How to choose the right plastic windows detailed instructions. How to choose the right plastic windows? We deal with double-glazed windows: the type and number of glasses, marking, distance frame

Probably, no one needs to prove that plastic windows with double-glazed windows have long and firmly taken a leading position in the competition with old wooden frames in terms of their performance. Advantages - in almost all respects, from thermal conductivity and sound absorption to maximum ease of use and aesthetics.

Owners of apartments and private houses of old buildings, at the slightest opportunity, try to replace imperfect wooden structures with modern windows. At first glance, there are no problems with this, in any region there are many large and small firms working in this field. But can everyone be trusted, and are the windows offered for purchase equal? Alas, in this segment of the construction business there are many "pitfalls", and the external similarity of the windows does not at all indicate their identical quality and operational characteristics. Therefore, before making a final decision and signing an installation contract, it is necessary to clearly understand how to choose PVC windows so as not to be disappointed in them after a few months.

Such windows entered the everyday life of Russians relatively recently. But even during these 15–20 years, like, probably, any outlandish novelty, they managed to “grow” with a whole bunch of mythological rumors, both immoderately extolling their qualities and unfairly attributing non-existent vices to them. First, let's try to clarify this issue.

What they say about PVC windows, and is it really so

• There is widespread the opinion that the installation of plastic windows with double-glazed windows completely solves the issue of thermal insulation - they completely block the path to the cold.

Alas, not everything is so rosy. Create a completely thermal light-transmitting construction is very difficult, although high-quality double-glazed windows and a reliable sealing system can significantly increase the thermal resistance of a window. However, any window construction is also assembly seams, which always serve as “cold bridges” to some extent.

What can be said with confidence in this matter is that the level of room insulation with the installation of high-quality plastic windows will increase significantly.

• The next “myth” is that air is completely pumped out of the space between the glasses, a vacuum is created there.

This statement is not true. In fact, the air is partially pumped out, creating an area of ​​low pressure inside. This is necessary for better sealing - external atmospheric pressure presses the glass as tightly as possible to the seals. It also gives the effect of increasing heat and soundproof qualities. By the way, for the same purpose, some manufacturers use the practice of pumping inert gases into this space, which creates a special, “layered” atmosphere inside the double-glazed window, which effectively dampens sound waves.

• How to treat the statement that the installation of double-glazed windows gives absolute suppression of noise from the street?

You can't believe it completely either. To a greater extent, the design of PVC windows “cuts off” high frequencies, but low-frequency noises, which propagate, including through vibration, alas, find their way. So, if construction equipment is working outside the window, or a busy highway passes nearby, then noise cannot be avoided.

Manufacturers are constantly working to improve the design, but have not yet been able to completely solve this problem.

• The closed PVC window gives complete tightness of the room.

This is another persistent misconception. With a high-quality multi-level sealing system, we can talk about the impermeability of the window for drafts, for exit warm air from the apartment, but it's still far not tightness.

• Another erroneous opinion - the wider the glass is placed on the double-glazed window, the better the window.

The distance between the panes is not a value taken “from the ceiling”. There is a complex system of thermal calculations, which gives rather paradoxical results - an excessive increase in this distance leads to a sharp decrease in thermal insulation qualities. In the production of windows, they adhere to optimal values, proven by theory and practice: for single-chamber double-glazed windows, the maximum thickness should be 24 mm, and for two-chamber - 44 mm.

• The principle is far from always justified that when choosing a window it is not necessary to be limited in the thickness of the profile and the number of air chambers in it: "The thicker the profile, the better the window is, of course."

To argue in this way is tantamount to assert something that a large sledgehammer is much better and more useful than a conventional hammer, because each of these tools has his own purpose. Of course, the number and dimensions of the air chambers of the window profile directly affect the thermal conductivity and sound insulation. But everything should be reasonable and in due measure. An increase in the number of cameras is, inevitably, an increase in the dimensions and weight of the entire window structure, difficulties with its delivery and installation, and a rapid increase in prices. There will be no point in paying extra money for a “super-sophisticated” design, if, according to the climatic conditions of the region, the purpose of the room in which it is planned to install windows, and its location, it is enough to limit itself to no less high-quality in execution, but more “budget” option.

• You can often hear that plastic windows violate the normal ecological balance in an apartment.

Well, firstly, polyvinyl chloride , although and synthetic material, but it is absolutely safe for human and animal health. Suffice it to recall that it is actively used for the manufacture of medical containers and devices, food utensils, water vessels, etc. And secondly, if you look around even with a cursory glance around you, you will definitely see polymer products, from household appliances to furniture. But they “sin” for some reason, only on PVC windows.

• Statements about the increased fire hazard of such windows are untenable.

Yes, of course, PVC is a combustible material, but its thermal decomposition temperature is much higher than that of wood - wooden windows will light up faster. Moreover, if there is no open flame, then PVC is more likely to melt than go into fire. As for the substances released during combustion, they are certainly toxic, but carbon monoxide released during the combustion of wood is no less dangerous.

• The service life of PVC windows is short - another widespread delusion.

Everything depends on the quality of the profiles, double-glazed windows, fittings used for their production, on the professionalism of the assemblers and installers. Agree that an ordinary wooden window, made by a "crooked" carpenter, even from selected materials, will not last long.

If a really high-quality PVC window was chosen, it should be guaranteed for more than a dozen years without losing any performance characteristics. Of course, the owners must follow the rules for its use and regular maintenance.

• You can meet the opinion that plastic windows impoverish the design with their standardized appearance, they can spoil the exterior design of the house or the interior of the premises.

This assertion does not stand up to scrutiny. People who have never been interested in the existing variety of PVC can say so. In reality, you can order a design of the most bizarre forms, with one-sided or two-sided plastic lamination, which will give the window the desired color or an interesting external texture - under noble woods, under metal, etc. In a word, there are more than enough opportunities to fit a window into the intended design.

Options for choosing PVC windows

First of all, for those who do not know this, the general scheme of the plastic window device:

It would seem that everything is simple and obvious, but almost any element of this design requires special attention.

The figure below shows schematically the main criteria for choosing a PVC window model.

Now about each of these parameters - in more detail.

Type and quality of the profile

The very first and closest attention is paid to the design and quality of the profile - all the operational characteristics of the window and its durability depend on it.

• The material of manufacture - it must be high-quality polyvinyl chloride, durable and absolutely inert to any atmospheric influences. The thickness of the outer walls of the profile is at least 3 mm. Some manufacturers practice, in order to reduce the cost of production, the manufacture of profiles with a wall thickness of, for example, 2.7 mm. It would seem insignificant, but the rigidity and wear resistance at the same time deteriorate sharply, and there is no need to talk about the long service life of such windows.

For regions with severe winters, you should choose a profile made of PVC with increased frost resistance. Usually this is indicated by the additional index "M" on the label.

• The number of air chambers - the thermal insulation characteristics of the window largely depend on this parameter.

The number of chambers is calculated according to the width of the profile. If there are horizontal jumpers dividing the cavity into several vertical compartments, then these are not considered additional chambers. The minimum number of cameras allowed by the standards is two, but, as a rule, there are no such products due to their lack of demand. Typically used for residential installations t pex - or five-chamber profiles.

Three-chamber profiles, with a total thickness of about 58 ÷ 60 mm, are certainly much cheaper. It makes sense to buy them if the climate of the region is not characterized by harsh winters, or if the window will be installed, for example, for glazing a loggia or balcony. They are acceptable in the kitchen or on the south side of the building, provided that the house has efficient heating and general thermal insulation.

For the main part of Russia, where January frosts below -20 degrees are considered commonplace, it is better to purchase a high-quality five-chamber profile with a total thickness of over 70 mm - its resistance to heat loss is much higher. True, you will have to pay more for this.

There are other varieties - with four or six chambers, but they are rare and, as a rule, have a specific purpose.

• The presence and type of reinforcing insert. According to existing standards, all profiles longer than 800 mm or having a coating other than white must necessarily have a reinforcing insert. However, leading manufacturers equip all their products with such a structural element. This reinforcement will create the necessary rigidity and stability of the window structure, prevent deformations associated with thermal expansion, which will significantly increase the service life.

As a reinforcing insert, a profile of corrosion resistant galvanized steel with a thickness of about 1.2 - 2 mm. If a thin material is used, for example, 0.5 mm, or if it does not have anti-corrosion protection, then this can be considered a fiction - neither rigidity nor durability can be expected from such a window, and the insert is made only to “blur” the eyes.

The reinforcing insert may have a closed or open profile. Of course, with its closed form, the strength characteristics are much higher. However, this affects the total mass of the window structure and, of course, its cost. It is possible, for small windows, to confine oneself to a profile with high-quality U-shaped reinforcement, however, if the means and installation conditions allow, it is still better to give preference to closed ones.

But if pseudo-reinforcement made of two flat metal inserts placed closer to the edges of the profile, then it is better to refuse this option right away - there will be no resistance to deformation, for example, to bending or twisting.

• The “appearance” of the profile is also of considerable importance. The usual technology for decorating windows is the use of special laminating films, which can be selected from the proposed catalog. At the same time, it is possible to perform one-sided or two-sided lamination, and the outer and inner surfaces can be finished with different textures. .

The design of the shown profiles is the same, the decoration is different

There are profiles dyed in mass at the production stage, when pigment compositions are introduced into the initial mass. Profiles with acrylic coatings applied by co-extrusion are of good quality - an additional protective and decorative layer is obtained, which becomes inseparable from the PVC base component. Another exterior finishing technology is the application of colored acrylic lacquer to a white surface.

• When choosing, the manufacturer of the profiles is very important. It hardly makes sense to contact an unknown or already notorious manufacturer - you can find a lot of examples when such windows disappointed their owners already in the first year of operation. If you have already decided to go for a replacement, then it is better to give your savings for really high-quality products, which are accompanied by manufacturer's warranties.

You can safely purchase REHAU, KBE, VEKA + profiles. Quite trustworthy LG-Chem, MONTBLANC. In the category of premium windows, DIMEX and THYSSEN are traditionally the leaders. Several domestic companies have emerged trying to keep up with foreign manufacturers in terms of quality, for example, SOK (Samara window structures), DI FENCE or PROPLEX. It will never be superfluous to go to the official website of the manufacturer and get acquainted with the features of the product - the raw materials used, the technology, the variety of models provided by the guarantees. Well, when ordering, you should not hesitate to demand documents confirming that the profiles are really a brand, and not a cheap fake.

Prices for a popular line of windows

Choosing a double-glazed window

The area of ​​the glazed area of ​​the window is always many times greater than the space occupied by the plastic profile, so the value of the quality of the double-glazed window cannot be overestimated.

The design of double-glazed windows is, in principle, the same for all models:

1 - glass, at least 4 mm thick.

2 - air chambers formed between the glasses.

3 - distance frames that provide the same distance between the glasses.

4 - drying backfill (silica gel or other material with increased hygroscopicity). The main goal is to maintain optimal humidity conditions in the chambers.

5 - sealing adhesive composition, collecting all the elements into a common structure.

What are the main criteria for choosing a double-glazed window:

• Thickness and quality of glass. Most models use 4 mm thick glass. In the event that the windows face the street with an increased noise level, it makes sense to consider installing external glass with a thickness of 5 or 6 mm. This will significantly increase the soundproofing qualities, since glasses of different thicknesses will never resonate.

Glass must be tempered, having undergone special heat treatment after cutting it into the desired size. At the same time, tempered glass in no way loses its light-transmitting abilities and any other qualities. But on the other hand, firstly, it significantly, by 5 ÷ 6, increases its strength characteristics, resistance to both shocks and bending or compression loads. Secondly, even if accidentally broken, it will crumble into small fragments of almost regular shape without sharp cutting edges.

An even safer option is laminated glass - triplex. They can withstand even a directed blow, resist a burglary attempt, and in case of destruction they do not shatter into fragments. In addition, such glasses are much less susceptible to microvibrations, which means that they dampen sound vibrations more effectively. True, the price of such double-glazed windows is quite high.

There are glasses with internal metal reinforcement. Recently, there has been a growing trend in the popularity of glasses with electromagnetic protection. It can be a metal mesh or conductive film, which are connected to the ground loop. This measure helps to prevent the impact of external electromagnetic radiation, to prevent leakage of information transmitted over radio frequencies.

• The number of chambers and their width.

Double-glazed windows are single- and double-chamber. A single-chamber version is two glasses separated by a certain distance. The total thickness of such a package is in the range from 24 to 30 mm. Usually I choose such a design according to the same principle as the number of cameras in the profile - for the southern regions or for unheated premises.

Two-chamber, respectively, have three glasses and two air or gas layers between them. The thickness of such packages is usually from 32 to 44 mm. Thermal insulation and noise canceling the quality in this option is certainly much higher, so for living quarters it is best to choose it.

Find out and also review the causes and solutions in our new article.

In a two-chamber double-glazed window, various glass layout options are possible. So, they can be of the same thickness and installed at the same distance from each other. To provide increased sound insulation, if necessary, it is better to choose a different scheme - the cameras have different widths (spacers are used, for example, 6 and 16 mm), and the outer glasses are thickened. When passing through such a "pie", sound vibrations are damped most effectively.

• Special energy-saving technologies in the design of double-glazed windows.

In order to significantly improve the thermal performance of double-glazed windows, reduce the cost of heating in winter and air conditioning in summer, special technologies have been developed. First of all, this concerns the application of a film coating on glass or low emission sputtering based on silver ions. Depending on the technology used, there are k-glass i - glasses. The first ones are much easier to manufacture and, accordingly, cheaper. The latter have more impressive energy-saving characteristics, but their production is more difficult, which, of course, is reflected in the price.

Such coatings in winter reflect the heat flow back into the room, preventing it from cooling out through a large window area. At the same time, they prevent the free passage of hard solar radiation into the apartment in the summer, keeping it as cool as possible.

The marking of such double-glazed windows is usually given by a formula indicating the thickness of the glasses, the type of coating (if applied) and the distance between them. For example, the designation "fouri-10- 4 – 10 – 4 i" says that this is a two-chamber double-glazed window, with a glass thickness of 4 mm, a distance between them of 10 mm, and the outer and inner glass, in addition, belong to the i-type.

Even more effective in terms of heat preservation are double-glazed windows that do not have rarefied air, but the injected inert gas (usually argon or krypton). The special molecular structure of these gases significantly reduces the coefficient of thermal conductivity. For example, in comparison with the usual one (with the same other characteristics), a double-glazed window with argon gives a significant increase of 5% to energy saving. And if a combined scheme is used, then this figure is even higher: on a double-glazed window "4 - 16Argon-4i" we can talk about an increase of 10 ÷ 12%. Even more impressive will be the results on double-glazed combined double-glazed windows.

There are glasses with a special sun protection layer, which is especially important in summer for rooms oriented to the south or southwest, especially in regions with a hot climate. True, such glasses usually have reduced and light-transmitting ability.

Scheme of the window and a set of fittings

When the buyer has to decide how he sees it and according to what scheme it should work. Basic principles works are shown in the figure:

The main schemes of the "work" of the window

Schemes can be used both individually and in a certain combination, for example, rotary opening plus folding for ventilation.

You should consider the number, shape and size of all glazed areas. Many owners are often tempted to have one large glazed sheet for the entire opening area. However, it must be taken into account that this is a very heavy load. on fasteners. In addition, the larger the window area, the greater the likelihood of resonant transmission of sound waves, and therefore - lower soundproof quality. It is more expedient to distribute a large area into several sections, separated by imposts.

The correct and easy operation of a window directly depends on the quality of the fittings used in it, and the issue of its choice is of paramount importance. In no case should you purchase products with plastic elements - they do not stand up to criticism, they never have certification and will last for a very short time.

Fittings must be exclusively steel (preferably alloy steel), so that it can withstand several dozen daily cycles of work over the years. At the same time, it must be perfectly fitted, so that any member of the family can easily open or close the window.

The quality of fittings is the key to reliable and long-term operation of the window system

When choosing, you should pay attention to reinforced fittings with anti-burglary characteristics. It has several degrees of security, and the most reliable one can withstand even the impact of a powerful power tool.

If there are young children in the apartment, you should take an interest in locking systems so that the child cannot open the window on his own. These can be removable handles with plugged sockets for them, special hidden push-button latches, swivel function limiters, mortise or overhead locks, etc.

One of the types of "children's" locks - the child will not be able to open the window at a dangerous distance

There are also additional fittings, which, for example, provide a stepwise opening of the window, prevent its arbitrary slamming in a draft, prevent improper closing of handles, etc. The fittings also include all handles, decorative overlays and other items of external decor.

Self-respecting companies involved in the production and installation of plastic windows usually use high-quality fittings from leading European manufacturers. The undisputed leaders in this market segment are MACO, ROTO or SIEGENIA-AUBI.

Video: high-quality fittings for PVC windows

Prices for fittings for pvc windows

PVC window fittings

Seals

Another important criterion for choosing PVC windows. A lot depends on this “frontier” - the maximum possible tightness of the closure, thermal and sound insulation, protection of the fittings from dust and dirt getting into it, which can cause its abrasive wear.

In window systems, one or more (up to three) sealing circuits can be used. Depending on the location, they are external, internal or intermediate. In addition to sealing the moving part, the sealing elements must be located on both sides of the installed double-glazed window.

Seals can have a different cross-sectional profile. They are made of rubber, silicone, special rubber or composite polymer compounds. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, both in terms of reaction to low temperatures, and in terms of resistance to abrasion and deformation loads, cracking, delamination, etc. It is believed that the EPDM composite composition (translated into Russian having the complex name “ ethylene-propylene-thermopolymer-rubber"or EPTK).

How to choose a window installer company

No less, and perhaps even decisive, is the choice of a company that should assemble and install windows. There are a lot of offers for such services, and it is important not to fall for the hook of unscrupulous performers or even amateurs in this matter.

The quality of a window is not only proven materials, but also the professionalism of the craftsmen of the company involved in its assembly and installation.

You should never "buy" at clearly underpriced prices - most often they are offered by one-day firms, and there will be no one to present claims for quality in a year. It should definitely alert if this organization, for example, does not have an office, and all negotiations are conducted only by mobile phone. In this case, as a rule, the contract is proposed to be concluded at the customer's home.

If, during a telephone conversation, you are asked to measure the window opening yourself to place an order, hang up immediately, without getting involved in any discussion, as there is not even a smell of professionalism here.

A reputable company must demonstrate samples of the profiles and double-glazed windows it uses in its office - usually split window models are installed for this. Even a list of questions that a competent manager will ask can say a lot. In order for the window to turn out to be of really high quality and to fully perform its functions, the manufacturer must evaluate a lot of information:

• The series of the house, the material of the walls - most likely, the installers have already had to deal with similar apartments and they have developed the best options.
• Customer's wishes for window configuration. Not all the "whims" of the owner of the apartment can be implemented, and the manager's task is to find a compromise solution, both in terms of "deglazing" and in terms of the operation of the valves.
• Be sure to take into account the direction of the windows to the cardinal points, the location of noisy driveways or vice versa, quiet courtyards. This will make it possible to more accurately determine the number of profile chambers and the type of double-glazed window.
• As a rule, issues on the installation of ebbs and window sills are solved at the same time, sometimes it is immediately planned from PVC. Almost certainly, the installation of a mosquito net, a regular consignment note or a roller shutter type will be offered.
• A serious company will always meet a good customer and make him a significant discount if several windows are purchased and installed at once.
• It is possible that the list of company services also includes innovative solutions, for example, a ventilation system built into the profile.

Only modern, but experienced enterprises can satisfy the listed requirements. One of the leaders in the niche under consideration is the company "Window Factory". Its competitiveness is determined by many clear advantages:

• the presence of own production, which allows maintaining acceptable prices for the company's product and services for customers;
• experience in the field of 14 years;
• warranty customer support for 5 years after the completion of the order;
• friendly customer service system.

In addition to being customer-oriented, the company has strengthened its position as a leader through the production of innovative products, bringing to life completely new, "attentive" windows to the requirements of the customer.

The first technology installed free of charge on products from the "Window Factory" is called SmartBox III. It is represented by a supply valve responsible for climate control, located in the upper part of the window. The valve consists of:

• special curtain, selected according to the wind load;
• adjustable position switch.

Using SmartBoxIII technology, even with the windows closed, you can enjoy fresh air, while:

• without releasing room heat;
• while maintaining sound insulation at the original level.

The appearance of the structure when installing the valves is not disturbed.

The second innovative product of the Window Factory is heat-saving windows.

The thermal effect of the structures is achieved by applying a special pollination to the glass, which, while remaining invisible to the eye, makes significant changes in your life:

• keeping heat 40% more efficient than multifunctional glass and 97% more intense than ordinary double-glazed windows;
• in summer, it reduces the degree of penetration of natural heat from the street, keeping the room cool, while letting in 30% more light;
• in winter, it retains heat inside the apartment, keeping a comfortable temperature on the windowsill, on average + 6 ° C higher than that for a standard double-glazed window;
• reduces the risk of condensation from temperature differences;
• saves money spent on heating without releasing heat, which is especially important for private residential buildings.

If desired, the thermal package can be supplemented with tinting to create a cozy and private atmosphere. For safety-conscious clients, the Window Factory offers the possibility of installing tempered glass.

The PVC profile of double-glazed windows from the "Window Factory" is represented by individual REHAU designs that have passed all stages of quality control. The fittings of the products are represented by the Titan AF line, which provides the following advantages:

• prevents rapid wear of structures;
• provides anti-burglary resistance;
• enhances sound insulation;
• allows you to choose the intensity of ventilation.

By choosing the innovative offers of the Window Factory, you maximize the efficiency of the installed double-glazed window, creating the most comfortable atmosphere at home.

A lot can tell and the impression of the visit of the measurer. It's not even about his appearance and demeanor (although this sometimes creates a certain opinion). If the master limited himself to two or three measurements and spent no more than five minutes on this, most likely, you should refrain from further contacts. A professional approach involves an assessment of at least 10 ÷ 12 parameters, and usually takes even up to half an hour. In no case should you pay money for taking measurements - this service is not paid and, again, it does not oblige the customer to anything yet.

Only when a detailed project is drawn up in the company's office that completely suits the client, with all the drawings and diagrams, a list of materials and an estimate for assembly and installation, you can sign a contract. At the same time, it is imperative to stipulate the maximum allowable terms for the completion of all work, the responsibility of the parties for failure to fulfill obligations, and a number of other important points.

So, you should pay special attention to whether the delivery of windows, lifting them to the floor, dismantling old frames, garbage disposal, and the use of consumables (for example, mounting foam) are included in the estimate payable. Often, inexperienced customers fall into such "traps" of unscrupulous firms, who then, during the installation of the window, face the need for additional costs not specified in the concluded agreement.

And, finally, another video with tips on choosing PVC windows.

Video: how to choose the right plastic window

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This article is about how to choose the right windows for your apartment. It just so happened that the window customer usually completely shifts the function of choosing windows to the seller. My task is to tell you what you should pay attention to when buying, and which factors are not of any importance. Let's get started.

Our goal is to acquire a warm, practical and durable window.

The points

1. What window parameters do we have to choose?

There are several of them:

• frame material. Currently, they are made from metal-plastic (PVC with metal inserts that increase the rigidity of the profile), wood (glued from lamellas and treated with protective compounds) and aluminum;
• Position and number of opening and blind leaves;
• Frame manufacturer and (in the case of metal and metal-plastic products) profile structure;
• Manufacturer and design of window fittings;
• Number of double-glazed chambers;

In this case, the chamber is called the air gap between the panes in a sealed double-glazed window. The number of chambers is one less than the number of glazing threads: a double-glazed window made of two glasses is called single-chamber, with three - two-chamber, and so on.

• In the case of special requirements for double-glazed windows - its functionality. It can be energy saving, sun protection and noise protection.

Material

1. Which frame is better - plastic, wood or aluminum?

With a limited budget - plastic. Why? Here are the arguments in their favor:

• Service life of less than 50 years;
• No special care requirements. The surface of the PVC profile can be safely washed using any cleaning agents, including weak solutions of acids and alkalis. Only abrasive products are undesirable: their frequent use will make the glossy surface of the profile rough and make it get dirty faster;
• The range of permissible operating temperatures is from -60 to +60 degrees, which allows them to be used in any regions of our wide and immense;

Plastic windows perform their functions in any climatic zone of the country - from the Crimea to Yakutia.

• Possibility of painting in any color (including the entire volume of plastic) or pasting with a decorative film (including a textured one that very reliably imitates wood).

Why are competing solutions bad against this background?

Disadvantages of wooden frames:

• High (at least one and a half more expensive than when using PVC) window price even when using cheap softwood. The use of noble breeds increases it at least twice more;

• To wash window frames, you can only use soapy water or special detergents;
• The surface of the frames must be periodically (at least once a year) treated with a protective emulsion, compensating for the evaporation of the protective impregnation.

The choice of an aluminum profile means an unjustified increase in heat loss: aluminum is a metal with high thermal conductivity. Each frame will become a bridge of cold, contributing to the leakage of heat, and in extreme cold it will also be covered with frost (which, at the first thaw, will turn into water dripping onto the floor).

Warm aluminum profiles exist, but they are still the same combination of metal and plastic, only at a higher price than PVC frames.

sashes

1. How to choose a window design - the position of deaf and opening sashes ?

I would formulate my experience with plastic windows of different designs as follows:

• The blind sash at the top of the window is very inconvenient even with its considerable height: it is difficult to wash it from the outside. Much more practical opening sash in the entire height of the window opening. An exception is a window so high that the lock handle located in its middle will be at a height inaccessible to the owner;

• It is highly undesirable to increase the width of the opening sash over 70 - 75 centimeters. It will begin to sag under its own weight;
• A window with a width of more than 1.5 - 1.6 meters should be made tricuspid. In this case, the opening sash should be located in the middle, between two deaf ones. An alternative solution is two opening sashes along the edges of the opening.

This configuration of the sashes will again help wash the glass from the outside without the risk of falling out of the window.

Profiles

1. Which plastic windows are better to choose according to the type of profile?

The main advice when choosing windows for cold regions is to look at the width of the profile. It can be equal to 60, 70 and 90 mm.

The greater the width, the less heat will be lost through the frames.

The most affordable are 60 mm profiles; on the other hand, in the 70 mm category, only high-quality products from eminent manufacturers are offered.

1. What affects the number of air chambers inside the profile?

On the thermal conductivity of frames and sashes. More chambers means less heat loss. The mechanism for reducing losses is quite obvious: inter-chamber baffles limit air convection inside the frame, which transfers thermal energy between the outer walls of the profile.

1. Who produces the highest quality plastic window profiles?

The Germans are Rehau, Veka and KBE. All these manufacturers have their own factories for the production of profiles in Russia, so they can offer a competitive price for their products.

However

Perhaps this statement looks seditious, but with the same width and number of air chambers, products from different manufacturers (including profiles of famous German companies and inexpensive products from Russian and Chinese brands) differ little in terms of performance.

The fact is that all products entering the domestic Russian market undergo mandatory certification. It eliminates the inconsistency of the profile with environmental requirements or low resistance to ultraviolet radiation.

German profiles have only one important difference from competing products - greater rigidity in relation to bending loads due to the greater thickness of the metal embedded part. However, stiffness is important mainly with a large window area and significant wind loads, and even then it is rather limited.

Let me give you my own glazing as an example. Two panoramic windows with an area of ​​13 square meters each are assembled on an inexpensive Chinese-made Hauteck profile. The glazing endures the strongest winter winds typical for seaside areas without any excesses.

accessories

Manufacturer

1. What you need to know when choosing accessories? Which products are worth looking at? ?

Here, on the contrary, the manufacturer is very important: during the operation of windows, the fittings experience significant loads, therefore, the duration of the trouble-free operation of the window as a whole depends on the thoughtfulness of its design and the quality of the metal.

Here are four manufacturers that have earned themselves an impeccable reputation in this market sector:

• Siegenia-Aubi;

• Roto;
• Maco;
• Winkhaus.

As a rule, window sellers themselves offer to include fittings from one of the manufacturers I have listed in the window package. It is understandable: why do they need unnecessary problems with dissatisfied customers?

Functions

1. How to choose fittings according to functionality ?

Here is what I consider to be a reasonable minimum feature set:

• Blocker of erroneous actions. It does not allow you to turn the handle of the open sash, completely releasing its upper edge from the loop;
• Transom mode (folding the sash towards itself). The hinged sash will allow you to ventilate the room in windy and rainy weather without flooding the window sill with rainwater;

• Micro-ventilation mode - fixing the folded-back sash in intermediate positions. Installing airtight plastic windows instead of wooden ones for an apartment means a violation of the well-thought-out ventilation system of rooms through the windows: it continues to work through the ventilation ducts, and the inflow completely stops.

As a result, an increase in humidity leads to the appearance of condensation on glass, frames and slopes, and after it - to black spots of fungus. Micro-ventilation provides a constant dosed supply of fresh air without the risk of cold drafts: the cold flow is mixed with the warm air rising from the heater under the window;

If the windows are already installed, micro-ventilation can provide installation on the frame and sash of the window retainer. This product costs 100 - 200 rubles; You can screw it to the window in 5-10 minutes.

• With a significant width of the sash, a microlift is very useful - a simple device that raises its edge when closed;

• The sash must be fixed not only with a central lock, but also with pressure rollers at the top and bottom. Otherwise, the top and bottom of the sash will inevitably move away from the frame, leaving gaps in the seal for cold air from the street;
• In cold regions, another instruction for choosing fittings is important: its pressure rollers must have summer-winter modes. Turning the oval roller changes the sash pressure: in winter it is pressed more strongly, which compensates for the decrease in the linear dimensions of the profile during cooling, in summer it is weaker, which eliminates the deformation of the seal.

Turning the roller - eccentric allows you to adjust the sash clamp.

double glazing

Number of cameras

1. Which plastic windows to choose according to the type of double-glazed window - single-chamber, two-chamber or three-chamber ?

It all depends on the climate zone.

In warm regions (Crimea, Kaliningrad, Volgograd and Krasnodar regions), single-chamber double-glazed windows are most in demand.

In areas with a temperate and moderately cold climate (the center of the country, the near Trans-Urals and most of the Far East), windows with double-glazed windows predominate in the assortment of sellers.

In the Far North (primarily in Yakutia and Chukotka), three-chamber (4 threads) glazing prevails.

energy saving

1. What is energy-saving double-glazed window?

One of the glasses in its composition has a metallic coating (a multilayer coating based on silver and titanium oxides only a few molecules thick), which has limited transparency in the infrared spectrum. At the same time, glass transmits up to 90% of visible light.

What does it give?

In winter, when the temperature in the apartment is higher than outside, the coating reflects infrared rays towards the heated room, reducing heat loss. In the summer, energy-saving glass filters sunlight, filtering out the thermal part of the spectrum, and reduces the heating of rooms on the sunny side.

As a filling of an energy-saving double-glazed window, not air is often used, but an inert gas (most often inexpensive argon plays this role). Due to its lower thermal conductivity and higher viscosity compared to air, it further reduces heat loss due to convection.

It is useful for a potential buyer to know a few interesting facts, one way or another related to energy-saving double-glazed windows.

• The market offers two types of energy-saving glass: hard-coated k-glass is obtained by depositing a metal layer on a hot substrate, and i-glass with a soft layer is produced by the emission of metal molecules in a vacuum onto a cold surface. I-glass is more translucent with less permeability to infrared radiation, but its coating is very unstable in relation to mechanical stress;

On the left is an open balcony door, on the right is an energy-saving double-glazed window. As you can easily see, it almost does not darken the field of view.

This problem is solved extremely simply: even at the stage of assembling a double-glazed window, i-glass is mounted by spraying inside.

• The sputtering of k-glass is strong enough to be used for single strand glazing;
• A single-chamber energy-saving double-glazed window is a quarter warmer compared to a two-chamber package with plain glass and 40% warmer than a conventional single-chamber one. At the same time, the cost of a single-chamber energy-saving and two-chamber conventional packages are approximately equal, and the weight of the first of them is one and a half times less, which reduces the load on the profile and increases the service life of the fittings;
• A double-glazed window, including two i-glasses, in terms of the quality of thermal insulation, approximately corresponds to a brickwork of 70 centimeters. At the same time, the second i-glass in the package increases its heat-insulating qualities by only 2-3%;

• Argon in an energy-saving package increases its thermal efficiency by 8 - 12%, and in a regular one - by only 4;
• During the year, due to the molecular diffusion of argon, up to 3% of its total volume is lost through the sealant;
• It is impossible to determine the presence of argon in double-glazed windows by eye: you will have to rely entirely on the honesty of the seller. But I-glass is easy to recognize by looking at the reflection in the glass of the spark of a match or lighter: the metal coating shifts the reflected image to the red part of the spectrum;
• Due to the lower penetration to IR rays, i-glass heats up five to seven degrees more than usual. Therefore, to reduce heat loss in winter, a double-glazed window should be installed with this glass inside, and to reduce the heating of the room in the summer months - outside.

In my attic (let me remind you - with a total window area of ​​​​26 m2 with a room area of ​​​​60 m2) single-chamber packages with one i-glass are installed. Climatic zone - Crimea, Sevastopol. The average January temperature is +3, the minimum winter temperature observed by me is -20C.

Two facts speak about the effectiveness of energy-saving glazing functions:

• The flooring opposite the open balcony door, brightly lit by the sun, heats up several degrees more than the adjacent floor area, illuminated through the glazing;
• At -20 on the street, 4.1 kilowatts of thermal power (28.47 watts per cubic meter) is enough to maintain a comfortable +20 in the attic, which is noticeably less than the calculated value for heating systems of modern houses with insulated facades.

The photo clearly shows the thermal power of the inverter air conditioner - the only source of heat in the attic.

Light protection

1. How is a light-protective double-glazed window arranged?

Partial permeability in the visible part of the spectrum is provided by a method already familiar to us - deposition of a metal coating with a thickness of a few nanometers. Glass can have a translucency in the range from 30 to 70% and have an arbitrary color - blue, green, gray, brown, and so on.

The main function of light protection is to reduce the insolation of the room on the south side of the house. However, in addition, the owner also receives protection from immodest looks from the street: the coating has a metallic sheen and, thanks to the mirror effect, does not allow the interior of the room to be seen from the outside as long as the street lighting is brighter than the internal one.

Light-protective and energy-saving glass can be combined into one double-glazed window. This solution is popular in the south of the country.

Noise protection

1. How to choose the right plastic windows facing a busy street ?

The main problem for you will be the noise from the street. The solution is a two- or three-chamber noise-protective double-glazed window. Noise protection is provided by two factors:

• Different glass thicknesses (typically 4 and 6 mm);
• Different widths of spacers that form air chambers between the panes.

It is also possible to combine any types of glass into a noise-protective double-glazed window - ordinary, light-protective and energy-saving.

Finish with a file after assembly

1. What to do if you have already installed windows that do not suit you with their functionality?

Here is a list of typical problems with inexpensive windows that are installed by builders or offered by dealers in the lower price category:

• Lack of tightness due to the lack of pressure rollers. It is treated by replacing a set of accessories. The replacement itself costs up to 1000 rubles per window. The cost of fittings is quite predictably determined by its manufacturer and functionality;

• Lack of tightness due to deformation of the seal. It is eliminated by replacing the seal on the frame and the opening sash. The sealant is welded to the profile only in the corners and is usually easily removed from the groove with your own hands, and a blunt steel spatula can be used to install new insulation;

• The absence of a micro-ventilation system is compensated by the installation of the window retainer or supply valve already mentioned by me;

There is an easier way to organize ventilation: just cut a couple of pieces of insulation 3-5 centimeters each on the frame and sash. On the frame, it is cut out from below, and on the sash from above: then all the dust from the street will not be transferred by the supply air to the living room, but will settle between the frames.

• It is not difficult to turn a double-glazed window into an energy-saving or sun-protection unit by sticking a film with the appropriate functionality on the glass. Glass is washed clean and abundantly moistened with water with the addition of liquid soap or baby shampoo. Then the film with the liner removed, cut to fit the glass, is pressed against it and smoothed out from the center to the periphery with a rubber spatula or a plastic card.

A double-glazed window with a glued film will look neater if it is removed from the frame before the sticker. To dismantle it, it is enough to remove the glazing beads around the perimeter of the glass by prying them with a knife or a steel spatula. When installing, the glazing beads are pressed into the frame and achieved with a rubber mallet.

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 an ignorant buyer. To choose plastic windows, you need to pay attention to every detail of the structure - the profile, double-glazed windows, seals and fittings - and listen to the opinion of experts.

How to choose the right profile

Speaking about the profile, they often draw an analogy with the skeleton of a window. This complex structure made of plastic and metal has several cavities - chambers - separated by airtight partitions. Their number affects the strength of the window, the ability to retain heat. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is used for the manufacture of window profiles.

Reasons for using this type of plastic:

• ability to withstand adverse 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.

After examining the plastic, you can determine how well the window frame will serve. Qualitative PVC - absolutely smooth, monolithic, homogeneous material. The presence of spots, 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 outer walls from 2.5 mm, internal - from 2 mm, windows from it are less adapted to loads.
• Profile C - called object, used in rooms without heating. These windows often do not have opening sashes. The wall thickness is not standardized, but usually it is 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 a temperate climate, where the temperature in winter does not fall 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 heat indoors even in the most severe frosts. They are also chosen for windows that face a busy road, due to their 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.

It is interesting! The thermal conductivity of a profile with 7–8 chambers is lower than for products with a smaller number of chambers: numerous baffles negate the insulating properties of the air in the chambers. And a wide profile with a small number of chambers will retain heat better than a narrow multi-chamber one.

External chambers, thanks to special holes, also serve as condensate drains. They do not affect the quality of thermal insulation, they do not spoil the aesthetic appearance of the structure. On the contrary, the absence of technological holes indicates a low quality: such a window will last less than the standard period.

Recently, window structures 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 at 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. Large thickness allows the use of more durable fittings, additional soundproofing and insulation contours, thick double-glazed windows.

Read about which windows are better, plastic or wooden.

Informative video about the secrets of choosing a PVC profile:

Expert tip: for the middle lane, a 3-chamber profile is more than enough. It makes no sense to overpay for multi-chamber products that are positioned as warmer: you will not notice the difference. It is better to choose a class A profile, class C in residential premises is unacceptable. And you should always remember that the quality of the assembly and installation of the window is more important than the profile parameters.

We deal with double-glazed windows: the type and number of glasses, marking, distance frame

A double-glazed window compared to traditional window glass is a complex design. This is a block of glass, hermetically bonded to each other. The space between two sheets of glass is called the chamber. It should not be confused with those included in the profile.

What determines the heat and sound insulation of a double-glazed window

The ability to retain heat and keep out noise depends on:

• From the thickness of the double-glazed window. For a house, an apartment, a double-glazed window with a thickness of 32–44 mm is suitable.
• From the number of cameras. Usually a double-glazed window consists of 3 glasses and 2 chambers between them. For harsh climates or houses located in places with high noise levels, three- and four-chamber packages are produced. Single-chamber are suitable for arranging balconies, loggias, gazebos.

• From the width of each double-glazed chamber. The larger it is, the better the insulation characteristics. However, after 24 mm, an increase in thickness no longer improves the positive properties of the product.

• From filling the chambers. An inert gas pumped between the panes reduces heat loss, protects against noise and ultraviolet radiation. Argon retains 50% more heat compared to air, krypton - 2 times more than argon.

• from glass thickness. If you put 5 or 6 mm outer glass in a window facing a busy street instead of the standard 4 mm, the sound insulation will increase, but not significantly. Glasses of different thickness will not resonate with each other.

• From the type of glass. It makes sense to choose a material more expensive, but with additional useful properties. Reflecting infrared rays, low-emission glass keeps the house warm in winter and cool in summer.

Advice from Mr. Build. Sometimes it makes no sense to spend money on extra glass: you can put single-chamber double-glazed windows on the external block of the balcony, and the internal block 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 put single-chamber packages on the balcony, the total cost will drop to 71,250 rubles.

Glass types

To obtain low-emissivity glass, a thin metal film is deposited onto it.

• K-coating - a film of tin, reduces heat loss by 25% in a single-chamber double-glazed window.
• I-coating (i) - a layer of rare earth metals, retains more than 30% of heat. It is installed only from the side of the room, the coating is turned inside the chamber, since it is unstable to mechanical damage. Often labeled E-low.

Due to such glasses, a single-chamber double-glazed window approaches the thermal insulation properties of a two-chamber one and can even exceed them.

If you listen to the recommendations of experts in the field of energy saving, then the best choice in terms of heat preservation will be a double-glazed window filled with an inert gas and having one glass with a special coating. Thermal packages will help save on heating in winter and on electricity due to less frequent use of air conditioning in summer.

Consider an example. Ordinary 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 had installed thermal packages, he would have paid 180,000 rubles for them. But at the same time, heating costs would decrease to 4,800 rubles. per month, and for air conditioning - up to 420 rubles. It turns out that thermal packages pay off in two years, and then they bring benefits.

It is practically impossible to break glass laminated with triplex. Glasses reinforced with special metal or polymer meshes have the same quality.

INTERESTING FACTS!

• Energy-saving i-glass was invented quite by accident. Japanese scientists have been doing research into the development of protective equipment against radiation and found that some metals applied to glass reflect heat. At first, this technology was used in space development, and now it is also 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 a plastic window, the outer wall of the profile becomes thinner by 0.75 mm. Not a single version explaining this fact has yet been recognized as sufficiently reliable.
• Laminated triplex 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 pieces. And the reason for this was a mixture of cellulose nitrate, which solidified on the walls of a burst flask and created a layer that prevented the glass from disintegrating.

Insulating glass labeling, tables

The structure of a double-glazed window can be understood by the marking, which indicates 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 stands for:

• double glazing;
• glass thickness - 4 mm;
• the distance between them is 12 mm;
• inner glass I-type;
• the chambers are filled with argon.

The following tables will help you choose the ratio of the parameters of double-glazed windows.

The frame between the glasses sets the distance between them, which ranges from 6 to 24 mm. They make frames from aluminum, steel, plastic. Stainless steel or plastic spacers conduct heat to a lesser extent and prevent cold bridges from forming, 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 a perforation on the surface.

Rules for choosing double-glazed windows

To choose reliable double-glazed windows, you need:

1. Make sure that there is a marking with the manufacturer's logo, date of issue and information about the components. Her absence is a cause for serious suspicion.
2. Inspect glass for chips and cracks.
3. Check the quality of the seal. There should be no traces of liquid sealant along the bar that regulates the distance between the panes. The outer layer of the product should look even and neat. Sagging, cracks indicate the unreliable quality of the package.
4. Using a tape measure, determine the accuracy of the geometry. The difference in measurements along the diagonals (more than 3 mm) proves that the parameters of the double-glazed window do not meet the standards. The thickness of the package, which is measured with a caliper, cannot differ from the declared one by more than 1 mm.
5. Measure the offset of the glass planes with a square. A deviation greater than 1 mm indicates non-compliance with the standards.
6. Determine the transparency of the glasses, the presence of water and steam in the chamber.

Decorative and functional elements

To give the window a more sophisticated look, so-called shims are used (see photo).

They can vary in color, thickness, be located between the glasses or on top of them.

A convenient addition to the window design can be built-in blinds. It is located directly in the double-glazed window chamber, and is 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 double-glazed window is warmer?

This table shows how the level of thermal insulation of a double-glazed window increases with an increase in the number of glasses and the thickness of the chambers:

Double glazing formula	Reduced heat transfer resistance coefficient, m 2 × ° С / 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: in terms of heat saving, a single double-glazed window with I-glass is superior to a conventional two-chamber 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 central Russia:

• Minimum parameters: double-glazed window 4-10-4-10-4. This is a generally accepted standard with good sound and heat insulation characteristics.

Tip: 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 significantly better than the standard two-chamber version (see table below).

• Optimal parameters: double-glazed window 4-16Ar-4-14Ar-I4. It has all the necessary additions: wide chambers of different thicknesses for better noise protection, argon filling, energy-saving glass.

Expert tip: Seal life can be extended by regularly (twice a year in the off-season) cleaning and lubricating with silicone oil or glycerin.

What accessories to choose?

Fittings for heavy, constantly opening and closing windows must be durable and reliable. Otherwise, the handles will break, and the doors will sag and seize. The brands Winkhaus, Siegenia Aubi, Roto, G-U, Maco have earned the trust. For the manufacture of fittings, high-grade steel with an anti-corrosion coating is used. Polymers are allowed only for plugs, decorative covers.

The best fittings are those that can withstand 50-60 thousand cycles and have a 10-year warranty. The cycle is 4 actions: opening for ventilation, closing, swing opening with subsequent closing.

When buying, you should choose adjustable fittings that will allow you to open the sash as far as you need, and special stoppers will prevent involuntary slamming. Owners of private houses, apartments on the ground floor, cottages prefer windows with anti-burglary devices that will prevent intruders from entering. Optionally, accessories are supplemented with details that provide:

• slot ventilation;
• turn restriction;
• functioning of the microlift:
• sash tilt in several positions;
• child access restriction and other functions.

Expert Tip: Only choose hardware with the features you need. Make sure that the extras you pay a lot of money for (high-quality European fittings are expensive) are really what you need. For example, anti-burglary devices are unlikely to be useful on upper floors.

Choose the way to open

Window designs differ on this basis:

• Deaf - are placed in rooms that do not need ventilation, or are combined with opening doors.
• Rotary - allow the doors to open in one direction.
• Tilt and turn - have two ways of opening: they turn inside the room, and can also recline, which is important when there is a small child in the apartment or the window sill is full of flowers. This is a rational option for a kitchen that requires regular air exchange. With a combination of folding and swivel mechanisms, it is convenient to ventilate the room at any time of the year.

Expert tip: In a wide window, there is no need to make all the sashes open. The price of such a window will be unreasonably high. Usually one moving element is sufficient.

Consider an example of balcony glazing. A tilt-and-turn door costs 12,500 rubles, a tilt-and-turn door costs 11,200 rubles, a pivot window costs 10,750 rubles, and a blind window costs 5,900 rubles. If the inner window and two outer ones are swivel, and two more outer ones are tilt-and-turn, you will have to pay 67,150 rubles for everything. And if you make the inner window and three outer ones deaf, and only one outer one - tilt-and-turn, full balcony glazing will cost much less - only 44,900 rubles.

Which manufacturer of plastic windows is better?

Competition and strict control in the window market forced out frank marriage. But experts unanimously lean towards large manufacturers. They have equipment that is not available to smaller companies, so the products are of higher quality. Specialists have learned to cope with unwanted linear expansion of PVC, low coefficient of elasticity, improve resistance to temperature changes. Additives and stabilizers for these purposes are strictly controlled and do not harm health.

Which firm to choose?

List of the best window profile manufacturers based on ratings and reviews.

Veka

Leads in the number of sales, in all ratings in the top three. The technical base allowed the company to finally stop the production of low-grade products, only class A profiles are produced. Window models are diverse, durable, known for their reliable noise and heat insulation, tightness, equipped with a rubber seal that is not afraid of frost. Disadvantage - expensive.

KBE

The company uses environmentally friendly plastic, the windows are durable, with good 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

Products are distinguished by environmental friendliness, a wide range, durability, sound and heat insulation that meets the requirements of the time, and frost resistance. Disadvantages: reduced leaf height, higher cost than other brands.

We recommend that you pay attention to Rehau windows from the BLITZ New profile with an installation depth of 60 mm. This is an energy-saving, affordable and high-quality solution. Three-chamber profile, with the possibility of installing double-glazed windows up to 32 mm. Retains 30 times more heat than wooden Soviet frames. Noise reduction up to 40 Rw dB and great looks.

High-strength sealed profiles for all climatic conditions from perfectly white plastic. All 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

Windows of different types, attractive, inexpensive. Durable, adapted to the Russian weather. Disadvantages: no quality management certificate, rather weak fittings, a chemical smell emanates from the sealant.

LG Chem

The combination of decent heat and noise insulation characteristics and professional design. Glossy plastic, reasonable quality-price ratio. A relative disadvantage is the recent entry into the market of the central part of the country, which affects its popularity.

Trocal

The windows have a deformation-resistant design, designer finds and a large selection of reliable and hermetic models attract buyers. Disadvantages: heavy profile, built-in blinds break after several years of operation.

Russian windows

Russian plastic windows are cheaper than foreign ones. But this does not mean low quality. Usually domestic manufacturers use German technology. The cost is more affordable due to cheap energy resources and labor. This should also be remembered when choosing.

For example, the Russian company Kaleva works according to a full cycle scheme: from the moment of designing a window to installation in place. This is an infrequent case. For more than 20 years, the Panorama company from St. Petersburg has been operating on the plastic window market. Its PVC profiles are distinguished by quality, the right balance of rigidity, reliable insulation, and aesthetic appearance.

What profile for plastic windows did you choose?

In this article we will try to deal with a frequently asked question - Which windows are better? How do windows from different manufacturers differ? (KBE, Rehau, Montblanc and many others). To answer this question, you need to know what a modern window generally consists of.

Conventionally, the window can be divided into three main components:

• PVC profile;
• double-glazed window;
• accessories.

About each in order.

Important! The purpose of this article is to provide information for the average user and in no case is it an analysis of the technical characteristics and other properties described below!

So, PVC profile.

On the Russian market, including in the Moscow region, you can find a large variety of PVC systems. This refers to both the manufacturer and its intended use. It should be noted that the manufacturer of the PVC profile is not the manufacturer of the final product, that is, the window as such, this is the task of processing companies, which, by machining on the appropriate equipment, bringing together all the components of the window, will produce the structure according to the given dimensions. That is why you should not stop your choice only on a sticker with a brand. You just need to figure out which series from the line of this system would be appropriate to apply in your particular case. What are we talking about here?! For the consumer, everything is extremely simple.

Most manufacturers of PVC profiles are divided into series with the following differences:

1. Profile width(most of them are 58, 60 and 70 mm., and there are also 74, 76, 82, 86 ... but much less often).

2. Number of cameras. Inside the profile itself there are plastic partitions that divide it vertically into several parts, called chambers, thereby creating a natural barrier to through freezing of the plastic frame. And the more chambers, the less heat loss, respectively, warmer! Usually the number of chambers in a profile is 3 or 5, but there are also 4 or 6 chambers. Not to be confused with the number of cameras in a double-glazed window! More on that below.

3. Design. In this part, each manufacturer is free to implement their own ideas in order to interest the client. Most often, this affects such a profile element as a glazing bead, designed to fix a double-glazed window in a frame. The glazing bead may have a rounded, straight, figured or beveled shape. Also, the differences affect the parts of the frame itself and the sash, which is most often purely decorative and serves only to please the individuality of any profile system.

4. Seal. One of the most important parts of the window related to the profile itself. It is very important to pay attention to the quality of the seal, because it will depend on it how long your window will remain sealed. A good seal is made of high-quality material that retains its elasticity for a long time. Perhaps, elasticity is the most important property for a sealant, which the customer himself should contribute to. Let's explain. By annual lubrication with a special composition, the owner is able to extend the life of the seal, thereby protecting himself from premature costs of replacing it in case of damage (drying).

5. Reinforcement. It certainly does not apply to the manufacturer of the PVC profile, but since this is the most hidden part of the window, you should know what to look for when choosing a contractor. Not everyone knows, but a steel profile is installed inside the PVC profile in the finished product, hence the common name "Metal-plastic windows". Its purpose is to give the window sufficient strength to withstand its own and wind loads, as well as to maintain the window geometry during temperature fluctuations. In this part, it will be enough for the consumer to pay attention to the thickness of the metal used in the manufacture of the translucent product, which should be 1.5 mm. This thickness of the reinforcing profile is quite enough for the window to perform its functions.

Types and purpose of double-glazed windows

A double-glazed window is a composition of two or more glasses located parallel to each other, interconnected through a spacer frame, and glued around the perimeter with a special sealant. A double-glazed window occupies most of the window area, respectively, the main heat loss occurs through it. That is why double-glazed windows should be given special attention.

There are the following types of double-glazed windows:

• soundproof;
• energy saving;
• armored;
• decorated.

In fact, all these types of double-glazed windows are very similar in their basis, but with small additions in each of them. So, for example, to achieve better sound insulation, a double-glazed window must be used without fail, which implies the presence of 3 glasses. Usually, each of them is 4 mm, and if necessary, one of the glasses is set with a thickness of 6 mm. It is also customary to divide glass in a double-glazed window with spacers of different widths. Such measures will help to significantly reduce the noise flow from the street.

For the best savings of heat in winter and coolness in summer indoors, the following measures are taken:

• The distance between the glasses is filled with gas (Argon or Krypton), and a transparent layer of metal oxides is applied to the glass surface. Since metal is a poorer conductor of heat than glass, some of the heat is trapped and reflected back into the house.
• Glass tinting, or colored glass in bulk, is also successfully used.
• It is possible to reduce heat loss by using a spacer frame made of composite materials.

Reservation double-glazed window is achieved through the use of various films that are glued to the inside of the double-glazed window. Triplex glass can be used. Here, one of the glasses is usually tempered and is in a state glued through the film with another glass. This method allows you to achieve good results in terms of the safety of the double-glazed window, since it becomes much more difficult to break it.

Decor or the decoration of the double-glazed window is performed in a variety of ways. Here we can cite the following as an example: painting, pasting or applying a stained glass pattern. A separate type of double-glazed window decor can be called the installation of screeds (layouts) in the inter-glass space. All these methods are designed to visually highlight the window opening and emphasize the architecture of the building.

Now let's figure out what window fittings are and what you should pay special attention to here!

The main task of window fittings is to ensure reliable, uninterrupted and comfortable operation of all opening window elements. That is why the accessories must be made of high quality material. For its production, only steel is used.

There is only one control element in the window - this is the handle. By turning it, we activate the entire mechanism, opening or closing the window sash, and without really thinking about what is happening at that moment. Due to what is the tight clamping of the sash to the frame? How does slot and position ventilation work? In order not to climb into the technological jungle, we will go the other way. Obviously, the consumer most likely will not be able to figure out how good this or that fitting is, which is why it would be appropriate to recommend choosing the most famous manufacturers. These include companies such as:

• ROTO;
• MACO;
• Siegenia;

By choosing these manufacturers, you will be sure that the window will remain operational even in extreme conditions, with the most unexpected temperature changes. It should be noted here that regardless of the manufacturer, in order to increase the period of trouble-free operation of fittings, the owner must from time to time carry out maintenance of moving elements. Usually, window installation specialists talk about this during the commissioning of the facility. After all, this is the most opportune moment to demonstrate the principle of operation of fittings and give recommendations on window care in general.

What you need to remember about quality fittings:

• made of steel;
• the handle is not plastic, but all-metal, painted;
• must be regulated;
• the presence of a logo or name on the product.

For the choice of fittings for windows, it is better, of course, to seek advice from trusted and conscientious performers, where, after listening to your needs, they will offer you the best option. For example: if your apartment is located on the first or second floor, or maybe you choose glazing for a country house (dacha), then you need to think about increasing the level of burglary resistance of windows. If you have small children, then it will not be superfluous to control the possibility of opening windows in your absence. You should be told about these and many other functions of the fittings during the consultation.

Remember! The correct and comfortable operation of the window directly depends on the fittings. Therefore, the four manufacturers listed above will save you from unexpected problems, and will be a reliable component of your window.

On this we can sum up and say that the window is different to the window. And when you hear from people: "But my window cost 15 thousand rubles!", the other will say that he "- Everything cost 30 thousand rubles!" you must understand, most likely, the difference is not in the appetites of manufacturing companies, but in those three main components of the window that were chosen by the customer for their object. We agree that cheap is not always bad and expensive does not always mean good, but armed with all of the above, you can always find the best solution for your home, in which we wish you success and will be happy to help you make the right choice!

The period when the Russian consumer sought to quickly replace the "carpentry" in the windows with plastic is a thing of the past. With him, the minimum requirements for PVC windows also went into oblivion: to be beautiful and not see through from all the cracks. Today, many customers conduct the choice of plastic windows thoroughly, according to many criteria, but not all. We'll talk about this.

When choosing windows, the consumer pays attention primarily to its cost, methods of opening/closing, the complexity of maintaining the glass and frame - other criteria fade into the background. In fact, such an approach threatens in the future with significant troubles during operation. After all, the window is the most important structural element of the house. It should:

• Protect the premises from the effects of natural phenomena: rain, snow, hail, heat, frost, wind;
• Ensure that sunlight (daylight) enters the room, which imposes certain requirements on the size of the window and the quality characteristics of the double-glazed window. So, too small window openings lead to blackout, and too large ones contribute to overheating of the room in hot sunny weather (in winter it can be the opposite, cool);
• Retain moisture, in any quantity, from the side of the street and do not let it in. Water is the enemy of both an apartment and a private wooden house, since indoor dampness is an excellent breeding ground for mold and fungus. In order for a window to hold water even during a flood on the street, it must be chosen correctly - the slightest mistake can lead to significant financial losses;
• It is good to dampen sound waves coming from outside. Little attention is paid to this function, and it is the key to the health of all family members. Well audible sounds of the city are carried throughout the apartment, which negatively affects the psycho-emotional state of both adults and children. Irritability, lethargy appear, efficiency decreases, other health problems arise;
• Keep out the dust and pollen of flowering trees, which is important for allergy sufferers;
• To promote the flow of fresh air into the room, while constantly, without a ventilation mode. In modern windows, designers have provided a ventilation valve that allows the room to breathe even when the window is closed. This solution makes it possible not to ventilate the room in severe frosts, saving heat;
• Protect the owners from the penetration of uninvited guests through the window opening. It only at first glance seems that plastic windows are fragile. In fact, special designs of frames and fittings make it possible to do this without difficulty. Therefore, owners of individual houses and apartments on the ground floors need to install anti-burglary windows. The same advice is necessary for the owners of a balcony or loggia.

From the above functions it can be seen that when choosing a metal-plastic window, attention must be paid to many of its elements. Practice shows that many consumers are poorly oriented in the design of the eurowindow. The problem is aggravated by the abundance of manufacturers with many models that have different characteristics of each design detail.

At the same time, external similarity is not a guarantee that the windows have identical quality and performance characteristics. Therefore, before signing the contract, it is necessary to clearly understand what the window gives the owners: comfort and coziness or a headache.

General design of a plastic window

To navigate in the terms that will be discussed below, consider what elements the window consists of:

• The frame is a supporting structure made of polyvinyl chloride, reinforced with a metal plate. Hollow inside to reduce weight, with PVC baffles to create rigidity;
• Sash - a frame made of plastic for installing a double-glazed window;
• A double-glazed window is a hermetic construction of several glasses;
• Bead - a plastic strip for fastening a double-glazed window to the sash profile from the side of the room;
• Fittings - a set of parts that hold the sash on the frame, allowing it to be opened, closed, and also fixed in certain positions;
• Sealant - an elastic strip of elastic material for sealing the double-glazed window and fitting the sash to the frame;
• Impost - a plastic support for sashes, placed vertically. It can also be a reinforcement for glass if it is of a large area. Here, different installation options are possible: vertical, horizontal, cruciform;
• Amplifiers - a metal supporting structure inside a plastic profile. Hinges, valves and other fittings are placed on it.

Characteristics on which it is necessary to choose windows

Many customers believe that there is nothing complicated about how to choose the right plastic windows for an apartment. It is difficult to agree with this. So, with an arbitrary order for determining the characteristics of a window, a situation often arises when the required double-glazed window for the room does not fit under the selected profile - there is not enough mounting width. You have to start all over again.

Therefore, it is necessary to choose windows in a certain sequence and for each room separately.

1. The type of window is determined (rectangular, with an arch, one, two or three wings, etc.).
2. The ways of opening the doors in each room are selected.
3. A double-glazed window is selected, depending on where the windows face: street or courtyard, north or south, according to the following indicators: the number of cameras; glass thickness; the width of the structure as a whole and the chambers separately; glass type.
4. Under the double-glazed window, the installation width of the profile is calculated.
5. Selected, in no particular order: profile; seals; accessories.
6. The design of the window is selected (the color of the plastic profile).
7. According to the price factor and the formed requirements for the window, the manufacturer is selected.

window view

Many customers do not think about what windows are. But they can be chosen both in shape and in the number of wings.

By form. Modern technologies make it possible to produce plastic windows of any design, which allows architects and designers to give an apartment or a private house an exquisite look that fits perfectly into the facade of the building or the interior of the room. The standard rectangular shapes were replaced by triangular, trapezoidal, round and arched ones. In addition, windows of the original form are increasingly being installed.

Triangular. A window in the form of a triangle is mainly used in country houses and cottages in the attic space, regardless of whether it is a residential or non-residential building, it gives the building a finished and very beautiful appearance.

Recently, designers are increasingly using such a window design when decorating a room in the high-tech style. There are attempts, and successful ones, to fit triangular windows into the “classics”.

However, there is one pitfall here - they are an order of magnitude higher than rectangular windows.

Round. A round porthole window is very rare and not because of the price - it is almost at the level of a rectangular window. Difficulties arise when choosing a room in which they can be placed. The original architectural solution in private buildings is still found in the bathroom, located in the attic room and in a number of hotels, as well as in the bathrooms.

Perhaps, over time, designers will offer windows in the form of a circle to other private buildings.

Arched. At their core, arched windows are a combination of round and rectangular windows where the top is part of a circle. At a price they are not much higher than rectangular ones, which does not greatly affect the overall cost of construction. Therefore, they are increasingly seen in cottages and country houses. In religious buildings: churches and Gothic temples, such windows dominate.

Trapezoidal. Trapezoidal windows are widely used in Western countries. In Russia, they are also beginning to gain popularity, as they fit well into the interior of the room and into the design of the facade. Buildings with such windows look original and elegant, while providing optimal illumination inside the premises.

Rectangular. Rectangular windows are classic PVC windows. Standard, unified dimensions, minimum consumption of profiles, fittings, glass and seals make them the cheapest of all types of shapes. In addition, installation is the easiest and cheapest. All this has made right-angled windows the most popular form of window opening.

original form. Increasingly, there are windows of an exclusive form, where designers simultaneously play with the appearance of the facade of the building, and the features of the wall (brick, wood or concrete), and the style of the interior of the room. They are expensive, but the end result is worth the money spent on installing unusual windows.

By the number of leaves. After choosing the shape of the window, it is already easier to determine the number of shutters in it. Manufacturers offer: one-, two- and three-leaf windows.

Attention: according to the number of sashes, specialists and experts distinguish balcony blocks (window with a door) and windows of balconies and loggias (as a rule, they combine several types of sashes) into separate groups.

Single leaf. Single sash windows are the cheapest. There are deaf (do not open) and opening. They are installed mainly in Soviet-built apartments with a small window opening.

Currently, they are used in country houses or non-residential premises. In multi-storey buildings, architects do not plan to install them - they cannot provide a comfortable level of living in a medium-sized room, not to mention large rooms, such as a living room (hall).

Double-leaf. Already from the name it is clear that the window structure has two sashes. This is the most common type of window, combining versatile performance with an affordable price. Therefore, they can be found in a skyscraper, and in an individual house, residential sector and office.

In the vast majority, one sash of the structure is deaf, the second is opening, which is associated with its cost. Two tendencies towards each other: the decrease in the cost of PVC windows and the increase in the level of well-being of the population have led to the fact that an increasing number of consumers are installing windows with both opening sashes.

Tricuspid. Tri-leaf windows have no special advantages over double-leaf windows. An additional impost takes up to 10% of the light flux, while simultaneously making the entire structure heavier, which requires a more rigid profile. To achieve a higher strength of the frame is possible only by increasing its width. This, in turn, increases the cost of the window compared to a design of the same size, but from 2 sashes.

The doors can be opened in various combinations:

• one extreme;
• both extreme;
• average;
• all three.

Windows with 3 opening shutters are rare. The reason is the very high price.

Choice of door opening method

A very important point is the choice of ways to open the valves. This directly affects:

• the quality of room ventilation;
• convenient access to all elements of the window while caring for it - washing from the outside and lubricating the seals;
• the cost of window construction - the installation of locking mechanisms on one sash of a window increases its cost by 8-12%.

On this basis, windows are:

Deaf. This window has both pluses and minuses. The positives include:

• low cost;
• ease of manufacture;
• high reliability - there is simply nothing to break.

Minus one, but very significant - there is no access for care. Therefore, it can often be seen in the balcony block, where the door allows you to ventilate the room, and the balcony or loggia provides the opportunity to wash the profile and the double-glazed window.

Blind windows are also being installed in high-rise buildings. Here, for safety reasons, it is strictly forbidden to open the doors on the upper floors. In order not to introduce the owners into temptation, they install non-opening windows. They are washed by teams of industrial climbers. They also put deaf structures in shopping and entertainment centers;

Swivel. Such windows open inward along the vertical axis. This is the simplest and cheapest option for an opening window structure - it completely repeats the principle of the Soviet "carpentry" arrangement.

Allows you to easily maintain windows and ventilate the premises. The disadvantages include the inability to fully use the window sill (arrange vases with flowers) and the danger of falling out of an open window for small children and animals.

Folding. They open inward along the lower horizontal axis. Used for ventilation. It has a mechanism for fixing the sash in a certain position. It is rarely found in its pure form, mainly in attics, due to the difficulty in caring for the frame and double-glazed window from the side of the street. The cost corresponds to a window with a pivoting sash.

Swing-out. The most common sash opening option is a combination of a rotary and hinged locking mechanism. The wide-open window allows access to the elements of the window structure from the side of the street - it opens when the handle is turned 90 o towards the hinges.

The tilting of the window makes it possible to ventilate the room with minimal use of the space of the window opening. Opens by turning the handle 180 o . The micro-ventilation mode is available when the handle is turned from the initial (closed) position by 135 o (or minus 45 o from full ventilation).

This mode allows you to ensure the air exchange of the room without moisture getting on the windowsill in rainy weather, when the wind throws raindrops on the window panes. The mode is also important for winter, when airing is not accompanied by cooling the apartment.

Sliding. Due to a special mechanism, the sash leaves the frame and moves parallel to the window, which allows it to be opened in confined spaces. It is installed in small rooms, as well as:

• on balconies;
• in the loggias;
• on verandas, etc.

The sashes can move both in one direction and in different directions, moving along the guides. In combination with sliding doors, folding mechanisms are often installed. In this case, it becomes possible to ventilate the rooms by simply folding the sash.

Innovative. This method of opening the sash does not quite correspond to the name. The emerging innovative technologies allow you to open windows wide open not only inward, but also outward. For example, you need to wash the windows - open it inward, just ventilate - out. In this case, all flower pots do not need to be rearranged. A special mechanism fixes the window open to the outside in a certain position, which does not allow the wind to play with it.

Practice shows that for a child's room and bedroom, you need to choose windows with a tilt-and-turn mechanism with a micro-ventilation function. At the same time, the nursery should have a locking handle with a lock, which will not allow a curious child to open the sash on their own.

For the living room and kitchen, the sliding window option is preferred. It gives a lot of light and does not interfere with airing or washing windows.

We examined what plastic windows are, which ones are better to choose for different rooms, depending on their functional purpose. But this is only the beginning of the journey. Next comes the selection of the window by structural elements.

Choosing a double-glazed window

Many may be surprised that when choosing elements of a window structure, a double-glazed window is in 1st place. But there is a simple explanation for this: the glass part of the window opening occupies 80-85% of the entire window area. And this is the sound and heat insulation of the room, as well as its illumination, i.e. those parameters that form the level of comfort in the apartment.

Therefore, you can choose a quiet, warm and airtight window only if the right choice of double-glazed window is made.

Elements of double-glazed windows and their functions

The first double-glazed window appeared back in 1865. Since then, several changes have been made to its design, until in 1970 it acquired a modern look - at present, 9 out of 10 windows are produced using this technology. Note that the principle of constructing a double-glazed window has been preserved. The changes concerned the methods of fixing the glass and ways to achieve the tightness of the space between the panes.

The technical solution incorporated in the design of the double-glazed window is simple: two (three or more) glasses are separated by a remote metal or aluminum frame. To seal the space between the panes (called the chamber), double protection is used:

• From butyl tape - fits under the spacer frame. An absorbent is poured onto it, absorbing excess moisture inside the chamber, which protects the glass from fogging and freezing;
• Constantly plastic mass teokola - seals the chamber and assembles the entire structure into a single whole.

We note an important point: the distance between the glasses cannot be more than 2 cm. If this requirement is violated, the double-glazed window turns into an ordinary double window. Therefore, an attempt to improve the characteristics of a single-chamber double-glazed window is possible in the only way: to increase the number of chambers, i.e. connect in a package not two, but three or four glasses.

For reference: an increase in the number of chambers in a double-glazed window to four or more does not give an effect, only making the structure heavier and drastically raising the cost of the window.

The number of chambers is a key parameter of a double-glazed window

Physics belongs to the exact sciences. One of its laws says that heat is transferred using infrared rays and air convection. In the sealed frame of a double-glazed window, the convention is minimal, so heat is retained in the room. Naturally, with an increase in the number of chambers, the transfer of heat from indoors to outdoors is even more difficult. A good example of this is the heat transfer resistance coefficient:

• single-chamber double-glazed window - 0.28-0.32 m 2 K / W;
• two-chamber - 0.48-0.52 m 2 K / W;
• three-chamber - 0.66-0.74 m 2 K / W.

Therefore, in warm Southern and Central Europe, single-chamber packages are mainly installed, in Central Russia - two-chamber packages (cold winters), and in Siberia and the North - three-chamber packages.

Single chamber double-glazed windows are the simplest and cheapest option for glazing a plastic window. It has a small weight, therefore, the double-glazed window is more securely held in the sash, and the entire window in the window opening. Among the advantages is a high level of transparency, which allows you to well illuminate the room with daylight.

Among the cons:

• Insufficient thermal insulation. At a temperature of -25 o C, they begin to let in cold and freeze (fogging followed by freezing of glass is associated with the design features of such packages);
• Weak level of sound insulation, which does not allow it to be used in a children's room and bedroom in noisy areas.

It is advisable to install a eurowindow with two glasses in warm latitudes, on a balcony, in office and technical rooms. Recently, single-chamber double-glazed windows with inert gases in the chamber and low-emission type of glass have become popular.

They are close to two-chamber packages in terms of thermal insulation, while being much cheaper than the latter. However, the problem of sound insulation is not solved. Therefore, single-chamber packages with argon are well suited for the bathroom and kitchen, and in private houses for the corridor and hallway.

Double chamber double-glazed windows are an ideal option for the bulk of the Russian population. Its design of 2 chambers formed by 3 glasses is 30-35% better in all respects of a single-chamber package. The price is naturally higher, but the additional costs pay off very quickly. Such windows are installed in all kinds and types of buildings: residential, public, industrial, in the city and in the countryside.

Three-chamber double-glazed windows allow you to escape from frosts of 40 o C and below. Up to a critical point, there is practically no difference between a two-chamber and a three-chamber window. Therefore, it makes no sense to put a package with 4 glasses in places where the frost passes over the mark of 40 o C only occasionally, no.

The fact is that the three-chamber package is very heavy, and this requires a wider PVC profile and a stronger reinforcing tape (it may not support the weight of the sash at the hinge attachment points), which greatly affects the price. In addition, the passage of light is difficult. Indoors, it is always not enough - with long daytime reading without artificial illumination, the eyes get tired very quickly.

Glass thickness

The thickness of the glass installed in the eurowindow has practically no effect on the thermal conductivity of the package as a whole. The heat transfer resistance coefficient of a two-chamber package with 4 mm glass (standard thickness) is only 0.02-0.03 m 2 K / W lower than that of the same package with 8 mm glass, which is almost imperceptible.

The situation with a change in the thickness of the glass while protecting the room from excessive noise unfolds quite differently. Here, the use of thicker glass gives significant results. However, there is one very important but: the simultaneous increase in the thickness of all glasses has no effect - they still resonate. Glasses in one package should be of different sizes:

• for a dwelling in a rural area, the thickness of the outer glass is 6 mm, the middle and inner glass is 4 mm each;
• in the sleeping areas of the city they put packages with a combination of glass thickness of 8-4-4 mm;
• in houses with increased external sources of noise, bags with 8 mm outer glass, 6 mm middle glass, and 4 mm inner glass are suitable.

However, window sashes with such glasses are very heavy, which will require strengthening of the supporting structure with a corresponding increase in the cost of the window. The designers proposed an exit in a different thickness of the air gap between the glasses, which prevents the occurrence of resonance in the inner glass, which we will discuss below.

The width of the double-glazed window as a whole and the chambers separately

When choosing a double-glazed window, its thickness and the width of the air chambers are of no small importance. It affects:

• on the level of thermal insulation;
• the degree of protection of the premises from street noise;
• impact resistance of glass;
• double-glazed window price;
• the cost of the window as a whole.

The width of a double-glazed window depends on the thickness of the glass and the air chambers between it, but it should not exceed 6.0 cm. For people who are poorly versed in the choice of double-glazed windows, it seems that the thicker the glass and the greater the distance between it, the more comfortable it is in the room. However, this is not quite true.

Firstly, the thickening of the glass does not significantly affect the ability of the eurowindow to create a barrier to heat loss from the apartment. At the same time, an increase in the weight of a sash with thicker glass causes a sharp increase in the cost of a window structure, which does not pay off until the end of its operation.

Secondly, there are minimum and maximum limits for the width of the airbox. For example, if the window area is more than 2.0 m 2 , the width of the air gap less than 5 mm leads to deformation of the glass inside the chamber at low temperature, as a result of which its strength is reduced by 45-50%. If the chamber thickness exceeds 20 mm, all the advantages of a double-glazed window are lost - it starts to work like a double-leaf wooden window.

Various studies have shown that the optimal chamber width is 10-15 mm. In this case, it is possible to vary the thickness of the chambers in one package, which leads to an increase in the level of noise protection. For example, a double-glazed window with glasses of 6-4-4 mm and a width of one chamber of 6 mm, the other, 12 mm, is not inferior to a double-glazed window with glass of 8-6-4 mm in terms of sound absorption efficiency.

glass type

We are all used to ordinary glass. However, in double-glazed windows it is the same in chemical composition, but very smooth and even in thickness. float glass. It holds heat well and dampens noise, has sufficient strength. However, the market offers novelties every year when window glass with other characteristics appears.

For your information: float glass is obtained in a bath filled with molten tin, on the surface of which liquid glass mass is poured. The glass crystallizes while the tin remains in a liquid state, resulting in a smooth surface and ideal thickness.

Low-e glass. This name of glass arose because of its ability to transmit long waves and delay (reflect) short ones (light passes, heat is reflected back).

Such properties of a double-glazed window appear after silver or rare earth metal ions are deposited on the glass surface (denoted as i-glass). If tin or indium was deposited, we have k-glass. i-glass has better thermal protection than k-glass, which is reflected in its cost. But the increase in price is offset by a significant increase in the level of thermal insulation. Filling the air chambers with an inert gas further enhances this ability.

As a result, a single-chamber double-glazed window with i-glass and argon in the chamber has a coefficient of heat transfer resistance higher by about 0.06 m 2 K/W than that of a double-chamber standard package. The situation is the same with a two-chamber double-glazed window - the coefficient is higher than that of a three-chamber one.

Attention: low-e glass should stand alone in a bag and be placed indoors with a sputtering layer inside the chamber - it is afraid of mechanical influences and sudden temperature changes.

Solar control glass. In southern climatic zones, there is a need to protect the owners of the dwelling, furniture, wallpaper, etc. from direct sunlight, when curtains or blinds are not a solution to the problem. In these cases mirror and tinted glass help. An energy-saving package with i-glass (k-glass transmits UV rays), which reflects the sun's rays, can also be a sunscreen.

Impact resistant glass. Quite often, it is necessary to have very strong glass in double-glazed windows - the upper floors of skyscrapers, where there is a strong wind, the first floors with windows accessible to robbers, public buildings, etc. Here it is possible to install double-glazed windows with triplex, tempered glass and an anti-shock film applied to the surface of the double-glazed window.

Triplex is a laminated glass with a special polymer film between them. The thickness of such glass ranges from 5 to 40 mm. The more layers of glass and film, the stronger the triplex. When damaged, such glass does not shatter into fragments, but is held by a film. Can withstand impacts up to 135 kg (strength class A2).

Another important property of triplex is its ability to retain ultraviolet rays and increase the heat and noise protection of the window. Tempered glass refers to sheet float glass that has undergone rapid cooling (after heating to 690 o C). Its experts recommend installing it in attics, winter gardens, glass roofs, etc.

Price factor

There are many factors that influence the price of a double-glazed window:

• glass thickness;
• its type;
• number of air chambers;
• the total area of ​​the package;
• the type of gas the chamber is filled with.

In this situation, there is the possibility of significant savings in the family budget. To do this, professionals advise to form requirements for double-glazed windows for each window. In one case, a simple single-chamber package (kitchen) is sufficient, in another, a window with good sound insulation is needed (into rooms with windows on the roadway), in the third, double-glazed windows with reflective glass, etc.

It is necessary to select a high-quality double-glazed window according to several parameters:

• Roulette to determine compliance with geometry. To do this, you need to measure the diagonal of the package. The difference in measurements from 0 to 3 mm shows that the manufacturer complies with the standards;
• The thickness of the double-glazed window can vary within 1 mm - measured with a caliper;
• The displacement of glass relative to each other should not exceed 1 mm - you can check it with a building square.

In addition, you should pay attention to:

• for the presence of glass marking - its absence indicates plain glass;
• on the integrity of the glass and the insulation layer of the package - there should be no chips and cracks, and the outer sealant should be even and neat;
• for the presence of water and steam in the air chamber.

Mounting depth of the profile

Under the double-glazed windows selected in each window opening, it is necessary to select a PVC profile of the appropriate width, which in the language of specialists is denoted by the term "installation depth" (measured from one front wall to another at the widest point). Here, in no case should the customer follow the lead of the representatives of the company, who will persuade, and insist on one type of profile for all windows.

It may turn out that you need a mounting depth of three sizes, but there are only two standard sizes. In this case, one or more windows can be installed by a different brand. In any case, it will be much cheaper than agreeing with the arguments of the installers. At the same time, quality indicators are unlikely to suffer - the vast majority of manufacturers have similar characteristics of plastic.

The minimum profile width is 48 mm (mainly for blind windows). It is used for single-chamber packages installed in non-residential premises. In the residential sector, a 58 mm profile is needed for windows with two panes of 4 mm thickness each. With the weighting of the sash due to thicker glass, the required profile width increases, up to 65 mm.

For a double-glazed window with glass 4-4-4 mm, a profile with an installation depth of 70 mm is installed. With an increase in the weight of the glass, the installation depth automatically increases, up to 90 mm. Three-chamber packages are placed on thoroughly wide (over 90 mm) profiles with strong reinforcement. The maximum possible profile depth is 127 mm.

PVC profile

Warmth, silence and comfort in the apartment largely depends on the chosen profile. It can have different wall thicknesses, a different number of chambers (not to be confused with the air chambers of double-glazed windows), fittings of various shapes and a variety of designs. The influence of these indicators on the operational characteristics of the window is studied in the work: "". It also discusses in detail which plastic windows are the best in quality.

Seals

A small but very important element of a plastic window is seals. The tightness of the window depends on their quality. Available in natural rubber, silicone and rubber. Rubber the sash is well pressed against the frame and does not let moisture into the room either in heavy rain or in fog. However, the service life of such a seal is the lowest - 5-7 years.

Longer, up to 12 years, the service life of silicone seals. With proper care, they serve up to 15-16 years. They are not afraid of extreme heat and frost - they do not deform or crack.

Service life of natural rubber up to 10 years old. Requires constant care - lubrication. If the procedure is ignored, it will have to be changed after 7-8 years.

accessories

The accessories provide opening/closing of a window. It must be durable, made of high-grade steel with an anti-corrosion coating to withstand significant loads. If you use products from unknown manufacturers, there is a high probability that the handles will constantly break, and the sashes will sag and cling to the frame and impost. According to reviews on the forums, the brands Winkhaus, Roto, Maco, etc. are trustworthy.

After selecting all the elements of the window structure, attention must be paid to the slopes and the window sill. They should fit into the interior and be affordable for the owners. There are no other requirements for them.

Window selection by price

The StroyGuru portal has repeatedly written that a situation has developed in the plastic window market when the consumer significantly overpays for the brand. At the moment, you can find windows with high performance that are not inferior to the leaders of various ratings, but at the same time with a lower price.

For reference, we present prices for windows of little-known manufacturers, but with good technical and operational characteristics:

• for the kitchen and bathroom - from 3,600 to 6,800 rubles / m 2;
• living room, nursery and bedroom - 6,500-7,800 rubles / m 2;
• cottages - 9,000-21,000 rubles / m 2;
• attic, balconies - 4,800-6,000 rubles / m 2.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we recall how to choose plastic windows - expert recommendations:

1. the type of window, the number of sashes and the methods of opening and closing them are determined;
2. depending on the noise level, climatic zone and type of room, the type of double-glazed window, the number of glasses in it, the thickness and type of glass for each window opening are determined;
3. under the double-glazed window, the mounting depth of the plastic profile is selected;
4. based on financial capabilities and requirements for a PVC profile, a window manufacturer is selected;
5. seals and fittings are ordered.

The right choice will provide long-term coziness and comfort in a room with plastic windows.