The choice of profile for plastic windows comparison. Which profile is better to choose for windows? What parameters of window profiles you need to know for the right choice

A window profile is a frame that holds a double-glazed window. Different types of window profiles differ in the material of manufacture and internal structure. Let us consider in detail the differences and advantages of profile structures, their quality, cost and performance characteristics.

What are the types of windows?

Modern window profiles for double-glazed windows are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), wood or metal (aluminum profile). Each of these materials has its own advantages that determine its popularity and cost.

Wooden window profile

Wooden frames represent the most expensive, prestigious design of a window opening. Natural wood requires long drying, thorough impregnation with an antiseptic and protection from moisture. Therefore, the cost of a wooden window is an order of magnitude more than a plastic profile. If the wood is not sufficiently dried or treated incorrectly, then expensive windows can collapse a year after they are installed.

The appearance of natural wood creates a prestigious design, attractive aesthetics. With high-quality preparation, the tree is quite durable and reliable. The best wood for the manufacture of window profiles is oak, larch, alder and pine wood are more accessible.

To summarize the advantages of wooden profiles:

• aesthetics and prestige;
• natural environmentally friendly material;
• good heat capacity.

Disadvantages:

• The possibility of warping, swelling, cracking and other types of destruction;
• high cost;
• High professionalism of the master-manufacturer is required.

An option for using wood for double-glazed windows is wood-aluminum profile. In it, the wooden material is covered from the outside with metal plates. From the inside, from the residential side, the frame shows natural wood, from the outside the frame is protected from moisture by metal.

Aluminum profile

Aluminum window profiles are made with a small number of cameras (two or three). By itself, metal is an insufficient heat insulator, because of this, metal windows are cold. They are mainly used for glazing large shopping areas, airports, but also balconies and loggias. "Warm" metal windows are equipped with a thermal insert, which increases the heat capacity of the profile structure. The cost of such windows is much higher than the "cold" ones.

A metal window is characterized by the following advantages:

• strength;
• low flammability;
• durability.

Disadvantages:

• low heat capacity (for "cold" profiles);
• high cost (refers to "warm" structures).

Two main types of aluminum alloy profiles are in demand in various buildings. A "cold" aluminum profile is used where an inexpensive frame, good strength, and no special requirements for heat retention are needed. The “warm” expensive profile is installed in heated rooms for durable operation in cold winters.

PVC profile

PVC profile is called a plastic window. Its characteristics:

• high thermal insulation;
• moisture resistance;
• various design (thanks to gluing of the laminated film).

Thermal insulation properties are provided by the presence of hollow chambers inside. Due to the resistance of plastic to atmospheric precipitation, it does not absorb moisture, does not swell, does not rot or crack.

PVC has some disadvantages:

• flammability (typical of most plastics);
• the more chambers, the greater the weight of the structure, the higher the requirements for window installation.

Due to the affordable cost, PVC profile has become the most popular material for the manufacture of double-glazed windows. Dozens of different manufacturers are engaged in the production of PVC. Their profiles differ in the number of chambers and the thickness of the plastic wall. Consider what characteristics are used to evaluate PVC profiles.

Characteristics of the PVC window profile

Popular manufacturers of window profiles

1. REHAU is a German manufacturer, has its own production in Russia. It supplies six models of profiles to the Russian market: 3-6 chambers, the width of a standard double-glazed window is 32-40 mm, special glasses are installed in wide double-glazed windows (86 mm), fiber is used. Heat transfer resistance coefficient - from 0.64 to 1.05 (for fiber profiles). The manufacturer regulates that a coefficient of 0.95 corresponds to the heat capacity of a brick wall one meter thick.
2. KBE is a German manufacturer with two subsidiaries in Russia. It produces 8 models of profiles with different characteristics: 3-6 chambers, insulating glass thickness from 32 to 52 mm. The heat transfer coefficient of the KBE profile is 0.7 - 1.04.
3. VEKA is a Russian-German manufacturer, VEKA Rus is a subsidiary of VEKA AG. It produces standard blocks and non-standard design structures for window openings and balconies in accordance with the European RAL standard. The main models produced are: Softline (for double-glazed windows from 4 to 42 mm, five chambers, heat transfer resistance coefficient 0.75), Softline 82 (glass unit width 24-52 mm, seven chambers, coefficient 1.0), Euroline (three chambers, double-glazed window 32mm, 0.64 ratio), Proline (four chambers, 4-42mm, 0.75 ratio), Swingline (6-42mm, five chambers, 0.77 ratio), Alphaline (elite 6-chamber profile with a high coefficient of 1.04).

   

4. MONTBLANC is a German manufacturer that supplies four types of profiles from 3 to 6 chambers (eco, thermo, nord and grand) to Russia. Width of double-glazed windows 32, 42 and 52 mm. Heat transfer resistance ranges from 0.6 to 0.82 mm. Frame thickness from 60 to 80 mm. Six air chambers are stacked in a width of 80 mm. High heat-saving functions make the profile popular in Russia.
5. SALAMANDER (also Germany) - produces profiles of 3, 5 and 6 chambers with a frame thickness of 60 to 92 mm. The sizes of the mounted double-glazed windows: 32 mm, 48 and 60 mm. The widest profile of the Salamander BluEvolution has a heat transfer resistance of 1.0. The manufacturer regulates high burglary resistance of windows(due to the closed reinforcement system).
6. Schuco is a German manufacturer that produces 3-7-chamber PVC profiles for standard and energy-efficient construction. The maximum heat transfer resistance coefficient is 0.94. Double-glazed windows up to 36 mm thick. In wide frames with a thickness of 82 mm, it is possible to install anti-burglary fittings. Also Schuco releases warm aluminum profiles with the number of chambers from 3 to 7, steel profiles for cold glazing.
7. TROCAL is a German manufacturer, the founder of the industry, who introduced the first plastic window to the construction market (in 1954). Engaged in the production of window profiles for almost 60 years. Width of double-glazed windows from 30 to 58 mm. Four-five chamber profile, 70 and 88 mm mounting width. The heat transfer coefficient is 0.82. Lead-free technology allows you to install a profile in childcare facilities (kindergartens and schools).

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And finally: accessories

Fittings is a set of metal parts that provide a movable connection of various elements in the overall design of the window. The durability of the window product depends on the quality of the fittings.. It is important to know that famous brand manufacturers have cheap lines of lower quality fittings for Eastern Europe.

Types of window fittings:

• Tilt and turn (for opening the window and fanlight tilting).
• The lock and handle is a multifunctional design that fixes the frame in any position with the help of an axis laid inside.
• Parallel-sliding (for retractable sashes).
• Tilt-sliding.
• Vertical sliding.

In addition to fittings, the design of double-glazed windows uses. They provide the necessary insulation against noise and cold.

The choice of a window profile, its main characteristics and fittings is carried out in accordance with the required heat capacity of the window and the price level for its manufacture. The quality of the profile and fittings determines the appearance of the double-glazed window and its performance characteristics: thermal insulation, sound absorption, strength and durability.

IVAPER GmbH is one of the leading suppliers of PVC profiles in Russia. The main activity is the production and supply of IVAPER plastic window and door profiles. The production process takes place under the constant supervision of German technical specialists. Firm quality, reliability, stylish design are the distinguishing features of profiles from IVAPER.

LG Chem, Ltd., South Korea - is a division of the international corporation LG, which has long and well established itself in Russia. Today, LG Chem is the largest manufacturer of PVC profiles. As a manufacturer of PVC profiles, the company has a long history, the first batch of profiles rolled off the line in 1976. For 30 years now, we have been improving our systems, focusing on internal needs and characteristics of product markets. The LG profile is successfully sold in the USA, Japan, China, India, Turkey, and other countries.

The Provedal profile system has been successfully used for more than 15 years. The developer of such profiles is the Spanish company Provedal Systemas. On the territory of Russia, due to the high coefficient of thermal conductivity, they have found their main application for glazing loggias and balconies. Made of metal and glass, they perfectly protect against strong winds, noise, dust and precipitation.

In 2003, a joint Russian-South Korean enterprise was opened to produce slidors profiles specially adapted for operation in Russian climatic conditions. SLIDORS (Slaydors) is a sliding profile PVC system for glazing balconies and loggias, developed by the South Korean company HANWHA.

Replacing old windows with new ones is a time-consuming and difficult stage of repair. But if you make the right choice, you can enjoy warmth, good sound insulation, trouble-free fittings and other delights of a high-quality plastic profile with sealed double-glazed windows for 20 years. And for this you need to know which plastic windows are better, which profile and which double-glazed window to choose. We also became interested in this issue and decided to look into it. To do this, we collected analytics, studied the technical characteristics, looked at the certificates, read the reviews and made the conclusions that we outlined in this review. We offer our rating of the 10 best manufacturers of plastic windows.

10 best manufacturers of plastic windows. Opinion of independent experts

On the huge market of plastic windows, products of several dozen manufacturers are represented. In the face of fierce competition, each of them tries to stand out and offer the consumer quality products at affordable prices and attractive conditions (for example, free installation, warranty). And since all manufacturers have several lines in different price categories, it would be unfair to unconditionally give someone the palm, and leave someone as an outsider. Therefore, we have placed the top 10 plastic window manufacturers in random order.

Which profile is better: Veka or Rehau? Brusbox or KBE Proplex or LG?

Best plastic windows 2018: profile quality rating

We studied the opinions of reputable experts, customer reviews, sales statistics and, based on these data, compiled a profile quality rating. In the table, we have presented the most important characteristics that consumers and specialists in the field of plastic windows production pay attention to.

Profile for PVC windows: characteristics and types

A profile is a metal-reinforced plastic window frame into which a sealed window is inserted. The profile itself is not solid, but hollow inside. It consists of several isolated chambers filled with air. Why is such a design needed? The fact is that the chambers improve the thermal insulation properties. Therefore, manufacturers proudly demonstrate their window profile in section.

Profile uniformity

PVC is a thermoplastic that is produced by their mixtures of polyvinyl chloride with various modifiers, stabilizers, pigments, etc. If the manufacturer follows the technology and uses high-quality raw materials, then the profile surface is uniform and uniform, without streaks, inclusions, bumps or scratches.

Profile width

The minimum allowable mounting width of the profile is 50 mm, the standard width is 58 mm. Also on the market you can find a profile with a width of 70-90 mm. This is a more expensive multi-chamber profile designed for difficult climatic conditions and buildings that are located in very noisy areas, for example, on the territory of the enterprise.

Number of air chambers

The gold standard and quite a budget option is a three-chamber profile 58 mm thick. In a profile with a thickness of 70 mm, there are usually 3-5 chambers, in a 90 mm profile - 6 chambers. Does the quality of windows depend on the number of cameras? This is not the most important characteristic if you do not live in harsh northern conditions, where in winter the thermometer drops to the menacing -50 ° C mark.

Number of double-glazed windows

The number of double-glazed windows characterizes the thickness of the glass itself. The easiest and cheapest option is. This means that only 2 glasses are installed in such a frame, between which one is an air chamber. Such windows are suitable for a summer cottage or a balcony without insulation. In a double-glazed window there will be 3 glasses and with two cameras between them. This is quite enough for residential and office premises in central Russia. Windows with a 3-chamber double-glazed window are very heavy, and such a “pie” has no particular practical value. Therefore, they are not popular.

Profile class (thickness)

Class is a characteristic of the thickness of the profile, more precisely, of its plastic walls. The wall thickness can be determined by class as follows:

Plastic windows firmly occupy the leading deal. They differ in the highest level of heat and noise insulation, besides, they give the possibility of choosing fittings, the method of opening the window and the color of the profile. It is also possible to choose a double-glazed window with the required number of cameras. However, not many people think that a particular window profile guarantees the strength and durability of the entire system. In the note, we will compare the profiles of plastic windows that are different in features and manufacturers.

General information about the profile of plastic windows

On average, the profile thickness of plastic windows varies from 58 mm to 86 mm, however, some companies create a product with a width of 127 mm.

Its internal fraction is hollow, but separated by bridges, creating a number of light chambers. A special industrial calculation describes their dimensions and placement. The more spacious the profile, the more it contains the number of chambers that increase heat-preserving characteristics. Another feature of the profile system is the width of the filling, which describes which type of double-glazed windows is allowed to be defined in the profile. They visit one- or two-chamber type, the width of the glass in a conventional double-glazed window is 4 mm (M1 brand).

Any cavity owns a close appointment:

• for the withdrawal of water;
• fastening accessories;
• gives an answer for strength, etc.

Profile paint has the ability to be diverse, the colors are applied in several ways:

• co-extrusion method - multilayer films create some obstacle that allows the product to endure dynamic overloads in the absence of defects;

• lamination - with imitation of the structure, for example, marbled or wood;
• monochromatic coloring.

PVC profile properties for plastic windows

Material

• This work is made from a variation of plastic - snow-white polyvinyl chloride.
• The material used is characterized by the highest chemical resistance to alkalis, solvents, acids and mineral oils.
• It is harmless to humans and the surrounding environment.

• Polyvinyl chloride, due to its characteristic properties, makes it possible to manufacture frames for double-glazed windows not only in a rectangular or square shape, but also in the form of arches, triangles, circles, and so on. Thus, giving completely any elementary or difficult configuration to the window, allowing to translate into reality, including the most extraordinary idea of ​​artists and architects.

Design

The internal fraction of the plastic case of the profile is divided by longitudinal barriers, in their own order they form cavities (weightless chambers). The small number of chambers in the profile is 3, the largest is 8. The number of chambers describes the degree of thermal insulation and sound absorption of the window, rather than lighter cavities, the greater these characteristics. It should be noted right off the bat that 3- and 5-chamber profiles are used by reputation.

Reinforcement

To give rigidity, the profile is specially reinforced. The iron base guarantees the necessary strength of the system and inviolability during the operation of the window. To reinforce the profile, zinc-coated steel is used, therefore it does not deform in any way during temperature changes or other actions of the surrounding environment.

• L-shaped reinforcement discharge - an iron insert is installed along 2 walls;
• U-shaped discharge of reinforcement, in which place the alloy increases 3 walls;
• Hidden discharge of reinforcement - an iron insert is placed along 4 walls.

For window systems that have double-glazed windows with a volume of 1900 mm in height, a U-shaped reinforced profile is suitable. But, for plastic windows of huge dimensions, for example, for a terrace or balcony, you need a profile with closed reinforcement.

Profile class

The profile wall thickness describes its accessory to a specific class:

• Class A - the thickness of the profile walls must be no less than 3 mm;
• Class B - profile, in which place the wall thickness is from 2.5 mm;
• Class C - non-standardized wall thickness.

As a result, the width of the profile of plastic windows directly depends on its class. The larger it is, the correspondingly more spacious profile.

Comparison of plastic window profile manufacturers

On the Russian market, almost all Russian and foreign manufacturers offer their own products. The leading positions in the rating of profiles for plastic windows are occupied by companies:

• Germany - REHAU, VEKA, KBE, SALAMANDER, SCHUCO, KOMMERLING;
• Slovakia - INTERNOVA;
• Korea - LG CHEM;
• Belgium - DECEUNINCK;
• Russian Federation - MONTBLANC and PROPLEX.

VEKA

• The profile is made in accordance with the German technology in Russia, they are always suitable for class A, suitable for all areas, with any climate.

• Profile systems from VEKA are presented in 8 looks, the mounting abyss, which is from 58 to 90 mm, and the number of chambers varies from 3 to 6. As a result of all the upgrades, this profile is correct, environmentally friendly and aesthetic.

REHAU

• A globally recognizable profile from a German company.
• It gives this product from economy to top class, taking into account all atmospheric criteria.
• The mounting width is from 60 to 86 mm, the number of chambers is from 3 to 6.

• Windows with a REHAU profile are distinguished by the highest level of sound insulation (class 5), good thermal insulation, and if desired, they have every chance to exist with grayish seals.
• Good match between price and features.

SCHUKO

This company is equipped with the latest equipment, uses high-quality used materials and the staff consists of qualified personnel. Thanks to this, it manufactures the entire line of profiles, fittings and seals.

• Window profile systems are presented in widths from 60 to 82 mm, the number of chambers - from 3 to 8.
• SCHUKO windows are easy to use and have good anti-burglary features.

MONTBLANC

On the territory of Russia there are 4 factories for the production of profiles.

• The Russian-Austrian company is armed with a production base, where research is carried out and new technologies are introduced.

• The Mont Blanc line covers 6 types of profiles, in which place the mounting width is from 58 mm to 120 mm, cameras - from 3 to 6.
• The durability of the profile system (60 years) is achieved with the support of deliberately created operational features for a formidable climate.

PROPLEX

• The plant surrounding in Podolsk produces a profile on German equipment in accordance with Austrian technologies.
• This product is manufactured in a width that has the ability to range from 58 mm to 127 mm, chambers from 3 to 6.
• The unique recipe allows the production of a high-quality profile, which differs in impact strength and special whiteness.

It is also possible to compare the properties of plastic window profiles according to the tables below.

Profiles of the German company KBE

They say that the German profiles of plastic windows are superior to the products of other manufacturers in terms of quality, whiteness of color, and technical features. They do not lose their own characteristics in any way, including during a long service life, they perfectly withstand virtually all kinds of dynamic overloads and significant temperature changes (from -50°С to +50°С).

The KBE company manufactures and supplies 2 types of more needed profiles: KBE Ideal and KBE Specialist.

KBE Ideal - three-chamber profile

• Mounting width is 58 mm;
• width of external walls - 3 mm;
• the thickness of the double-glazed window has the ability to compose 34 mm;
• 3 chambers in the rim, sashes, impost (horizontal and vertical window bars);
• has the ability to be used in formidable conditions (-60 ° C);
• service life - 40 years;
• the production uses environmentally friendly used materials, does not contain lead.

Pros:

• with a profile width of 58 mm, it has 3 weightless chambers, their size and best condition guarantee resistance to heat transfer. These windows have the highest degree of density, which exceeds the existing GOST requests by 5 (!) Times, as if the absolute lack of dust and drafts in the room guarantees;
• 2 sealed gaskets guarantee good sound insulation (46 dB each). The profile is specially equipped with horizontal lintels, thereby increasing the strength of the lock when the window is closed;
• In the KBE profile, stiffening ribs are supplied, which guarantee additional strength of the window system. Another increase in hardness is allowed by special stops, with the support of which a clear placement of the reinforcing iron insert is achieved.

KBE Specialist - five-chamber profile

• Mounting width is the same 70 mm;
• width of external walls - 3 mm;
• the thickness of the double-glazed window is 42 mm;
• 5 chambers in the rim and sashes, 3 or 4 in the impost (horizontal and vertical window bars);
• Good quality for use in severe conditions (-60°C);
• seal silhouettes fit class A;
• service life - 40 years;
• the production uses environmentally friendly used materials, does not cover lead in any way.

• a five-chamber building allows you to achieve the best sense of thermal insulation, such a profile is able to retain heat by 20% more than conventional three-chamber systems. It is allowed to achieve excellent sound insulation by installing large double-glazed windows in a 70 mm profile;
• 13 mm profile groove allows you to define anti-burglary fittings, thereby ensuring the safety of the building;
• profile KBE The specialist has additional horizontal jumpers, thanks to which the handles and hinges will become solidly fixed;
• with the device, the prefabricated seam is approximately 20% more spacious, allowing additional insulation to be performed in its own order.

Approximate price of windows made of KBE profile

An important reason when choosing this or that double-glazed window is its cost. Often it is considered decisive, but German window profiles of the highest quality cannot be inexpensive. Below is the approximate market price in Russia.

• On average, a single-chamber double-leaf window with volumes of 140x130 cm, in which 1 sash is deaf and the other is tilt-and-turn, will deserve:

1. from a profile of 58 mm from 7500 rubles,
2. from 70 mm - from 10,000 rubles.

• The cost of a two-chamber three-leaf window with a volume of 140x203 cm, in which the 1st sash is rotary, the central sash is of a dull appearance, the 3rd is tilt-and-turn, will be from:

1. from 58 mm profile 13,000 rubles;
2. from 70 mm 14500 rub. and more.

• When purchasing a balcony block with a drop-down door with a volume of 210x67 cm and a blind window - 140x136 cm, you need to pay at least:

1. from profile 58 mm 10500 r.
2. from 70 mm from 12000 rubles

What to focus on when choosing a plastic profile with a double-glazed window

In order to find what profile thickness is needed, one must have basic knowledge about a double-glazed window, since up to 70% of heat loss occurs directly through it.

This colorless substance consists of 2 or more glasses, which are hermetically combined with the frame. A room (a light strip) appears between them, overflowing with rarefied air or an inert gas, such as argon or krypton. This family of filling is used in the production of energy-saving double-glazed windows.

A single-chamber double-glazed window is a system of 2 glasses of 4 mm each and a weightless layer of 16 mm, in an incomplete form it is classified - 4-16-4. Thus, its mounting width is the same 24 mm. The same 36 mm system comes out of a double-glazed window, which consists of 3 glasses of 4 mm each and 2 layers of 10 mm each - 4-10-4-10-4.

Therefore, an appropriate profile is selected for the required double-glazed window. For example, the optimal solution for an ordinary apartment or house is a 5-chamber profile with a 70 mm installation width and a 30 mm double-glazed window, where a heat-reflecting coating should be applied to one glass.

If the windows go to the north side and there is a busy road nearby, then in this case the following option is suitable: a 5-chamber profile with a depth of 86 mm, replenished with a 32 mm double-glazed window with a protective noise-insulating film.

As soon as the balcony (gallery) is connected to the adjacent place, or it is planned to make a small office (rest room) out of it, then the profile must be 5-chamber with an installation depth of 86 mm, and the double-glazed window must be energy-saving, two-chamber with a width not less than 40 mm.

For ordinary balcony insulation, a 60 mm 3-chamber profile and a 30 mm single-chamber double-glazed window are suitable.

However, it is not enough to simply choose the best PVC profile and double-glazed window. It is no less important to entrust the installation of a finished window to experts. Otherwise, however precious the system may be, a bad attitude will nullify all its highest properties.