Window fittings for plastic windows are designed to maintain the required temperature in the room and ensure forced air circulation. A complete set of high-quality parts ensures reliable fixation of the transom to the base along the entire contact surface, eliminating the occurrence of drafts.
Accessories for plastic windows provide the following functions and properties:
- closing-opening (both in the horizontal and vertical plane);
- tight pressing of the sash to the base;
- the ability to ventilate the room without opening the window by loosening the fixation of the sash to the base;
- preventing third parties from entering the apartment from the outside;
- preventing spontaneous window opening;
- preventing children from attempting to open the window without permission.
When ordering a fastening system for plastic windows yourself, you should know what kind of fittings are available. Usually it is produced in the form of separate parts that are connected to each other in a certain way into modules for various purposes.
Types of fitting modules:
- modules designed to connect the base and the sash (hinges, canopies);
- locking modules securing the sash to the base;
- rotary mechanism module;
- handle regulating the positions of the locking modules;
- decorative parts and additional details.
You should always start equipping with new elements by choosing the profile of the double-glazed window fittings for PVC windows.
Classification of fittings
To classify fastening elements in window systems, the following parameters are used:
- method of opening the transom;
- type of sash;
- transom opening vector;
- sash mass;
- material of fastening elements.
PVC windows have three types of opening sashes :
- Along the vertical axis. For this method, rotary fittings are used.
- Along the vertical axis with the possibility of tilting the window from the top inward to a certain distance. In this case, tilt-and-turn elements are used.
- Along a horizontal axis with an opening of 180 degrees. To adjust the sash, a transom locking mechanism is used, which, in turn, can be equipped with a central lock, a lever mechanism and an electric drive.
Tilt and turn opening.
The fittings are also selected according to the type of doors , which are: rectangular, triangular, round, trapezoidal, arched and individual configuration.
According to the opening vector, fittings are divided into right and left.
An important factor for purchasing reliable fittings is the weight of the window. The main load is borne by the hinges, which are capable of handling loads from 80 to 160 kg. Based on their ability to withstand loads , fittings are divided into the following types:
- for light sashes weighing up to 20 kg;
- for sashes of average weight up to 40 kg;
- for heavy sashes up to 65 kg;
- for extra-heavy sashes weighing more than 65 kg.
For the manufacture of fittings for PVC windows, the following materials :
- steel;
- aluminum;
- brass;
- plastic;
- combination of materials.
What types of sliding windows are there?
All sliding windows, or rather, their assembly mechanisms are divided into several types.
The most common of them remain three types:
- Parallel-sliding . Everything we need for convenience and aesthetics. Fittings of this type have proven themselves well in Russia. Easy to operate, can be installed on structures of different sizes, excellent design style. All this makes parallel-sliding fittings very popular.
- Folding parallel-sliding . Allows you to open both doors at once using just one handle.
- Lift-and-slide . It is considered the most reliable, capable of supporting the weight of the sash up to 400 kg.
Window fittings details
In order to independently understand all the nuances and varieties of elements of the PVC window locking system, you need to study the list of main parts:
- The central element of the window locking system is the handle. Basically, handles are produced as a standard product that allows you to adjust the sash vertically and horizontally. There are removable handles that are recommended for use in homes where small children live; in this case, you can also use handles with a lock. In addition, there are handles with a lock, but, as practice shows, they cannot always serve as reliable protection against restless children;
Children's castle.
- Corner strips are designed to transmit movement from the handle to the locking elements through the corners (mounted in special grooves in the profile);
- The locking strips are made in the form of a guide with clamps that secure the transom to the base;
- To tilt the sash in the vertical direction, scissors are used, which are an element of two parts, one of which is fixed on the base, and the second is movable;
Scissors.
- To hold the transom to the base and ensure smooth opening and closing of the window, hinges are used. They are divided into overhead, mortise and screw-in. Anti-burglary hinges are also used, which cannot be dismantled when the transom is fixed at the base;
- To strengthen the fixation of the sash when opening vertically, auxiliary scissors are used, which duplicate the work of the main products;
- To ensure the process of tilting the transom, an auxiliary corner strip is used;
- The striker is responsible for the fixing moment of the base and sash;
- Using the trunnion, you can change the degree of fixation of the base and transom;
- Decorative elements are used to disguise the main details.
Additional features
Special devices expand the functionality of windows and make them more convenient. These include:
- devices for micro-ventilation - the doors open just a few millimeters and allow you to ventilate the room in winter without overcooling the room;
- air valves - provide an influx of fresh air from the street when the windows are completely closed;
- child locks - do not allow the window sash to be opened wide, but do not interfere with the ventilation of the room - a child left unattended will never fall out of the window.
How to choose the right one
Determining on your own which fittings are best for plastic windows is not difficult. When studying suitable products, you should adhere to the following rules:
- At the first stage, you need to decide how the window will open, because... The choice of appropriate right or left awnings depends on this. It is also important to think about what functions will be required when changing the position of the transom, whether it is necessary to equip it with anti-burglary fittings for a plastic window;
- The second step is to take measurements of the perimeter of the sash in order to further select fittings of the appropriate size;
- When replacing fittings on plastic windows, when the owner does the work with his own hands, it is better to give preference to well-known brands that provide reliability and a long warranty;
- Fittings for plastic windows and doors are made only from metal, because... plastic parts are short-lived and quickly lose their consumer properties;
- Cheap analogues are usually characterized by insufficient surface treatment, and therefore, when studying samples, it is recommended to check the surface of the products for smoothness, absence of burrs and dents;
- Reliable companies, when producing accessories, always provide at least two technological holes for installing the part.
What it is
All components for plastic windows are classified as fittings. Their main task is to ensure uninterrupted operation of the product in accordance with the stated characteristics.
The elements used can be combined into 3 main groups.
- Top and bottom loops.
- Mechanisms designed to lock and open.
- Parts responsible for turning the sash at any angle.
When choosing them, you should rely on quality characteristics. The service life of the entire structure depends on them.
Popular manufacturers
Fittings are manufactured by hundreds of companies, but most installers recommend purchasing products from top European companies. The ranking of the best manufacturers is headed by the German factories Roto, Siegenia, Winkhaus and the Austrian company Maco. It is pointless to compare Chinese analogues with original products from well-known brands - the quality of Asian manufacturers does not yet reach the leaders.
The products of the listed companies have individual characteristics:
- Roto guarantees the reliability of its products with a ten-year guarantee . The fittings produced in Roto factories are distinguished by their wide variety and perfect compatibility between individual elements. The products of this plant are considered the most affordable among the leaders.
- The Austrian Maco specializes in the supply of hidden fittings, which are designed for installation inside the sashes and frames. In addition, Maco produces anti-burglary structures that provide six degrees of protection against unauthorized actions of third parties. Maco products are among the most expensive, so using this hardware for installation on standard windows is impractical.
- Siegenia company , in addition to universal products designed for assembling windows from any material (metal, plastic, wood), is ready to manufacture custom-made fittings for openings of non-standard size and configuration. The products of this company are in demand in individual houses, country cottages and even castles, but it should be remembered that replacing old fittings in a regular window with new ones from Siegenia can be very expensive. Comparing prices with other manufacturers will not be in favor of an individual approach.
- Winkhaus plant has patented an original roller locking system for windows. The presence of Winkhaus fittings allows you to adjust the position of the transom and completely close the window smoothly, without much effort or jerking.
In addition to these manufacturers, there are companies from Turkey, Slovakia, Russia and Poland on the fastener market, but there is no reliable information about the quality of the products of these factories yet, due to the short service life of the installed locking systems.
Roto mechanisms for plastic double-glazed windows
The ranking of the best foreign manufacturers of window mechanisms includes Roto. This is a German company. It uses new technologies and constantly improves the production process. Recently a new type of product was released - the sash stopper. It provides smooth opening up to 90 degrees. The limiter protects the sash and fastening elements from mechanical damage during sudden closing. Roto products are characterized by soft opening.
Advantages of parts of this brand:
- energy efficiency;
- safety;
- good design;
- reliability;
- durability;
- no play at the handle;
- excellent quality;
- ease of installation;
- comfortable and easy to use;
- wide choice of colors;
- resistance to adverse external factors.
There is a factory in Russia that produces Roto brand products.
Installation and adjustment of fittings
Before you begin to independently assemble the fittings on the sash and base, you need to acquire the necessary tools. For installation you will need:
- Screwdriver.
- Special furniture key.
- Pliers.
Changing individual elements or the entire system is not difficult, the main condition is to follow the sequence of actions, adhering to the assembly diagram.
Fittings for PVC windows are installed in the following order:
- The transom is removed from the frame.
- All fasteners are dismantled (to make it easier to change fittings, it is recommended to take several photographs of the assembled mechanism).
- New mechanisms are laid out in such a way that the arrangement of parts corresponds to the installation diagram.
- The corner strips are attached first.
- The next step is to install the locking strips.
- Both types of scissors are secured.
- Place hinges on the base and transom.
- The transom is installed in its place in the frame.
- Installation of strikers is carried out.
- Secure the handle and all additional parts.
- By changing the position of the adjusting screws, the clamping mechanism is adjusted.
- All metal parts are treated with a special lubricant.
- Install decorative trims.
Purchasing products from reliable manufacturers will allow you to independently assemble the locking mechanism of the window system without problems and with high quality.
Seals
The quality of the seal determines the tightness, absence of drafts, sounds of whistling wind, fogging or other unpleasant symptoms. It increases the energy-saving properties of a plastic window and also prevents heat loss. It is usually made of rubber, rubbers, and silicones. The service life of the rubber band and its response to temperature changes are one of the main characteristics of the seal. Low-quality cheap models suffer from these characteristics.
Types of window seals:
- made of silicone rubber - one of the best, environmentally friendly material with excellent insulating properties, does not lose its properties in the range from -60 to +100 degrees, and is resistant to chemical environments.
- TEP - rubber + modified plastic, characterized by high springiness;
- synthetic rubber - ethylene with propylene or EPDM, the quality depends on the processes during vulcanization.
Window sills
The window sill is no less important than other parts of the window. And maybe more, because approximately 30% of the appearance of the window is determined by it. In addition, the window sill acts as a heat insulator.
Window sills made of natural wood are considered the most valuable - both in cost and aesthetics . For example, from oak, beech, ash, mahogany, cherry, maple and chestnut. Window sills made of pine and larch are no longer the highest class, but they are in good standing. What’s not good about wooden window sills is that they require constant maintenance.
Stone window sills – a very large selection!
PVC window sills are more unpretentious and less expensive. And this is already 2:0 in their favor. If you want more aesthetics, just order a plastic window sill that looks like wood or is painted. Such window sills are produced with a length of 4050 - 6000 mm, a width from 110 to 600 mm, and a thickness of 18-22 mm. The side surfaces of PVC window sills are covered with plugs.
A window sill made of natural stone is the king among all window sills. It looks simply gorgeous! Window sills are made from different stones, but granite is valued for its strength. However, such a pebble accumulates radiation, unlike marble, for example.
Instead of a natural stone window sill, you can install an artificial one. Its characteristics are the same, but the price is noticeably cheaper.
Window sills made of chipboard or MDF are made from wood chips, and the outside is covered with laminate. Quite durable, similar to wood, but cheaper and do not require special care. True, they are not as durable as plastic ones.
Aluminum window sills are the cheapest. They are usually installed only outside the building.
Looking for a window sill? The article will help you: Review of window sills for PVC windows. If you don’t yet have a mosquito net, what they are like, read this material.
What is the best double-glazed window to choose (suddenly, is this relevant for you?): single-chamber, double-chamber, etc. – you can find out at the link:
Exterior window treatments
In addition to window sills, platbands and slopes are used as external elements.
Slopes are a continuation of the profile on the wall
Platbands are overhead strips that form a door or window profile. They are made from the same materials as window sills.
A window slope is a strip that is inserted between the door or window profile and the walls. Slopes can be made of plastic, wood, plasterboard or aluminum.
Window trims
Planks are a piece of hardware that ensures a tight fit of the sash to the frame. And in some cases, even protection from thieves.
At the top there is a locking bar, and at the bottom there is a pin that engages in this bar
Many manufacturers often make do with only two slats for the entire window. But the more of them, the better.
reciprocal strips - they provide a tight fit and burglary safety, and tilt-and-turn ones . Among other functions, they provide an additional support point for the swing-out sashes.
