Modern window manufacturers offer customers a wide range of translucent structures with different characteristics, operating parameters and external design features. 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

Regular plastic windows are structures whose frame and doors are made of PVC profiles 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 part - an internal metal liner -. Interior metal carcass increases the strength and reliability of the structure. It is made of steel with an anti-corrosion coating and is placed inside the chambers of the frame and sash around 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 from sudden temperature fluctuations and prolonged exposure to sunlight. 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. The average service life of metal-plastic windows is 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:

1. 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.


2. High price. 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 enough 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 increasing the strength of the window system, the internal metal frame significantly increases its weight. 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 climates) 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 significant loads, for example, balconies with fragile fencing, should be done with products from plastic profile without a steel liner - they have less weight and minimize the likelihood of damage or destruction.

The main mistake when buying 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 different manufacturers 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?

1. Installation width. Installation width 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.
2. 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 heat conservation requirements.

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

Reinforcement thickness. The rigidity and strength of the window structure is 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 its 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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 focus on the fittings famous manufacturers, for example Roto.

1. 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 of the 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

1. Ventilation valves.
2. Mosquito net.
3. 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.

What is the difference between plastic windows (PVC profile)

Now many people are faced with the choice of replacing old wooden windows with modern metal-plastic windows. And they wonder which windows to choose, what is the difference between pvc windows, and which is better?

When choosing new plastic windows, you need to decide for yourself whether you are ready to pay for a quality product, or whether you will be satisfied with any metal-plastic windows, the main thing is that the price is not high. Today there are dozens of companies producing plastic windows on the market. It should be borne in mind that there are only three real companies engaged in the development and evolution of the window industry. These are known to everyone German companies VEKA, Rehau, KBE. As you might guess, other companies producing plastic windows are enterprises that purchase patents and manufacture PVC products under their own label. And it seems that it doesn’t sound bad, if you copy the products of famous companies, the output should be no worse, the difficulty is that the production of the dough itself from which PVC products are made is a rather complex and very expensive process, and not everyone can vouch for the quality and environmental friendliness.

Don't forget about plastic window fittings, it determines how the opening, tilting and locking of the window will function. German companies such as Siegenia and ROTO are also leaders in the window fittings market.

And to make it easier for you to choose a window, we have prepared small introductory articles about the leaders plastic pvc windows, according to which we can assume that the window good quality and will serve you for a long time without failures.

And so, let’s briefly try to get acquainted with the pioneers of the window industry.




KBE. Today the KBE company is considered a leader in Russian market among manufacturers and suppliers of metal-plastic windows and doors. Many people mistakenly believe that KBE is a Russian company, but I can assure you that this is not the case. The KBE company has been on the world market for 30 years, when in Russia they didn’t even know about plastic windows. In the product line, KBE has profiles of 58mm, 70mm and a new premium system with a width of 88mm.





Knowing the difference between plastic windows, one from the other, you can determine what function will your window perform?: Heat insulation, elegant appearance, sound insulation, etc.

• Thermal insulation

  For this, a double-chamber double-glazed window (3-glass) is selected, there is energy saving double glazing with silver atoms applied to the glass and sealed with argon gas, it is also important how many air chambers are in the frame profile itself - the more, the warmer.

• Elegant appearance

  Here it is important to understand that for reputable companies, the entire design was thought out by specialists and combines not only beauty, but practicality. There are very white profiles or glossy or matte surfaces. It depends on the composition of the profile. As elsewhere, it is better to choose a middle ground here.

• Noise insulation

  For this purpose, glass is selected not with standard thickness 4 mm, and thicker - 6 mm, thereby the barrier will prevent greater penetration of noise - this is a soundproofing double-glazed window.

Continuation of the article

Winter is just around the corner. It’s getting colder outside, frosts are following one after another, snow will soon fall and it will be possible to say that winter period came into its own. And this, as you know, requires apartment and house owners to take a thoughtful approach to home insulation. One such solution is the installation of double-glazed windows. They are stronger, more reliable, and more convenient to use than conventional ones. wooden windows. But there is one nuance here: there are plastic windows and metal-plastic ones - what is the difference? Not every person can answer this question right away.

Plastic windows- made of PVC or polyvinyl chloride. In their design, they are similar in appearance to ordinary wooden windows, but differ more complex design. They consist of several layers, separated from each other and hermetically installed in a special frame. Thanks to this, in comparison with conventional windows, double-glazed windows have better sound and heat insulation. They can be installed not only in city apartments, but almost anywhere where there is a need.
Metal-plastic windows- also have all the above advantages, which are described in the usual plastic structures. And even in appearance they are largely similar. However, from the point of view design features there are certain differences. These products use an additional metal frame built into the profile, which is also the basis of the entire structure. WITH outside it's still the same plastic, so there are no differences in appearance. But in terms of strength and stability, metal-plastic windows are ahead of simple plastic. In professional language they say that such structures are “reinforced with galvanized profiles.”

Comparison of plastic and metal-plastic windows

Conventional plastic windows are mainly installed in houses, cottages, and apartments. In the same time metal-plastic structures This is the strength and reliability required in more extreme conditions - on the top floors of skyscrapers, as well as in harsh climatic conditions where strong winds prevail.
The durability of conventional plastic is somewhat lower due to the fact that it does not have additional reinforcement, while metal-plastic can “survive” much longer.
Conventional plastic windows are distinguished by their simple geometry, while metal-plastic can be given various shapes: lancet, arched, round and so on.
The price of plastic windows is lower than that of metal-plastic ones. Although such savings may not always be justified.

TheDifference.ru determined that the difference between plastic and metal-plastic windows is as follows:

Plastic windows can be installed in ordinary houses or apartments, and metal-plastic products are more justified on the top floors of skyscrapers, where strong gusts of wind prevail.
Plastic windows are less durable, while metal-plastic windows provide the necessary reliability due to additional reinforcement.
The service life of plastic windows is 2–3 decades, and metal-plastic ones can live for more than 50 years.
Plastic windows most often come in the usual rectangular shape, but metal-plastic windows can be given other shapes.
The price of plastic windows is noticeably lower than metal-plastic ones.

From the article you will learn:

Before you go shopping or order new windows for your home, it wouldn't hurt for buyers to learn what design features affect them and should include a quality, reliable product.

The text of this article will help readers become familiar with the main differences between plastic windows different types and learn about manufacturers considered the best on the Russian market. Useful tips will help you make a more conscious choice when purchasing and navigate among the many models on the market.

So, let's move on to the differences:

First - profile view

The profile is rightfully considered the basis of the window - it is the frame for the double-glazed window and must ensure its reliable retention throughout its operation. Profiles consist of one or more cameras. Products in which there are more than three of them are considered high-quality. The insulating characteristics of the window (heat and noise) depend on - the more chambers, the better window keeps the room warm.

The materials from which window profiles are made also differ. They may be based on:

• wood;
• aluminum

When we're talking about about the difference between plastic windows from each other, most often it is the difference in the materials used to produce their profiles that is implied. In Russia, in addition to domestic brands, buyers give preference to such well-known foreign brands as Veka, Rehau and KBE.

Read also: What is between the glass windows?

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The second is the type of glass unit

The second most important place in the window design after the frame is occupied by a double-glazed window. It is larger in area than other window fragments (up to 90% of the entire product) and consists of glass and inert gas filling the space between them. Any double-glazed window has at least two glasses, which are located at some distance from each other. The space between the panes is called a chamber, and its presence plays an important role in the window's ability to maintain a comfortable temperature in the room.

The main difference between double-glazed windows concerns the number of their chambers, as well as the thickness and properties of the glass from which they are composed. In the majority modern houses windows with one, two or three chambers are used - this number optimally combines the insulating characteristics and cost of the structure. Of course, it will better protect the room from noise and street cold, however, its cost is incomparably higher than that of a single-chamber analogue.

Third - inert gas used to fill the glass chambers

To reduce the thermal conductivity of plastic windows, the chambers of their double-glazed windows are filled. It increases the insulating characteristics of the structure by 5-10%. The value, of course, is small, but in regions with severe frosts even such insulation plays an important role.

Read also: The plastic window does not close well. How to fix and adjust

The amount of increase in heat capacity depends on what kind of inert gas is pumped into the glass unit. Modern manufacturers use three main varieties:

• argon
• xenon
• krypton

In the manufacture of standard windows, argon is usually used - its cost is relatively low, but its insulating characteristics leave much to be desired. Xenon has the maximum heat capacity, but it is an expensive substance, and therefore is used only for custom-made plastic windows or for VIP models.

The chambers of inexpensive windows for standard buildings are often filled with ordinary compressed air.

Fourth - accessories

The differences between plastic windows include what fittings they are equipped with. The group of window fittings includes a solid list of mechanisms and components that facilitate the use of the structure or its configuration. Both Russian and foreign companies produce window fittings, but today the most reliable and high-quality products are considered