How to choose and install plastic windows correctly. Recommendations for choosing plastic windows

Let's talk about how to choose plastic windows correctly. IN modern apartment All interior details must be carefully thought out, because they are a significant component of your life.

Therefore, you need to approach the choice of such an important detail of the interior of your home as windows, paying attention not only to aesthetics, but also to operational reliability. The importance of windows in a modern apartment is difficult to overestimate, because it is through them that sunlight, air, and external sound sources enter the room.

How to choose good plastic windows

Let's take a closer look at modern metal-plastic windows and consider the advantages that make them so popular. One of the main advantages is sound insulation. Now the noise of the street will not prevent you from enjoying the comfort and coziness of your home nest.

By installing metal-plastic windows in your home, you can be sure that even in the harsh winter the house will be warm, since such windows are distinguished by their high level of thermal insulation.

Reliability and durability are no less important characteristics of modern metal-plastic structures. Since the windows are not exposed to the summer sun, rain and frost, in other words, they are not exposed to atmospheric influences, and as a result they do not warp or crack, their service life is up to 20 years.

Metal-plastic windows are also easy to maintain - you just need to remember to wash them with detergent from time to time. A wide selection of shapes, colors, texture elements and design methods allows you to bring to life the most unusual design ideas, and simply give the room a cozy and elegant look.

How to choose the best windows, choosing between plastic and wooden, take combined ones, because they contain all the advantages and eliminate the disadvantages of these two types.

We are convinced that metal-plastic windows are ideal solution for modern, warm and cozy home. Now let's go deeper into the details. how to choose good plastic windows, and the most common types of window designs are blind, turning and tilt-and-turn.

Which window profile to choose

So, a blind window is a fixed, non-opening window. It is more reliable in operation, since it has no moving parts, but the room still needs to be ventilated, and therefore the combination of a fixed window and a window that opens is popular.

Opening windows are divided into tilt and turn windows. A pivot window is a structure that opens with the sashes inward, that is, traditionally.

A more complex design is a tilt-and-turn window, which opens both inward, horizontally and vertically (the upper part of the window folds down). This design is more convenient, since you choose how convenient it is to open the window at a particular moment. Which window profile to choose is, of course, up to you, but the tilt-and-turn design is the most popular.

Depending on the size of the room, you can choose a single-leaf window (which consists of one window structure), a double-leaf window (which, accordingly, consists of two window structures), and a three-leaf window. When installing windows, you should, if possible, avoid wide sashes, for the reason that they extend far into the room and do not allow the use of areas of the living space. In addition, a “heavy” sash creates additional stress on the fittings.

How many cameras should there be?

Very important point is the number of cameras in the window. The more cameras a window includes, the stronger and warmer it will be. Accordingly, if you want to protect yourself from the jokes of a harsh winter, it will be more profitable to choose a three-chamber double-glazed window, consisting of four glasses, between which three air chambers are formed.

The thickness of the glass is 4 mm, the space between the glasses is 10 mm. With some simple calculations, we get the thickness of a three-chamber double-glazed window of 48 mm. If you are not afraid of frost, or in winter the climate is pleasant with mild weather, you can choose a one- or two-chamber window. But the residents panel houses You need to take note that double-glazed windows do not provide optimal thermal insulation.

The space between the glasses, in addition to air, is filled with inert gases or mixtures thereof, to increase heat and soundproofing characteristics glass unit The most commonly used are argon and krypton, which are obtained by separation from liquefied atmospheric air.

When choosing a double-glazed window, it is important to remember that the thermal insulation of a window directly depends on the tightness, thickness of the glass and the distance between them. And tightness, in turn, depends on the quality of the sealant.

Cheap designs use short-lived silicone sealant, which will cost twice as much to replace as its original cost.

What kind of glass should it be?

In modern windows, instead of ordinary glass, so-called low-emissivity (energy-saving) glass, with a special coating with a layer of silver atoms, can be used.

Advice. You can check the privacy of windows in a simple way: bring a lit lighter or match to the window. By the number of reflections of the light in the window, judge the number of cameras: if there are three reflections, then the window is two-chamber, and if there are four, then it is three-chamber.

You can also check the presence of energy-saving glass using a match or lighter - it casts not a red, but a purple reflection.

How long a new window will serve you depends on the thickness of the metal reinforcing profile that reinforces the PVC structure, which must be galvanized, otherwise corrosion will begin to destroy it after a while.

Often, the reduction in the cost of double-glazed windows is due to the lack of galvanized iron. But, as the saying goes, we are not so rich that we can buy cheap goods. When answering the question of how to choose the best windows, you need to remember that if you save money, you can then spend more on replacement and repairs.

Accessories

A very important addition to the window design is the fittings. Having spent money on windows, you should not skimp on latches, handles, turning mechanisms, and other little things, otherwise you will suffer from skewed sashes that constantly jam and lock. Additional expenses will not hit your wallet, but will pay off a hundredfold.

The traditional color of double-glazed windows is white, but if desired, the color and texture can be ordered to suit every taste: either a different color or “wood-like”. Additionally, accessories are also purchased: mosquito nets, window sills, safety glasses, etc.

No less important than the quality of the windows themselves is the installation process, on which the quality of their operation largely depends. Therefore, it will not be superfluous to personally control the installation of windows.

Manufacturer

When choosing windows, special attention should be paid to the manufacturer. Today, the most famous and reliable manufacturers represented on our market are Rehau, Salamander, VEKA and others.

Rehau was founded in 1948 in the Bavarian city of Rehau and became the first company to replace conventional materials with polymers. For more than half a century, Rehau has been delighting customers with outstanding innovative technologies and high reliability.

The German company Salamander began producing profiles for manufacturers of PVC windows and doors in 1973, and today the company is one of the leading European manufacturers of PVC profiles for window structures.

VEKA is also a German company, known in the CIS market for more than ten years. The company's products are distinguished by a wide selection of design shapes and a variety of color shades. Among the advantages of the company's window designs we can confidently name strength, tightness and good ventilation. But Veka windows do not always come out of the fight with fifty-degree frosts with honor.

I hope we answered your question about how to choose plastic windows correctly and not regret your decision. Choose the worthy ones and enjoy the warmth and comfort of your home!

Reference publication
/ Compiled by N.V. Emelyanova. – Minsk: “ART Prestige Media Group”, 2013 – 36 p.

ISBN 978-985-6473-89-3
© N. V. Emelyanova, compilation, 2013

Mistake No. 1. What kind of profile do you say you have?

“What profile are your windows made of?” - a typical question from about half of the people who choose plastic windows. Unfortunately, it is also the first step towards a serious mistake that can cost you dearly.

After all, as a result, an unscrupulous manager will begin to praise you for the profile that is more profitable for him. Memorized phrases about the quality of the profile, the number of chambers in it, its width, ability to retain heat and the glorious history of the manufacturer will begin to fly off his teeth.

A window is far from just a profile. And if when choosing, you are guided by one, albeit important, factor, then the probability of error is extremely high.

The profile is only half the battle. Double-glazed windows and fittings play an equally important role in quality. A window is a complex product, the elements of which fit perfectly and complement each other. Only in this case the window works like a clock.

The consequences of such a decision are varied. For example, condensation forms inside a double-glazed window, in the selection of which the profile played a central role. Ice appears on the window, and in winter the vaunted Euro-window “freezes” the room no worse than an old wooden one. You wrap yourself in warm blankets and put two heaters in each room, which only increases your heating costs.

What to do? In 99% of cases, you need to replace the double-glazed window or the entire window. And this is very expensive pleasure. In addition, you will have to additionally spend money on repairing the space around the window, which will inevitably be damaged during dismantling. How then to choose the right window?

Just like the refrigerator. What is more important to you when buying a refrigerator: its overall quality or who makes the compressor, other components and metal? It’s exactly the same story with a plastic window.

What do you need to know about double-glazed windows?

It is the glass unit that accounts for most of the window surface. It is through this that the main heat losses and noise from the street occur. And here there are only two options: either the double-glazed window will become a bolted door that will not allow the heat to leave the apartment, or it will turn into a wide-open gate through which frost and noise will rush into your house like Tatar-Mongol cavalry.

Therefore, approach the choice of double-glazed windows more than responsibly. And if you want your home to be warm and quiet, we recommend a 2-chamber double-glazed window with 3 panes or a single-chamber double-glazed window with 2 panes, one of which is energy-saving. Well, an even more profitable option would be a 2-chamber double-glazed window with 3 glasses, one or two of which are energy-saving.

What do you need to know about fittings?

There is a great saying: the devil is in the details. And it has the most direct relation to Euro-windows.

Fittings are that seemingly trifle that can ruin even the most expensive window, and turn something cheap into a real masterpiece. Therefore, if you do not want your window to soon begin to jam, become loose, sag, or stop opening and closing normally, then under no circumstances skimp on fittings.

Often, when a window is chosen based solely on the profile, the fittings are completely forgotten. Then the unscrupulous seller puts out a cheap product from which he makes a lot of money. As a result, he has higher profits, and you have an eternal draft in your apartment. But a profile you can be proud of.

In addition, good fittings mean your comfort. It allows you to open the window not only in a rotary, but also in a tilting mode, providing ventilation, as well as in micro- and stepped ventilation modes.

Conclusion: choose not a profile, but the window as a whole, as a comprehensive product.

Mistake No. 2. We don’t know the window manufacturer! What for?

How many manufacturers of window profiles do you know? A dozen brands can easily be named. Unfortunately, many stop there, without thinking about who produces the windows themselves.

A profile is just one of the components. A window is a finished product that is made from it and other components. At the same time, for many it is the manufacturer of the profile that is important, but not the final product.

Now imagine that you are buying a dining table. Obviously you know who made it. But most likely, it won’t even occur to you to find out where the tree from which the table is made came from, who cut this tree down, who processed it into a board, etc. Then why do you behave completely differently when buying a window?

Remember: a profile is just the raw material from which your window is created. And the profile manufacturer gives you absolutely no guarantee on the final product. But the manufacturer and installer of windows is fully responsible to you for the quality of the product and its reliability. He also bears all warranty obligations.

A PVC window can also be made in a garage. But the quality of such a window will be comparable to the reliability of my grandfather’s “penny”, half assembled in the same garage from improvised means. And there are a lot of such “garage” workshops. At the same time, externally, their windows are almost impossible to distinguish from factory ones. And the protective film on the profile with the name of a famous brand gives the product solidity. But once you start using such a window, it will immediately become clear where it was made. After all, such a manufacturer makes its products as cheap as possible in every possible way.

By the way, do you know what the heat transfer resistance coefficient of old wooden windows is? 0.45 m2 * K/W. Good energy-saving plastic windows have 1 m2 * K/W. What is the heat transfer resistance coefficient of the windows you ordered? The answer to this important question can only be given by window tests, for example those that are carried out during certification. Only large, reputable companies can afford such tests. Do you think this answer can be found in the garage?

In large productions everything is different. Firstly, they are powered by automation, which performs all important operations, which reduces the influence of the human factor to a minimum. Secondly, a serious manufacturer simply cannot afford to use second-class components. Thirdly, any such enterprise has a multi-level quality control system.

How do unscrupulous manufacturers save on accessories?

The simplest thing is to install cheap fittings in your window, which supposedly complete analogue original. It can be even more fun: an incomplete set of cheap fittings is installed in your window. What does this mean?

At least by tightly opening and closing the window. Sagging of the sashes. And, of course, forced ventilation of your apartment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year - cracks in such a window are absolutely normal.

The worst thing is that after installing such a window, you will not be able to do anything with it. An incomplete set of fittings does not allow you to adjust the window, and replacing them will cost you almost the price of a new window.

How do unscrupulous manufacturers save on reinforcing profiles?

Do you know that plastic windows are actually called metal-plastic? The fact is that inside the frame there is a metal reinforcing profile that gives the window rigidity. Hence the name.

The trouble is that this profile is not visible. Often in handicraft workshops they take advantage of this and install a cheaper and thinner reinforcing profile in the windows. As a result, the rigidity of the structure is violated; over time, the window will deform and its sashes will sag. In some cases, this problem can be eliminated only by replacing the window.

How do unscrupulous manufacturers save on glass?

Look into any Soviet building with windows that have been there since the 80s. Look out the window from different angles. Have you noticed how the picture “floats” and plays with different colors, like a rainbow?

The reason for this is cheap and low quality glass. This is exactly what a garage workshop can supply you with. And “as a gift” you will receive unevenness on the glass, bubbles, and foreign inclusions.

Another option for “garage” savings is replacement standard glass 4 mm thick by 3 mm. Outwardly, you will not notice this change, but you will feel it well immediately after installation - with such a window at home it will be cold and noisy.

How do unscrupulous manufacturers save on window assembly and personnel?

Making windows in a garage is something! This is a must see! But it’s unlikely that anyone will let you into such a workshop. So imagine an ordinary dusty garage with mediocre lighting and damp walls. In it, a dirty and unkempt man “shamanizes” with a profile and glass, performing almost all operations manually or with the simplest tool.

Needless to say, in such makeshift conditions, defects appear here and there. For example, dust gets inside the glass unit, which cannot be removed from there. The use of low-quality sealant or violation of technology leads to the appearance of condensation inside the double-glazed window.

In addition, you will never get an energy-efficient window in your garage. After all, its production is possible only on expensive and complex equipment subject to special technology. No one has yet been able to implement this outside a large factory.

And in general, the quality of the products of such workshops is deplorable. After all, who works in them? These are unskilled workers who do almost all operations manually. Therefore, the influence of the human factor is simply enormous. Everything is aggravated by the fact that, receiving pennies, such a worker is absolutely indifferent to the quality of the window.

Can you trust word of mouth?

Of course, you can simply ask, for example, your neighbors who they ordered windows from, and if they are satisfied, then contact the same company. Yes, it's good old word of mouth. But does it work 100% in the case of windows? Let's figure it out now.

As a rule, it is a rare person who can determine from the first time and without preparation whether the window in front of him is a factory window or a “garage” one. Especially if the seller compares new windows with old ones, describing in vivid colors all the advantages of his products.

As a result, it seems as if the new windows are really great, which is not always the case. In addition, none of your neighbors or acquaintances will tell you how well their windows retain heat, and they are unlikely to tell you about the disadvantages of new windows.

So in the case of plastic windows, word of mouth is not a panacea. Yes, you can listen to the opinions of your friends and neighbors, but under no circumstances trust them blindly and unconditionally.

Conclusion: buy windows only from a well-known and large manufacturer with experience and an impeccable reputation.

Mistake No. 3. This is the price! I take it without thinking!

There are two gas stations. One belongs to a well-known company, it looks solid, clean and presentable, and the gasoline here is proven and of good quality. A couple of kilometers away is another gas station - it looks unsightly, the pumps are rusty and rickety, the owner is unknown, as is the quality of the gasoline offered. But gasoline at this gas station is cheaper. But will you take the risk and fill your car with cheap fuel? After all, by saving a ruble now, you can soon spend thousands on repairs.

The story with windows is exactly the same. The market price has been set. Therefore, a high-quality window cannot cost significantly less or more in one company than in another. And if they offer you very cheap window, then there is clearly a catch here.

Attractive preliminary price

You called to find out the cost of a plastic window for your typical home. When the manager announced the figure, you were so stunned by the cheapness that you immediately called a measurer and already had the money ready. But after measuring, it turned out that your window costs 2 times more than they promised you! How so?

The fact is that over the phone the manager announces the estimated price. As a basis, it takes standard, and often underestimated, window opening sizes and the cheapest window configuration. Well, the surveyor already makes calculations based on real data. Hence the difference.

Sudden rise in price

It also happens that new price you will know when you can no longer refuse the services of the contractor company. For example, installers, having already removed an old window, say that you have a problem wall, special installation is required, so the work will cost more. Or they ask you to pay for the dismantling of the old window, because according to the contract you don’t pay for it, but the window is there and it needs to be removed.

Shell companies

Unfortunately, dishonest companies exist in any market. Window is no exception. Such companies attract customers with a super low price, but after some time, when service or warranty repairs are required, it turns out that the phones are not answered and the company no longer exists.

Honest low price

Let's not lie, indeed, there are times when you still buy a window at a very low price. True, here, along with the window, you get a lot of trouble. Why? A window is a technologically complex product. To make it cheaper, you need to sacrifice quality, deviate from standards and hire inexperienced workers. The result is a really cheap window, but its reliability and durability leave much to be desired.

Conclusion: free cheese only comes in a mousetrap, so don’t choose a window based on price.

Mistake No. 4. Give me a discount, a discount!

Recently, the plastic window market has been reminiscent of the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul: increasingly, buyers begin the conversation by demanding a discount, without even placing an order. And they get it, and 30% at once! But as soon as such a buyer gets into another salon, he sees that his window here costs exactly the same. And even without a discount.

And here comes the epiphany. It turned out that the seller first simply inflated the price of the window, and then lowered it, offering the buyer a long-awaited discount.

And this is just one method of providing a “discount”. There is a more sophisticated method, when a window is actually given a good discount from its base price. But here’s the problem: the discount is made due to the fact that the window sill, slopes, ebbs and even fittings are removed from the kit. And the most inventive “discount sellers” go even further - they indicate the price even without installation!

So what can be the real discount on a plastic window? Actually, it's small. Even a fair discount of up to 15% can be given by a rare company, and only in exceptional cases during a seasonal downturn. After all, this market is very competitive, long established, and, accordingly, the rate of profit for everyone is approximately the same and relatively low. And no one will work at a loss.

Conclusion: before buying a window at a discount, thoroughly study the terms of its provision and consider similar offers from other companies.

Mistake #5: Do you think this will be normal? Okay, I'll take it!

Imagine: you came to a plastic window manufacturer, described your problem, and in response received a solution, the advantages of which the seller describes in all colors. Whose interests do you think the proposed solution best serves?

As a rule, it is in the interests of the window manufacturer. Of course, your interest is also taken into account, it cannot be otherwise. But often the determining factor is how beneficial the solution is to the manufacturer, and what exactly he can do.

For example, you live in a panel house with thin walls or in your own house, and you need the most “warm” window. You pose the appropriate task to the window manufacturer and in response you receive the following option: a 3-chamber profile with a width of 58–60 mm.

This is not suitable for solving your problem! You need a window made of a 5 or 6-chamber profile with a thickness of 70 mm and a wide 2-chamber energy-saving double-glazed window. Why aren't you offered this option? It is either unprofitable for the manufacturer, or he simply does not have the opportunity to produce such a window.

Well, if your windows face a noisy street or a railway crossing, then you won’t get away with an ordinary 2-chamber double-glazed window. With it, you will shudder at night from the noise of a freight train passing under your window. You need a special 2-chamber double-glazed window with glass of different thicknesses and different distances between them. Ideally, it should also have triplex glass. Have you been offered such a window?

Do you live on the first floor? Then a regular window is no longer suitable. You need a special anti-burglar option with special fittings and a number of security elements, as well as external glass with shockproof film or triplex.

Although if you have a couple of wolfhounds living at home, you can install the most ordinary Euro-window. After all, after it is opened in a couple of minutes, the robbers will be in trouble. And you will also be rewarded for helping the authorities.

And don’t forget about your comfort when choosing a window. Often the manufacturer offers a sash with two opening options: horizontal and vertically folding for ventilation. But that's not all!

For example, there is also micro-ventilation, which fills the room with fresh air, but since the window is closed, it does not get colder. There is a stepped folding of the sash. The balcony door can be made sliding, and the double-leaf window so that when both sashes are opened, there is no jumper between them.

By the way, aren’t you tired of the identical plastic windows in your houses, like twins? If yes, then be sure to tell the company where you decided to buy PVC window about it. And demand that your profile be made different from the outside. For example, they covered it with film to match the color of the facade of the house or created a unique and inimitable pattern on it just for you.

At the same time, remember: when the manufacturer offers you various options for opening window sashes and additional components, think about what design you need. After all, you don’t want to overpay for extra, unnecessary options, right?

Conclusion: Determine in advance what you want to get from your new window, then collect all the information from the window manufacturing company, see how this solution meets your desires, and only then make the final right choice.

Mistake No. 6. Installation is where you can save money!

So, you spent a week at the computer and became a real specialist in plastic windows. As a result, we ordered a very good window, although at the last moment we decided to save money. On what?

“At least I’ll save on installation! What’s so difficult about it, anyone can handle it,” that’s exactly what many people think. At the same time, they are fundamentally mistaken. Why?

Because the durability and reliability of a window depend on the quality of installation no less than on the quality of the profile and components. This is why the work of good installers is worth good money. Now imagine what teams that work at a bargain price save on. Yes to everything! In addition, they have almost zero experience, and they have never heard of any standards.

Imagine these workers who install windows for three kopecks: they arrived late, all wrinkled, unkempt, and even with clear evidence that the evening yesterday was a great success. Were you waiting for someone else?

But even if you are incredibly lucky, like a certain Harry from the USA, who won $363 million in the lottery in 2000, and the installers look more or less decent, it’s too early to rejoice. After all, they must save on something, which means they will do it on materials.

Don’t be surprised if, soon after installation by such craftsmen, your window begins to sag, “play” and leak. All this is due to the fact that during installation fewer fasteners were used than necessary, the mounting foam turned out to be of disgusting quality, and it was not protected in any way from moisture and sunlight.

However, sometimes window buyers themselves do strange things during installation. Each of us wants to get the most for our money. This is probably why some apartment and house owners force installers to use more foam and fill the entire space under the window sill with it.

As a result, when after a few hours the foam dries out and expands several times, you get a picture reminiscent of the eruption of Vesuvius. But instead of the walls of a volcano there is your window sill, and instead of lava there is expanded foam that is trying to get free.

Conclusion: do not skimp on installation.

Mistake No. 7. Why do I need service? They're standing - okay

Tell me, if you bought a new car, you will undergo maintenance on time and do everything routine maintenance? Certainly! After all, you want the “iron horse” long years served you faithfully and was always ready “for battle.” But then why is the attitude towards plastic windows completely different: set it and forget it?

In this regard, a plastic window is no different from a car. If you want it to faithfully serve you, your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, then you need to regularly carry out maintenance work on the window. Otherwise, it will begin to “strange” within a couple of years. This happens slowly and imperceptibly, but after 5 years your window may not be at all the same as when it came out of production.

What happens to the window? Without proper maintenance sealing rubber bands dry out and become cracked over time. After this, the wind blows through your window.

In addition, in the first 2 years the window sashes sag a little and the structure shrinks. This is normal, and you just need to “reconfigure” the fittings a little. But if this is not done, then you will begin to constantly slam the shutter and close the window with force, which will only worsen the situation.

All this leads, among other things, to a decrease in thermal protection. As a result, heat leaves your apartment or house faster and faster, and your heating costs increase just as quickly. At the same time, the main function of the window is to retain heat in the house, and not to protect against mosquitoes and flies.

A simple window service once a year allows you to avoid such surprises and identify all “window diseases” in the bud. Yes, it costs money, but not much, especially when compared with the amount it would cost to repair a window if it breaks.

It's like with health. If you treat yourself carefully and attentively, then you notice any disease in the initial stage, “kill” it with little blood and in a matter of days. Well, if you neglect it and don’t start treatment on time, then you risk taking sick leave for 3-4 weeks and spending money on medications.

By the way, you can do some of the window maintenance work yourself. This, for example, includes regular cleaning of the profile, wiping the rubber seals with a special solution and lubricating the fittings. The installers should teach you all these subtleties when installing the window.

And remember: if you carry out all the required window maintenance work on time, then it will delight you for many years.

Conclusion: only those windows that are regularly serviced will serve flawlessly for decades.

Section II. Customer Technical Guide

Terms you need to know

• Wired glass- very durable glass that is difficult to break. A similar effect is achieved due to the fused metal mesh.
• Reinforcing profile- a metal element inside a PVC profile that gives the window the necessary rigidity.
• Erroneous opening blocker- prevents accidental opening of the sash when you open it only for ventilation. It is part of the fittings.
• Ventilation valve- a device that allows you to ventilate a room without opening a window. It is part of the window, reduces humidity and reduces the likelihood of condensation.
• Profile depth- the largest cross-sectional dimension of the profile between the front surfaces. In other words, the width of the window frame from the end.
• Fixed glazing- a window that does not open.
• Comb- a mechanism that allows you to fix the window sash in different positions.
• Distance frame (spacer)- serves to separate the glass inside the double-glazed window. Can be made of aluminum, galvanized steel or plastic.
• Closer- a device for smoothly closing a window or door without effort.
• Strained glass- glass with increased mechanical strength, heat resistance and safety in case of destruction.
• Window soundproofing- degree of protection from external noise. It depends on the width of the air chambers, their number and the thickness of the glass in the double-glazed window, as well as on the thickness of the walls in the PVC profile and the density of the closed sashes.
• Impost- horizontal or vertical crossbar to divide the window structure into parts.
• PVC profile chamber- the internal space of the profile is filled with air. It largely determines the insulating properties of the profile.
• Seal circuit- the abutment area along the perimeter of the window sash, formed by a seal and plastic or a seal and a seal.
• Heat transfer resistance coefficient- the higher it is, the better the window retains heat.
• Profile lamination- applying film to the profile of a plastic window to give it color and texture.
• Dormer window- a window that is installed in the roof at an angle to the horizontal plane.
• Microlift- part of the window fittings that prevents the sash from sagging.
• Micro-ventilation- using this function, the window sash is fixed in the slightly open position to ventilate the room.
• Platband- as a rule, a plastic profiled frame framing a door or window opening from the outside in the absence of quarters.
• Scissors- an element of fittings in transom and tilt-and-turn structures for fixing an ajar window in the desired position.
• Slope- window frames from the inside and outside.
• PVC profile- a hollow plastic form with internal chambers and seals.
• Profile system- a set of main and additional profiles that form a complete structural system.
• Frame- the fixed part of a plastic window to which the sashes are attached.
• Sash- opening part of the window.
• Double-glazed window- a sealed structure of 2 or 3 glasses, which occupies the main part of the window. The double-glazed window is sealed, and the chambers between the glasses are filled with dried air or special gas.
• Triplex- laminated glass, consisting of at least 2 glasses glued together. It is characterized by increased strength and good noise protection.
• False binding (false overlay)- a decorative element that is glued to a double-glazed window and creates an imitation of dividing the window into several parts.
• Transom- the part of the window block is usually the top for ventilation of the room. It only opens in tilt mode.
• French window- plastic window to the floor.
• Accessories- handles, latches, locking mechanisms and other devices that ensure the opening of the valves and their fixation or locking.
• Shprosy- decorative elements for decorating windows, which are painted in any color and installed inside the double-glazed window.
• Glazing bead- a special strip for fixing the glass unit in the window.
• Shtulp- a special profile for a window in which both sashes open and there is no partition between them. Installed vertically on one of the sashes.
• Energy saving glass- glass with a special coating, which has high thermal insulation.
• Energy saving double glazing- a double-glazed window that includes energy-saving glass and retains heat in the room better than others.

Choosing a quality plastic window

So how do you choose a quality window?

Firstly, you must clearly decide what role this or that window will play, who will use it and how, what you expect to get after installing it. For example, you expect silence from one window facing the road, and you plan to plant a flower garden on the windowsill of another window. You need to select a window based on these specific tasks.

Secondly, you need to pay attention not only to the quality of the window components, but also to who the manufacturer is. After all, completely different windows are obtained from the same profile. And if from a large factory you receive an impeccable product that will last for decades, then a window from a garage workshop “delights” you with its unsightly appearance. Well, its service life is cause for concern.

Any window includes 4 elements: profile, glass unit, fittings. A window without them is like a bicycle without wheels. Well, then these basic elements are complemented by a window sill, ebb, slopes and a mosquito net. We will tell you about all this now.

What do you need to know when choosing a window profile?

It is the profile that is the main part, and it also determines the main characteristics of the window, including its appearance and service life. The plastic profile occupies from 20 to 30% of the window area. It is he who plays the role of a supporting structure for the double-glazed window. The profile itself is hollow plastic mold complex structure with jumpers, air chambers, drainage channels and seals.

For additional rigidity, the plastic profile has an internal metal frame.

When choosing a profile, be sure to pay attention to the number of cameras. As a rule, windows are offered from 3-, 5- and 6-chamber profiles. And the more cameras in the profile, the warmer, quieter, thicker and tougher it is.

For example, if the window faces a busy road, tram tracks, railway, or is on the windy side, then it is better to use a 5 or 6-chamber profile. If it is on a glazed balcony, then a 3-chamber profile will be sufficient.

However, today more and more manufacturers are abandoning the outdated 3-chamber profile system with a width of 60 mm in favor of a more modern one. The latter has a profile width of at least 70 mm, and the number of chambers is 5 or 6.

Many sellers pay attention to the fact that their windows are made from PVC profiles made in Germany. But it must be taken into account that a fairly small number of PVC profile manufacturers have production directly in Germany. For economic reasons, enterprises are often located in Asia and Eastern Europe. It is important to understand that regardless of the country of production of the PVC profile, be it Germany, Russia or other countries, we're talking about on compliance with production technology, ensuring consistency of quality. Therefore, when choosing a profile system, you must trust the window manufacturing company.

What do you need to know when choosing a double-glazed window?

A double-glazed window occupies 70–80% of the entire window area. It is a sealed structure made of several glasses located at a distance from each other. The space between them is called a chamber and is filled with a special gas or dried air.

Glass dividers are special frames made of plastic or aluminum. It is preferable to choose a plastic separator, since in this case the window becomes warmer.

And remember that the double-glazed window must be airtight! Only in this case does it become a barrier to both noise from the street and heat that tends to leave your home.

Double-glazed windows are:

• standard 1-chamber double-glazed window. Its width is 24 mm and consists of 2 glasses. Such double-glazed windows are usually used in unheated rooms, and also if the window or door opens onto a glazed loggia;
• standard 2-chamber double-glazed window. Width 32 mm, it includes 3 glasses. This type is the most popular and is used most often because it has good noise and heat insulation and an affordable price;
• energy-saving double-glazed window. Inside such a double-glazed window there is low-emission energy-saving glass with a special silver layer. It works like a mirror: it reflects heat and prevents it from leaving the room. Such a double-glazed window reduces heat loss by almost 2 times compared to a conventional one;
• noise-proof glass unit. This is a 2-chamber double-glazed window with increased noise protection. This is achieved by using glass of different thicknesses, different inter-glass distances, as well as the use of special noise-proof glass;
• shockproof, or protective, double-glazed window. Such a double-glazed window is often called armored, since the glass here is very difficult to break. Tempered glass, triplex or film armor gives similar strength.

Please note: when ordering a window, the glass unit formula must be indicated in the contract. For example, this is what this formula looks like:

4i-Ar10-4M1-Ar10-4i.

From it you will learn: this is a 2-chamber double-glazed window with 2 energy-saving glasses and 1 ordinary M1 glass, all glasses are 4 mm thick, the inter-glass distances are 10 mm, both inter-glass spaces are filled with argon.

What do you need to know when choosing sashes?

One of the characteristics of a window is the number of sashes and their configuration. For example, a window may have several opening sashes or one opening sashes and a “blind” part. Another option is two opening doors without a partition between them. Moreover, the number of sashes and the options for opening them directly affect the cost of the window: the more there are, the more expensive the window.

Therefore, in plastic windows there are various combinations of sashes. So, you can make half of the window a “blind” window, and half an opening sash. This allows you to wash the window without any problems, and you do not overpay for the second sash.

Windows by opening method depending on the fittings used:

• rotary - with the sash rotating around the vertical extreme axis;
• folding - the window opens slightly horizontally, forming a gap for ventilation;
• tilt and turn - a combination of the first two opening methods;
• sliding - to open the window, the sashes need to be moved to the sides, like sliding wardrobes;
• folding (“accordion”) - the doors move to the side and stack on top of each other;
• rotating - the window rotates around a central axis horizontally or vertically;
• suspended - with rotation around the upper and outer axis;
• lifting - with the sash moving up and down, as in American films.

What do you need to know when choosing accessories?

This is the most inconspicuous, but very important element of the window, which is responsible for all mechanics. And if the fittings fail, then no matter how high-quality the glass unit and profile are, the doors will soon begin to sag, difficulties will appear with opening and closing, as well as many other “joys”.

IN modern window PVC fitting mechanisms are located around the entire perimeter of the opening sash. And if the fittings are of high quality, then you practically don’t notice them: the window “listens” to you the first time, effortlessly opens, closes and takes the desired position for ventilation.

Ideal fittings regulate the position of the sash in three planes and along two axes of rotation. It is also responsible for how tightly the window sash fits to the frame.

At the same time, good fittings are designed for at least 10 thousand opening and closing cycles. Some leading manufacturers call 60 thousand cycles the limit!

In order for the fittings to really serve for so long, it must meet several criteria. Firstly, it is protected from corrosion by special coatings. Secondly, high-quality fittings play a role power elements Only metal parts appear. Plastic can only be used for decoration.

Choose the right accessories:

• in the kitchen, use fittings with a tilt-and-turn window opening mechanism. This way you can ventilate the kitchen at any time by opening the window in a couple of seconds and without removing anything from the window sill;
• In the bedroom we recommend providing a comb or slot ventilation. This allows you to fill the room with fresh air, without letting the cold inside or creating a draft;
• In a children's room, when choosing accessories, pay attention to the fact that the handle has a key or a special children's lock. Then the child will not be able to open the window without your knowledge.

What do you need to know when choosing a window sill?

The window sill of a plastic window can be anything. For example, wooden, plastic or stone. The only note is that each type of window sill requires appropriate care, otherwise it will not last long.

How to care for this or that window sill?

Wooden window sills Do not wet it with water or clean it with abrasives or solvents. Also, once every 3–5 years, it is advisable to apply an additional layer of varnish, paint or wax to such a window sill.

Plastic window sills waterproof and not afraid of sunlight. This window sill is strong, durable and helps retain heat inside the house. It is easy to clean and safe for health - it has no pores in which germs can accumulate.

Stone window sills can be made from natural or artificial stone. They are the most resistant to any impact, have high strength and do not require maintenance or updating. They are the most durable, but also more expensive than window sills made from other materials.

What are slopes and ebbs?

Slopes- part of the wall adjacent to the windows inside and outside the room. They can be plastered, finished with plasterboard, plastic panels, sandwich panels or ready-made slope systems.

Low tide installed on the outside of the window. It is needed to drain rainwater from the bottom of the window opening. The ebbs come in tin and with a polymer coating. The latter option is more reliable, it is more resistant to scratches and rust.

Energy-saving window - what kind of “beast”?

Imagine: you are driving to the country, and suddenly, out of nowhere, a nail that came from the road goes right down to the base of your wheel, like a knife through butter. Through this small hole, all the air comes out of the wheel in a matter of minutes.

The same thing happens with windows - through this relatively small element the bulk of the heat “leaks” from the building. And in the design of any house, the window leads in heat loss.

For example, 55% of the heat leaves the room through an old wooden window. This means that the owner of such a premises significantly increases heating costs.

Installing a PVC window reduces heat loss. Even an ordinary plastic window retains significantly more heat inside the room than a wooden one. But even greater, and sometimes colossal, savings can be achieved by installing not just a plastic window, but a PVC window with an energy-saving double-glazed window.

How to determine how well a window retains heat indoors?

For this purpose, there is a special coefficient of window heat transfer resistance - R. It shows how much heat will escape through one square meter of window surface at a given temperature difference. Ideally, the R value should be around one, and the lower it is, the more heat will escape through the window.

For example, today in new houses windows with R ≥ 1.0 m2 ∙°C/W must be installed. To meet this value, the double-glazed window must include at least 2 energy-saving glasses. They are also called i-glasses or low-emissivity glasses.

Table 1. Comparative parameters of various types of double-glazed windows

Why does i-glass prevent heat from leaving your home?

Do you know the saying “Input is a ruble, exit is two”? i-glass works almost the same way. It freely allows solar heat to enter your home. But if the heat decides to escape, then this is not so easy with energy-saving glass.

Such glass selectively transmits waves of different lengths of the infrared range. As a result, it reflects the heat that is emitted by objects heated indoors, retaining 60–70% of thermal energy!

How to find out about the presence of i-glass in a double-glazed window and its correct location?

Ideally, you should use special electronic indicators and devices for this. But not everyone can get them at their disposal. Therefore, now we will tell you how to determine, at home and using available means, whether a double-glazed window contains energy-saving glass and whether it is installed correctly.

Let's say you have a window with a 2-chamber double-glazed window. To find out if it has i-glass, take a regular candle and light it. Now hold the candle to the inner glass of the window.

What do you see? Before you are 6 flame reflections - one from each of the surfaces of 3 glass panes. Is the second reflection from you purple or blue, and the rest are yellow? This means that you have energy-saving glass installed, and it is located correctly.

How do you save all year round with energy-saving glass?

Do you think energy-saving glass is only good in winter, when it reduces heating costs? You are wrong! It works great in the warm season too.

In the summer, in the heat, such glass acts in reverse side- reflects long-wave radiation from heated objects from the street. Thanks to this, the room behind such double-glazed windows does not overheat.

So it turns out that with i-glasses in a double-glazed unit you save all year round. In winter - on heating costs. In the summer, with such windows, you turn on the air conditioner less often, which means you reduce your electricity bill.

Table 1 shows that i-glass is a real saving of your money. After all, even a 1-chamber double-glazed window with energy-efficient glass is much warmer and more economical for you than a 2-chamber double-glazed window with conventional glass.

Conclusion: plastic windows with energy-saving double glazing really save your money, while at the same time they create comfortable conditions and an excellent microclimate in the house. And this is always a good mood and good health for you and your loved ones.

Destroying myths about plastic windows

Myth No. 1. Plastic windows are harmful

It is just as harmful as having a TV, refrigerator, computer, washing machine, telephone, kettle and other equipment, and even a water bottle in the house. After all, the window is made of the same plastic as any electronics, household appliances and dishes. At the same time, the safety of PVC windows has been repeatedly confirmed by independent tests and studies.

Myth No. 2. Plastic windows are expensive.

Yes, a good PVC window doesn’t cost three pennies. But this is quite acceptable money, and not the sky-high figures that were asked for such windows in the 90s. In addition, wooden windows with similar characteristics and quality will cost significantly more than plastic ones. At the same time, remember that the market for plastic windows has long been formed and is highly competitive. Therefore, if someone offers you a plastic window much cheaper than others, then you should be wary and think: what did the manufacturer save on here and where is the catch?

Myth No. 3. Wooden windows are better and more environmentally friendly than plastic ones

If we talk about the price/quality ratio, then plastic windows have no competitors. Here they are the best, which Europe has long understood. It’s not for nothing that in the Old World about 45% of all windows are plastic. The share of wooden windows accounts for 30%, aluminum - 25%. As for the choice between one or another window, it is more a matter of taste than ecology.

Myth No. 4. If there is condensation on the windows, then they are defective

The appearance of condensation on windows is as normal as snowfall in January. It forms on windows made of any material due to the difference in temperatures inside and outside the room. To get rid of it, simply ventilate the room.

Myth No. 5. PVC windows do not let the cold in

The window is the main source of heat loss in any home. And through it, most of the heat goes out into the street, and the street cold penetrates into the house. But modern plastic window systems, especially with energy-efficient glass, retain heat inside the room many times better than old wooden windows.

Myth No. 6. Plastic profiles turn yellow over time.

A high-quality profile does not turn yellow. In its production, special additives are used that ensure the snow-white color of the frame throughout the entire service life of the window. And a conscientious window seller should give you the appropriate guarantee that your profile will always be as white as Marilyn Monroe’s dress in that very photograph. It happens that small and unknown profile manufacturers save on these additives. In this case, indeed, after ten years under the scorching sun, the frame may lose its pristine snow-white appearance.

Myth No. 7. There is a vacuum inside the double-glazed window.

Inside the glass unit there is dried air or special gas. Why not a vacuum? Because in this case the glass would simply burst due to atmospheric pressure. In addition, dried air or special gas prevents the formation of condensation inside the glass unit. Myth No. 8. It is better to install a plastic window in the warm season. Maybe 15 years ago this was relevant. But modern technologies and materials make it possible to install windows efficiently at any time of the year.

White window doesn't suit you? No problem!

What color are plastic windows? Many people give a clear answer to this question: white. And in vain. In fact, the color palette of profiles is much richer; here you can realize almost any fantasy and choose a color to suit any interior. How? Simple enough.

In order to make a window of the color you need, the appropriate film is glued to the profile at the production stage.

At the same time, it not only gives the frame the color you want, but can also imitate the texture of wood, stone, and metal. And this imitation is so realistic that to the touch it is difficult to distinguish a plastic window laminated with wood-like film from a wooden one the first time.

True, such a film is applied using a special technology and only in factory conditions. Therefore, if you want to install an atypical plastic window, then inform us in advance. And remember that the cost of such windows is approximately 10–15% or more higher than regular ones.

How is the profile laminated?

Depending on your needs, window manufacturers can offer several options for applying film to the profile:

• only from the outside of the profile;
• only from the inside of the profile;
• on both sides on a white profile;
• on both sides and with additional profile tinting.

How to care for a laminated plastic window?

There is nothing difficult in caring for such a window. In fact, it's even easier than maintaining a white plastic window. Why?

Firstly, traces of rain and dust are much worse visible on color film than on a white frame. Secondly, fingerprints are not visible on such a profile. So you can wash this profile less often.

What if the film is scratched or torn?

It's an unfortunate situation, but it happens. For example, when rearranging a cabinet, the film on balcony door. It's OK. There is no need to change the window. It is enough just to fill the scratch, if it is deep, with wax, and then paint over it with a special pencil and polish it. The frame will be almost like new.

Wooden windows

Today, wooden windows are in great demand on the market. But we are not talking about simple wooden windows, which are very familiar to everyone. And about modern and technological solutions that are superior in their characteristics to PVC windows. True, they cost significantly more. Why choose wooden windows? Firstly, it is a certain style. Secondly, such windows are prestigious. Thirdly, they fit perfectly into absolutely any interior. Fourthly, these windows themselves look “warm” and create additional comfort in the house. Such windows are made from three- or four-layer laminated veneer lumber. When the temperature rises and falls, it does not deform, so the geometry of the window is not disturbed.

The glass unit here is sealed, like in a plastic window. But the frame itself “breathes” well, which is due to the microstructure of the wood, which does not interfere with slow air exchange. Why laminated veneer lumber? Wood is a living material that strives to change shape. Take for example any block cut from solid wood. Put it in a box and forget about it. After a while, remove the block from the box. So how? Agree, the original block is unrecognizable. It bent, twisted a little and cracked in places. Now imagine if this were a window frame! That is why it is recommended to choose windows made from laminated veneer lumber. There are pieces in it wooden board glued together in such a way that they compensate for each other's tension. As a result, the timber does not deform, does not change its linear dimensions, and is stronger than solid wood.

How to choose wooden windows and not make a mistake?

The first thing you should pay attention to when choosing wooden windows is the manufacturer. The longer it is on the market, the better. After all, such a company has sufficient experience, it has the opportunity to use high-quality equipment and new technologies. Why is it important?

The fact is that the quality of a wooden window directly depends on the production technology. Here nuances, details and strict adherence to all regulations and rules are extremely important. In addition, when producing wooden windows, rushing is unacceptable, since the technology of drying raw materials, which takes time, must not be disrupted.

At the same time, many new companies strive to attract customers by offering to make wooden windows cheaper and faster. At the same time, they do not follow technology and save on many things. But if in the case of plastic windows, minor flaws of such a manufacturer are “forgiven” by the material itself, making them less noticeable, then this issue does not work with wooden windows. Why?

A wooden window does not provide such concessions. Here, even a slight deviation from technology promises a complete loss of the window’s consumer characteristics, and for you this will result in extra expenses for subsequent repairs. Therefore, you should choose wooden windows not by price, but by quality, reliability and reputation of the manufacturer. However, like any other windows.

The wood from which the window is made is no less important. Today the choice is huge: oak, spruce, pine, beech, alder, walnut, chestnut, cherry, meranti, sipo, mahogany and other species.

We recommend choosing wooden windows made of oak, larch and mahogany - meranti or mahogany. Why? Because these trees are the golden mean - they are quite easy to process, they are quite durable, do not change their appearance and size over time, absorb noise well and retain heat.

Of course, you can choose windows made of coniferous wood. They cost less, but also last less. Needles are fairly soft wood and wear out quickly; in addition, due to the content of resinous substances, poorly prepared wood can change color and release resins.

Another criterion that needs to be taken into account when choosing wooden windows is the profile. The wider it is, the warmer and quieter your home will be. We recommend choosing windows made of timber, the thickness of which is 80 or 90 mm. If you choose a window, for example, from 68 mm timber, then from winter cold it will protect much worse.

Now the final touch is to inspect the finished window. It should not have any roughness or uneven joints, and the surface of a good window should be smooth and silky smooth.

Tuning for a wooden window

Imagine: it’s wet snowing outside, so much so that you can’t see anything. A couple of hours later the frost hit. As a result, an ice crust “grew” on your window outside. Add to this constant snowfalls, hail, and downpours. And all this mercilessly falls on your wooden window.

Agree, the conditions, to put it mildly, are not hothouse. And over time, all these natural misfortunes have a detrimental effect on the wooden frame - the paintwork is destroyed, which can ultimately lead to damage to the wood.

To avoid this, the frame can be protected from the outside using aluminum or plastic. In this case, a lining made of plastic or aluminum is installed on the outside of the window, which protects the wood from the aggressive environment.

Myths about wooden windows

Myth No. 1. Wooden windows are too sensitive to air humidity

As Mark Twain said: “Rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated.” Wood, of course, reacts to humidity. True, in order for it to have any effect on the frame, it is necessary that there be 80-100 percent humidity on all sides of the window for 24 hours a day and for 2 weeks.

Myth No. 2. Wooden windows need to be painted once every five years.

During the Soviet five-year plans, this slogan was true. But now the technologies for processing and painting wood have reached such a level that the paint and varnish coating of the frame, even if it needs updating, will not be soon.

Myth No. 3. A room in which wooden windows are installed does not need to be ventilated

It's no secret that wooden windows “breathe”. This means that they allow moisture and air into the room. But only in order to create a comfortable microclimate in it. Therefore, a room with wooden windows needs to be ventilated in the same way as any other.

Myth No. 4. Wooden windows require constant painstaking care.

There is some truth here. Indeed, a wooden window needs to be looked after, just like any other. Of course, only if you want the window to serve faithfully not only you, but also your children and grandchildren. This care consists of special window maintenance only 1-2 times a year.

When are aluminum windows needed?

Aluminum is not only a “winged” metal. It is also an excellent raw material for the production of windows. True, the low sound and thermal insulation of aluminum impose a number of restrictions on the use of such windows. And now you will learn about when it is worth installing aluminum windows and what to look for when choosing them.

First of all, remember that aluminum windows are worse than others at retaining heat in the room and protecting you from street noise. Therefore, it is not recommended to install them in residential buildings and apartments without additional insulation. But for loggias, balconies, warehouses, verandas, and industrial facilities, aluminum windows are excellent in the basic version. Why?

These windows are very durable and strong. They are not afraid of corrosion and aggressive external environments. At the same time, they are lightweight, which greatly facilitates transportation and installation, and there are far fewer restrictions when installing such windows compared to heavier plastic ones.

In addition, an aluminum window is a champion for transmitting light into a room. Indeed, due to the profile features, they have a very large surface glazing area. At the same time, the aluminum profile itself is quite thin and gives the window additional elegance.

7 more advantages of aluminum windows

• Such windows are ideal for rooms with a large glass area, for example, office, warehouse, and industrial buildings.
• They do not require special care.
• The design of aluminum windows can be almost any, which allows you to emphasize the unique style of the building.
• Aluminum profile is the most repairable.
• The profile color is limited only by your imagination.
• Aluminum windows do not burn.

True, aluminum windows also have disadvantages. In addition to the already mentioned low heat and sound insulating properties, such windows are more expensive than similar ones made of PVC

Is it cold in a room with aluminum windows?

Of course not. It all depends on the task at hand. For example, if you place an aluminum window in a room where it should be warm, then it will be warm there, even if it is -30°C outside the window. But to do this you need to know some features of these windows.

Firstly, aluminum windows come in “cold” and “warm” varieties. “Cold” ones are used in unheated rooms or serve as partitions; they are used for glazing balconies and loggias.

“Warm” windows are used where there is heating and it should be warm. And they do their job well.

How do “warm” aluminum windows differ from “cold” ones?

The first ones have been slightly improved to better retain heat. They have thermal inserts made of glass-filled polyamide that retain heat.

How to make an aluminum window even warmer?

There are windows called aluminum-wood windows. This is a combination of "warm" aluminum profile and wooden decorative overlays. The latter are made of valuable wood and are installed on the inside of the frame. Interestingly, this solution is one of the best both in terms of practicality and prestige. Why?

Firstly, you get an unpretentious and reliable window that is practically harmless and requires a minimum of attention. Secondly, inside the house your window looks exactly like a wooden one. At the same time, frame overlays are not only decorative elements. They are quite thick, made from natural valuable wood and significantly increase the thermal insulation of the window.

What do you need to know when choosing aluminum windows?

• The 3-chamber profile design with a special thermal insert provides better thermal insulation of the window, higher strength and reliability.
• Aluminum windows made of a “cold” profile without a thermal insert are cheaper than plastic ones, but they are not intended for heated rooms. Aluminum windows made of a “warm” profile with a thermal insert are warm, but they are more expensive than plastic ones.
• An aluminum profile consists of ordinary window elements: frame profile, sash profile, mullion profile, bead profile, glazing bead.
• Aluminum windows and doors are insensitive to large temperature changes.
• For glazing complex and large openings, a special façade aluminum profile is used.

1. Carefully study the window manufacturer you like

Use the Internet for this, for example. What should you pay attention to first? Firstly, on the company's reputation. Secondly, on work experience and how long it has been working. Thirdly, the availability of all necessary certificates.

Remember. The Internet is a large repository of a wide variety of information. And you need to treat it with a certain degree of trust. Information on websites is often posted without censorship and can be either true or false. To the point that there were cases of competitors deliberately posting information discrediting the company's reputation.

2. Give the window seller a “hard interrogation”

Don't hesitate to ask all your questions. First of all, find out the following:

• Who will install the window and how?
• What materials will be used during installation?
• Will PSUL sealing tapes and vapor barriers be used?
• What glass unit and profile will be used to produce your window?
• How many cameras are there in the profile and who makes it?
• Who makes the window and where?
• What exactly is included in window installation?

If the manufacturer is large and does its job conscientiously, then you will receive comprehensive answers to these questions without a hitch. Moreover, most likely you will find out even more than you asked. Well, if a company evades answers, then it’s hardly worth doing business with it.

3. Beware of companies that begin to actively “sell” the window without even listening to you

After all, you already know that each window must solve a specific task. And if the manufacturer did not listen to you, then such a window will not solve the problem facing you.

Also carefully study the certificates for windows, the certificates for the components from which the windows are made, and the certificate for installation. Please study product samples carefully. All this should be in the office of any serious company.

5. Find out what projects the company has already implemented and where you can see examples of its work

The seller can tell you a lot and for a long time about his products, but it is better to “see once than hear seven times.”

6. Before placing an order, study prices for similar offers from other companies

If you are offered a price lower than the market average, then do not rush to place an order. After all, the time for excess profits in the window market has already passed, and everyone works with a relatively low profit margin. If you are offered a suspiciously cheap window, then this is not good. After all, the manufacturer saved on something, and this something will later come back to bite you.

7. Do not rush to agree to various promotions, discounts, gifts, for example, such as interest-free installments, free installation, a third window as a gift

First, clarify what exactly the “freebie” is for. Secondly, carefully study this proposal so that there are definitely no pitfalls in it. Thirdly, check how much similar work costs in other companies: it is possible that the “third window as a gift” is already included in the price of the first two.

8. Read the contract carefully

It’s like with a loan - you skimmed quickly, didn’t read the fine print, and then received exorbitant interest rates, unfavorable conditions that you weren’t warned about, and other “joys.” Therefore, carefully study each clause of the contract. Especially the one where we are talking about warranties, maintenance and window repairs.

9. Request a receipt for your contract!

Working without a check is a double risk. Firstly, this is a sign of handicraft production with violation of technology and the use of low-quality components. Secondly, if something happens, without a check you will not be able to protect your rights and may lose the warranty on your window.

10. Triple check what warranty the window manufacturer provides.

It should be as complete, detailed and without points that can be interpreted in two ways.

11. If you are offered turnkey installation of windows, then remember that by purchasing this service, you will not have to pay extra for anything.

After all, it includes delivery, lifting to the floor, dismantling the old and installing a new window, and finishing the slopes. All this must be reflected in the contract.

Remember! An agreement without a receipt, as well as a receipt without an agreement, are not complete confirmation that your order is legally correct. And if they give you one document and don’t give you a second, this is a reason to doubt, because... A situation may arise that when a year or two passes and you call with a request to “adjust the window,” phone number will not answer or you will simply be denied service. And at this time, this would-be manufacturer, under a different name, will tell the new client how “good” his windows are.

How do unscrupulous manufacturers save on windows and what are the consequences?

Do you know what a plastic window and good shoes have in common? In both cases, quality cannot be cheap, and the expression “the miser pays twice” is truer than ever.

Imagine: there are cool branded Italian shoes, and there are seemingly exactly the same, but a typical Chinese fake. You chose the first, and your neighbor chose the second.

As a result, within a month, the sole of the neighbor began to come off in places, and he took the shoes to be repaired. After another six months, he threw away his supposedly Italian shoes and went for new ones. You won't have to worry about quality shoes for several seasons.

Same with windows. If you bought a reliable, high-quality product, made according to all the rules, you won’t have any hassles. We decided to save money and chose cheap analogue- be prepared for unexpected headaches, expenses for repairs and a spoiled mood. Or even a complete replacement with a new window.

What exactly can they save on when producing a plastic window in order to lure you in with a low price? Now you'll find out.

Saving on reinforcing profile

This is the element that gives the plastic profile the necessary rigidity. In order to save money, it can be “run” not along the entire perimeter of the frame and sashes, but only in those places where the sashes are attached to the frame, and where the frame itself is attached to the wall. All this leads to window deformation, its displacement, seal failure, etc.

Saving on fittings

It might seem like a small thing, but this is one of the most common saving techniques. Here, instead of high-quality German fittings, which have served faithfully for decades, you are given a cheap analogue. As a result, be prepared for immediate problems with opening the window, a “tight” handle, blowing, and even the possible separation of the sash from the frame.

Saving on PVC profile

The savings are sophisticated, but they can also be found - using profiles of different prices in one window. It’s like one “almost new” car, assembled by craftsmen from three damaged cars. In appearance, everything seems to be fine, but during operation it is not pleasing. So is the designer window. A low-quality profile in it will turn yellow, and when exposed to heat in the sun, it may also begin to smell unpleasant, releasing harmful substances.

Savings on seals

They are located in the area of ​​the frame, sash, glazing bead and glass unit. Their task is to ensure a tight fit of all window elements to each other, to prevent blowing and water ingress. And some “masters” manage to save money here.

Saving on double glazing

In order to save money, you can have a 1-chamber double-glazed window installed, although the Belarusian climate requires a 2-chamber one. As a result, in the off-season such a window will begin to “cry”; in winter you will freeze with it. In addition, with such a window there is a high risk of mold and mildew appearing in the apartment.

Look inside the glass unit. Do you see the aluminum frame there with perforations between the glasses? It is filled with a molecular sieve, which absorbs residual moisture and protects the glass from fogging. If you fill it in less or not fill it at all, the cost of the window will decrease! True, such glass will fog up in such a way that you will not envy.

And that's not all the tricks with double-glazed windows. It is filled around the perimeter with a two-component polyurethane sealant. Yes, it's an expensive sealant, but that's the technology.

True, some manufacturers are guided by the principle: “Rules are meant to be broken.” As a result, they replace the polyurethane sealant with regular silicone, which over time can lead to depressurization of the double-glazed window.

Savings on fasteners

When installing windows, you need to use a certain number of fasteners. There are quite a lot of them, and there is plenty of room for “economists” to wander around. For example, even if you reduce the number of fasteners by half, the window will remain in the wall. True, almost on my word of honor.

Saving on sealing joints

No matter how accurate the measurement, there is always a gap between the frame and the wall, albeit small. To ensure silence and warmth in the house, this joint must be filled with high-quality polyurethane foam. But foam is different from foam, so there is a lot of room for savings here.

Saving on waterproofing

The polyurethane foam used to fill all joints should not be visible, as it is destroyed by moisture and sun. Therefore, the foam is always protected from the outside by waterproofing tapes, and from the inside by vapor barrier tapes. After finishing the slopes, it is impossible to determine the presence of these tapes, so unscrupulous installers strive to save money here.

Insidious window traps in new buildings

Do you know where the “sore spot” of most modern new buildings, especially economy class ones, is? These are windows. Often they do not withstand the three-year warranty period, and this is the guarantee that is usually given for windows in new buildings. Their fittings begin to jam, and the window itself “siphons.” Although everything seems to be fine from the outside. Why is this happening?

One of the main goals of developers is to reduce the cost of construction as much as possible in order to make housing more affordable. As a result, the price factor comes to the fore when choosing a window manufacturer. And, as you already know, a high-quality window cannot cost three pennies.

To win tenders, many manufacturers use tricks and reduce the price of windows different ways. At the same time, of course, the windows comply with all GOST standards. But the trouble is that not all technical parameters of windows are spelled out in detail in GOSTs. So the window may be GOST, but its quality, to put it mildly, will not be up to par.

For example, GOST states that a PVC profile must have a reinforcing profile. However, its thickness is not indicated. Do you think the manufacturer will install a thin reinforcing profile to reduce the price of windows and win the tender? After all, GOST will be complied with anyway.

Another popular way to reduce the cost of windows and win a tender is to use cheap fittings and low-quality glass. The result is also a window that formally complies with GOST. But do you need such a window?

And these are still flowers! The problems start when new buildings save on window installation. To do this, for example, the number of fastening elements is greatly reduced, vapor barrier tapes are not used, the window is not sufficiently sealed with foam or low-quality foam is used, etc.

Therefore, it is not surprising that many new residents immediately replace their plastic windows with new ones. As a result, it turns out that they pay twice for the same window: the first time when buying an apartment, the second time when moving in and replacing a standard window with their own, high-quality and reliable one. Do you also want to pay twice for windows?

If not, then we will give you one piece of advice. When choosing an apartment, immediately find out from the developer what windows will be installed in it, and arrange a “biased interrogation”. And if it turns out that they decided to install the simplest windows from inexpensive materials, then insist that you choose the window installation company yourself.

If you cannot choose a window manufacturer yourself, then when accepting the apartment, give them increased attention. Inspect all window elements and check the quality of their installation. This will avoid obvious defects.

What problems can arise with the window and how to eliminate them?

Most often this happens due to a worn out seal or poor installation. The “treatment” is quite simple - by adjusting the fittings, replacing the seal, or installing special repair seals that cover the gaps.

The appearance of moisture inside the glass unit between the panes

If you observe this phenomenon, it means that the seal of the glass unit has been broken. This problem can be eliminated only by completely replacing the depressurized glass unit. Remember: in this case, only the double-glazed window is replaced, but not the entire window.

Fogging of the glass unit

It happens that the glass fogs up from the side of the room even with acceptable humidity. This indicates that the window uses an out-of-date double-glazed window.

It is enough to replace it with a new one, which is made of energy-saving glass and filled with inert gas. As a result, you will forget about fogging.

The handle became tight and began to creak

Indicates problems with the fittings. If you encounter this phenomenon, then you will need to reinstall the hardware, service it, and lubricate it.

When opening, the sash clings to the frame, the window does not close completely

Firstly, in this case it is necessary to remove the double-glazed window from the sash and reinstall it. Secondly, craftsmen must carefully inspect the fittings and adjust them.

Blowing through a window from the side of the slope or window sill

If you encounter such a phenomenon, then it indicates only one thing - they saved money on the installation of your window. The only reliable way to get rid of drafts is to completely reinstall the window.

Have you discovered several such unpleasant phenomena in your window at once? Then, with a 99% probability, we can say that you can eliminate them all only by completely replacing the window with a new one, created taking into account all technological advances.

To our readers

This book was created for a wide range of readers. But, of course, window production professionals will also read it. We apologize to our colleagues for talking about the underside of the window business, the secrets of saving, and the tricks of unscrupulous manufacturers. But not today or tomorrow, not us, but someone else had to tell about it. And we took on this mission. If you have any complaints about the content of our book, please contact us and we will definitely take them into account in the next book.

Acknowledgments

The Excellent Windows group of companies thanks Belarusian and foreign companies for their participation in preparing materials for the book:

• JLLC "Windows-Invest"- a leading manufacturer of PVC windows in the CIS;
• JLLC "Nord House Bau"- a company offering a large selection of wooden, PVC and aluminum windows made from exclusive materials of the highest quality level;
• Bavaria Window System- the largest supplier of Bawaria profiles in the CIS;
• representative office of G-U Gretsch-Unitas GmbH, the world's leading manufacturer of window fittings;
• EGE GmbH- one of the leading manufacturers of PVC, wood and aluminum windows in Germany;
• magazine "Window Market"- the largest industry magazine in the territory of the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation, covering the topic of various translucent structures;
• Representative office of Profine GmbH in the Republic of Belarus- leading European manufacturer of PVC profiles;
• Representative office of Schuco GmbH in the Republic of Belarus- the world's leading manufacturer of aluminum profiles;
• Representative office of Guardian Industries in the Republic of Belarus- the world's leading glass manufacturer;
• Representative office of the WURTH company in the Republic of Belarus, IP "WURTHBEL"- a leading supplier of fastening materials and construction tools;
• Energy Efficiency Department State Committee for Standardization of the Republic of Belarus.

Book imprint

Compiled by N.V. Emelyanova
7 mistakes when choosing windows, or let's talk frankly/ Compiled by N.V. Emelyanova. - Minsk: “ART Prestige Media Group”, 2013 - 36 p.

UDC 692.82(035) BBK 38.46ya2

ISBN 978-985-6473-89-3

© N. V. Emelyanova, compilation, 2013
© Design: ART Prestige Media Group LLC, 2013

Reference publication
“7 mistakes when choosing windows, or Let’s talk frankly”

• Compiled by: Emelyanova Natalya Vasilievna
• Editor N.V. Emelyanova
• Computer design and layout D. V. Chernushevich
• Proofreader I. A. Vorontsova

Signed for publication on August 22. 2013 Format 60×90 1/8. Coated paper. Offset printing. Academic ed. l. 4.5

Instructions

PVC windows account for 70% of window volume in Europe. PVC plastic is non-flammable, environmentally friendly, resistant to aggressive environments, has excellent thermal protection (0.53 m2 °C/W), has good sound insulation (26 dBa), frost-resistant (up to -60 °C), easy to maintain, has low gas and air permeability (17 m3/h m2), high strength of corner joints (1000 N), long service life (up to 50 years) and relatively low cost. For the climatic conditions of Russia, the world level of PVC profile quality can be achieved, for example, with the following design: box width - at least 70 mm; number of hermetic chambers – at least 5; number of sealing circuits – at least 3; width 36-40 mm (usually 24-32 mm); The wall thickness of the PVC profile is 3 mm (usually max 2.3-2.7 mm) plus its reinforcement with a galvanized square with a wall thickness of 2 mm - this increases the durability of the products up to 50 years.

Certified double-glazed windows of European quality are single-chamber - 24 mm thick, mainly for industrial premises; two-chamber – 28 and 32 mm thick for industrial premises and 36 mm – for residential premises, and three-four chamber – more than 40 mm thick – for modern luxury residential premises, in which only PVC with a frame width of 100 mm or more provides maximum window resistance to heat transfer and complete isolation from street noise, dust and moisture. Seals serve the same purpose - elastic gaskets around the perimeter of the window between the frame and the sash. In PVC highest quality not the usual ones should be used rubber seals domestic production, but certified elastomeric seals developed specifically for the climatic conditions of Russia.

Fittings are an important element of the window design for attaching it to the frame, opening, locking and ventilating. In PVC windows of the highest class, you need to use German “safe” tilt-and-turn fittings, which allow you to open the window in 4 ways: turning, tilt-and-turn, tilting (fanlight) and slotted (winter). This type of fittings is one of the best in the world; it is extremely reliable, durable and easy to use and maintain.

An important element is also PVC installation windows The quality of installation is determined by the following factors.
Correct measurement of window openings (measurement from inside and outside, while a quarter should be no less, and the window should be larger than the external dimensions of the opening by 30-40 mm in width and 15-20 mm in height). Correct installation and fastening of frames to the wall (the new frame is installed from the side of the room by 2-3 cm per quarter: 3-4 cm in panel houses and 10-15 cm in brick houses, strictly according to the level, without distortions of the frame, the frames are fastened with an anchor bolt or a clamper, the voids around the perimeter are filled polyurethane foam). Correct installation of window sills (under the frame with an entry depth of no more than 1 cm and into the wall 1.5-3 cm) and slopes - in panel houses with a width of 100-300 mm and a thickness of 20 mm, in brick houses - with a width of 300- 800 mm and 20 mm thick; optimal solution are PVC window sills up to 800 mm wide and 20 mm thick with a hardened ELESGO acrylate resin, electron beam cured surface). Correct final adjustment of installed window structures: sash clamping (checked by clamping a sheet of paper between the sash and the frame - it should not stretch), fittings (all hooks must work smoothly). After this, the remnants of the protective film on the inside must be removed, and the gaps in the seal at the corners of the beads must be sealed with colorless silicone sealant.

That's all today larger number people are replacing old wooden windows with new ones to improve the climate in the apartment. The construction market offers a selection of windows made from modern materials. You can choose windows from materials such as aluminum, stainless steel or plastic. The most popular are plastic windows, as they are a durable, strong and relatively inexpensive material.

A high-quality plastic window has a presentable appearance, ideal fittings and a large selection of frame designs.

Plastic windows (double glazing) are produced from polyvinyl chloride with the addition of stabilizers and other elements. All these components give the window increased strength and wear resistance, a variety of colors and resistance to weather influences.

Main components of the design

Plastic windows consist of the following parts:

• housing made of plastic;
• frames;
• glass unit;
• accessories;
• glazing beads;
• mosquito net.

Today, many companies work either with a specific brand of PVC windows, or with different manufacturers. In order not to make a mistake, there are tips for choosing plastic windows.

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You should give your preference to a company that not only installs plastic windows, but also directly produces them. If this is not possible, then you should pay attention to the period of operation of such a company; it must be at least 5 years. Some sellers specialize in a particular manufacturer, while others may offer a selection of windows from different manufacturers.

Typically, companies that value their customers provide a guarantee for their products. The warranty period can be 3-5 years and depends on the quality of the products from which the structure is made.

A high-quality plastic window should retain heat well, reduce noise levels, close tightly and be durable.

It is necessary to conclude an agreement with the installation company. It should be read carefully to avoid further misunderstandings. Some points deserve special attention, for example:

• Is dismantling the old window included in the installation cost?
• who is responsible for the removal of household waste generated after dismantling;
• at whose expense the delivery will be carried out;
• Is the cost of components included? mosquito net, slopes, window sill) in the final cost of installation or paid for separately.

Most sellers include these items in the installation cost. The customer also undertakes to fulfill certain conditions: free access to the window opening and the availability of a power source.

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Choosing a PVC profile: some nuances

The durability of the window and its appearance depend on the correctly selected window profile. Today, the domestic market is saturated with goods of Russian and Turkish production. However, better quality products are produced in Germany: their profiles not only excel in whiteness, but are also ahead of many other manufacturers in terms of technical parameters. They are the most durable, withstanding temperature changes from -40°C to +40°C and strong gusts of wind.

When choosing a window profile, importance is also paid to the reinforcing profile.

It is installed in the middle of the PVC profile and is responsible for the strength of the window and its resistance to loads. Its thickness must be at least 1.5 mm; this can be checked on a sample cut, which window sales managers must provide.

The material from which the reinforcing profile is made must be galvanized steel. Otherwise, if ferrous metal is used, the profile begins to become covered with rust, which is why reddish streaks appear on the drains.

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Choosing plastic windows: double-glazed windows and main points

This part of the window is the base. For a comfortable stay, a double-glazed window must contain 3 chambers, a minimum of 2. This significantly increases sound insulation and heat loss. On the other hand, the less glass in a double-glazed window, the greater its light transmission.

There is also the opportunity to purchase a double-glazed window with glass, where there is a mirror coating on the outside and energy-saving glass on the inside. This choice will be justified, provided the window opens to sunny side, then the room will be additionally warmed up from the sun's rays.

What about the choice of accessories? This part of the window structure is also important; you should not skimp on this point when purchasing. Most window manufacturers use German-made fittings in their designs. Russian manufacturers are not currently producing it.

If you fear for the safety of your home or live on the top floors, then you should take a closer look at anti-burglary fittings. Such a kit may include anti-vandal film or triple glazing. But the cost of such windows is an order of magnitude higher than ordinary ones, and possible repairs or replacing cracked glass can cost a fortune. Therefore, in some situations it will be rational to install an ordinary iron grill on the window.

Families with small children should also think about protection. Especially for such cases, locks or handles with a key have been developed that will reliably protect a curious child from falling out of the window.

Before direct installation, care should be taken to prepare the room. It is understood that furniture and walls will suffer from dirt and dust, therefore, first of all, you should free up the space next to the window opening. It would also be a good idea to cover furniture with film and remove valuable items (TV) from the room.

To protect the floor, use film or packaging cardboard. It should be remembered that any installation work are accompanied by noise, so to avoid conflicts it is better to warn your neighbors in advance. 50% of the thermal insulation properties of the structure depend on the correct installation of the window structure.