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Double-glazed windows framed in a plastic profile have become very popular among residents of modern megacities. They not only have a large number of advantages, but are also very easy to maintain and are also affordable.
However, it’s not enough to just buy the model you like; you need to know how to choose plastic windows for your home, so that they not only last a long time, but also protect the apartment from street noise, cold and heat loss.
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Advantages
Advantages of window designs made of plastic:
- Excellent heat and sound insulation.
- Protecting the room from sun rays in the summer.
- Energy saving properties.
- Tightness.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Reliable protection of the room from moisture, dust and wind.
- Affordable price.
- Aesthetic appeal.
- Frost resistance.
- Safety For environment and human health.
- Wide selection of shapes and sizes.
There are no serious disadvantages to metal-plastic window structures. The only thing that can be noted is the insufficient resistance to ultraviolet radiation, and the not very high temperature stability of the polyvinyl chloride, which is used in the production of the base profile.
However, most manufacturers are constantly improving their products, trying to correct all the shortcomings that exist in them.
Having weighed all the pros and cons, we can come to the conclusion that plastic window structures are a great option for apartments and private houses.
Attention! If installed incorrectly, mold may form on the slopes.
Forms
To choose the right windows for your home, you need to successfully select their shape and size. When choosing, you need to pay attention to the interior and size of the room. The selected form should look harmonious with the surrounding space.
Today there are the following forms:
- Standard rectangular with doors that open into the room.
- T-shaped.
- Arched.
- With a trapezoidal cross-section and a profile width of more than 10 cm.
If you are interested in which plastic windows are of the highest quality - standard rectangular or trapezoidal, it is worth noting that the latter are more reliable and efficient. Plus, they don't require installation external slopes.
Leading manufacturers
Main criteria The choice of plastic windows for an apartment is their energy saving, high quality materials and thermal insulation . On the modern market of metal-plastic window structures, there are several dozen manufacturers who have proven themselves well, thanks to the excellent characteristics of the models they produce. Rating of world manufacturers that produce the most best windows for apartments, presented in the table.
| Brand | Advantages | Flaws |
| Rehau (Switzerland) |
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| Veka (Germany) |
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| KBE (Germany) |
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| Montblanc (Russia) |
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| Proplex (Russia) |
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In choosing which windows are better than Veka or Rehau, reviews of people who have already purchased metal-plastic structures from these manufacturers will help.
Both brands are reliable. Their products are characterized by high quality, availability anti-burglary system, excellent thermal insulation and noise insulation characteristics.
When choosing which windows are better than Vek or Rehau, you should not focus only on the manufacturer. Even with the high quality of the basic profile, performance characteristics window design may not be very good. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the quality of the fittings, the glass itself and the seal, as well as company reputation, which will carry out all installation work.
Main characteristics
Longitudinal air chambers play an important role in heat and sound insulation. Let's consider, how to choose the right one air chamber:
- air chambers there must be at least 3.
- The chambers prevent the formation of condensation, which can accumulate inside the cavity due to the difference in temperature in the heated room and outside. This is done thanks to special holes located on the surface of the front part. The absence of such holes indicates low quality the entire structure.
- Models whose air chamber cavities are filled with expanded polystyrene have excellent thermal insulation characteristics.
The profile width, which is also called the installation depth, has a direct impact on the heat-insulating properties, the thickness of the glass unit and the ability to install good fittings.
What should you pay attention to when choosing window profile:
- U standard models the width varies between 5-8 cm. With a width of up to 6 cm, only 3 air chambers can be installed; if the width is more than 7 cm, 4 or more.
- The installation depth does not always indicate the number of cameras. On the modern market there are designs with a profile width of 80-90 mm, but with a small supply of air cavities. However, in terms of their thermal insulation characteristics, they are better than multi-chamber narrow profiles.
- The thickness of the external walls and partitions of the profile should be not less than 2.5 mm. A lower figure is only suitable for garages and other unheated rooms.
- An important component of the window structure is a U-shaped or square profile made of galvanized steel. It protects the plastic profile from deformation, which is formed under the influence of cold or sun rays. Its absence will significantly worsen the sealing and negatively affect the opening of the valves.
Good light transmission and thermal insulation will be ensured by a correctly and successfully selected double-glazed window. better to choose for residential premises:
- When choosing suitable option you should pay attention to the mounting depth of the glass unit, which should be at least 15-18 mm. With a smaller size, the glass will fog up and freeze faster.
- Most manufacturers produce double-glazed windows with a thickness of 24, 26 or 32 mm. The thicker the glass unit, the better its sound insulation.
- Single-chamber (SPO) and double-glazed windows (SPD) have become widespread. The more chambers, the better the thermal insulation and the higher the cost.
- There are glasses various types: transparent, tinted, self-cleaning, shockproof, matte, with energy-saving coating and mirror. Which option to choose depends on financial capabilities, purpose and characteristics of the room where the window structure will be installed.
- What double-glazed windows are the best thickness for apartments? For residential premises, a glass thickness of 4-5 mm is sufficient.
- When choosing a double-glazed window, you should pay attention to the presence of markings.
- There should be no defects on the surface of the glass, such as chips and cracks.
- There should be no visible traces of liquid sealant on the spacer bar.
Prices for double glazed windows
double glazed windows
Selection of seals and fittings
Good tightness of the window structure is achieved through the use of special sealing components that prevent moisture and cold air from entering the room from the street.
Which ones are better select seals:
- High quality seal must be durable, elastic, resistant to high and low temperatures, without any unpleasant odors.
- Thermoplastic and thermopolymer seals are very popular. They have excellent characteristics and affordable prices.
- The most durable and resistant to temperature changes is silicone seal b. It is worth noting that it has a fairly high cost. Has a more affordable price rubber compressor, which in its characteristics is not inferior to silicone. However, it is quite short-lived.
Important! The simplicity and ease of use of a window structure directly depends on the quality of the fittings. Among the most the best companies that produce excellent fittings are: Winkhaus, Siegenia-Aubi, G-U and Maco.
Fittings are not just latches and hinges. It also includes systems for reliable sealing, air exchange, opening and clamping. In addition, it includes an anti-burglary system, which will be needed by owners of private houses and apartments located on the 1st or 2nd floor.
Exists 3 type of fittings, providing different positions of the valves:
- sliding;
- rotary;
- folding;
- universal, which combines the characteristics of rotary and folding fittings.
However, it is quite expensive. At an affordable price, you can buy accessories for 10 thousand cycles.
Professional advice will help you choose which windows are best to install in your apartment. Similar recommendations can be read on the Internet on specialized sites or find out what better options for residential premises by contacting a company that sells and installs metal-plastic window systems.
Important Tips by choice of plastic windows:
- Residents of large cities who live in close proximity to a busy road or highway, when choosing a suitable option for an apartment, should first of all pay attention to the noise insulation properties of the selected model. To ensure excellent insulation of the room from street noise, it is recommended to choose the thickness of the glass unit not less than 32 mm. It is worth noting that the greater the distance between the glasses, the better the sound insulation. However, as the distance increases, the thermal insulation properties deteriorate.
- Before choosing plastic windows from a particular company, you should look work examples, and ask to show a section of the reinforcing profile, which must be made of galvanized steel and have a thickness of 1.5-2 mm. Only in this case will it be reliable and durable.
- When installing metal-plastic window structures, do not forget about mosquito nets and other little things that will help get rid of insects and various minor troubles.
Sooner or later the time comes when old wooden windows need to be replaced with more advanced ones. modern designs, and here anyone can be shocked by the diversity that pleases modern market. Manufacturers offer windows made from different materials, with different types of glass, different thicknesses and configurations. To choose the right window for your apartment, it is necessary to be familiar with what the market offers us, to know about the advantages and disadvantages different types designs. This is what we will talk about.
No. 1. Profile material
First of all, attention should be paid to the profile material, since it largely determines what characteristics the window will have. On this moment Manufacturers offer the following options:
- plastic profile;
- wooden profile;
- aluminum profile;
- wood-aluminum windows (wooden windows with aluminum trims).
Plastic profile
Based on the number of chambers, double-glazed windows are divided into single-chamber, double-chamber, triple-chamber, and sometimes you can even find 4- and 5-chamber double-glazed windows. The more chambers, the better the insulating properties of the structure. In the conditions of central Russia, it is not recommended to install single-chamber double-glazed windows.
Double-glazed windows are in greatest demand, and thickness of all glasses it can be not only standard (4 mm), but also increased (5-6 mm), due to which additional sound insulation is achieved. Distance between glasses in a double-glazed window with two or more chambers, it can also be unequal, which has a positive effect on noise and heat insulation. The characteristics of a double-glazed window are indicated by its formula. For example, the formula 4*16*4 means a single-chamber double-glazed window with glass thickness of 4 mm and a distance between them of 16 mm, the formula 6*14*4*14*4 says that you have a double-chamber double-glazed window with an outer glass 6 mm thick, and the formula 4*16*4*12*4 suggests different distances between the glasses.
The space between the glasses can be filled with one of the following substances:
- dehumidified air– the most common and most affordable option;
- sulfur hexafluoride rarely used, but provides higher thermal insulation properties of the glass unit;
- inert gas. The cheapest is argon, krypton is more expensive, but has best properties, and xenon is used extremely rarely due to its high cost. Inert gas is used to create low-emission double-glazed windows: it not only prevents heat transfer, but also protects the coating of i-glasses. The thermal characteristics of a double-glazed window filled with argon are 24% better than those of a double-glazed window filled with air.
When choosing a double-glazed window with inert gas, you need to understand that it will have to be reinjected every 10 years, because even with the best sealing it evaporates at a rate of approximately 3% per year. Unscrupulous manufacturers may pass off dried air as inert gas, since it is impossible to verify this upon purchase.
No. 3. Type of glass in a double glazing unit
The properties of the entire window structure will depend on the properties of the glass used. The following types of glass can be used:
- regular float glass;
- low emissivity glass, which, with a high level of transparency, have improved thermal insulation properties. K-glass Made by applying a tin oxide coating to hot glass, the coating is literally baked so it is durable. The technology has been used since the 70s, so it is outdated and inferior in efficiency i-glass. The latter are obtained by applying silver ions or titanium oxide to cold glass. The coating is sensitive to impact external factors, therefore it is used inside a double-glazed window, and the chamber is filled with inert gas, but the efficiency of i-glass is 1.5 times higher than k-glass. Low-emissivity glass allows you to keep the room warm in winter and cool in summer;
- high strength glass. This includes triplex and tempered glass. Triplex is made by pressing several glasses with polymer film, the result is a durable, impact-resistant material. Triplex is even used as bulletproof glass; such glass does not shatter into sharp fragments - as a result of damage, all parts remain on the film, forming a pattern of cracks. Triplex has unsurpassed sound insulation properties. Tempered glass
obtained by applying special paint or enamel to the surface and further processing high temperature. The color can be any, and the enamel becomes one with the glass, due to which additional strength is achieved. With strong impacts, fragments with rounded edges are formed;
- sun glasses can become a replacement for curtains. At the moment there are several types of solar control glass. Solid tinted glass obtained by adding dye at the manufacturing stage. Tinted by vacuum spraying glass is made by depositing metal oxides onto clear glass, and film tinted glass obtained by gluing tinted film onto finished glass;
- self-cleaning. New expensive technology allows the window to outside always remain clean without human intervention. Organic contaminants do not stick to the surface of the window, but are destroyed under the influence of sunlight, the residues are washed off by rain, and streaks do not remain on such glass. Self-cleaning glass has not become widespread because it is expensive, and not every region regularly has bright sunshine or frequent rain.
No. 4. Window shape
The shape of the window affects the perception of the interior, can make it unique and inimitable, but depends on the characteristics of the house. If it can actually be used in a private house, then it is suggested to use structures of standard shapes.
Modern manufacturers offer the following window shape options:
- rectangular and square;
- round and oval;
- arched;
- triangular;
- trapezoidal.
Partitions are created at the discretion of everyone. Moreover, the glass unit in the window can be decorated decorative layout- thin rods that add originality to the structure and also slightly strengthen it. Another way to decorate a window is to use.
Loops can be standard overhead, mortise or screw-in. A special type is anti-burglary hinges, which are useful for providing additional security. The window can be equipped locks or blockers. The fittings directly affect the quality and durability of the window, so it is better to give preference reliable hardware manufacturers:Roto, Aubi, Winkhaus, Siegenia, Maco and some others.
Do not forget to immediately equip the window structure - this is protection from insects and debris, it can be inserted into the frame or swing outwards from the window. Except and
A wide variety of window materials and designs allows you to functionally and stylishly decorate any room, protecting it from drafts and noise. Only once is it worth spending a little time studying the intricacies of choosing a window, so that you can enjoy a strong and durable design for decades.
The microclimate of your apartment will ultimately depend on how well you navigate the “world of windows.”
Choosing a good plastic window is not so easy. There are many factors to consider:
- profile quality,
- glass quality,
- fittings that work well and suit your type of opening.
Climatic conditions, design, anti-vandal properties - the consumer must calculate all this before deciding to purchase a window. So, which plastic windows are better?
How to choose plastic windows for your home
The choice of window depends on the climate, your aesthetic wishes and a number of other requirements.
So, the climate. The estimated winter temperature in Moscow is minus 25 degrees. If we take more southern climatic zones - for example, Orel, Belgorod, Lipetsk - the estimated temperature for winter there is already minus 22.
For Moscow, we would recommend using profiles of 70 mm thickness with double-glazed windows, advises Anton Karyavkin, head of the technical center for translucent structures at Rehau. – These will be the best plastic windows for the capital region. For southern regions We can recommend 60 mm profiles and single- or double-glazed windows. In more northern areas, more serious 80-86 mm profiles and more powerful double-glazed windows are required.
Of course, the consumer may have different design preferences: say, a curved overlay shape, a special glazing bead, and so on. All this can be found from manufacturers modern windows. The same company Rehau has, for example, the Rehau Delight system (REHAU DELIGHT -Design), which includes a wide variety of shapes.
All profiles have a similar set of properties:
- protection against heat loss,
- sound insulation,
- mechanical reliability,
- tightness,
- sound and waterproof,
Double-glazed windows - simple or energy-saving?
IN window systems It is possible to integrate different classes of double-glazed windows. Which plastic windows are better?
Coating is applied industrially: in the glass production process, molten quartz sand with certain additives flows over tin, the mixture is gradually cooled, and a coating is sputtered onto it using a magnetron method. Typically, such coatings consist of oxides of various metals: iron, copper, titanium, silver and others. By the way, the number of layers in such an energy-efficient coating can reach up to 18, each several microns thick, which are invisible to the naked eye on the glass.
Regardless of the number of layers, the glass coating has:
- high durability,
- does not crumble,
- does not burn out.
It is absolutely transparent. The presence of a coating on the glass can be determined using a special test. A lighter is brought to the glass unit, and three lights should be reflected in it (since there are three glasses in a double-glazed unit). If the coating is applied, one of the lights will be a different color - for example, not yellow, but red, green or blue.
It should be noted that today there is a wide variety of glass. Recently, in addition to energy-saving ones, manufacturers have also begun to produce multifunctional glasses. This is glass with a double effect: energy efficient in winter, and reflective in summer.
Ideally, the following window system would be recommended: inner glass- with an energy-saving coating, and the outer one is multifunctional (with reflective and energy-saving properties). This will be the best plastic window. The difference in price is somewhere around 10-15%.
When choosing a profile, what technical and other characteristics need to be taken into account
If ten profiles are placed in front of you, the first thing you will appreciate is appearance these profiles.
How to choose a profile for a plastic window? Is it possible to determine its quality visually?
They say women choose with their eyes, and in this case this is the right approach. The fact is that the quality of profiles is determined by color.
There are profiles that fade into gray or yellow tint. And there are profiles that remain white and do not change color over time. For example, the excellent consumer properties of Rehau profiles have long been well known. Except pure white, the profiles of this company have a huge durability reserve - up to 60 years. Their physical, mechanical and color properties remain unchanged for a long time. By the way, it is very easy to verify the authenticity of a Rehau profile; all profiles of this company have markings.
The next parameter by which the quality of the profile is determined is high level gloss and absence of defects: waves, scratches, roughness. Profiles from reputable companies that are popular in the market are distinguished by a smooth glossy surface without any defects. Based on these qualities, they can immediately be distinguished from the profiles of other, less well-known brands.
An additional indicator of the quality of white PVC profiles is resistance to contamination; for this, it is enough to carry out the so-called “pencil test” by running a soft stylus over the surface of the profiles. High-quality profiles are characterized by the fact that these marks can be easily erased with a finger.
The best plastic windows - with anti-vandal effect
If your window needs to be given special properties - for example, it is on the ground floor - then your window system must be burglar-proof. You must be sure that when you are not there, nothing will happen to your apartment.
In this case, a profile with reinforced reinforcement is installed in the window system. Special anti-burglary fittings are installed. And the glass unit must necessarily contain triplex - laminated glass. Such glass, when broken, does not fall out.
Another option: the glass can be pressed with glazing beads, or it can be glued in. This will increase the reliability and burglar-proof qualities of the structure.
Sometimes such windows are installed special systems alarms, video cameras providing communication with security. If any impact is made on the windows, a danger signal is sent to the owner’s smartphone.
Budget option: cheaper does not mean worse
Recently - and here the crisis played a role - many companies began to produce cheaper, budget product lines. What should a consumer be prepared for when purchasing such products?
The directions for reducing the cost of products can be different, explains our expert Anton Karyavkin (Rehau company). - You can try to reduce the cost of the material itself. And some manufacturers do just that. If we talk about our company, we do not agree to this. This is our outpost, which we are not going to give up. It should be remembered that the lifespan of a profile is determined precisely by the quality of the material from which it is made. Therefore, we carefully monitor compliance with recipes and develop new ones ourselves. The company even has its own Polymer Institute.
Another direction for reducing the cost of products is changing the geometric configuration: reducing the profile height and the amount of material itself. Some elements and options that were kept in reserve are removed.
In new budget profiles, such as, for example, BLITZ New, GRAZIO (manufactured by Rehau), the profile height is reduced. In general, the product is made from exactly the same PVC and with the same guarantees. Has all the necessary test data and certificates (Research Institute of Stroyphysics, MGSU, APROC, Castle, IFT Rosenheim and others).
Choosing accessories: functionality or brand?
There are a huge number of different hardware manufacturers on the market today: German, Chinese, Turkish, Russian... How to choose?
Usually the choice is made for you by the company that produces the entire plastic window. And all you have to do is evaluate her decision.
Large manufacturing companies have their own testing centers where they certify recommended fittings. The same company Rehau, before offering something to the market, conducts system tests of the product.
Let’s say some new equipment has been developed, including a profile, steel reinforcement, double-glazed windows and fittings, continues Anton Karyavkin. - We are giving this ready-made kit for research. During the tests, the optimal range of components is selected - 4-5 suppliers of accessories whose products have been approved. The test results are reflected in the system passports of serially produced profiles. The consumer just needs to look there and try to find the name he is interested in there. If it is there, then the fittings meet all modern requirements, and there will be no problems with it.
Unfortunately, samples of fittings appear on the market today that, quite possibly, no one has tested. Such samples must be treated with caution.
As for the design of fittings and its functionality, giant window companies try not to impose their choice on the client (a small company that produces an entire window from components). Everyone's preferences are different here. Some people like silver fittings, others like gold ones. For some, micro-ventilation is carried out by extending the sash, for others - by micro-tilting. Someone uses hidden fittings. Each manufacturer has the right to promote and sell its technical solution. And the consumer can choose what is convenient for him. 
Environmental friendliness: which windows are of the highest quality
Each consumer understands ecology differently.
But the main criterion for environmental friendliness, and everyone will probably agree with this, should be considered the quality of the air we breathe.
In this regard, complaints are often made about PVC windows: they say that polymer systems release something into the air.
Meanwhile, it is well known that plastic window systems are recommended not only for residential premises, but also for preschool, medical, and surgical settings - and there the environmental requirements are even higher than in housing. This once again proves that PVC window products are safe and do not emit anything.
Some people believe that only wooden windows can be called environmentally friendly. But one can hardly argue with the fact that the tree today is also not what it used to be. For the manufacture of wooden windows glued wood is used. And where there is glue, there are resins, there are harmful emissions, formaldehydes, and so on.
It is no coincidence that 90% of windows are now made of PVC profiles. Wood is often used when nothing else can be used. For example, in historical buildings.
Prepared by Elena VLADIMIROVA
Anton Tsugunov
Reading time: 17 minutes
Plastic windows are on the crest of popularity. They are comfortable, high-tech, attractive. But the abundance of models with different characteristics confuses the ignorant buyer. To choose plastic windows, you need to pay attention to every detail of the design - profile, double-glazed windows, seals and fittings - and listen to the opinions of experts.
How to choose the right profile
When talking about a profile, an analogy is often drawn with the skeleton of a window. This complex design made of plastic and metal, it has several cavities - chambers - separated by sealed partitions. Their number affects the strength of the window and its ability to retain heat. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is used to make window profiles.
Reasons why this type of plastic is used:
- ability to resist unfavorable conditions;
- low thermal conductivity;
- cheapness;
- environmental Safety;
- preservation of consumer properties for a period of at least 50 years;
- reliable sound insulation.
The usual color of PVC is white, but there are multi-colored profiles, as well as laminated ones for different types of wood.
By examining the plastic, you can determine how well the window frame will serve. High-quality PVC is an absolutely smooth, monolithic, homogeneous material. The presence of stains and graininess eloquently indicates a fake.
Profile classes
The quality of windows is determined by the thickness of the outer part of the contour and internal partitions. According to this indicator, profiles are divided into 3 classes:
- Profile A is ideal for residential buildings: the thickness of its external walls starts from 2.8 mm, internal - from 2.5 mm.
- Profile B – suitable for heated and unheated rooms. It has a thickness of external walls from 2.5 mm, internal walls from 2 mm, windows made from it are less adapted to loads.
- Profile C - called object profile, used in rooms without heating. Such windows often do not have opening sashes. The wall thickness is not standardized, but it is usually less than that of other types of profiles.
Metal inserts play an important role - they increase the strength of the structure. Therefore, such windows are sometimes called metal-plastic.
Air chambers
- The three-chamber profile is the most commonly used. Suitable for regions with temperate climates, where winter temperatures do not drop below 30 °C. Standard width– 5.8 cm.
- Four- and five-chamber profiles are more expensive and weigh more. Their installation is justified only in cold regions, where they will keep the room warm even in the most severe frosts. They are also chosen for windows that face a busy road due to higher sound insulation.
- Single- and double-chamber products are popular due to their low price. But it makes sense to install windows from such a profile only in the south of Russia, where there are no cold winters.
This is interesting! The thermal conductivity of a profile with 7–8 chambers is lower than that of products with fewer chambers: numerous partitions negate the insulating properties of the air in the chambers. A wide profile with a small number of chambers will retain heat better than a narrow multi-chamber one.
External chambers, thanks to special openings, also serve as condensate drains. They do not affect the quality of thermal insulation and do not spoil the aesthetic appearance of the structure. On the contrary, the absence of technological holes indicates low quality: such a window will last less than the standard period.
Recently, window designs have become widespread, in the chambers of which the air is replaced by foamed heat insulators. They retain heat even better, but the price becomes significantly higher.
Frost resistance
Another profile parameter is frost resistance. It should not change its properties when low temperatures. A frost-resistant profile that is suitable for the domestic climate should be marked “M”. The degree of resistance to adverse conditions can also be seen in the passport.
Profile width
For standard windows, the profile width (installation depth) ranges from 50–80 mm. When it does not exceed 60 mm, the number of cameras in the frame is usually 3, and at 70 mm – 4–5. The greater thickness allows the use of more durable fittings, additional soundproofing and insulation contours, and thick double-glazed windows.
Read about which windows are better, plastic or wooden.
Educational video about the secrets of choosing a PVC profile:
Expert advice: for the middle zone, a 3-chamber profile is more than enough. There is no point in overpaying for multi-chamber products that are positioned as warmer: you will not notice the difference. Choose better profile class A, class C in residential premises is unacceptable. And you should always remember that the quality of assembly and installation of the window is more important than the profile parameters.
We understand double-glazed windows: type and quantity of glass, markings, spacer frame
A double-glazed window compared to traditional window glass is a complex design. This is a block of glass, hermetically sealed together. The space between the two glass sheets is called the chamber. It should not be confused with those included in the profile.
What does the thermal and sound insulation of a double-glazed window depend on?
The ability to retain heat and keep noise out depends on:
- From the thickness of the glass unit. For a house or apartment, a double-glazed window with a thickness of 32–44 mm is suitable.
- Depending on the number of cameras. Typically, a double-glazed window consists of 3 glasses and 2 chambers between them. For harsh climates or homes located in areas with increased level noise are produced in three- and four-chamber packages. Single-chamber ones are suitable for arranging balconies, loggias, and gazebos.
- From the width of each chamber of the glass unit. The larger it is, the better the insulating characteristics. However, after 24 mm, increasing the thickness no longer increases the positive properties of the product.
- From filling the cells. Inert gas pumped between the glasses reduces heat loss and protects against noise and ultraviolet radiation. Argon retains 50% more heat compared to air, krypton - 2 times more than argon.
- From the thickness of the glass. If you install 5 or 6 mm external glass instead of the standard 4 mm in a window facing a busy street, the sound insulation will increase, but only slightly. And glass of different thicknesses will not resonate with each other.
- Depending on the type of glass. It makes sense to choose more expensive material, but with additional beneficial properties. Low-emissivity glass that reflects infrared rays keeps your home warm in winter and cool in summer.
Advice from Mr. Build. Sometimes there is no point in spending money on extra glass: external unit You can install single-chamber double-glazed windows on the balcony, and the indoor unit will protect you from noise and cold. For comparison: full glazing of a 3-room apartment with three-chamber double-glazed windows will cost 75,000 rubles, and if you install single-chamber double-glazed windows on the balcony, the total cost will drop to 71,250 rubles.
Glass types
To obtain low-emissivity glass, a thin metal film is sprayed onto it.
- K-coating is a tin film that reduces heat loss by 25% in a single-chamber double-glazed window.
- I-coating (i) is a layer of rare earth metals that retains more than 30% of heat. It is installed only from the room side, the coating is turned inside the chamber, since it is not resistant to mechanical damage. Often labeled E-low.
Due to such glasses, a single-chamber double-glazed window approaches thermal insulation properties to two-chamber and can even exceed them.
If you listen to the recommendations of experts in the field of energy saving, then best choice In terms of heat conservation, there will be a two-chamber double-glazed window filled with an inert gas and having one glass with a special coating. Thermal packages will help you save on heating in winter and on electricity due to less frequent use of air conditioning in summer.
Let's look at an example. Conventional double-glazed windows for a private house cost the owner 150,000 rubles. In winter, you have to pay 8,000 rubles for heating. per month, and in the summer, due to the operation of the air conditioner, you need to pay 600 rubles more for electricity. per month. If the owner of the house installed thermal packages, he would pay 180,000 rubles for them. But at the same time, heating costs would drop to 4,800 rubles. per month, and for air conditioning - up to 420 rubles. It turns out that thermal packages pay for themselves in two years, and then bring benefits.
It is practically impossible to break glass laminated with triplex. The same quality is found in glass reinforced with special metal or polymer meshes.
INTERESTING FACTS!
- Energy-saving i-glass was invented completely by accident. Japanese scientists were engaged in research in the field of development protective equipment against radiation and found that some metals applied to glass reflect heat. First, this technology found application in space developments, and is now used in the manufacture of double-glazed windows.
- Scientists still have not been able to explain one amazing phenomenon. After 39 years of operation of the plastic window outer wall the profile becomes thinner by 0.75 mm. Not a single version explaining this fact has yet been recognized as sufficiently reliable.
- Triplex laminated glass was also created by chance. The famous French scientist Edward Benidictus dropped a glass flask on the floor. It cracked, but did not shatter into fragments. And the reason for this was a mixture of cellulose nitrate, which froze on the walls of the burst flask and created a layer that prevented the glass from disintegrating.
Glass unit markings, tables
The structure of a double-glazed window can be understood by the markings, which indicate the thickness of the glass, the width of the chambers, and the type of coating. For example, the designation 4-12Ar-4-12 Ar-4I is deciphered as follows:
- double-glazed window;
- glass thickness – 4 mm;
- the distance between them is 12 mm;
- I-type inner glass;
- the chambers are filled with argon.
The following tables will help you choose the ratio of glass unit parameters.
The frame between the glasses sets the distance between them, which ranges from 6 to 24 mm. Frames are made from aluminum, steel, and plastic. Distance frames made of stainless steel or plastic conduct heat to a lesser extent and prevent the formation of a cold bridge, therefore they are considered the best option.
The second function of the frame is moisture absorption. It has an absorbent inside that absorbs liquid, preventing windows from fogging up in winter, and there is perforation on the surface.
Rules for choosing double-glazed windows
To choose reliable double-glazed windows, you need:
- Make sure that there is a marking with the manufacturer’s logo, production date and information about components. Its absence is a reason for serious suspicion.
- Inspect the glass for chips and cracks.
- Check the quality of sealing. There should be no traces of liquid sealant along the bar that regulates the distance between the glasses. The outer layer of the product should look smooth and neat. Sagging and cracks indicate unreliable quality of the package.
- Use a tape measure to determine the accuracy of the geometry. The difference in measurements along the diagonals (more than 3 mm) proves that the glass unit parameters do not meet the standards. The thickness of the package, measured with a caliper, cannot differ from the declared thickness by more than 1 mm.
- Measure the displacement of the glass planes with a square. A deviation exceeding 1 mm indicates non-compliance with standards.
- Determine the transparency of the glass, the presence of water and steam in the chamber.
Decorative and functional elements
To give the window a more sophisticated look, so-called sprats are used (see photo).
They can vary in color, thickness, and be located between the glasses or on top of them.
Built-in blinds can be a convenient addition to the window design. They are located directly in the glass unit chamber and are controlled from the outside. But such a system has a serious drawback - the impossibility of maintenance and repair.
Read about choosing blinds for plastic windows.
It is much more profitable to order all additional fittings and accessories at once: this way you will not have to pay for their delivery and installation, which will cost from 1,300 rubles.
Which glass unit is warmer?
This table shows how the level of thermal insulation of a double-glazed window increases with the increase in the number of glasses and the thickness of the chambers:
| Double-glazed window formula | Reduced heat transfer resistance coefficient, m 2 ×°C/W |
| 4M1-12-4M1 | 0,30 |
| 4M1-Ag12-4M1 | 0,32 |
| 4M1-16-I4 | 0,59 |
| 4M1-Ar16-I4 | 0,66 |
| 4M1-10-4M1-10-4M1 | 0,47 |
| 4M1-12-4M1-12-4M1 | 0,49 |
| 4M1-Ar10-4M1-Ar10-4M1 | 0,49 |
| 4M1-Ar12-4M1-Ar12-4M1 | 0,52 |
| 4M1-12-4M1-12-I4 | 0,68 |
| 4M1-16-4M1-16-I4 | 0,72 |
| 4M1-Ar6-4M1-Ar6-I4 | 0,64 |
| 4M1-Ar10-4M1-Ar10-I4 | 0,71 |
| 4M1-Ar12-4M1-Ar12-I4 | 0,75 |
| 4M1-Ar16-4M1-Ar16-I4 | 0,80 |
Please note: from the point of view of heat conservation, a single double-glazed window with I-glass is superior to a regular double-glazed one.
Double-glazed windows for residential premises: minimum and optimal parameters, price comparison
The formula for a double-glazed window suitable for an apartment or house located in middle lane Russia:
- Minimum parameters: double-glazed window 4-10-4-10-4. This is a generally accepted standard with good sound and heat insulation characteristics.
Advice: if you live in a quiet area, it will be more profitable to order a single-chamber double-glazed window with I-glass. It is not as good in terms of sound insulation, but retains heat much better than the standard two-chamber option (see table below).
- Optimal parameters: double-glazed window 4-16Ar-4-14Ar-I4. It has all the necessary extras: wide chambers of different thicknesses for better protection from noise, argon filling, energy-saving glass.
Expert advice: the service life of the seals can be extended by regularly (2 times a year in the off-season) cleaning them and lubricating them with silicone oil or glycerin.
Which fittings should I choose?
Fittings for heavy, constantly opening and closing windows must be durable and reliable. Otherwise, the handles will break, and the sashes will sag and jam. The brands Winkhaus, Siegenia Aubi, Roto, G-U, Maco have earned trust. High-grade steel with anti-corrosion coating is used for the manufacture of fittings. Polymers are allowed only for plugs and decorative covers.
The best fittings are those that can withstand 50–60 thousand cycles and have a 10-year warranty. The cycle consists of 4 actions: opening for ventilation, closing, swing opening followed by closing.
When purchasing, you should choose adjustable fittings that will allow you to open the sash as needed, and special stoppers will prevent involuntary slamming. Owners of private houses, ground-floor apartments, and summer cottages prefer windows with anti-burglary devices that will prevent intruders from entering. If desired, the fittings are supplemented with details that provide:
- slot ventilation;
- turning limitation;
- functioning of the microlift:
- sash tilt in several positions;
- restricting children's access and other functions.
Expert advice: choose fittings only with the functions you need. Make sure that the extras you pay top dollar for (high-quality European fittings are expensive) are what you actually need. For example, anti-burglary devices are unlikely to be useful on upper floors.
Choosing the opening method
Window designs differ on this basis:
- Deaf - installed in rooms that do not need ventilation, or combined with opening doors.
- Pivot - allow the doors to open in one direction.
- Tilt and turn doors - have two ways of opening: they turn inward into the room, and can also tilt, which is important when the apartment has Small child or the windowsill is filled with flowers. This is a rational option for a kitchen that requires regular air exchange. With a combination of folding and rotary mechanisms It is convenient to ventilate the room at any time of the year.
Expert advice: in a wide window there is no need to make all the sashes openable. The price of such a window will be unreasonably high. Usually one moving element is enough.
Let's look at an example of balcony glazing. A tilt and turn door costs 12,500 rubles, a tilt and turn door costs 11,200 rubles, a swing window costs 10,750 rubles, and a blind window costs 5,900 rubles. If interior window and two external ones will be rotary, and two more external ones will be tilt-and-turn, for everything you will have to pay 67,150 rubles. And if you make an internal window and three external ones blind, and only one external one - tilt-and-turn, full glazing of the balcony will cost much less - only 44,900 rubles.
Which plastic window manufacturer is better?
Competition and strict control in the window market have driven out outright marriage. But experts unanimously lean towards large manufacturers. They have equipment that smaller companies don't have, so their products are of higher quality. Experts have learned to cope with unwanted linear expansion of PVC, low elasticity coefficient, and improve resistance to temperature changes. Additives and stabilizers for these purposes undergo strict control and do not cause harm to health.
Which company should you choose?
List the best manufacturers window profile, compiled based on ratings and reviews.
Veka
Leads in number of sales, in the top three in all ratings. The technical base allowed the company to finally stop producing low-grade products; only class A profiles are produced. Window models are diverse, durable, known for their reliable noise and heat insulation, tightness, and are equipped with a rubber seal that is not afraid of frost. Disadvantage - they are a bit expensive.
KBE
The company uses environmentally friendly plastic, the windows are durable, good performance noise and heat insulation, cope with temperature changes in the range from -50 to +50 ° C, do not fog up. Disadvantages: high price, over time the plastic develops a yellowish tint.
Rehau
The products are distinguished by their environmental friendliness, wide range, durability, sound and heat insulation that meets the requirements of the time, and frost resistance. Disadvantages: reduced height of the sashes, higher cost than other brands.
We recommend paying attention to Rehau windows made from the BLITZ New profile with an installation depth of 60 mm. It is energy saving, affordable and quality solution. Three-chamber profile, with the ability to install double-glazed windows up to 32 mm. Retains 30 times more heat than wooden Soviet frames. Noise reduction up to 40 Rw dB and excellent appearance.
High-strength sealed profiles for all climatic conditions made of perfectly white plastic. All load-bearing walls are made according to RAL class A, the declared service life is up to 45 years. The company's factories are located in Germany, Poland and Belarus.
Montblanc
Window different types, attractive, inexpensive. Durable, adapted to Russian weather. Disadvantages: there is no quality management certificate, the fittings are rather weak, the seal emits a chemical smell.
LG Chem
The combination of decent heat and sound insulation characteristics and professional design. Glossy plastic, reasonable quality/price ratio. A relative disadvantage is the recent entry into the market in the central part of the country, which affects its popularity.
Trocal
Windows have a deformation-resistant design, designer finds and a large selection of reliable and sealed models that attract buyers. Disadvantages: heavy profile; built-in blinds break after several years of use.
Russian windows
Russian plastic windows are cheaper than foreign ones. But this does not mean low quality. Typically, domestic manufacturers use German technologies. The cost is more affordable due to cheap energy resources and labor. You also need to remember this when choosing.
For example, the Russian company Kaleva works according to a full cycle scheme: from the moment of window design to installation. This is not a common occurrence. The Panorama company from St. Petersburg has been operating in the plastic window market for more than 20 years. Its PVC profiles are distinguished by their quality, the right balance of rigidity, reliable insulation, and aesthetic appearance.
Which profile for plastic windows did you choose?
Plastic windows have long ceased to be a novelty, but, unfortunately, there are still cases when a lot of money spent on their installation is literally thrown away: due to an incorrectly selected design, poor-quality materials or unprofessional installation of such windows They deteriorate very quickly and, at best, require expensive repairs, and at worst, complete replacement. We have prepared information about the most important parameters that you must pay attention to when ordering and installing windows, and asked for advice from an expert from the ArchDialog agency.
Well-installed, high-quality plastic windows should serve faithfully for many years, reliably protecting your home from bad weather and street noise. They have a number of advantages over outdated ones wooden frames: do not rot or rust, do not dry out from the sun and do not swell from moisture, do not require regular puttying and painting, have convenient opening mechanisms, are reliable, comfortable and durable in use. The only disadvantage of plastic windows is their flammability and very heavy weight. To choose windows that meet the most stringent requirements, you need to pay attention to several parameters, which we will discuss in detail.
Design
Plastic (or PVC) windows consist of a hollow multi-chamber plastic profile with metal reinforcement, double glazed windows and fittings.
Profile
A PVC profile usually has from 2 to 8 hollow chambers. It is believed that the thicker the profile and the more chambers there are, the warmer the windows. However, you should not overpay a lot of money for an extra number of cameras: plastic already has very low heat transfer, so to save money in our climate it is enough to install quality windows with a three-chamber profile, a two-chamber double-glazed window and two sealing contours - this will ensure effective heat retention inside the room during the cold season.
Double-glazed windows
Heat retention in the house is largely ensured by properly selected double-glazed windows. In residential premises it is most reliable and expedient to install windows with double-glazed windows(i.e. with 3 glasses and 2 air chambers between them). Compared to single-chamber double-glazed windows, this is a more expensive option, but the price difference will be justified significant savings on heating and great comfort in winter.
Single-chamber double-glazed windows(with 2 glasses and 1 air chamber) are significantly inferior to two-chamber ones in heat retention, but their undoubted advantage is more a light weight And affordable price. It is recommended to install windows with single-chamber double-glazed windows in regions with very warm climates or in non-residential premises: summer cottages, balconies, loggias, verandas, etc. Some manufacturers claim that their single-chamber double-glazed windows, filled with inert gas or, conversely, with highly rarefied air (“vacuum”) inside, retain heat as effectively as double-chamber double-glazed windows, and are much cheaper. However, you shouldn’t believe these marketing tricks: it’s better to pay extra once and order a high-quality double-glazed window than to suffer from the cold for many years.
Three-chamber double-glazed windows(with 4 glasses and 3 air chambers) are very heavy, require especially durable fittings and special technology installations. In addition, the four glasses included in their composition transmit light much worse compared to single-chamber and double-chamber double-glazed windows. It is recommended to use them only in the extremely cold climate of the Far North, preferably on fixed windows that cannot be opened.
Previously it was believed that the wider air chamber of glass unit, the less heat will go outside through the window. But it has now been proven that a thick air layer does not always guarantee effective heat retention: according to the law of convection warm air from the inner warm glass will rise upward, and cold air from the external cold - go down, replacing it. Thus, there is a constant circulation of air masses inside the glass unit, which leads to significant heat loss. Therefore, modern manufacturers are trying to reduce the distance between the glasses.
Reinforcement
To provide additional strength to a heavy window structure, the PVC profile is reinforced with an insert, the metal thickness of which (according to German standards) must be at least 1.5 mm for regular windows and 2 mm for large windows. It is advisable to choose a PVC profile with closed rather than U-shaped reinforcement - it is much stronger and more durable.
Accessories
When ordering plastic windows, it is very important to choose high-quality, strong fittings, especially for structures with double-glazed windows: weak fittings simply cannot withstand the weight of a heavy frame with three glasses, and within a few months after installation serious problems with the windows may begin - drafts, frame skew, difficulties with opening and closing.
Additional functions
When ordering plastic windows, you can choose the most suitable option for each home. For example, if your windows overlook a noisy road, it is very useful to take care of additional sound insulation. It is achieved by installing double-glazed windows with different glass thicknesses and different widths of air chambers between the glasses, which will dampen resonance. The function of top winter ventilation, a profile with built-in ventilation, a mosquito net and an opening regulator (“comb”) will be very useful additions to new windows.
What to look for when choosing
To avoid many problems, it is better to order windows from reliable, good reputation companies. Indeed, in addition to the high quality of the windows themselves, you need confidence that they will be installed correctly: the vast majority of problems with plastic windows are not so much due to their Low quality, how much due to unprofessional installation. Serious companies have a quality certificate for their products and provide a guarantee on their windows for at least 5 years. Another everyday recommendation is to hire someone you know as an assistant who has experience in ordering windows, so that if necessary, he can advise you on something or clarify some important details.
Window adjustment
During operation, any, even the highest quality, windows sag over time due to heavy weight and constant loads, their mechanisms begin to work poorly, the frames shift and no longer fit tightly to the base. Therefore, all windows require periodic adjustment. If it is blowing from the window, its handle does not turn well, or there are difficulties opening and closing, this is an indicator that it is time to make an adjustment. You can adjust the window either yourself or by inviting a professional technician to your home.
