Which profile for plastic windows is better - an overview of parameters and manufacturers. Comparison of plastic window profiles: Which profile is better?

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The profile is the basis for the manufacture of window frames and sashes. It depends on its quality appearance, durability and reliability of the entire window structure.

Classification by materials

For production modern windows Wood, aluminum, and PVC are used for these blocks. Each type of material has its own advantages and disadvantages, features and limitations in use.

Tree

The best and most expensive types of wood for the production of window profiles are oak and larch; alder and pine are also used. The high cost of wooden structures is associated not only with the use of natural wood, but also with the peculiarities of the technological process. The material for window profiles needs careful processing (drying, impregnation with antiseptics, painting, varnishing), and in the manufacture of the product, high precision and skill play a key role.

Advantages of wooden windows:

environmental friendliness;
good heat-shielding properties;
maintaining natural air exchange between indoors and outdoors;
aesthetic natural appearance.

Flaws:

the possibility of warping and swelling if the production and installation technology is violated;
low fire resistance;
high price.

Aluminum

Since metal is not capable of retaining heat, aluminum profiles are mainly used for utility rooms when there is no possibility or need to install warm glazing.

Exist . A special thermal liner is placed in the profile, which ensures high thermal insulation properties of such window structures.

The advantages of aluminum profiles include:

strength and durability;
ease;
resistance to external influences;
fire resistance.

Minuses:

low heat-shielding properties of the “cold” profile;
high price of the “warm” option.

Polyvinyl chloride

Reinforcing U-shaped profile for structural rigidity

PVC profiles have become the most widespread for the production of modern windows, due to their low cost compared to wood and aluminum and excellent thermal insulation and performance properties. The main competitive advantages of PVC:

high level of thermal insulation;
ease of manufacturing and installation of finished products;
high resistance to the influence of precipitation and chemical reagents;
the ability to produce products of various designs and shapes;
affordable price.

Main disadvantage– flammability, like all plastics. All other user complaints are mostly related to product selection Low quality or installation errors.

Characteristics of PVC profile

The lion's share of all installed window units falls on plastic products. The market offers windows from the profiles of dozens of manufacturers, which at first glance look the same. Often, a low level of quality manifests itself only after some time of operation, when it becomes obvious that the profile cannot cope with its functions and does not provide the proper level of thermal protection. When choosing a product, it is useful to know the main significant characteristics of a PVC window profile.

Wall thickness

According to this indicator, 3 product groups are distinguished:

Class A. This includes products that have an outer wall thickness of 2.8 mm and an inner wall thickness of 2.5 mm. Such indicators are considered optimal for ensuring the best thermal insulation of a living space.
Class B. Products with an outer wall thickness of 2.5 mm and an inner wall thickness of 2.0 mm. Such products provide less reliable protection against heat loss and are more susceptible to deformation during operation. The main purpose is installation in shops and public institutions.
Class C. Products with thinner walls than in previous classes. Windows made from it are intended for glazing non-residential, warehouse, and industrial premises.

Read also: Using tape to insulate windows

Profile width

The indicator determines which double-glazed window can be mounted in a given profile. A double-glazed window consists of several glasses connected by a frame around the perimeter. The spaces formed between the glasses are filled with ordinary air or inert gases (in premium segment products) to improve thermal insulation performance.

A single-chamber package consists of two glasses and one air chamber between them. A two-chamber glass consists of 3 glasses, between which there are, respectively, 2 chambers, etc. The greater the number of glasses, the warmer the finished product.

Also, the width of the profile determines the installation dimensions for installing the window. As the width increases, the overall weight of the structure increases - this must be taken into account, for example, when glazing a balcony with weak base slabs.

Typically the standard value is 58-80 mm, some brands offer products up to 120mm wide to produce products designed to withstand harsh environments. climatic conditions and featuring improved sound and thermal insulation characteristics.

Number of profile cameras

Not to be confused with the air chambers of a double-glazed window!

The plastic profile is hollow inside and separated by partitions. The thermal insulation properties of PVC profiles are due to the presence of hollow chambers between the lintels - the more of them, the lower the thermal conductivity of the window frame and sash.

Each cavity performs a specific function (moisture removal, fastening of fittings, ensuring strength), and their number (usually 3-8) and location are determined by technological calculations. The most popular are 3-5-chamber types of plastic profiles.

Metal reinforcement

The plastic profile is additionally reinforced with a metal frame to impart rigidity to the structure. This significantly reduces the likelihood of deformation and sagging of the window sash due to many opening-closing cycles, temperature changes and other influences during use.

The shape of the frame depends on the size of the window:

L-shaped– reinforcement is laid along 2 walls; sufficient for small windows;
U-shaped– strengthening of 3 walls of the profile; suitable for window sizes up to 1.9 m in height;
closed– the reinforcement is located along 4 planes and ensures the greatest rigidity of the product; For glazing large areas of loggias and panoramic balconies, it is recommended to choose this type of profile.

What to look for when choosing

It is difficult for the buyer to determine the quality of the profile on exhibition samples. In most cases, you have to rely on the integrity of the seller and the manufacturer of window structures. There are some features that will help you avoid buying a low-quality product:

A window profile is a frame that holds a glass unit. Different kinds window profiles differ in the material of manufacture and internal structure. Let us consider in detail the differences and advantages of profile structures, their quality, cost and performance characteristics.

What types of windows are there?

Modern window profiles for double-glazed windows are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), wood or metal (aluminum profile). Each of the above materials has its own advantages, which determine its popularity and cost.

Wooden window profile

Wooden frames represent the most expensive, prestigious design of a window opening. Natural wood Long drying, thorough impregnation with an antiseptic and protection from moisture are required. Therefore, the cost of a wooden window is an order of magnitude higher than a plastic profile. If the wood is not dried enough or processed incorrectly, then expensive windows may collapse within a year of their installation.

The look of natural wood creates a prestigious design and attractive aesthetics. With proper preparation, wood is quite durable and reliable. Best tree for the manufacture of window profiles - oak, larch, alder and pine wood are more accessible.

Let's summarize the advantages of wooden profiles:

aesthetics and prestige;
natural environmentally friendly material;
good heat capacity.

Flaws:

Possibility of warping, swelling, cracking and other types of damage;
Expensive;
High professionalism of the master manufacturer is required.

An option for using wood for double glazed windows is wood-aluminum profile. In him wood material externally covered with metal plates. From the inside, on the residential side, the frame shows natural wood, on the outside the frame is protected from moisture by metal.

Aluminum profile

Aluminum window profiles are made with a small number of chambers (two or three). Metal itself is an insufficient heat insulator, because of this metal windows cold. They are mainly used for glazing large retail areas, airports, but also balconies and loggias. "Warm" metal windows are equipped with a thermal liner, which increases the heat capacity of the profile structure. The cost of such windows is significantly higher than “cold” ones.

A metal window is characterized by the following advantages:

strength;
low flammability;
durability.

Flaws:

low heat capacity (for “cold” profiles);
high cost (applies to “warm” structures).

Two main types of profiles from aluminum alloy are in demand in various buildings. “Cold” aluminum profile is used where an inexpensive frame is needed, good strength, without special requirements for heat conservation. The “warm” expensive profile is installed in heated rooms for durable operation in cold winter conditions.

PVC profile

PVC profile is called a plastic window. Its characteristics:

high thermal insulation;
moisture resistance;
various designs (thanks to gluing laminated film).

Thermal insulation properties are ensured by the presence of hollow chambers inside. Due to the resistance of plastic to atmospheric precipitation, it does not absorb moisture, does not swell, does not rot or crack.

PVC has some disadvantages:

flammability (characteristic of most plastics);
how more cameras, the greater the weight of the structure, the higher the requirements for window installation.

Due to its affordable cost, PVC profiles have become the most popular material for the manufacture of double-glazed windows. Dozens of different manufacturers produce PVC. Their profiles differ in the number of chambers and the thickness of the plastic wall. Let's consider what characteristics are used to evaluate PVC profiles.

Characteristics of PVC window profile

Popular manufacturers of window profiles

REHAU is a German manufacturer, has own production on Russian territory. It supplies the Russian market with six models of profiles: 3-6 chambers, width standard double glazing 32–40 mm, special glass is installed in wide double-glazed windows (86 mm), fiberglass is used. The heat transfer resistance coefficient is from 0.64 to 1.05 (for fiberglass profiles). The manufacturer regulates that a coefficient of 0.95 corresponds to heat capacity brick wall one meter thick.
KBE is a German manufacturer with two subsidiaries in Russia. It produces 8 models of profiles with different characteristics: 3-6 chambers, glass unit thickness from 32 to 52 mm. The heat transfer coefficient of the KBE profile is 0.7 – 1.04.
VEKA is a Russian-German manufacturer, VEKA Rus is a subsidiary of VEKA AG. It produces standard blocks and non-standard design structures for window openings and balconies in accordance with the European RAL standard. The main models produced: Softline (for double-glazed windows from 4 to 42 mm, five chambers, heat transfer resistance coefficient 0.75), Softline 82 (glazing unit width 24-52 mm, seven chambers, coefficient 1.0), Euroline (three chambers, double-glazed window 32 mm, coefficient 0.64), Proline (four chambers, 4-42 mm, coefficient 0.75), Swingline (6-42 mm, five chambers, coefficient 0.77), Alphaline (elite 6-chamber profile with high coefficient 1.04).
MONTBLANC is a German manufacturer that supplies four types of profiles from 3 to 6 chambers (eco, thermo, nord and grand) to Russia. The width of the double-glazed windows is 32, 42 and 52 mm. Heat transfer resistance ranges from 0.6 to 0.82 mm. Frame thickness from 60 to 80 mm. Six air chambers fit into a width of 80 mm. High heat-saving functions make the profile popular in Russia.
SALAMANDER (also Germany) - produces profiles of 3, 5 and 6 chambers with frame thicknesses from 60 to 92 mm. Dimensions of mounted double-glazed windows: 32 mm, 48 and 60 mm. The widest Salamander BluEvolution profile has a heat transfer resistance of 1.0. The manufacturer regulates high burglary resistance of windows(thanks to closed system reinforcement).
Schuco is a German manufacturer that produces 3-7 chamber PVC profiles for standard and energy-efficient construction. The maximum heat transfer resistance coefficient is 0.94. Double-glazed windows up to 36 mm thick. In wide frames with a thickness of 82 mm, it is possible to install anti-burglary fittings. Schuco also produces warm aluminum profiles with a number of chambers from 3 to 7, steel profiles for cold glazing.
TROCAL is a German manufacturer, the founder of the industry, which introduced the first plastic window to the construction market (in 1954). Has been producing window profiles for almost 60 years. The width of the double-glazed windows is from 30 to 58 mm. Four to five chamber profile, 70 and 88 mm installation width. The heat transfer coefficient is 0.82. Lead-free technology allows you to install the profile in child care institutions (kindergartens and schools).

http://site/idei-dlya-dizayna/variantyi/frantsuzskiy-balkon-chto-eto.html

And finally: accessories

A set of accessories is called a set metal parts, which provide a movable connection of various elements in the overall window structure. The durability of the window product depends on the quality of the fittings.. It is important to know that famous brand manufacturers have cheap lines of lower quality fittings for Eastern European countries.

Types of window fittings:

Tilt and turn (for opening the window and tilting the transom).
The lock and handle are a multifunctional design that locks the frame in any position using an internal axis.
Parallel-sliding (for retractable sashes).
Tilt-and-slide.
Vertical sliding.

In addition to fittings, the design of double-glazed windows uses. They provide the necessary insulation from noise and cold.

The selection of a window profile, its main characteristics and fittings is carried out in accordance with the required thermal capacity of the window and the price level for its manufacture. The quality of the profile and fittings determines the appearance of the double-glazed window and its performance characteristics: thermal insulation, sound absorption, strength and durability.

We will analyze each type of profile, and also describe the properties in more detail, so that you can make the best choice and so that plastic windows will delight you for many years.

Advantages of modern plastic windows before the former wooden structures were understood by many. Plastic windows are incomparably more airtight than wooden ones, which ensures good thermal insulation and sound insulation of the window, and also do not get inside unpleasant odors from the street.

Even double-chamber plastic windows are much warmer than wooden ones; their installation will lead to a significant reduction in heat loss, which means savings. How to choose the right window profile and purchase the best windows so that the price matches the quality. This article will help you understand this issue.

Helpful information:

In addition, the preservation of heat in the apartment, of course, depends on the plastic window itself, namely on its quality. However, the installation of PVC windows also plays an important role.

The profile for a PVC window now meets certain standards, and the best among them simply does not exist. It is divided into three classes: “Economy”, “Standard” and “Premium”. The main thing is that there is a difference between classes, but within a class there is absolutely no difference.

“Economy” is the main task of the window, to show that it is plastic. This profile has no advantages or disadvantages. Such windows are installed in most new buildings. At the same time, according to experts: windows from the economy class profile belong in the trash container.
“Standard” – has the optimal price-quality ratio. That is, these are windows whose quality is already high, but at the same time there is no inflated self-esteem. This type of profile complies with the Euro standard when performing renovations in apartments. The profile has elastic seals, durable fittings and excellent appearance.
“Premium” – primarily emphasizes the status of the owner, for those people who do not have a limit on their family budget.

All the stories about how my profile is whiter, and mine is warmer, and mine is straighter are just a marketing ploy, or an attempt to extract as much money from you as possible.

Video on choosing a profile for PVC windows

Sealing of double-glazed windows

The double-glazed window is not part of the window profile, but the assembly of the window as a whole depends on the quality of its seal. Here, when choosing, you need to take into account several circumstances:

Even in the budget window sealing collar should be without cuts and whole. The cut does not affect heat transfer, but will serve as a kind of nursery for the breeding of infection, as with a single seal. Many people recommend sealing the cut with silicone, but due to thermal deformations, microcracks will soon appear.
The seal of the frame and glass unit itself must be rubber. Manufacturers often install polyurethane expansion joints; when the window is deformed, they flatten, which leads to sagging of the glass unit in the frame and all the problems described above appear. Will have to do it more often.

A few words about window fittings

When choosing high-quality plastic windows, in addition to the above profiles and double-glazed windows, you need to pay attention to the window fittings, which must be manufactured according to uniform European standards. Then, in any weather, there will be no problems with opening/closing the window.

The fittings should not oxidize or rust. In the window design, all hinges must be hidden, which means the profile must not allow water to flow in. If there is a single seal, condensation will still collect on the hinges, so the seal must be double.

The window frame should have adjustable ventilation slots, thanks to which the window itself will open less, which will increase the service life of the plastic window.

Whose window profile is the best?

It is important to know the manufacturer of plastic windows that value their name. This, of course, serves as an additional guarantee of the quality of the windows.

There is a huge number of companies producing window profiles on the market. The most famous: Montblanc, Salamander, Aluplast, Velux, Exprof, Provedal, Gealan, Vitrage, Brugmann, Veka and others. They have gained their authority through the production of high-quality windows.

The first series of PVC windows was released in Germany. To this day, German profiles, in particular KBE and Rehau, are very popular among buyers. Below we will try to compare the profiles of plastic windows from some leading manufacturers and note their advantages and disadvantages.

At the KVE profile There are three main modifications from German manufacturers: the budget version “Expert”, best option“Extra” and the more expensive energy-efficient option “Etalon”. All KBE profile windows are very durable, aesthetically pleasing, environmentally friendly, have high levels of sound and heat insulation, are resistant to various temperature fluctuations, are easy to maintain, and climate control systems in the “Etalon” modification can be used. The minimum price for this profile starts from 12 thousand rubles. The disadvantages of the KBE profile include it grey colour, which does not always harmoniously suit the interior of the room.

Very popular nowadays REHAU profiles , also from German manufacturers. Such profiles are very aesthetic, durable, environmentally friendly, also easy to maintain, have low thermal conductivity, such structures can be equipped with a special locking system that will make it impossible to enter the room through the window. Also, these profiles have a very convenient climate control function. The price for these profiles starts from 13.5 thousand rubles. A minor drawback is that the reinforced chamber has small size, and, as a result, the height of the window sash decreases.

Veka profiles were very common in our country and have already proven their durability. However, recently the demand for these profiles has dropped significantly. This happened after the discovery of elevated levels of lead in the profiles, which negatively affects people's health.

Profiles of the Belgian concern Deceuninck have proven themselves to be reliable and excellent quality. Two types of profile data are offered: “Favorite” and “Bautek”. The profiles are popular in the modern construction market and are not inferior in all respects to premium systems. The price of these profiles is from 14.5 thousand rubles. The disadvantages include the fact that the Bautek system is not suitable for every home.

It is not uncommon that sellers only know the name of the manufacturer’s company, and are completely unaware of the technical characteristics of the window profile itself. This is where the lies begin: cheaper goods are passed off as higher quality and more expensive.

When choosing, remember that the best manufacturer simply does not exist, do not be fooled by the seller’s persuasion to purchase a better profile - specify the class. Otherwise, you will be sold an “Economy” class profile with a single seal at the price of the “Standard” class. Choosing a profile for a window is not only about the quality of the window as a whole, but also comfortable accommodation in an apartment where good plastic windows are installed.

Now, based on the material presented above, and paying attention to the advantages and disadvantages of profiles from well-known companies, you can try to choose high-quality plastic window profiles that are suitable specifically for your home.

Stammer

Which profile of plastic windows is better and why? After all, the profile is the key to durability and quality metal-plastic windows. Even if at first glance the profile of PVC windows looks exactly the same, in practice everything turns out completely differently.

What is a quality profile? What characteristics should it have? What technologies are used in production? Before choosing a glazing profile, it makes sense to get answers to all these questions.

Each profile from which plastic windows are produced must be certified. The most significant certificate is the certificate RAL, it provides comprehensive information not only about the type of product, but also about the place of its production. In other words, a profile of the same brand, but manufactured at completely different enterprises, does not always have such a certificate.

For example, distinguishing feature manufacturer of window profiles VEKA is the presence of a RAL certificate not only at the main German plant, but also at all subsidiaries, including Russian production bases in Moscow and Novosibirsk.

ISO9001:2000(quality management certificate) are received by productions that have a well-organized management system, which implies strict compliance with all economic, technological, and organizational requirements inherent in production in highly developed countries of the world.

Does wider mean warmer and more reliable?

PVC window profile width is one of the main characteristics. Most window manufacturers promise us a few extra millimeters to the standard profile width in advertising campaigns, but is there really any benefit from these millimeters?

Most often on the window construction market you can find the following basic offers:

58mm "classic" profile
60mm profile (for site construction)
70-80 mm profile with increased installation width (for high-rise construction)
90mm profile

Width 58 millimeters is determined by the “classics” - wooden frames, which replaced plastic windows. Today, a 58 mm profile freely allows us to produce modern, warm window designs that satisfy the requirements of the vast majority of buyers living in a wide variety of climatic zones.

Please note: subject to proper production and installation, this window profile rightfully deserves to be called the best for any room.

70 millimeters- a proposal that first appeared in the distant 80s. This profile has higher sound-proofing and heat-insulating characteristics; it is revered among the residents of Russia.

90 millimeters– a product considered premium. This proposal appeared no more than five years ago. A profile of this width allows the use of double-glazed windows up to fifty millimeters thick, and today it is the unsurpassed leader among all window profiles with high energy-saving performance.

Of course, even 90 mm today is far from the limit. Russian market today offers such profile systems, the width of which is 104, 124 mm. What does this give? If “classic” profiles allow you to install double-glazed windows with a width of no more than 32 mm, then, for example, 70 mm allows you to install a 42 mm double-glazed window, and a 90 mm profile allows you to install a 50 mm double-glazed window, and so on.

In many ways, the choice of window profile width depends on where it will be installed, for example, in a country house, in an office, in a vestibule door or the entrance door of a store. Climatic conditions are also an important factor.

Number of cameras

When understanding the question of which profile of plastic windows is better, you should also pay attention to the number of cameras in the profile being evaluated.

Number of cameras in plastic profile is the second most important characteristic when choosing a window design. The first chamber is necessary for proper removal of condensate, the next is for the reinforcing metal liner, the third is necessary for high-quality fastening of the fittings elements, to create an additional layer of air for the purpose of high tightness of the window.

Thus, a standard metal-plastic profile must have at least three chambers for normal functioning. PVC window profile thickness completely determines the number of cameras in it. The 58 mm profile can have a maximum of three cameras, while the 70 mm profile can have four. The norm for a 90mm profile is six cameras.

It is worth noting that increasing the number of cameras with the same width of the window profile can only slightly change the characteristics of the entire structure. In order to increase heat-saving characteristics, it is recommended to choose a wider profile, not at all larger number partitions.

Profile for plastic PVC windows photo

Below are photographs on the topic of the article “Which profile of plastic windows is best to choose for glazing.” To open the photo gallery, just click on the image thumbnail.

Selecting a plastic PVC window profile video

We also invite you to watch the video on the topic of our article. The video discusses how questions of choice best PVC profile, and the question is how much this choice affects the overall quality of the glazing. After all, the area of the window system is only a small part of the plastic profile.

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Discuss the article

To the post "Which profile of plastic windows is better? Choosing balcony glazing" 12 comments

The time has come when you need to make a choice of profile for glazing the balcony. There is a lot of scattered information on the Internet. The same article provides a full analysis of the features and recommendations for choice in various situations. She helped me decide. Double bag with an installation width of 70 millimeters, class A, manufactured by Veka.

When choosing a profile for glazing a balcony, you should decide for yourself what result you want to achieve. If you just want to protect your balcony from precipitation and wind, increasing the temperature inside by 5-10 degrees, then choose the simplest 3-chamber profile with an installation width of 58-60 mm with regular glass or a single-chamber double-glazed window. If you plan to insulate a balcony, then you should choose a profile with a width of at least 70 mm and a double-glazed window.

When we were choosing our windows, we chose Veka. I know there is triple glazing. In the office they told us about the size and number of cameras. Now I don’t remember how many there are. At first the sound insulation was good, then over time it became much worse. I don't know what this is connected with. Now we are going to glaze the balcony and have not yet chosen a profile. But I think we won’t take a very thick one. We don't need warmth on the balcony like at home.

VRT had never thought about window profiles before, never considered their advantages and disadvantages, but in vain. In the old apartment, plastic windows were installed at random; in the end, they did not provide any sound insulation or insulation. Afterwards, one acquaintance, seeing them, explained the features of the profiles. In the near future we will install others produced by Rehau.

We were finally ready to paint our balcony. I would like to choose a reliable company and not overpay. Please advise good company for glazing balconies? We ourselves came across the Rassvet window company (okna-rassvet_ru). Maybe someone has already encountered this company and can leave a review about their work?

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