since it will not be enough to simply remove the double-glazed window; you also need to be able to cut it. Fortunately for many people, there are various other alternative options for how to make a hole in a double-glazed window, or rather, replace it using any of the methods described below.

These methods will be discussed next, since in most cases many people choose them because of the simplicity of the actions.

BPP 15 BVN (Bahcivan) – reverse

Household series window fan. The power housing and impeller are made of durable, weather-resistant plastic. The built-in reverse function allows the design to operate in two modes, supply or exhaust.

This allows you to remove stagnant dirty air from the room, followed by renewal of the air mass due to the forced pumping of a fresh portion. The process speeds up the restoration of a comfortable environment in a residential or commercial premises.

Pros:

• Performance, reverse function.
• Cord operating mode switch.
• He works in a small bakery and does his job well.

Minuses:

• Mechanical switching.