How to choose the right plastic windows - detailed instructions. Application of metal-plastic windows What is the difference between a warm plastic window and a simple one?

Main mistake upon purchase plastic windows, which more than half of all buyers make, is to make a choice based only on the low price of the structure. Indeed, at first glance it may seem that the products of different manufacturers are no different from each other. But this statement is erroneous and can lead to the purchase of a low-quality window.

In our article we will try to figure out what is the difference between plastic windows.

Profile

The element of PVC windows, the choice of which is given the most attention. - this is the basis of the entire structure, thanks to which the geometric stability and wind resistance of the entire window are ensured. What is the difference between PVC profiles from different manufacturers?

Installation width. The installation width of profile systems varies from 58 mm to 82 mm. This indicator mainly affects the energy-saving properties of the window. The thicker the profile, the wider the double-glazed window can be installed in it, thereby increasing the heat-saving performance of the structure.
Profile wall thickness. This indicator also plays an important role in the heat conservation of a plastic window. Depending on the wall thickness, profiles are divided into three classes:

And class. Profile with an outer wall thickness of at least 2.8 mm. Windows made from this profile are installed in apartments, houses and offices.
B class. The thickness of the outer wall is 2.5-2.8 mm. Designed for warm climates.
C class. The thickness of the outer wall is less than 2.5 mm. Windows made from this profile are used only in non-residential premises, which are not subject to strict requirements for heat conservation.

Number of cameras. Today, window manufacturers offer PVC profiles with 3, 4, 5 and even 6 chambers. A large number of internal chambers ensures high thermal and noise insulation of plastic windows.

Reinforcement thickness. Rigidity and strength window design achieved through reinforcement inside the plastic profile. The reinforcing profile must be made of galvanized steel with a thickness of at least 1.5 mm, and for laminated windows at least 2 mm. Only in this case the PVC window will retain its geometric shape throughout the entire service life.

Double-glazed window

The largest element of a plastic window. occupies 80% of the entire window structure, which is why the largest heat losses can occur through it. The main differences between double-glazed windows, which affect both their characteristics and their cost:

Number of cameras. There are one-, two- and three-chamber double-glazed windows. For the climate of Belarus, installing a double-glazed window will be sufficient. It provides comfortable conditions for human life. A single-chamber double-glazed window will become good option for installation in non-residential premises, where thermal insulation is not the main requirement. The purchase of PVC windows with three-chamber double-glazed windows is justified only in severe cold weather. climatic conditions.
Filling the chambers. To fill the chambers in a double-glazed window, it uses dried air or inert gases (argon, krypton, xenon). The presence of gas between the panes makes the PVC window warmer and quieter.
Glass thickness. Double-glazed windows can also differ in the thickness of the glass used in them. The most commonly used float glass is 4 mm thick. To ensure increased noise insulation or burglary safety, glass of various thicknesses can be installed.
Distance frame. Double-glazed windows vary depending on the spacer used. Selects plastic and aluminum frames. Plastic spacer frames have lower thermal conductivity than aluminum ones, so a window with such a frame will be warmer.
Width of the glass unit. The warmth in the house directly depends on the width of the glass unit. The thicker it is, the warmer your window. The thickness of a single-chamber double-glazed window can be from 16 mm to 32 mm, double-chamber - from 24 mm to 44 mm.
Additional glass characteristics. To improve the basic functions of double-glazed windows, glass with additional characteristics can be used in their production: with tinting, shockproof and laminated films, etc.

Accessories

A component of a window that makes it easy to use. Thanks to it, we control the opening and closing of the doors. The durability of the entire window as a whole depends on the quality and reliability of the fittings. Unscrupulous manufacturers most often resort to saving on this particular element, which can reduce the service life of the window by half. Therefore, when buying a plastic window, you should choose fittings from well-known manufacturers, such as Roto.

Tear Type:

Rotary.
Swivel and tilt.
Folding (fanlight).
Sliding.
Deaf.

Additional fittings:

Micro-ventilation mode, which becomes simply indispensable for ventilating the room in winter time year.
Additional anti-burglary elements that will protect your home from burglary.
Comb and sash opening limiter. These elements allow you to limit the opening angle of the sash: the comb limits the angle when tilting the sash, the limiter - when turning the sash.

Additional elements of plastic windows

Ventilation valves.
Mosquito nets.
Electric drives, etc.

As you can see, plastic windows from different manufacturers have many differences, which affect not only their final cost, but also their quality and durability. In order not to be disappointed with your purchase, approach the choice of your plastic windows with the utmost care and responsibility. Window Factory managers will be happy to answer all your questions and help you make the right decision.

You can often hear how people who are far from the terminology of the window market call the structure installed in the opening both a plastic window and a double-glazed window. This is completely wrong!

What is a plastic window?

A plastic window is a complete structure installed in a window opening. It consists of many elements:
— frame, load-bearing part of the structure;
- sashes, movable components of the window;
— imposts and frames connecting the sashes to each other;
— fittings, visible and hidden mechanisms that ensure the functionality and aesthetics of a plastic window;
— double-glazed windows, a modern analogue of traditional glass;
— rubber seals and glazing beads that secure the double-glazed window in the sash and ensure a tight connection;
- window sills and drainage systems.

What is a double glazed window?

A double-glazed window is one of the components of a window structure. As a rule, it consists of two or more glasses enclosed in a perforated aluminum frame. The glass divides the glass unit into chambers, and depending on their number, the design can be one-, two-, three- and so on chamber. The more chambers a double-glazed window is equipped with, the more heat-intensive it is.

The internal part of such a structure is filled with argon or dried air, and the external part is filled around the perimeter with mastic that does not allow moisture and dust to pass through. Sulfur hexafluoride is often added to the gas mixture to improve sound insulation characteristics.

Conclusions
Despite the fact that windows with double-glazed windows are strongly associated with steel-plastic windows, they can be installed in both wooden and aluminum frames. Thus, plastic windows and double-glazed windows mean completely different concepts and, in order not to show your incompetence, you should not confuse them.

An increasing number of people are choosing to replace those that have served their purpose. wooden windows more modern designs.

In most cases, consumers give preference to plastic or, as they are also called, metal-plastic windows. But wait, are these the same thing? Let's figure it out.

The easiest way is to combine both of these concepts into a general one and give it a definition (however, this has already been done before) double-glazed windows. But it will not be too complete, since when clarifying, you will still need to indicate their type - plastic or metal-plastic. In fact, both of them have a lot in common but, at the same time, differ in certain parameters.

Plastic windows– the basis for their production is polyvinyl chloride, abbreviated as PVC. Such structures consist of several layers that are hermetically located in a frame. It is this feature of their design that provides higher heat and sound insulation. Such double-glazed windows are universal in terms of use in interior design in the most different style, they will fit harmoniously into it and provide an optimal level of comfort.

Metal-plastic windows– they are characterized by all of the above advantages of plastic specimens, however, they have certain structural differences. Compared to ordinary plastic double glazed windows, these windows additionally have a metal frame, which is the basis of the entire structure. It provides them with higher strength and stability, therefore, while outwardly looking almost identical to plastic windows, metal-plastic double-glazed windows are more reliable in terms of operation.

Scope of application and key differences

We would like to note that due to additional reinforcement, metal-plastic windows in Kyiv, as well as other cities, have greater strength and reliability, so it makes sense to give them preference if they are used in more severe climatic conditions. Due to the structure reinforced with a metal frame, they are able to more effectively withstand strong gusts of wind, therefore, for example, upper floors houses, it is advisable to make a choice in their favor. At the same time, plastic windows have found their application almost everywhere; they are installed in private houses, cottages, and apartments. Here are a few main differences between metal-plastic and plastic windows:

plastic structures are less durable than their “metal” counterparts;
the service life of windows with a reinforced structure can reach 50 years, while ordinary PVC copies can last 20-30 years;
V financially A more acceptable option would be plastic windows, the price of which is significantly lower than that of metal-plastic models.

But in any case, the scope of use of both types of double-glazed windows is largely similar and, first of all, it depends on the preferences of the buyer himself, which to give preference to.

Modern window manufacturers offer customers large assortment translucent structures with different characteristics, operating parameters and features external design. Buyers are often lost in the variety of options, not knowing by what criteria to compare models and evaluate their advantages and disadvantages. The most popular windows today are made from, but not all customers know that there are two categories of these structures, each of which has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.

What is the difference between plastic and metal-plastic windows

Conventional plastic windows are structures whose frames and sashes are made of PVC profile without adding additional reinforcing elements. This type of window has average strength and durability, but is beneficial for the budget due to the ease of manufacture and the relatively low cost of the finished product.

Metal-plastic windows do not differ in appearance from simple PVC products, however, if you look at such a profile in section, your eyes will see the presence of an important additional detail - an internal metal liner -. Interior metal frame increases the strength and reliability of the structure. It is made from steel with anti-corrosion coating, is located inside the chambers of the frame and sash along the entire perimeter. The reinforcing frame can be closed - with a cross-sectional shape in the form of a quadrangle or open - with a cross-section resembling the outline of the letters G or P. The thickness of the steel plate is usually 1.2 -1.5 mm and depends on the load the structure must withstand . The basic requirements for the quality of the material and the method of installing the frame are set out in GOST 30674-99, which is valid throughout the Russian Federation.

Advantages and disadvantages of plastic and metal-plastic windows

Plastic windows

The advantages of plastic windows include their low cost (compared to reinforced analogues) and light weight. These window systems are available to most consumers and perform their functions well for a certain period of time. The light weight of non-reinforced profile windows allows them to be installed on balconies with minimal reinforcement of the parapet.

However, as mentioned above, plastic windows without a reinforcing metal frame are less durable. Most manufacturing plants guarantee 20-30 years of serviceability of such structures when used in normal conditions. The profile is constantly under heavy load: in addition to its own weight, it holds a heavy double-glazed window, which can weigh up to 80 kg.

It is worth noting that even the highest quality plastic can become deformed due to sudden temperature fluctuations and long-term exposure to it. sun rays. For this reason, the service life of plastic windows in regions with unstable or hot climates will be shorter.

Metal-plastic windows

Reinforcement gives PVC windows additional strength, prolonging their life and increasing their ability to withstand varied loads. Metal-plastic windows are not afraid strong wind, tested by temperature changes, their sashes rarely sag under the weight of the double-glazed window and operate even in super-intense mode. Average term services metal-plastic windows– 40-50 years. Metal profile reinforcement allows manufacturers to create structures of various shapes and not worry about their possible deformation.

Metal-plastic windows also have certain disadvantages that should be taken into account when purchasing:

The appearance of “cold bridges”. Metal elements Compared to plastic, they have greater thermal conductivity and reduce thermal insulation characteristics the entire structure. To minimize the influence of this factor, manufacturers came up with the following: they reduce the area of contact between the frame and the plastic by installing vertical ribs inside that hold the metal in the desired position.

High cost. Any windows made of reinforced profile (naturally, we are talking about quality products) are more expensive than similar models made of regular plastic. Galvanized steel is a fairly expensive material, and therefore the price of structures increases in proportion to the amount of metal used.

When choosing windows with reinforcement, you need to take into account that along with increased strength window system, the internal metal frame significantly increases its mass. Accordingly, metal-plastic windows are noticeably heavier than conventional plastic analogues. Due to their heaviness, such windows are unlikely to be suitable for installation in buildings with dilapidated walls, and the parapet in front must be strengthened.

Areas of application

Having studied the main characteristics, as well as weak and strengths plastic and metal-plastic windows, you can start choosing the most suitable option for your premises. Each case is individual, but there are a number general recommendations Experts to listen to:

For rooms on the upper floors of high-rise buildings, as well as for installation in houses located in open space (with the maximum likelihood of regular exposure strong winds), you should choose metal-plastic windows.
Apartments in standard multi-storey buildings large cities located in middle lane Russia (and other regions with temperate climate), can be equipped with simple plastic windows.
Ordinary plastic windows are a decent option for buyers on a limited budget.
For installation in buildings with large window openings or it is recommended to use exclusively metal-plastic windows.
Windows designed according to individual projects, designs non-standard shape, original models For designer interiors They are made mainly from PVC profiles with reinforcement.
Glazing of structures that cannot withstand a significant load, for example, balconies with a fragile fence, should be done with products made of plastic profiles without a steel liner - they have less weight and minimize the likelihood of damage or destruction.