How to choose high-quality plastic windows in the apartment and for a private house

The first plastic windows were the result of an experiment using polymeric materials as far back as the distant fifties of the last century in Western Europe. They got to us much later - the first models began to appear only towards the end of the eighties. Modern models are far from their ancestors, but with the wrong choice, installation and operation, they are unlikely to be able to provide the declared functionality: drafts, temperature drops, fogging and other “delights” will most likely become commonplace. It is for this reason that experts identify about 10 criteria that should be paid attention to when choosing PVC windows.

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1. The best manufacturers of plastic windows
   
2. Which profile of plastic windows is better
3. Plastic window selection options
4. Which plastic windows to choose - expert advice
5. How much are plastic windows

The best manufacturers of plastic windows. Which company to choose?

Currently, PVC windows are manufactured by a huge number of companies. Preference should be given to products of well-known brands, many of which are the founders and pioneers in the PVC window market, it was they who launched them into mass production 50 years ago:

1. Rehau

2. Veka

3. KBE

4. LG Chemistry

In the catalogs of each of the above manufacturers, there is a huge number of models, and therefore, before giving preference to a particular model, you should read the rating, as well as user reviews. And most importantly, preference should be given only to those manufacturers whose products are certified for compliance with ISO9001 quality system. Only such products will fully comply with the stated characteristics and save you from potential problems during operation.

Which profile of plastic windows is better

The key element of all without exception of the design elements of plastic windows is PVC profile. The window frame is made of it, and therefore the functioning of the entire system in any operating conditions depends on its quality. Choosing plastic windows, you should pay attention to the following profile features.

Profile class

The parameter indicating the thickness of the outer and inner walls of the profile, and hence the insulating properties. Visually determine the thickness of the profile does not work, but because information should be sought in the instructions for use of a particular window.

1. Class A implies an outer wall thickness of 2.8 mm, and an inner wall thickness of 2.5 mm. The best option for use in apartments, private houses, cottages.

2. Class B thinner - outer wall thickness is 2.5 mm, inner - 2.0. This profile is cheaper, but its insulation properties are worse.

Most often used for glazing garages, outbuildings, shopping facilities, balconies;

Profile frame depth

Parameter that reflects the thickness of the window frame.Measured at the widest point by measuring from the extreme point of the inner wall to the extreme point of the outer wall at the widest point of the window. The higher this parameter - the better the sound, vibration and thermal insulation properties of a particular window model.

1. Typical for all manufacturer size and the unwritten standard is 58 mm. It can be recommended for installation in any and all places - both residential and public;

2. Windows with a wider frame (about 65-85 mm) are designed for installation in regions with harsh climatic conditions and regular long-term negative air temperature;

3. The deepest profile (of the order of 100-105 mm) is very specific and is intended for installation in highly specialized institutions, which set stringent criteria for sound and heat insulation.

Plastic window selection options

In addition to the profile, the design of PVC windows includes a large number of various components and elements that should be paid the most attention.

Thickness of the installed double-glazed window

Double-glazed windows are a kind of “sandwich” of several layers of glass, between which an air gap is enclosed, which has no connection with the atmosphere. Depends on the thickness of the glasses themselves, and on the width of the air gap. The proportions are as follows: the larger the air gap, the better the glass unit isolates noise and protects against temperature changes.

1. Double-glazed windows of minimum thickness (about 14- 25 mm) can be recommended for installation in gazebos, garages, shopping pavilions, extensions;

2. For installation in residential houses, apartments and cottages, it is best to choose those double-glazed windows whose thickness will be 30 millimeters and above.

Type of glass installed

The simplest is ordinary tempered glass. It is inexpensive, in conjunction with the functioning of the entire glass unit provides an acceptable level of comfort;

1. Special glass coated with a layer of silver are heat-saving. They perfectly retain heat and allow you to maintain the temperature in the room by 2-3 degrees higher compared with conventional glass. The charge for such characteristics is lower light transmission;

2. Windows facing a noisy street require the installation of special glass with an increased noise insulation parameter - so-called triplex glass. In addition to the usual, anti-vandal triplex glass is also on sale. They are not afraid of mechanical impact and are able to withstand blows with a sharp object;

3. If the windows are on the sunny side of the street, you should prefer tinted windows. They will provide protection from excess sun, as well as from prying eyes.

The number of cameras that are equipped with glass

The chamber is an air gap between two separate glasses. It provides protection against extraneous noise and temperature changes.

1. Single-chamber double-glazed windows do not differ in any particular indicators of sound and thermal insulation, and therefore it is impossible to recommend them for installation in residential premises. Their lot is balconies and loggias, garages and other non-residential premises;

2. Double-glazed windows with an air gap of 10-20 mm - the best option for use in homes and cottages;

3. Three-chamber double-glazed windows provide maximum sound and thermal insulation, but not always needed. They can be installed in places with increased noise, as well as in the northern regions of the country - where there are frequent frosts.

The cameras that are equipped with the profile, and their number

Any plastic profile has a special design - it consists of several separate pockets that have the most direct impact on the characteristics of the window, as well as on the rigidity of the entire frame.

1. The three-chamber profile is an unspoken standard and is suitable for most situations and for installation in quiet sleeping areas or in a country cottage;

2. If the windows overlook a noisy avenue, a window with a frame made of a five-chamber profile should be preferred;

3. The eight-chamber profile is needed not by everyone, but if you live in close proximity to a railway or an airport, you cannot do without it.

Opening flaps and their number

1. Double-glazed windows with one hinged sash - an excellent option for installation in bathrooms, kitchens and other rooms in which you need equipment of a similar ventilation system;

2. Deaf PVC windows, devoid of sash, are installed only in those places where there is already a well-thought-out ventilation system;

3. Hinged windows with two or more opening modes are an excellent option for installation in living rooms. Open it up completely, open for airing or leave a small slot for microventilation - there can be a great many configuration modes.

Which plastic windows to choose - expert advice

1. For country cottages or quiet sleeping areas, classical PVC windows with a three-chamber double-glazed window are quite sufficient, the design of the valves of which provides the possibility of opening in several ventilation modes. Depending on the installation site, you can choose both ordinary and tinted glass;

2. If the installation is done in a noisy place, or the windows overlook a busy avenue, you should prefer PVC windows with a five-chamber profile, equipped with triplex glass (if you live on a non-ground floor - more durable). The design of the valves should provide the possibility of both micro-ventilation and full opening;

3. In bathrooms and kitchens, as well as in other places equipped with forced ventilation, a two-chamber double-glazed window made on a profile 58 mm thick is quite enough.

How much are plastic windows?

1. The cheapest are PVC windows designed for installation in non-residential premises - on balconies, attics, intended for glazing loggias. Their cost is about 6,500 rubles per square meter;

2. Windows designed for installation in bathrooms and kitchens cost about 7,000 rubles per square meter;

3. Spacious windows designed for installation in living rooms cost about 8,000 rubles;

4. Models designed for installation in country cottages, the most expensive. Their price can vary from 7-8 thousand and up to 18-20 thousand rubles per square meter.

In the following articles, our experts tell how to choose the blinds on the windowssecrets window sill selection and features choosing a profile of plastic windows.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.