Which window profile is better to choose

Modern windows have a rather complex structure. It allows you to provide excellent thermal insulation for decades. Manufacturers of plastic windows offer many models that differ not only in technical characteristics, but also in price. How not to spend money in vain and choose a window that will guarantee comfort indoors during the entire period of operation? To do this, you need to figure out what materials the profile for plastic windows is made of, how many air chambers have different models, for which a stand profile is needed.

Material

Modern industry offers window profiles made of various materials. It can be wood, aluminum or polyvinyl chloride. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, in addition, they are quite sensitive in price.

• Wood. Contrary to popular belief, it cannot be said that the time of using this material in the manufacture of window blocks has irrevocably passed. A small number of windows with a wooden profile on the market is explained by the complexity of their manufacture and high price. These are premium windows. Made from cedar, larch, pine, oak or teak, they will last at least 60 years. PVC structures are superior in rigidity, but require regular processing: from time to time they need to be painted or varnished.

• Aluminum. Aluminum window profile can be found in office or industrial premises. It is much inferior to other materials in terms of thermal insulation properties, window service life (15 years), and tarnishes with time. Therefore, more often aluminum is used for decorative window decoration or in combination with polyvinyl chloride.

• The largest part of the market was won by windows with PVC profiles. Reasonable price, excellent technical characteristics, durability, ease of installation and operation - all these factors influenced their popularity among ordinary people. Everyone can choose from a variety of types of PVC windows the option that best suits him in quality and price.

PVC profile design

Inside, the polyvinyl chloride profile has special air cavities formed with the help of longitudinal partitions. Their number directly affects the thermal conductivity of the profile: the more chambers, the better the heat and sound insulation. Therefore, for a cold climate, it is better to choose a window with a large number of air chambers. In different types of profiles, they can be from 1 to 8. The greater the thickness of the structure - the more of these cavities can be placed in it. So, in a profile 90 mm thick there are usually 6 chambers, and in a structure having a thickness of 58 mm, no more than 3 are placed.

Profile Classes

The wall thickness affects not only the thermal conductivity of the window unit, but also the degree of its susceptibility to deformation. The following types of profile are distinguished by this parameter:

• Class A is the most reliable, provides the best thermal insulation. The thickness of its outer walls starts from 2.8 mm, internal - from 2.5. Ideal, but also the most expensive.
• Class B - inferior both in thermal insulation and in strength. The inner walls have a thickness of 2 mm, the outer - of 2.5 mm.
• Class C - does not have strict parameters. Of these profiles are made the cheapest and most “cold” and unreliable windows. They are most often installed in non-residential premises or in warm climates.

With the same number of air chambers, preference should be given to a wider profile, since simple an increase in the number of partitions, albeit slightly, but will affect the thermal conductivity of the plastic structure window.

Core types

If the profile was made only of polyvinyl chloride, then it would not have the necessary rigidity. Therefore, it is necessary to reinforce it, for which a steel core is used. Basically, there are two varieties of this detail:

• in the form of a square;
• in the shape of the letter P.

It is better to choose the first option, although it is more expensive. A square core will provide better strength and stiffness of the profile. It is required for windows of significant dimensions.

Sealant

Of considerable importance is the quality of the seal. It is better to give preference to a rubber sealant. Keeping elasticity for at least five years, it will provide excellent tightness of the window block. You just need to remember to regularly care for the sealant, for example, treat it with silicone grease.

Hardware

You should also pay attention to the quality of fittings, mounted on the window profile.

1. It should be durable and comfortable.
2. The elements of the hardware should ensure a tight fit of the frame to the profile in a closed form and the ease of its transfer to other modes.
3. You should also make sure that the hardware allows you to customize the window when switching between winter-summer modes.

Why do we need a stand profile?

Often there is a situation when after installation of plastic windows it is not possible to achieve the desired thermal insulation of the room. Even with a high-quality profile, a room can be purged through the gaps between the window block and the window sill. To solve this problem, a stand profile helps. Often, window installers ignore it, but any professional will confirm the importance of installing this optional item.

The area between the outside and window sill requires increased attention when installing windows. In strong winds, air, colliding with a wall, begins to rise along its surface. The ebb mounted on the window blocks his path and pushes a stream of air under the windowsill. If a stand profile has not been installed there, this can lead to a draft in the room. Even the highest quality plastic windows will not save if you miss this important detail when installing them.

A stand profile is installed directly between the frame and the window sill. Its length must exactly match the length of the window.

It is better to choose a stand profile with a wall thickness of at least 2 mm and at least two air chambers.

This additional profiled strip will not only increase the thermal insulation of the room. To it, without any problems in the future, you can attach both window sills and drainage. Their installation directly on the window profile will require drilling holes for fastening, and this will negatively affect not only the strength of the structure, but also its heat-insulating properties. So, bona fide companies involved in the installation of plastic windows will definitely suggest installing this additional element (if it is not included in the delivery package). Refuse in this case is not worth it.

Leading manufacturers of plastic windows

The Germans became pioneers in the production of plastic windows. Their pedantry, accuracy and accuracy ensure the highest quality of products. Therefore, the German profile is considered the best, although it should be noted that most of the products manufactured by companies from Germany have long been produced not in Germany. However, this did not affect the quality of the plastic windows.

The following manufacturers can be distinguished in the market of plastic windows:

• Rehau is a symbol of German quality. The company has been operating in the plastic window market for over 60 years. It is her engineers with their innovations that set the direction for the development of the entire industry. Only environmentally friendly materials are used in the production; it is not for nothing that windows of this particular company are recommended to be installed in medical institutions. Excellent sound and heat insulation, a wide range of models.
• The company's products VEKA, perhaps the most famous in Russia, as it is produced on its territory using German technology. The windows made by this German giant are perfect for our climatic conditions. They are distinguished by excellent functionality and ease of maintenance. The company pays a lot of attention to the use of the most environmentally friendly materials.

• KBE company produces profiles operating in the temperature range from -50 to +50 ˚С. The production does not use such an element hazardous to health as lead. The profile width of this German company is from 58 to 70 mm. Excellent sound insulation and tightness. Available as expensive elite models, as well as more budget options. The service life of KBE plastic windows is more than 50 years.
• Russian manufacturers of plastic windows are also present on the market. Despite its youth, Russian companies are not much inferior in quality of products to well-known European brands. As a rule, they work according to foreign technologies, adapting their products to local climatic conditions. Among the Russian manufacturers can be called companies such as Novotex and Proplex.

It should be remembered that the profiles of well-known companies are often faked by unscrupulous manufacturers. In this case, the buyer should be wary of the low price. Many well-known companies use various tags that are almost impossible to fake. You can find out about them on the official website of the manufacturer.

Competent choice of a plastic window profile, taking into account the peculiarities of the location of the room, the local climate and other conditions, its competent installation and operation guarantee the comfort of your apartment for a long time time.