Every day the construction services market is filled with various innovative developments. Starting with professional tools and ending with structures and fittings. For example, a couple of decades ago, each of us had standard wooden windows installed, then the era of plastic windows came, and now all this is considered a relic of the past. Currently, frameless glazing technology is used great success, displacing the classic technology of mounting frames and vertical posts. Plastic windows have been replaced by metal-plastic ones, which are characterized by increased wear resistance and reliability.
Differences between metal-plastic windows and plastic ones
At first glance, not everyone can distinguish metal plastic windows from plastic ones, they are identical in appearance, since both use plastic on the outside. But their design features have been significantly modified. In the production process of metal-plastic windows, reinforcement of a metal frame for a PVC profile is used. As a result, even under the scorching rays of the sun, the frame and fittings are not deformed.
If you analyze and compare metal-plastic windows with plastic ones, you can identify common functional properties - excellent sound and noise insulation, as well as burglary resistance. But, there is an undeniable advantage of a metal-plastic profile; if you wanted to glaze a balcony with windows in the form of an arch or some other shape, then plastic windows will not suit you, since they are produced only in simple rectangular shape.
Selection of metal-plastic windows
It is important to consider that a metal-plastic profile is much more expensive than a plastic one, but quality is never cheap. Among the leaders in the field of window production are the European companies Rehau and Veka; they have been operating in the construction market for several years and have positive reviews among potential consumers.
The first thing you need to start with is to pay special attention to the choice of thickness and material reinforced frame. After all, the level of corrosion exposure depends on it. The most acceptable thickness is from 1.5 mm, material is galvanized steel. Also in the construction services market there are more cheap option frame, which is made of ferrous metal. It has an undeniable disadvantage - it can quickly begin to rust, causing marks in the area of the drainage holes.
Choosing a metal-plastic window is no different from a regular plastic one, here everyone chooses what they want, the number of cameras, double-glazed windows, fittings, profile thickness, etc. But it is important to take into account that the classic plastic profile is mainly chosen for installation in apartments, dachas, and country houses. Metal-plastic windows are installed mainly in rooms where high dynamic loads, sudden climate changes, heavy winds, etc. are common.
How manufacturers reduce the cost of metal-plastic window profiles
Of course, not all manufacturing companies strive to reduce the cost of the profile by using low-quality fittings and reducing the thickness of the profile, but there are some. In this regard, take into account the market cost when ordering the installation of metal-plastic windows, because reducing the wall thickness leads to a decrease in strength and durability. Also choose a profile with closed metal reinforcement; it can easily withstand sudden changes in dynamic loads.
Window selection video
Do not forget that even the best and most expensive windows can be damaged by unprofessional installation. Choose only trusted window installation companies, because their durability directly depends on the craftsmen.
The desire to save money often pushes buyers to choose cheap windows, which at first glance do not differ from expensive ones. This is not surprising: there is a great temptation to buy the same thing, but at a lower price. As they say, if you can't see the difference, why pay more? But is there really no difference? Unfortunately, unscrupulous manufacturers often reduce prices at the expense of the quality of their products. And then today's savings can result in double expenses for repairing or replacing windows.
What saving methods do unscrupulous manufacturers use and how does this affect the quality of the product? Let's look at it in the article.
- Profile. The manufacturer can save a lot by reducing the cost of the plastic profile. This is achieved in three ways. Firstly, cheaper components and recycled materials are added to plastic. This may cause the profile to change color and cause bad smell. Secondly, manufacturers can save on modifiers and stabilizers, which ensure durability, strength and resistance of the product to unfavorable conditions. You can imagine how a profile with inferior analogues of these components will behave. Some manufacturers save by reducing the thickness of the profile walls, which also reduces the strength and durability of the product.
- Reinforcement. PVC does not have high rigidity, therefore, in the manufacture of windows, reinforcing liners made of galvanized steel are used. Unscrupulous manufacturers reduce the thickness of the liner, use low-quality coating, or even replace the galvanized metal with “black” metal that is not able to resist corrosion. All this has a detrimental effect on the strength and durability of the structure.
- Double-glazed window. Using cheap, low-grade glass can significantly reduce. However, along with the savings, the buyer receives problems such as fogged, cloudy windows with air bubbles.
- Seals. In order to save money, manufacturers choose seals made from low-quality material. This can affect the functionality of the window immediately or after a couple of years - the service life and performance characteristics of the structure are reduced, and its appearance may change over time.
- Accessories. Cheap components will quickly fail, as a result the window will open and close poorly or will completely lose this ability, and drafts and dampness will appear in the house.
- Equipment. Purchasing and modifying quality equipment requires a significant investment. But not all manufacturers are ready for this. Some people set up handicraft production in their garage. where windows are made using improvised means. It is easy to imagine the quality of the resulting product.
- Work force. Qualified specialists are also expensive. The result of savings in this area is various errors in production: poor-quality welding of corner joints, incorrect installation of fittings and seals, etc.
- Installation. You should not assume that you can install windows yourself or with the help of friends. The service life largely depends on the quality of installation of the plastic window; you should not save on it. Otherwise, drafts may appear, the windows will begin to fog up, the sashes will not close well, and the fittings may fail.
- Mandatory certification. The lack of certificates for the manufacturer's products should immediately alert you. This means that the products have not been tested, and their quality has not been confirmed in any way.
Thus, the main criterion for choosing a window should not be price, but quality, confirmed by certificates and a manufacturer’s guarantee.
Winter is just around the corner. It's getting colder outside, frosts are following one after another, snow will soon fall and it will be possible to say that winter period came into its own. And this, as you know, requires apartment and house owners to take a thoughtful approach to home insulation. One such solution is the installation of double-glazed windows. They are stronger, more reliable, and more convenient to use than conventional wooden windows. But there is one nuance here: there are plastic windows and metal-plastic ones - what is the difference? Not every person can answer this question right away.
Plastic windows- made of PVC or polyvinyl chloride. In their design, they are similar in appearance to ordinary wooden windows, but differ in a more complex design. They consist of several layers, separated from each other and hermetically installed in a special frame. Thanks to this, in comparison with ordinary windows, double-glazed windows have better sound and heat insulation. They can be installed not only in city apartments, but almost anywhere where there is a need.
Metal-plastic windows- also have all of the above advantages, which are described in conventional plastic structures. And even in appearance they are largely similar. However, in terms of design features, there are certain differences. These products use additional metal carcass, built into the profile, it is also the basis of the entire structure. WITH outside It's still the same plastic, so there's no difference in appearance. But in terms of strength and stability, metal-plastic windows are ahead of simple plastic. In professional language they say that such structures are “reinforced with galvanized profiles.”
Comparison of plastic and metal-plastic windows
Conventional plastic windows are mainly installed in houses, cottages, and apartments. At the same time, metal-plastic structures provide strength and reliability, required in more extreme conditions - on the top floors of skyscrapers, as well as in harsh climatic conditions where strong winds prevail.
The durability of conventional plastic is somewhat lower due to the fact that it does not have additional reinforcement, while metal-plastic can “survive” much longer.
Conventional plastic windows are distinguished by their simple geometry, while metal-plastic windows can be given various shapes: pointed, arched, round, and so on.
The price of plastic windows is lower than that of metal-plastic ones. Although such savings may not always be justified.
TheDifference.ru determined that the difference between plastic and metal-plastic windows is as follows:
Plastic windows can be installed in ordinary houses or apartments, and metal-plastic products are more justified on the top floors of skyscrapers, where strong gusts of wind prevail.
Plastic windows are less durable, while metal-plastic windows provide the necessary reliability due to additional reinforcement.
The service life of plastic windows is 2–3 decades, and metal-plastic ones can live for more than 50 years.
Plastic windows most often come in the usual rectangular shape, but metal-plastic windows can be given other shapes.
The price of plastic windows is noticeably lower than metal-plastic ones.
A window that is blowing requires insulation and sealing... This situation has long been out of date, and the households themselves understand that it is time to install new windows. Construction market offers many options: from cheap to very expensive, but to make right choice it is necessary to study their structure and the characteristics of the materials from which they are made.
The design differences between profiles from different manufacturers are based on the introduction of their own developments, which are often company secrets. The trade sector offers products from 4 regions: Europe, Türkiye, China, Russia. The production of PVC windows in Russia is not necessarily based on domestic materials, since many European companies have opened their production facilities on its territory.
Metal-plastic profile: division into classes
The window frame is a box that is fixed in window opening. It is made of durable plastic, the rigidity of which is reinforced steel profile located inside. The spaces inside the profile are called chambers, their number varies, depending on the conditions of use of the windows. The minimum quantity is 3, the maximum is 6. For the average climate zone, a 3-chamber profile is sufficient to ensure technical characteristics. At the same time, their 
the quantity is determined by the following conditions:
- profile sizes,
- climatic conditions,
- street noise level.
All manufacturers adhere to the minimum reinforcement thickness, which is 1.3 mm. The width of the box also gives the structure a certain degree of sound and heat insulation. Typically it is divided into 3 types:
- 58-62 mm (for warm latitudes or non-residential premises);
- 70 mm (widely produced for 3-chamber profile);
- from 82 mm ( best quality profile, manufactured only by German manufacturers).
All PVC profiles are divided into 3 types:
- tender class,
- middle class,
- elite class.
They differ in the raw materials that are used for production, because the quality of the design depends on it. That is why, when deciding which plastic windows to choose, you should start by determining the profile class. The most economical tender class has minimum thickness walls, which according to GOST must be 2.5 mm.
In addition, the most inexpensive designs contain components that cause the frame to change color over time.
Middle-class profiles are manufactured in compliance with all GOST conditions, and at the same time they are affordable. This is the most popular type plastic structures installed in residential and public premises. They are distinguished by their quality and, with proper use, can last for many years. German profiles are considered the most durable. It is in Germany that elite class designs are produced. They meet German quality standards, and, thanks to this, justify themselves with lifetime use without breakdowns.
Double-glazed windows: how to make the best choice?
A glass structure installed in a PVC profile and consisting of two or more glasses is called a double-glazed window. The space between the two glasses is a chamber that is filled with inert gas or air. Complete tightness is ensured by a special way of connecting 2 glasses to each other. It consists of the following layers and parts:
- internal sealant made of mastic or tape,
- metallic profile,
- dehumidifier,
- external sealant made of mastic.
The properties of a double-glazed window are determined by the purpose of the room, since the number of chambers, the thickness of the glass and their varieties can differ significantly for each customer. For example, on sunny side It is recommended to install solar reflective glass on streets. For the north side of the house, it is advisable to install low-emissivity glass, which protects against condensation.
The gas used to fill the space between the glasses is the following:
- argon,
- krypton,
- sulfur hexafluoride.
Double-glazed windows filled with argon represent an economical price category for plastic windows. It is the most popular gas used. The heat-saving properties of argon provide sufficient thermal conductivity for houses located in middle lane Russia, it should be noted its high noise-absorbing characteristics. The best materials for providing high-quality thermal insulation are krypton and sulfur hexafluoride, but they are used quite rarely.
What glass thickness should I choose?
The double-glazed window consists of 2 or 3 glasses, respectively, has 1 or 2 air chambers. The two-chamber design increases its heat-saving qualities and sound insulation, but, accordingly, affects the cost. You can achieve an increase in these properties in another way: order a single-chamber double-glazed window with glass of different thicknesses.
Important: the outer glass should be thicker, for example, its thickness is 8 mm, the inner one - 6 mm.
Before choosing good plastic windows, these and other glass characteristics that provide maximum comfort to the room are determined. The two glasses do not have to be the same; you can choose different ones from the following varieties:
- shockproof,
- sun protection,
- triplexes,
- hardened,
- tinted,
- energy saving.
Shockproof glass is installed on the first floors and in children's rooms if children like active games. Sun protection ones prevent ultraviolet radiation from penetrating into the room, and energy-saving ones have increased thermal insulation. Triplex glass is produced using a special technology. It consists of several layers with an interlayer, this design guarantees all the properties of good insulation.
Accessories on which the quality of PVC windows depends
An important component is the tape fittings, on which the reliability of opening/closing the sash and its closure depends. With high-quality fittings, each element is part of a durable and well-functioning mechanism. Good fittings are multifunctional, that is, a person can perform several actions with their help. This means that 4 sash positions must be available to him:
- open,
- closed,
- vertical tilt,
- slot ventilation.
In addition, when choosing windows, you should pay attention to the following properties of the fittings: it should prevent erroneous actions, that is, performing two actions simultaneously (for example, opening and tilting) should be unacceptable. The fittings may have additional equipment - anti-burglary modules, but even without them it should protect against unauthorized hacking.
A useful video about what a window manufacturer can save on and what you should pay attention to when choosing.