Currently, in the Russian market of window products, despite the increasing number of sales of wooden and aluminum structures, plastic windows remain the leader. This is facilitated by a lot of advantages that PVC products have. The main ones, of course, are excellent heat and sound insulation, long service life, the ability to use additional accessories that increase the functionality of the window (mosquito net, thermometer, etc.), as well as excellent appearance coupled with an affordable price.
As you know, the basis of plastic windows is the profile. In the entire light-transmitting structure, its share accounts for approximately 10% of the total area of the product. The remaining 90% is occupied by double glazing.
It is no secret that all PVC profiles included in the windows sold are the same. In order to choose the best option that would fully meet the requirements for appearance, level of sound and heat insulation, as well as price, the buyer needs to have an understanding of each window element and be able to freely operate with technical terms associated with each of its components.
In this article we will take a detailed look at the main points that you should pay attention to when choosing a window profile, describe its design, and explain the meaning of basic technical terms.
How many cameras should a plastic window have?
The image is clickable.
When considering the characteristics of the light transmitting model you are interested in PVC structures, special attention should be paid to three points:
- profile;
The most significant characteristic of a profile is its chamberness, that is, how many chambers it consists of. Their number directly determines how well the plastic profile retains heat.
Profile with three cameras. For residents of regions where cool weather conditions reign most of the year, the most preferable option is a three-chamber window profile. Three chambers reliably protect the structure from blowing, which means they perfectly retain heat in the room. In addition to this, they have a built-in metal frame designed to strengthen the plastic sidewalls. Three-chamber profile plastic window, as a rule, has a width of 5.8 cm.
Profile with four or five cameras. Products that contain four are either intended primarily for use in areas of the country in which summer season is not long-lasting, and the temperature conditions clearly leave much to be desired. The protection provided by a profile with such an increased number of chambers copes with even the lowest temperatures (30 C and below). Therefore, inside the room, glazed with windows with a multi-chamber profile, it will be warm and cozy in any weather. It is worth noting that the use of such windows in warm regions of the country is little justified due to: mild weather conditions; prices that significantly exceed the cost of their three-chamber “brothers”.
Single-chamber and double-chamber profiles. They are mainly used for glazing apartments and private houses located in the southern part of Russia. A design flaw that prevents them from low temperatures Their ability to efficiently retain heat is more than compensated for by their price - it is significantly lower than the cost of plastic window models, the profile of which has a larger number of chambers.
Structural elements plastic profile. Clicking on the mouse enlarges the image.
As a result. If you need maximum protection from the cold, opt for plastic window models with a 4 or 5 chamber profile. If there is no need for maximum heat conservation in a glazed room, for example, in the southern regions of the country where hot weather prevails, one- or two-chamber PVC structures should be chosen.
For most buyers, the best solution for their home would be to purchase three-chamber systems.
Criteria for selecting a profile, depending on its thickness.
Sectional profile. Click to enlarge.
Not unimportant characteristics of PVC profile is its thickness. It depends, first of all, on the number of chambers and indirectly speaks about the ability of a window to retain heat: the wider the profile the warmer it is, as a rule.
When choosing the optimal profile width of a plastic window, it is necessary to take into account that there are only a large number of options, from which the following should be highlighted:
58 mm. The profile, 5.8 cm wide, is the most popular in the Russian window market. Compared to other, thicker brothers, it stands out due to its low price and fairly tolerable characteristics. As they say - cheap and cheerful. However, if the buyer pursues the goal of glazing a window opening without pretensions to super-results, then plastic window models with a 58 mm profile will fully satisfy his desire.
70 mm. The profile width of 7.0 cm allows the product to accommodate from 3 to 5 cameras. This thickness is more than enough to provide the glazed room with the appropriate level of heat and sound insulation.
90 mm. The widest profile option for PVC windows, which best copes with the issue of heat retention in the apartment. Contains up to 6 cameras. The main disadvantage of this 9.0 cm solution is its price, which is significantly higher than other similar products that have a smaller thickness.
There are also designs whose profile width is quite impressive 110-130 mm! Such windows are also called “Danish” or “Dutch”. They are, so to speak, designed for the amateur.
Cross-section of a double-glazed window.
A double-glazed window, as mentioned above, occupies about 90% of the area of the entire window. Today, there are three types of double-glazed windows, differing in the number of glasses installed in them:
- Single glass option. Not suitable for installation in residential buildings due to the presence of insufficient characteristics of such a double-glazed window. The main flaws in the design of single-glazed windows are poor heat retention, as well as the lack of protection from. With the onset of the cold season, such disadvantages can contribute to the cooling of the room, as well as the formation of an impressive layer of ice on the glass.
- Double glass design. It represents the most optimal solution for installation in an apartment, or a private house due to the good price-performance ratio. The so-called heat loss is practically eliminated, and heat in a glassed room is retained much better than when using a double-glazed window that contains only one glass.
- Three glass solution. With installed triple glazing, you can achieve not only the greatest heat savings, but also maximum protection of the apartment from all kinds of noise entering its territory from the street. Triple glazing has only two disadvantages - high cost and.
From the above information it follows that for most buyers the best option There will be a purchase of double-glazed windows, which will contain three glasses. In case of shortage Money You can also opt for double-glazed windows, which have the best price/quality ratio.
Selection of profile depending on manufacturer and class.
When choosing a suitable window profile, in addition to its characteristics, you should take into account its brand and class. Regarding the manufacturers of this type of product, it can be noted that today on the domestic window market you can find a fairly large number of brands producing various models plastic windows, differing in their constituent elements and, accordingly, characteristics.
Important! This issue was covered most fully in our previous materials entitled “” and “”.
Now a few words about choosing a profile class. There are two classes of such products:
Profile class A can be used both in residential buildings, and geometrically complex façade structures. It has a long service life and has a wall thickness of at least 3 mm.
Class A profile. Click to enlarge.
Due to design features Class B profile is usually considered a budget solution. The main factor influencing the price is the presence of a thin wall of the product. It is precisely because of the savings on the thickness of the material used for the chamber wall that manufacturers of PVC profiles class B were able to keep prices for their products extremely low. Price comes at a price, however, the buyer should remember that such a marketing ploy cannot but affect the service life of a plastic window equipped with such a profile - the service life of the system will be significantly shorter.
To summarize all of the above, I would like to draw attention to a very obvious fact: all the elements of a plastic window are interconnected. When choosing a warm double-glazed window, you should also take care of purchasing a warm window profile. Otherwise, the design, due to significant differences in technical characteristics, may turn out to be unbalanced.
What are the best plastic windows? Advantages, disadvantages, reviews of popular PVC profiles
We are aware that by rating windows, we are thereby invading the territory of professionals who are very skeptical about the ratings of this product. But “Expert Price” would not be himself if he had not tried to rank everyone.
Which profile of plastic windows is better?
To understand the subtle nuances of assessment, we had to study a considerable amount of information texts, a huge number of all kinds of amateur and professional reviews and do a little research of your own.
The product, about which so many copies have been described, is in fact the most ordinary plastic stick, but, however, with a complex surface and internal structure. To give strength, there is a metal insert made of galvanized steel inside the profile, and internal plastic partitions create air chambers that ensure heat conservation. All. It seems, what is there to argue about? Steel will remain steel no matter what is done to it, but the plastic used by all companies is the same - polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It follows that the window profile of any production must be of the same quality. Is it so? And how do you choose the best from what is identical by definition?
Criteria for choosing a profile
Country of origin of the profile
Any company that recycles a window profile indicates its origin. At the same time, you can very often find the word “German” in the descriptive part. We recommend that you clarify what is meant by this word, because... Sellers like to use it to justify the high price of a finished window. The lion's share of this profile is produced in Russia using German technology. In this case, relatively cheap energy resources and labor are used, therefore, the cost of the product should differ from the profile produced in Germany.
Number of thermal insulation chambers
Undoubtedly, the most important criterion. It is believed that the more cameras, the better thermal insulation. However, do not forget that an excessively large number of chambers can lead to the fact that the thermal conductivity coefficient can, on the contrary, increase due to the plastic partitions, which will act as a cooling radiator. Therefore, we definitely pay attention to the following criterion.
Profile width
When choosing a profile for a living room, it is better not to skimp on this parameter. Everything is simple here, the wider, the warmer. It is only worth noting that small-chamber wide profiles can be easily deformed, because have few stiffeners.
Number of double-glazed window chambers
Reinforcing steel insert
It comes with an open or solid contour. If there are no restrictions on strength, then we advise you to choose an open one, it is warmer.
ISO 9001 Certificate
Provides a guarantee of control over the production of window profiles according to the quality management system.
The best PVC window profiles according to the “Price Expert”
Monsters of the industry. Leaders of sells.
Why are these plastic windows in our rating: The most popular
VEKA profile
Naro-Fominsk district, Gubtsevo village
Photo: www.planetasvet.ru
The profile is produced near Moscow by the company “VEKA Rus”. This is the first such enterprise in Russia. In addition, there are branches in Novosibirsk and Khabarovsk. The head office of VEKA AG is located in Germany in Sendenhorst.
The company produces six types of profiles:
- EUROLINE - three chambers, width 58 mm
- PROLINE - four chambers, width 70 mm
- SOFTLINE - five chambers, width 70 mm
- SWIGLINE - five chambers, width 82 mm
- SOFTLINE 82 - six to seven chambers, width 70 mm
- ALPHLINE - six chambers, width 90 mm
The products are certified according to ISO 9001: 2008. The VEKA company profile has been assigned the German RAL quality mark, which means that the control procedure for the raw materials used and finished products complies with control standards.
Moscow region enterprise:
Photo: veka.ua
Pros:
- Stable quality
- Large product line
Minuses:
- Price
Typical reviews about windowsVEKA:
“The profile itself is good, it performed well in winter, pah-pah, but to be honest, it’s expensive. I’m still inclined to believe that this is an overpayment for the brand...”
“...the company is quite well-known, it seems to me that in our city we have the most advertisements of this particular company. And there are banners along the roads, and the press writes on the main pages, and videos are shown on TV.”
REHAU profile
Gzhel
Photo: dom.vse56.ru
average price in the Russian Federation, windows measuring 1470x1420 from a profile 70 mm thick: RUB 9,500
The German company has been producing window profiles in Russia since 2002. Currently, it is the leader in the number of products produced per year among similar Russian enterprises. The plant is equipped with modern equipment and certified according to the quality management system by independent international experts.
The following profile types are offered to clients:
- GENEO - 6 chambers, width 86 mm
- INTELIO - 6 cameras, 86 mm
- BRILLANT-DESIGN – 5 (6) chambers, width 70 (80mm)
- DELIGHT-DESIGN – 5 chambers, 70 mm
- SIB-DESIGN – 3 + thermoblock (5) chambers, 70 mm
- EURO-DESIGN – 3 chambers, 60 mm
- BLITZ - 3 cameras, 60 mm
Let’s note the company’s slogan: “Avoiding mistakes is more important than eliminating errors” and the production culture (in the photo is a plant near Gzhel).
Photo: www.rehau.com
Pros:
- Quality
- Manufacturer's Warranty
- Big choice profile models
Minuses:
- Price
Typical reviews about REHAU windows:
“...a little expensive compared to others, but it’s worth it”
“The windows are very good, I wanted something cheap, but in the end I chose the most expensive one, the quality is really impressive”
KBE profile (KBE)
Voskresensk
Photo: rudupis.ru
The average price in the Russian Federation for windows measuring 1470x1420 from a profile 70 mm thick: 7,700 rubles
KBE is another German company that has built enterprises in Russia, in particular, factories in Voskresensk and Khabarovsk. No special differences between the KBE profile and competitors' products were found. However, the cost of KBE is slightly lower. At the same time, the company’s profile is ISO certified, and the marketing move for issuing partner certificates is respectable. Let me explain: the company issues an “Official Partner Certificate” to the best profile processors and thus can indirectly influence the quality of the finished windows. I must make a reservation - this certificate does not provide any guarantees to the consumer.
So, the list of products:
- “Etalon” and “Engine” - 3 cameras, width 58 mm
- “Etalon +” - modification “Etalon” with an additional camera, installation width 127 mm
- "KBE_SELECT" - 5 cameras, width 70 mm
- "KBE_Expert" - 5 cameras, width 70 mm
- “KBE_Expert+” is a modification with a mounting width of 127 mm
- "KBE_Energia" - 3 chambers, width 70 mm
- “KBE_88” - 6 cameras, width 88 mm
KBE plant in Voskresensk
Photo: ostekl.ru
Pros:
- Price
- Quality
- Large selection of models
Minuses:
- not detected
Typical reviews about KBE windows:
“I'm satisfied with KBE windows. My husband and I chose from many companies and chose PVC windows Rehau and KBE. KBE won for the price"
“For me, kbe windows have become the optimal ratio of price and quality”
Average companies with ambitions
Why in our rating: These PVC windows are constantly popular, often making it into the top ten according to professionals.
SALAMANDER profile
Türkheim, Germany
Photo: www.domovladelets.ru
The average price in the Russian Federation for windows measuring 1470x1420 from a profile 76 mm thick: 26,000 rubles
The products of SALAMANDER Industrie-Produkte GmbH are classified by us as “average” only in terms of “sales level in Russia”. Salamander Industrie is a German corporation that has several factories in Europe, including one in Belarus, in Brest. According to the manufacturer, the entire SALAMANDER profile is produced exclusively in Germany, and the BRÜGMANN profile is produced at its other enterprises. The author had the opportunity to personally verify the validity of such a statement when visiting a plant in the Republic of Belarus.
The company produces the following profile systems:
- Design 2D - 3 (4) cameras, width 60 mm
- Design 3D - 4 (5) cameras, width 76 mm
- Streamline - 5 cameras, width 76 mm
Pros:
- External surface quality
- Design
- You can hope for European quality control
- Control of dealers by the manufacturer
Minuses:
- Price
Typical reviews about SALAMANDER windows:
“Salamander profiles are a proven option”
“Salamander is a serious device, no complaints”
Profile of Mont Blanc
Elektrostal
Photo: vashiokna-dv.ru
The average price in the Russian Federation for windows measuring 1470x1420 from a profile 70 mm thick: 7800 rubles
The international company STL-Extrusion, which has four factories in the CIS, is engaged in the production of the Mont Blanc profile. Over the thirteen years of production, the MONTBLANC profile has become a fairly well-known brand, and the company has acquired an extensive dealer network. There are currently seven product lines available for purchase:
- TERMO 60 – 5 chambers, width 60 mm
- QUADRO 70 – 4 chambers, width 70 mm
- NORD 70 - 5 chambers, width 70 mm
- LOGIC - 3 cameras, width 58 mm
- GRAND 80 - 6 chambers, width 80 mm
- ECO 60 – 3 chambers, width 60 mm
- CITY 120 – 5 chambers, width 120 mm
The profile produced in Mogilev is ISO certified. There is no information about the certification of products from other enterprises of the company.
Pros:
- Quality
- Large selection of profile options
- Democratic price
Minuses:
- Lack of ISO certification at Russian factories
Typical reviews about windowsMont Blanc:
“A good profile on the Russian market is not uncommon. But cheap and high quality - that’s a rarity... We are happy with everything.”
“...they keep the heat great”
Profile
Moscow
Photo: www.okna-kaleva.ru
The average price in the Russian Federation for windows measuring 1470x1420 from a profile 70 mm thick: 10,000 rubles
The Kaleva company is engaged in the production of window blocks. The profile is produced independently. Reviews from professionals are more neutral than negative. Users are often captivated by the appearance of the profile - Muscovites did a good job on the design. The company has two profile systems classic look and three designer ones:
- Kaleva Standard - 4 chambers, width 70 mm
- Kaleva Vita - 4 chambers, width 70 mm
- Kaleva Design - 4 chambers, width 70 mm
- Kaleva Design+ - 4(5) cameras, width 70 mm
- Kaleva Deco - 5(6) chambers, width 70 mm
Pros:
- Appearance
- Full production cycle
Typical reviews about Kaleva windows:
"...in general it will do"
“In general, we are very pleased with the windows”
Proplex profile
Podolsk
Photo: odf.ru
The average price in the Russian Federation for windows measuring 1470x1420 from a profile 70 mm thick: 8800 rubles
Proplex is a Russian company that is making significant efforts to modernize production and introduce new window systems. Just a few years ago, it was a small company manufacturing windows from someone else’s profiles, but now the company has created a full production cycle. Innovative window systems were created together with well-known Austrian developers with extensive experience in the design of thermal insulation systems.
Proplex offers the following types of profiles:
PROPLEX-Optima - 3 chambers, width 58 mm
PROPLEX-BALCONY – 3 chambers, width 46 mm
PROPLEX-Comfort - 4 chambers, width 70 mm
PROPLEX-Premium - 5 chambers, width 70 mm
PROPLEX-Lux - 5 chambers, width 127 mm
Pros:
- Price
Minuses:
- Lack of international certification
- The presence of obsolete systems in the line
Typical reviews about Proplex windows:
“For a window 110mm x 150mm they paid about 7 thousand rubles. Acceptable price"
“I listened to the expert’s opinion and I don’t regret it. Everything is great"
Eurowindow manufacturing companies periodically included in the top 10 ratings
Why in our rating: these plastic windows are worthy of attention.
Deceuninck's profile
Belgium, branch - Protvino
Photo: www.isskur.ru
The average price in the Russian Federation for windows measuring 1470x1420 from a profile 71 mm thick: 10,600 rubles
The Belgian concern The Deceuninck Group (Deceuninck Group) releases its own profile in the Moscow region. The production is not certified, which is strange, because all of the company’s European factories are ISO certified. Whether this is due to unstable quality or whether management simply hasn’t gotten around to it yet is unknown. The profile “collected” the usual ratio of both positive and negative reviews. Product line:
- Forward - 3 cameras, width 60 mm
- Bautek - 3 chambers, width 71 mm
- Favorite - 5 cameras, width 71 mm
- Favorite Space - 6 cameras, width 76 mm
- Eforte - 6 chambers, width 84 mm
Pros:
- Availability of several highly efficient systems
- Quality
Minuses:
- High cost of outdated modifications
Typical reviews about Deceuninck windows:
“Deceuninck profiles are very reliable and retain heat well”
“The windows withstood the winter tests perfectly”
SOK profile
Syzran
Photo: www.okna-modern.ru
The average price in the Russian Federation for windows measuring 1470x1420 from a profile 72 mm thick: 11,900 rubles
Included in the list as a regular figure in Internet ratings. From information gleaned from the SOK company website (Samara Window Constructions) you can easily find out that the company does not have own production window profile. The “branded” profile is manufactured at the Profine concern plant (see KBE). This means that the profile is produced in accordance with international requirements and is ISO certified, which is not bad. But the question immediately arises about the high cost of windows made from this profile, the price of which is significantly higher than KBE windows. The choice of configurations is very small, only two types:
- Corporate profile SOK-470 - 4 chambers, width 62 mm
- Corporate profile SOK-570 - 5 chambers, width 72 mm
pros:
- quality
- unique camera arrangement
Minuses:
- inflated cost of finished products
- small selection
Typical reviews about SOK windows:
“JUICE is a normal profile, no better and no worse than many”
“I liked the profile, simple and strong”
Which plastic windows are still better to install?
And in the end the most important thing is the most best profile a careless window manufacturer or a handless installer can turn it into disgusting trash. Therefore, before ordering windows, consult with neighbors, friends or just acquaintances who have already contacted the company you have chosen. Remember that a profile is just a piece of plastic, which, although it is an important component of a window unit, its choice must still be justified in combination with such factors as reliable fittings, a good double-glazed window and the conscientiousness of the craftsmen.
What is a quality profile?
The key to the quality and durability of a metal-plastic window is a high-quality PVC profile. Even if at first glance they are all the same, in reality this is far from the case.
The entire profile from which windows are made is certified.
The ISO 9001:2000 quality management system certificate is issued to production facilities that have competent organized system management in compliance with all technological, economic and organizational requirements specific to production developed countries. Both Russian VEKA plants have this certificate.
Wider, more reliable, warmer
The width of the profile is one of its main characteristics. Many window manufacturers promise a couple of extra millimeters to the profile width in their advertising campaigns, but are they really useful?
The most common offers on the market are:
- classic profile 58 mm;
- 70 mm profile with increased installation width;
- profile VEKA SOFTLINE 82
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The width of 58 mm is due to the “classics of the genre” - wooden frames, which were replaced by plastic windows. The EUROLINE 58 mm profile allows the production of modern warm windows, which satisfy the requirements of most buyers in different climatic zones. When manufactured and installed correctly, it is the best profile for windows in any room.
The 70 mm wide profile is a proposal that appeared in the 80s of the last century. Having higher heat-saving and sound-insulating characteristics, this profile is especially loved by Russian consumers. In the product group of VEKA profiles with a width of 70 mm, they have SOFTLINE, SWINGLINE and PROLINE.
Now another new product has appeared on the market - the SOFTLINE 82 profile. An innovative multi-chamber system, elegant style and the ability to choose from more than 40 modifications guarantee that the needs of the most discerning client will be met. The SOFTLINE 82 system provides the best insulating properties, is fully compatible with 70 mm profiles and can be installed in any home.
The choice of profile width for a window largely depends on the installation location (window in an office, vestibule door, entrance door to a store, windows in a country house) and climate.
Watch the video “Important parameters of plastic windows”
Chamber… ensemble
The second characteristic of a window is the number of cameras in the profile. There are three of them in the standard. The first is for draining condensate, the second is for placing a reinforcing metal liner, and the third is for securing parts of the fittings and creating additional air gap for better window sealing. The number of chambers depends on the profile width. So, a 58 mm profile can have a maximum of three cameras, but a 70 mm profile can preferably have four. For a 90 mm profile, six chambers are the norm..jpg)
Increasing the number of cameras with the same profile width does not significantly change the characteristics of the window. To improve heat-saving characteristics, a wider profile is needed, and not a larger number of partitions in it.
Full package
Another important point is the double-glazed window. The number of glasses in a window affects its characteristics and cost. The most common are double glazing, but you can order windows with single glazing or triple glazing.
Three-chamber windows are warmer, but they weigh more and require high-quality installation and stable construction. Single-glazed windows are the coldest. It can be used for glazing unheated balconies, as well as summer houses. Double glazing is optimal for technical specifications, and allows you to maintain indoor comfort all year round.
Real class
There are two classes of metal-plastic profiles. The first, class A with a thickened outer wall is the best profile for windows, doors and frame glazing.
The second, class B, is a lightweight profile with a thinner outer wall, the so-called “object” profile. It has a slightly lower cost, but does not guarantee that the characteristics of the window will be maintained throughout its operation. Windows made from an “object” profile, as an economical option, can be offered by absolutely all manufacturers, but you must remember that such a window may have weaker corner connections, worse dimensional stability, lower energy saving characteristics, risk of premature wear of fittings, shorter service life.
Important takeaway
To summarize the discussion on the topic of choosing a profile for a metal-plastic window, we emphasize:
- The presence of certificates confirms quality.
According to the installation width, all profiles are divided into two main classes: 58, 64 mm and 70-76 mm. Within the class, the thermal characteristics are the same. The 68 mm wide profile and the 72 mm wide profile do not differ from each other.
The number of cameras affects the quality of the window only if the profile belongs to different classes in width.
The most common is double glazing.
Class A profile is a leader in reliability and quality.
When choosing a profile for plastic windows, be able to hear necessary information and filter out advertisements. The quality of your windows depends on your choice. Take your time to make the right choice!
Currently, the market for windows made on a PVC basis offers a wide range of different products. In order to attract buyers, companies are developing new types of double-glazed windows, and also use various types of profiles from which plastic windows are made.
In this regard, the consumer has reasonable questions: which window profile to choose and what will serve as the criteria for its selection?
When choosing a profile used in the manufacture of plastic windows, you must be guided by the following criteria that determine the purpose of the window and its operating conditions:
- The ability to provide the required level of heat and sound insulation of the room where it is planned to install a window of this design.
- The quality of the material used.
- Profile class.
- Possibility of installing double-glazed windows of various designs.
- Geometric dimensions of the profile (width and height).
- Availability of reinforcement.
- Possibility of installing additional elements.
- Conditions of use and maintenance.
- Manufacturer's brand and its reliability.
- Price.
In practice, a PVC profile is used, which has a different number of chambers in its design, which ensure the ability of this structural element to retain heat indoors and maintain the required level of sound insulation.
Structurally, this is expressed in the division internal space into several air chambers by installing partitions. There can be from three to eight such chambers (air cavities), of which the most popular among household consumers are three and five chamber ones.
By class, PVC profiles are classified as:
- Class “A” – wall thickness from 3.0 mm.
- Class “B” – wall thickness from 2.5 to 3.0 mm.
- Class “C” - wall thickness is not standardized.
Window profile materials
In the manufacture of windows, various types of profiles can be used, both in terms of its design and the material from which it is made.
It could be:
- Tree.
This is a natural and environmentally friendly material that has always been widely used in the manufacture of windows.
Currently, due to the advent of new technologies and the high cost of natural raw materials, it is used less widely.
Wood species such as teak, larch, oak, Canadian Hemlock and teak wood are used for the manufacture of windows according to individual orders and in the construction of premium housing.
Coniferous trees are used in the manufacture of cheaper structures, but, nevertheless, they are still more expensive than products made from various types of plastic and some types of composites.
- Aluminum.
Pure aluminum is not a very good material in terms of its use for the manufacture of window blocks. The reason for this is its high thermal conductivity and low elasticity.
Due to this, aluminum faucet is rarely used in pure form for these structural elements, but in combination with polyvinyl chloride materials is an excellent component of such products.
- Fiber composites.
Fiber composites are fiberglass made from a reinforced profile and a fiberglass composite.
This material has good heat-insulating properties and strength indicators that exceed those of wood and metal, respectively.
The disadvantage that determines its rather narrow distribution is that under the influence of the external environment (precipitation, sunlight, etc.), this material delaminates.
When using a carbon fiber composite, this disadvantage missing, but in this case the product is very expensive.
- Metal-plastic.
The use of aluminum, which serves as a frame in the manufacture of window profiles and plastic, made it possible to create a wonderful tandem of materials, which made it possible to combine their advantages and create a durable product with good thermal insulation properties.
Metal-plastic profiles are currently widely used in the manufacture of window blocks of various designs.
Selection of accessories
The choice of fittings is an important point when manufacturing and equipping a window, no matter how strange it may seem at first glance. In order to do right choice, necessary:
- Familiarize yourself with the types and purposes of fittings.
- Choose the most reliable manufacturer producing quality products(based on user reviews).
- Determine the needs of various types of fittings and their technical characteristics.
- Determine the relationship between price and service life of the products.
Equipment and type of accessories for each specific window is individual, which is determined by its design and the method of opening the doors (right or left, sliding or swing type, blind or tilt-and-turn design, etc.).
The standard package of a window made from PVC profile includes the following elements:
- Window hinges (bottom and top).
- Compensator.
- Protective mechanism (fuse) against slamming.
- Devices for lifting window sash.
- Retainers.
- Brackets.
- Tilt-and-turn mechanism.
In addition to the products listed above, the kit may include turn limiters window sash, slot ventilators, Mosquito nets and locks that ensure the window is closed from the inside.
In the manufacture of fittings, various metals and their alloys are used, which characterizes their strength and reliability. WITH outside The fittings are coated with anti-corrosion paints and varnishes.
The criteria for choosing accessories are:
- Wear resistance.
- Resistance to external influences.
- Availability warranty period operation and certificate of conformity.
- Appearance (aesthetics) and ease of use.
Choosing a plastic window manufacturer
When the user is faced with a question related to the choice of plastic windows, in addition to the technical components that determine the characteristics of the window (the type of profile and the material from which it is made, the type of double-glazed window, the availability and quality of seals and fittings), an organizational component also appears - which manufacturer’s windows to choose.
A large number of large and small companies operate in the domestic market for such products. various shapes property. However, the main manufacturers of metal-plastic profiles are only a few companies, whose products have their own inherent advantages and disadvantages; below are the most popular of them.
KBE (Kunststoffproduktion für Bau und Elektrotechnik), Germany
The KVE company operates in different countries and different continents. In Russia, this company has representative offices in many regions; the production of metal-plastic profiles is located in the Moscow region. The representative of the company in Russia is ZAO Profine RUS (Moscow).
The advantages of KVE products are:
- High rates of heat and sound insulation.
- Wide operating temperature range.
- Availability of a ventilation system that ensures that glass units do not fog up.
The disadvantages include:
- High price.
- White plastic may turn yellow when exposed to sunlight.
Rehau, Germany
The Rehau company operates in different industries and in different countries around the world. One of the areas of activity is the production of translucent structures, including metal-plastic profiles.
The company's central office for Eastern Europe is located in Moscow, and representative offices are in the cities of St. Petersburg, Voronezh, Nizhny Novgorod, Samara, Yekaterinburg, Rostov-on-Don, Novosibirsk, Krasnodar, Irkutsk, Khabarovsk and Simferopol.
The advantages of Rehau products are:
- Strength.
- A large assortment various types profile.
- Good performance in terms of heat and sound insulation.
- Frost resistance of products.
- High price.
- Limited height of sashes on manufactured products.
"PROPLEX", Russia
"PROPLEX" is one of the first domestic enterprises that began to operate on the market metal-plastic windows By full cycle their production.
The advantages of products manufactured at this enterprise are:
- Relatively low cost.
- Long service life.
- They are adapted to operating conditions in Russia.
The disadvantages are:
- There is no international quality certificate.
VEKA AG, Germany
In Russia, the German company is represented by its branch, the subsidiary VEKA Rus, whose head office and production are located in Moscow. In addition, the company has representative offices in a number of regions of our country.
The advantages of VEKA products are:
- Wide selection of models.
- High technical performance (heat and sound insulation).
- Durability.
- The use of special rubber-based seals that are not afraid of low ambient temperatures.
The main disadvantage is the high cost.
Montblanc, Russia
The Mont Blanc company has been successfully operating in the PVC products market since 2000. The head office is located in Moscow, and factories are in Elektrostal, Moscow Region, and Krasnoyarsk.
The advantages of the products manufactured by this company are:
- Low cost.
- Adaptation of products to operating conditions in our country.
- Well executed design.
- Large selection of models.
- Strength and durability of products.
The disadvantages are:
- Lack of international quality certificate.
- Low quality of fittings used.
- Possibility of odor from the type of sealant used.
Which profiles are most often chosen?
The type of profile chosen depends on the purpose of the window and its operating conditions. In addition, another important factor influencing the choice is the service life and cost of the product.
When choosing, there are always personal preferences for a particular brand, as well as the presence of representative offices of the manufacturer in the region of residence of the potential buyer. In the regions of our country, the products of various companies are popular, which is characterized by the presence of a similar type of production and competition between manufacturers.
For installation in residential buildings, the greatest demand is for 3- and 5-chamber metal-plastic profiles with a width of 58.0 and 70.0 mm, respectively. For northern regions, 6 and 8 chamber profiles with a width of 90.0 mm are recommended.
It is not recommended to install plastic windows made from profiles intended for industrial buildings and objects, about which there must be appropriate markings on its surface (OBJECT, object, engine, Tender, etc.).
In addition to the fact that when choosing a window you need to be careful and thoroughly familiarize yourself with the type and design of the profile, glass unit and fittings, you also need to take care high-quality installation of the purchased product. Incorrect installation can negate all the advantages of a window made from a metal-plastic profile.
