How to choose PVC windows

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

Owners of apartments and private houses of old construction at the slightest opportunity try to replace imperfect wooden structures with modern windows. Problems with this, at first glance - no, in any region there are many big and small firms working in this field. But can everyone be trusted, and are the windows offered to the acquisition equivalent? Alas, in this segment of the construction business there are a lot of "pitfalls" of , and the similarity of windows does not mean their identical quality and performance characteristics. Therefore, , before making a final decision and signing a contract for installation,

needs to clearly to represent how to choose PVC windows, so as not to be disappointed in them after a few months.

In the everyday life of Russians such windows have entered relatively recently. But for these 15-20 years, perhaps, any strange novelty, managed to "draw" a whole bouquet of mythological rumors , like immodestly extoling their their quality, and unfairly attributing them non-existent vices. To begin with, let's try to clarify this issue.

What do they say about PVC windows, and whether it's on itself

• There is wounded view that the installation of plastic windows with double-glazed completely solves the problem of thermal insulation - they completely cover the path of the cold.

Alas, not everything is so radiant. It is very difficult to create an absolutely thermo-proof light-transmissive design, although high-quality double-glazed windows and reliable sealing system allow to significantly increase the thermal resistance of the window. However, any window structure - this still has and assembly seams, which always serve to some extent"Bridges of cold."

About than we can say confidently in this matter - the level of insulation of premises with the installation of quality plastic windows significantly will increase .

• The next "myth" of the - from the space between the glasses completely evacuates the air, where creates the vacuum.

This statement is not true. In fact, the air is partially evacuated, creating a low pressure area inside. This is necessary for better sealing - externally atmospheric pressure tightens the glass as tightly as possible to the seals. Gives this and the effect of increasing the heat and soundproof qualities. By the way, for the same purposes, some manufacturers use the practice of pumping inert gases into this space, that creates a special, "layered" atmosphere inside the glass unit, which effectively suppresses sound waves.

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

It's also impossible to fully believe in this. To a large extent, the design of PVC windows "cuts" high frequencies, but low-frequency noise propagating, including, and through vibration, alas, find their way. So, if the construction machinery is working outside the window, or the near passes the busy highway, the noise can not be avoided.

Manufacturers are constantly working on improving the design, but it has not been possible to completely solve this problem.

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

This still one persistent misconception. With a high-quality multi-level system of gaskets, we can speak about the impermeability of the window for drafts, for the output of the warm air from the apartment, but this still far is not leakproof .

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

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

• It's far from always justified the principle that when choosing a window, you do not need to limit the profile thickness and the number of airbags in the to it : "The thicker the profile - the better, of course, the window is better."

So reasoning - is equivalent to how approve the that a larger sledgehammer is much better and more useful than a conventional hammer, because each of these tools has its its own designation. Of course, the number and size of air curtains in the window profile directly affect the thermal conductivity and noise insulation. But everything should be reasonable and in due measure. The increase in the number of cameras is, inevitably, an increase in the overall dimensions and weight of the entire window structure, the complexity with of its delivery and installation, a rapid price increase. Not will make any sense to pay extra money for the "super-sleek" design, if according to the climatic conditions of the region, the purpose of the room in which the windows are to be installed, and its location, it is enough to limit ourselves to a qualitative but more "budget" option.

• It is often possible to hear that plastic windows violate the normal ecological ball ns per square art.

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 appliances, food utensils, water vessels and .And secondly, if you look around yourself even with a quick glance, you will certainly see plastic products, from household appliances to furniture items. But "sin" for some reason, only on PVC windows.

• Insufficient statements about increased fire risk of such windows.

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

• Service life of PVC windows is small - more single common misleading.

It all depends on the quality of profiles used for their production, double-glazed windows, accessories, from the professionalism of assembling masters and installers. Agree that the usual wooden window made by the "krivorukim" carpenter, even from the selected material, will not last long.

If a really high-quality PVC window was chosen, it should is guaranteed by the for several decades without losing any performance characteristics. Of course, the owners must comply with the rules of its use and regular maintenance.

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

This statement does not hold water. So can be spoken by people who have never been interested in the existing variety of PVC window systems. In reality, you can order the construction of the most bizarre forms, with unilateral or bilateral lamination of plastic, which will give the window the desired color or an interesting exterior texture - a noble wood, a metal, and the like .In a word, the opportunity to write a window into the conceived design is more than enough.

PVC windows Selection Options

First of all, for those who do not know the total plastic window unit scheme:

plastic box diagram of the device would seem that everything is simple and obviously , but almost any element of this design requires special attention.

The diagram below shows schematically the main criteria for selecting a PVC window model.

Now about each of these parameters - in more detail.

type and quality

Profile In design and quality are paying Profile most first and most attention - from him in the ground and all dependent performance window and its durability.

• The material of manufacture is it should be qualitative polyvinylchloride, strong and absolutely inert to any atmospheric influences. The thickness of the outer walls of the profile is not less than 3 mm. Some manufacturers practice, in order to reduce the cost of production, the manufacture of profiles with a wall thickness, for example, 2.7 mm. It would seem that it is not important, but rigidity and wear resistance at the same time deteriorate sharply, and talk about the long life of these windows is not necessary.

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 marking.

• Number of air chambers - the thermo-insulating characteristics of the window largely depend on this parameter.

The number of cameras is calculated by the width of the profile. If there are horizontal jumpers that separate the cavity into several vertical compartments, this is not considered an additional camera. The minimum number of cameras allowed by is two, but as a rule there are no such products because of their lack of demand. Usually, for installation in residential premises I use t t rex - or five-chamber profiles.

Three-chamber profiles, with a total thickness of about 58 ÷ 60 mm, are certainly much cheaper. They have the sense of and buy if the climate of the region does not differ in severe winters, or if window will be installed, for example, to glaze the balcony or balcony. They are allowed in the kitchen or on the south side of the building, provided that the house is provided with efficient heating and general thermal insulation.

For the main part of Russia, where the January frosts are below -20 degrees, it is better to purchase a high-quality five-chamber profile with a total thickness of more than 70 mm - its resistance to heat losses is much higher. However, to pay at this it is necessary more.

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

• Availability and type of reinforcement insert. According to existing standards, all profiles longer than 800 mm or having a non-white coating must necessarily have an tag reinforcing insert. However, the leading manufacturers equip all their products with such a constructive element. This reinforcement will create the necessary rigidity and stability of the window structure, prevent deformations associated with temperature 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 is used. If uses thin material, for example, 0.5 mm, or does not have anti-corrosion protection, then this can be considered a fiction - neither rigidity nor the durability from such a window can not wait, and the insert is made only for zamylivaniya "Eye.

The reinforcement insert can have a closed or open profile. Of course, with closed, its form strength characteristics are much higher. However, this affects the overall weight of the window structure and, of course, on the its value. It is possible, for small windows, to confine itself to profile with qualitative U-shaped reinforcement, however, if facilities and installation conditions allow, it is better to give preference to closed one.

But if pseudo-reinforcement is made of two flat metal inserts, placed is closer to the edges of the profile, then it's better to abandon this option at once - no resistance fromdeformation, for example, on bending or twisting, from them will not.

• " Appearance" profile is also of considerable importance. The usual window decoration technology is the use of special laminating films, which can be selected from the catalog. It is possible to do one-sided lamination or two-sided, and the external and internal surfaces of can be trimmed with for different invoices of .

There are profiles colored in mass at the production stage, when the pigment compositions are introduced into the initial mass. Good profiles are different profiles, with acrylic coatings, applied according to the method of coextrusion - an additional protective and decorative layer is obtained, which becomes inseparable with the PVC-base component. Another with one technology of exterior finishing is the application of a colored acrylic lacquer on a white surface.

• Very important in the selection is the company-manufacturer of profiles. It is unlikely that the has a language with unknown or deserving as an unseemly manufacturer - you can find a lot of examples when such windows disappointed their owners already in the first year of operation. If it is already decided to go for a replacement, it is better to give your savings for really high-quality products, which is accompanied by manufacturer's guarantees.

Feel free to purchase profiles REHAU, KBE , VEKA +.LG-Chem, MONTBLANC is quite trustworthy. In the category of premium windows, DIMEX and THYSSEN are traditionally the leaders. There appeared several domestic companies trying to keep up with the quality issues from foreign manufacturers, for example, SOK( Samara window constructions), DI FENCE or PROPLEX.Never it will not be superfluous to to go to the official sa yt pr of the manufacturer and familiarize with the features of the product - the raw material used by , technology, variety of models, provided guarantees. Well, when ordering windows, do not hesitate to ask for documents confirming that the profiles are indeed a brand, and not the cheap fake.

We choose the

double-glazed window. The area of ​​the glazed of the window section always exceeds the space occupied by the plastic profile many times, so the quality of the double-glazed window can not be overestimated.

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

1-glass unit, glass, at least 4 mm thick.

2 - air chambers formed between the glasses .

3 - distance frames providing the same distance between the glasses .

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

5 - sealing adhesive composition, which collects all the elements in a common design.

What are the main selection criteria for the double-glazed windows:

• Thickness and quality glass .Most models use 4 mm thick glass. In the case of windows facing the street with a high noise level, it makes sense to consider installing an external glass with a thickness of 5 or 6 mm. This will significantly increase the soundproofing qualities, since glass of different thicknesses will never get into resonance.

Glass should be tempered , which has undergone special heat treatment after cutting it into the desired size. Thus tempered glass in any measure does not lose its light-transmitting ability and any other qualities. But, firstly, this is significant, in 5 ÷ 6 it increases its strength characteristics, resistance to shocks, and to the load on bending or compression. Secondly, even with accidental breaking it splits into small pieces of practically regular shape without sharp cutting edges of the .

Another more secure option is laminated glass - triplex. They can withstand even a directional strike, resist the attempted break-in, and in case of destruction they do not scatter to pieces. In addition, such glass is much less susceptible to microvibration, and means , more effectively muffle sound fluctuations. True, the price of such double-glazed windows is quite high.

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

• Number of cameras and their width.

Double-glazed windows are one- and two-chamber. Single-chamber variant - these are two glasses, spaced on defined distance. The total thickness of this package is between 24 and 30 mm. Usually, I choose this design on the same principle as the number of chambers in the profile - for southern regions or for unheated rooms.

Two-chamber, respectively, have three glasses and two air or gas interlayers between them. The thickness of such bags is usually 32 to 44 mm. Thermal-insulating and noise-suppressing quality in this version is certainly much higher, so for residential premises it is best to take it exactly.

In a double-glazed double-glazed window, various configurations of the are possible. So, they can be the same thickness and set 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( using spacers, for example, 6 and 16 mm), and the outer glasses - thick .When passing through such a "pie" sound oscillations are most effectively deafened.

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

In order for to significantly improve the thermal properties of insulating glass units, to reduce the cost of heating in winter and for air conditioning in the summer, special technologies have been developed. First of all, this applies to the deposition on a film coating glass or low-emission deposition based on silver ions. Depending on the technology used, k-glasses i - glass are distinguished. The first - much easier to manufacture and, accordingly, cheaper. The latter have more impressive energy-saving characteristics, but their production is more complicated, which, of course, is reflected in the price.

Insulating Glass. Such coatings in winter reflect the heat flow back into the room, preventing it from chilling through a large window area. At the same time , they prevent free passing rigid solar radiation into the apartment in the summer, maximally retaining the necessary coolness in it.

The marking of such double-glazed windows usually is given by the formula with the thickness of the , ( if applicable) and the distance between them. For example, the designation "4 i- 10- 4-10 -4 i" indicates that this is a double-glazed unit with a thickness of 4 mm, the distance between them is 10 mm, and the outer and innerglass, in addition, refer to i - type .

Another is more effective in terms of heat preservation, double-glazed windows, in which the discharged air in the chambers is not , but the injected inert gas( usually argon or krypton).The special molecular structure of these gases significantly reduces the T rate of the thermal conductivity. For example, compared to the usual( with the same remaining characteristics), the argon glass gives the a significant increase of 5% in energy savings. And if the combined scheme is used, this is higher: on the " - 16 Argon - 4 i" it is possible to speak about the increase by 10 ÷ 12%. More more impressive results will be on double-chambered combined double-glazed windows.

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

Window layout and hardware kit

When you select a window for the buyer to determine, how he sees it and on which scheme it should work. The basic principles of the are shown in the figure:

window Diagrams can be used either individually or in the of a specific combination, for example, a swinging opening plus a hinged opening for ventilating.

The number, shape and size of all glazed plots should be considered. Many hosts are often tempted to have one large glazed blade for the entire area of ​​the opening. However, it must be taken into account that is very large loads of for fastening elements. In addition, the larger the window area, the greater the probability of resonant transmission of sound waves, and therefore - below the noise-insulating quality. It is more expedient to distribute a large area into several sections, separated by by imposts.

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

The fittings must be exclusively steel( best of all alloy steel), such that it can withstand several dozen daily work cycles over many years. However, , it should be perfectly adjusted, so that any member of the family could easily open or close the window.

window system. When choosing, it is worth paying attention to the reinforced hardware with anti-burglary characteristics. It has several degrees of protection, and the most reliable can withstand even the impact of a powerful power tool.

If the apartment has young children, it is worth to ask locking systems, so that the child could not open the window by himself. These can be removable handles with muted sockets for them, special hidden push-button locks, rotary function limiters, mortise or overhead locks and .

There are additional hardware elements that, for example, provide a stepped opening of the window, prevent it from accidentally slamming in the draft, prevent the handles from closing correctly and ,n .Elements of fittings also include all handles, decorative lining and other items of exterior decoration.

Respecting companies that manufacture, install plastic windows, usually use high-quality hardware from leading European manufacturers. Unquestionable leaders in this segment of the market are the companies MACO, ROTO or SIEGENIA-AUBI.

Video: quality fittings for PVC windows

Sealers

Another is one important criterion for choosing PVC windows. From this "turn" depends extremely much - the maximum possible tightness of the closure, thermo - and soundproofing, protection of the fittings from the falling into dust and dirt, capable of causing its abrasive wear.

sealing loops One or more( up to three ) seal circuits can be used in window systems. 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 unit.

Seals can have a different cross-section profile. They are made of rubber , silicone, special rubber or composite polymer compounds. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages , like in terms of reaction to low temperatures, and in respect of resistance to abrasive and deforming loads, cracking, delamination and .It is believed that the best performance indicators are the composite composition EPDM ( in Russian translation having the complex name " ethylene-propylene-thermopolymer-rubber " or EPTK ).

How to approach the choice of the installation company

No less, and perhaps even decisive, is the choice of the company, which should perform the assembly and installation of windows. There are many proposals for such services, and it is important not to get hooked on unscrupulous performers or even amateurs in this matter.

. It is never worth to "buy" at obviously understated prices - most often they are offered by one-day firms, and claims for quality will be presented in a yearthere is nobody. Be sure to alert if this organization, for example, does not have an office, and all negotiations are conducted only on a 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 yourself for placing an order - put the handset immediately, is not getting involved in any discussion, because the professionalism here does not even smell.

A solid company should showcase its profiles and double-glazed windows in its office - usually split window layouts are installed for this purpose. Even the list of questions that you ask st gr is a competent manager, can say a lot. In order for the window to turn out to be really high-quality and perform its functions to the full, the manufacturer has to evaluate a lot of information:

• The series of the house, the material of the walls - most likely, the installers already had to deal with similar apartments and they had the best options.
• Wishes the customer for the configuration of the window. Not all the "whims" of the apartment owner can be executed, and the manager's task is to find a compromise solution, and " for the " spreadsheet, and for the operation schemes of the flaps.
• The direction of the windows to the sides of the world, the location of noisy driveways or on the contrary , quiet courtyards must be taken into account. This will enable to be more precise to determine the number of profile cameras and the type of double-glazed windows.
• As a rule, at the same time questions are solved on installation of ebb and sills, sometimes - it is planned to install PVC window slopes at once. Almost certainly it will be proposed to install a mosquito net, a conventional waybill or roller shutter type.
• Serious company always will go to meet a good customer and will make him a substantial discount if several windows are purchased and installed at once.
• It is possible that the list of company services includes innovative solutions, for example, a built-in ventilation system.

. It is not necessary to be limited to only one company - there are many of them, and, as a rule, is tough competition between them. It is necessary to get acquainted with the conditions and applied materials in several, has a sense sl pr consult with friends who have already changed old ok on to PVC, read the reviews on the Internet. Remember that your first visit to anything still does not oblige. Simply take a phone that you can contact the manager to call the gage.

Much can be suggested by the impression of the visit of the gauger. It's not even his appearance and manner of behavior( although this sometimes creates certain opinion).If the wizard confined two - three measurements and spent no more than five minutes on it, it is most likely that you should refrain from further contact. A professional approach involves an assessment of not less than 10 ÷ 12 parameters, and usually takes up to half an hour. In no case should you pay for measuring the money - this service is not chargeable and, again, while the still is not binding on the customer.

It's only when a detailed project is prepared at the office of the firm that completely satisfies the client, with all the drawings and diagrams, the list of materials and the estimate for assembly and installation, you can sign the contract. In this case, it is necessary to specify the maximum permissible deadlines for all works, the parties' liability for non-fulfillment of obligations and a number of other important points.

are included in the estimate. So, one should pay special attention to whether the delivery of windows, lifting on the floor, dismantling of old frames, removalgarbage, use of consumable materials ( for example, mounting foam).Often such inexperienced firms "traps" come inexperienced customers, who then during the window installation are faced with the need for additional costs, not specified by in the concluded by agreement.

And, finally, another video clip with advice on the selection of PVC windows.

Video: how to choose the right plastic window