Which window fittings to choose

Despite the fact that plastic windows have become an integral part of the interior, not everyone is paying due attention to the fittings. It performs several important tasks at once. First, it provides multi-mode operation of the window, secondly, it protects it from hacking, and thirdly, it creates an attractive appearance.

What is window fittings?

Fittings are a system of mechanical components that ensure a snug fit of the window to the frame along the entire perimeter and are able to give the open door the necessary position.
There are several types of window fittings:

• rotary,
• swivel-folding,
• sliding.

The swivel and swing-and-tilt mechanisms serve to bring the window leaf or the balcony door open to fully open or restricted for airing. Used similar window hardware for wooden windows and doors, as well as for steel structures.

Sliding fittings are used, as the name suggests, for sliding doors and windows. By their design, these valves are sometimes combined with non-sliding or pivoting ones in one module, and are used in vertically installed windows and doors.

Perimetral fittings work in accordance with the following principle: with the help of the rotary knob and locking pins, set by the selected position of the handle, the fittings provide the following modes of operation:

1. When the handle is turned strictly down, the window closes, tightly fitting the flap to the rubber gaskets. In this position, the maximum sound insulation of the structure is ensured. The air in this case also does not pass.
2. Rotate the knob 90 ° to the right or left to fully open the sash.
3. If the handle from the closed position is turned by 180 °, then the leaf will assume the position for ventilation. The upper part of the leaf will move a few centimeters from the opening and will be fixed at an angle, ensuring the flow of air.

It should be noted that window fittings, which can be bought from different suppliers, should be distinguished by their durability and reliability.

What qualities should a quality window hardware have?

All fittings must demonstrate the following performance:

• High wear resistance. Window fittings are often subjected to a strong and constant load, especially in windows installed in the office. During the day, windows are often opened and closed, so high-quality components are designed for a large number of cycles. One cycle implies a one-time opening and closing of the window. It is believed that good fittings withstand 15 000 cycles of opening and closing. True, it's nice to note that the top three manufacturers of accessories, such as Maco, Roco, Siegenia, guarantee a fail-safe life of up to 60,000 cycles. This is one of the reasons why these companies almost completely absorbed the entire market of window hardware, the price for which justifies the quality.

• Corrosion resistance. The elements of the fittings often, especially in the winter, are affected by temperature differences, when the window is below zero, and in the room plus, and the difference can be up to 50 ° C.Moisture can also cause a metal reaction. Quality fittings are able to resist the appearance of rust, and therefore in this case it is not necessary to save.
• Smooth oily stroke of all elements softens the natural wear of parts during their operation. In addition, you do not have to exert additional effort when opening and closing doors and windows.
• Security of all elements. Good manufacturers often use a simple but effective solution in their construction, when a burglar lock bar is installed in the lower and upper part of the frame flaps together with mushroom-shaped trunnions. In addition, some handles are drill-proofed and have buttons or locking locks.

What is made of window fittings?

Well-known manufacturers of window fittings make their products from steel, characterized by a good degree of strength. The surface of the parts is protected by galvanizing or chrome plating, and in some cases is varnished and painted. Sometimes the elements are made of aluminum and brass, but the basis is precisely steel.

To match the finish, the fittings have three primary colors:

• golden,
• silver,
• black.

Response plates are made of rolled steel, except for those designed to resist burglary. They use strong alloys, sometimes with an admixture of chromium - which makes most of the drills break when trying to drill such hardware.

What elements are included in the window fittings?

Typically, a standard hardware kit includes:

• Upper and lower hinges for doors and frames that connect the sash and the window box to each other.
• Knobs and levers, due to which the leaflets are put in the required position,
• Fastened on the wing are movable hardware elements called locks. During the movement of the handles, the locks move in the grooves along with the trunnions, getting into the slots on the counter slats. Due to this, the wings are installed in the required position.
• The stopper locks the flap in the slightly open position, preventing it from falling.
• The incorrect handle lock prevents it from turning when the door is open and prevents the loops from falling off when the handle is turned, while the leaf is in the open position.

• Slot aperture that holds the flap in a slightly open position 10 mm from the frame. This situation is relevant for ventilation in winter, when it is required to ensure the flow of fresh air, while its number should not be a problem for the temperature in the room.
• Some accessories are provided with a safety lock that prevents accidental slamming of the leaf, for example when exposed to draft or wind.

Overview of manufacturers of window fittings

The lion's share of all manufactured window fittings are models from the Austrian manufacturer Maco and German Roto. Their mass market share is such that often many window installers offer exactly the products of these two companies to choose from. Therefore, it is better to start your review with them.

• The products of the Austrian manufacturer Maco are known on the market for more than one decade. In 2014, the company celebrated its 67-year presence in the market. High quality of products is ensured through control at all stages of production. The factories are traditionally located in Austria, so do not worry that the components are manufactured in China under the auspices of the brand, as do some other manufacturers. It is not out of place to list the main advantages of this brand:
  • all the accessories work even under extreme loads and constant exposure to adverse weather conditions. Moreover, they are constructed in a concealed design, in which the components of the fittings do not protrude beyond the structure;
  • spring elements are made of multi-layer stainless steel, which provides additional strength;
  • all fittings, including hidden, waxed to reduce friction and improve corrosion resistance;
  • special rib on the outer tire has allowed to reduce the degree of friction between the tires and to give the hardware design additional rigidity;
  • window hardware is equipped with a microlift - a special mechanism that prevents sagging of the sash in the closed position;
  • lower hinges are adjustable;
  • built-in locks are able to prevent damage to the mechanism in case of incorrectly selected position or excessive force applied to it.

The warranty period provided by the manufacturer for its products is 10 years.
According to the statements and user feedback, Maco window hardware benefits by simplifying the assembly and minimizing the number of parts. Due to this, a great simplicity and a lower speed of assembly of the structure is achieved.

• More than 50% of all Roto products go to Eastern Europe, and Russia occupies a leading position in terms of purchasing fittings of this brand. Like the Austrian competitor, the German manufacturer also provides the customer with such product features as the highest quality, smooth operation of machinery and their durability. The guaranteed service life is 60 000 cycles. Among other things, the
  • patented fittings with a flat locking tongue. According to experts, this engineering solution allowed to evenly distribute the force to all parts on the contact surface. The angle of entry of the tongue into the bar is unchanged and is 45 °.This significantly reduces the friction between the mechanism and the bar, and the effort to open and close is minimal;
  • swivel-folding mechanisms of the fittings are designed for the weight of the flaps up to 130 kg and have considerable strength. Hinges and basic mechanisms also have a hidden construction;
  • window hardware Roto is distinguished by its reliability and impeccability. Functionality of various designs is achieved by the variability, which allows to choose high-quality accessories for any request. True, due to this, the simplicity of the construction was sacrificed. Nevertheless, the complexity does not affect the quality;

• Fittings Siegenia-Aubi or simply Sigenia, as the company's products were called after the merger, also differs traditionally with high quality, tested not for one decade. Products Siegenia occupies 30% of the whole European market and occupies a leading place in terms of the introduction of anti-burglary systems. In addition, the manufacturer offers a larger range of accessories for non-standard solutions for windows and doors, for all types of machinery used.

In fact, there is no particular difference between the products from the indicated three. Since the word "German" has long been synonymous with the notion of "quality", many experts recommend buying Roto products.

High quality implies a significant cost of the goods. Window fittings are no exception. The base kit for one window will cost at least $ 100-150.If there is a need to install anti-burglary protection, then the price will double. Given this circumstance, it makes sense to talk about more affordable manufacturers who have proven themselves well.

• Accado - the Turkish manufacturer took its place on the average in the price range of the segment, offers the buyer the following arguments in favor of choosing this particular product:
  • adjustable trunnions are made of high-strength steel, free of light metal impurities for individual parts;
  • uses four-layer steel in locks and angular transmission;
  • warranty for anticorrosion coating is 12 years;
  • scissors use a double clamp;
  • microversion and microlift systems;
  • Crackling system;
  • trough system.

Accado demonstrates that in its assortment there is a suitable fittings for any customer requests.

Vorne presents an assortment of inexpensive and high-quality products, but remains little-known. The mechanisms differ in ease of operation and maintenance, softness in switching mode and ensuring tight fit of the leaf.

The German company G-U focuses on the development of its products to make sure that it is sealed when the sash is adjacent to the frame. On the inside of the hinge, even a special groove was provided for the rubber seal, which is evenly pressed against the hinge when the leaf is closed. In addition, a special screw bush allowed to strengthen the clamping to 1.5 mm to achieve the maximum effect of tight fit.

Not all manufacturers of window fittings have been described, but this does not make much sense, as none of them are able to approach the three "whales": Maco, Roto, Siegenia. At the thematic forums, battles are periodically fomenting about finding out who is the best among them. Nevertheless, until now the answer has not been found, since the leaders occupy high positions and firmly stand on them. But all the disputants agree on one thing: they need to buy their products, and do not pay attention to the rest. This opinion is confirmed by the share in the market.