The formation of polyvinyl chloride windows into a full-fledged segment has long been completed in the domestic market. Technological and functional frames have confidently replaced wooden counterparts, providing the consumer with reliable and ergonomic glazing. However, plastic profiles for PVC windows also cause ambiguous opinions from users, due to the variety of models and quality parameters of these products. Often the manufacturer's brand becomes a decisive selection criterion - certified windows are more likely to be endowed with the qualities and characteristics declared by the company. It remains only to figure out which brand guarantees the best profile properties.

What is a PVC profile?

A metal-plastic profile is a frame that can include up to eight cameras, but models with two or three compartments are more common. Actually, they depend on their parameters in general. It is logical that options for a larger area are weaker in insulating and soundproofing functions than plastic profiles for small windows. In order to increase thermal insulation, manufacturers use polyurethane foam, which fills the space of the chambers. A fiberglass coating is also common. In the list of the main distinguishing features of the profiles, the installation width also appears. The rigidity of the structure and, consequently, the reliability of the valves depend on these indicators.

Foreign manufacturers of profiles

For the most part, imported PVC windows are represented on the market by German products. The technologies of European companies have gone far ahead and today dominate this niche. The list of companies numbers dozens, and the leading positions in terms of quality and sales are occupied by the brands KBE, Rehau, Veka, Trocal, Deceuninck, etc. It is noteworthy that the windows of most German companies are manufactured in Russia under special licenses. Accordingly, many plastic profiles for PVC windows, whose names are of German origin, are produced in our country. Domestic manufacturers of brands such as Rehau and KBE strive to ensure proper quality by completely recreating the original

Russian profile manufacturers

Despite the wide representation of foreign window products, Russian manufacturing technologies are also being improved. Proplex is one of the oldest domestic manufacturers of metal-plastic profiles. Having initially mastered Austrian technologies, the company strives to offer a wide range of glazing products.

The formation of the Montblanc brand was not without the help of Austrian specialists. At the moment, plastic profiles for windows with a maximum width of 120 cm are available to the company's customers - this is a system that includes five cameras.

The Novotex company, which has production facilities in the Moscow region, can perhaps be unconditionally called Russian. Engineers and technologists are constantly working to improve plastic structures, focusing on local climatic conditions. It is the latter factor, combined with a low price, that allows the Novotex brand to maintain competition.

Class A profiles

Although the quality of profiles is determined by general criteria, there is a division into classes, according to which it is unjustified to compare premium models and representatives of budget series. The former obviously win in terms of performance and durability, while the price becomes the advantage of the latter.

So, luxury plastic window profiles are positioned on the market as A-class. Such systems are distinguished by wall thickness (3 mm), reliable connections in the corners, as well as protection from external influences. The technical features of A-class profiles are not felt during use, which, however, indicates the reliability of the structures. It is very problematic to dismantle them without a special tool, an optimal microclimate is created in the room, and the aesthetic beauty with the possibility of tinting frames makes premium systems the best choice. Representatives of the A-class include profiles KBE, Rehau, Veka, etc.

Class B profiles

It is not necessary to count on impeccable technical and physical parameters in the windows of this group, but due to the relatively low cost, this product also deserves attention.

The thickness of the outer walls in B-class constructions is 2.5 mm. For this reason, plastic profiles for class B PVC windows are less resistant to physical impact. There is also an opinion about the unsatisfactory environmental performance of the profiles of this group, but this is not true. The absence of toxicity is a general condition for the certification of plastic structures.

Category C profiles

In general, modern C-class profiles fully meet the needs of the consumer both in terms of sound and heat insulation, and in decorative properties. Another thing is that premium competitors have raised the level of technical qualities quite high.

Category C representatives include profiles of such brands as Vektor, LG Hausys, AGF, as well as almost all domestic products, including Novotex. As a rule, they are used in providing non-residential premises, but there are also lines focused on installation in apartments and private houses.

Top Profile Ranking

Against the background of the development of technological methods for manufacturing profiles and fierce competition, it is not easy to identify The rating is formed on the basis of a combination of qualities and the introduction of fundamentally new properties. In this regard, the arrangement of leaders can be represented as follows:

This brand has earned the championship thanks to maintaining an unsurpassed level of the main qualities of window profiles. Among them are 50-year durability, increased heat and noise insulation performance, as well as environmental friendliness due to the addition of zinc and calcium compounds to the PVC formulation.

Being a serious competitor to KBE, the Veka brand takes the second place. The list of its advantages includes the manufacturing technology of "light" profiles, which at the same time ensure the preservation of heat and acoustic comfort.

3.Rehau

The Rehau company is rightfully included in the top three. The quality of the profiles of this manufacturer is achieved by adding lead compounds. As a result, the structures acquire high strength and stability in operation.

The following positions can be occupied by many plastic profiles for PVC windows. Which one is better among them should be determined by the same parameters. The Salamander and Deceuninck systems should be added to the top three. Although plastic profiles for windows of these brands are not so popular, their physical and technical qualities maintain a high level. They are also distinguished by ergonomics and thoughtful configuration, which facilitates the installation and further use of window systems.

Let's talk about how to choose plastic windows correctly. In a modern apartment, all interior details should be carefully thought out, because they are a significant part of your life.

Therefore, the choice of such an important detail of the interior of your home as windows should be approached with particular care, paying attention not only to aesthetics, but also to reliability in operation. It is difficult to overestimate the importance of windows in a modern apartment, because it is through them that sunlight, air, as well as 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 soundproofing. Now the noise of the street will not prevent you from enjoying the comfort and coziness of your home nest.

Having installed metal-plastic windows in your house, you can be sure that even in a harsh winter the house will be warm, since such windows favorably differ in a 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, do not crack, their service life is up to 20 years.

Also, metal-plastic windows are unpretentious in care - you just need to remember to wash them with detergent from time to time. A wide range of shapes, colors, textures and design methods allows you to realize the most unusual design ideas, and simply give the room a cozy and elegant look.

How to choose the best windows, when choosing between plastic and wooden ones, 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 the ideal solution for a modern, warm and comfortable home. Now let's dive into the details. How to choose good plastic windows, the most common types of window designs are blind, tilt and turn.

Which window profile to choose

So, a blind window is a fixed, non-opening window. In operation, it is more reliable, since it does not have moving parts, but the room still needs to be ventilated, and therefore the combination of a blind window and a window that opens is popular.

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

A more complex design is a tilt-and-turn window, which opens both inwards, horizontally and vertically (the upper part of the window leans back). This design is more convenient, because you yourself choose how convenient it is to open the window at a particular moment. Which window profile to choose is up to you, of course, 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 (it, respectively, consists of two window structures), and a three-leaf window. When installing windows, it is necessary, if possible, to avoid wide sashes, for the reason that they go far into the room and do not allow the use of areas of living space. In addition, the “heavy” sash creates an additional load on the fittings.

How many cameras should there be?

A very important point is the number of window cameras. The more chambers the window includes, the stronger and warmer it will be. Accordingly, if you want to protect yourself from the jokes of a harsh winter, it would 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 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 pleases with mild weather, you can stop at a one- or two-chamber window. But residents of panel houses need to take note that double-glazed windows do not provide optimal thermal insulation.

The space between the glasses, except for air, is filled with inert gases or their mixtures to improve the heat and sound insulating characteristics of the double-glazed window. 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 glasses and the distance between them. And tightness, in turn, depends on the quality of the sealant.

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

What should be the glass

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

Advice. You can check the intimacy 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 four - three-chamber.

Also, using a match or a lighter, you can check for the presence of energy-saving glass - it does not cast a red, but a purple glow.

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 without fail, otherwise corrosion will begin to destroy it after a while.

Often, the cost of double-glazed windows is associated with the absence of galvanized iron. But, as the proverb says, we are not rich enough to buy cheap goods. When answering the question of how to choose the best windows, you need to remember that with savings, you can later spend more on replacement and repair.

accessories

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

White is considered the traditional color of double-glazed windows, but if there is a desire, the color and texture can be ordered for every taste: both in a different color and “under the tree”. Additional 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. To date, the most famous and reliable manufacturers on our market are Rehau, Salamander, VEKA and others.

Founded in 1948 in the Bavarian city of Rehau, Rehau was the first company to replace conventional materials with polymers. For more than half a century, Rehau has delighted customers with outstanding innovation and reliability.

The German company Salamander started producing profiles for PVC windows and doors manufacturers 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 choice of design forms and a variety of color shades. Of the advantages of the company's window structures, one can confidently name strength, tightness and good ventilation. But Veka windows do not always come out of the battle with fifty-degree frosts with honor.

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

Making a window with a plastic profile is convenient, beautiful and practical. But the window is not only a complementary detail of the interior ensemble. Given its size in the room, technical characteristics are of great importance, especially with the increased parameters so popular today. Therefore, the choice of a plastic window company is very important in the process of selecting a suitable design.

Looking through the rating of plastic windows companies, keep in mind that not only the position of the company is important, although it implies a certain quality guarantee. Pay close attention to the technical indicators of the profile and fittings specified by the manufacturer.

According to the standards, the profile is formed by at least 2 chambers with air space inside. Depending on the requirements for the level of the protective mechanism against extraneous sounds and the preservation of heat, their number varies up to 6 parts. Each of the departments must bear its own load.

The fittings must ensure uninterrupted operation when opening and closing, regulate the set position, excluding jamming in the wrong setting.

Video

Watch the video instruction for choosing plastic windows according to technical characteristics in order to clearly imagine a suitable model.

Window Functions

Please note that the functionality of a window is a set of performance characteristics, and not individual moments. Regardless of the type of construction and the manufacturer of plastic windows, the selected product must meet the following requirements:

What brand of plastic windows is better?

When choosing a manufacturer, keep in mind that the highest prices are not necessarily indicative of the same performance. But you should not be seduced by cheapness and high-profile offers of free services either.

Quality designs require the appropriate configuration of parts. That is, taking into account the cost of individual window elements of good quality, manufacturers of many well-known brands simply cannot lower the price bar. Therefore, too low a price rather indicates either a lack of professional skills of workers, or low-grade components. In both cases, the duration of operation and usability will not meet expectations.

Be sure to check out the company reviews. Note for yourself how satisfied customers are some time after installation:

• how often do breakdowns occur
• what parts fail
• how competently and quickly troubleshoot the company's employees.

Important! To obtain such information, use not only the Internet, but also the responses of friends (it is their opinion that is usually truthful and preferable).

The main criteria for choosing a brand

Consider the offers of the plastic windows market, focusing on several criteria that are really important for the subsequent period of operation or affect the warranty coverage. Pay attention to the working conditions and the services provided by the company for plastic windows, set out in the list below:

Companies at a Glance

• representatives of the German tradition - Veka, Rehau, Salamander, Trocal, Funke
• well-established domestic corporations - Montblank, Proplex, Plafen, Krauss
• Korean systems of good quality at a very affordable price, but with a small range of species - Slidors, LG Chem.

Review the information below to make the right decision on which plastic window company to choose.

Profiles of Russian production

Plastic windows, German manufacturing companies

1. Profine GmbH is a corporation that includes KBE, Kommerling, Trocal.
2. KBE. The company has over 40 years of experience. One of the first appeared on the Russian market. It was this company that first certified its products in accordance with ISO 9001 standards. Factories in our country are located in Khabarovsk and Voskresensk. The service line is also up to the mark.
   Popular profile series:
   
3. Trocal. The company that was the first in the world to develop plastic windows in 1954. Production started in the early 60s. In our country, the products are produced jointly with KBE. Distinctive features of the windows of this brand are excellent design and constructive innovativeness of solutions that provide unflagging popularity, despite the higher price category.
   The following forms are especially popular:
   
4. Rehau. They have been on the market for over half a century. During this period, developed a fairly wide range of species of hard plastic. Branches-factories on the territory of our country are located in the Moscow region, and a network of service centers is present in many regions, which ensures fast delivery of components.
   The following profiles are in demand in our country:
   
5. salamander. The largest company founded in 1885. It was redesigned in 1973 from the production of footwear to the production of plastic windows. Factories are located not only in Germany, but also in Belarus, Poland. Systems on our market:
   
6. Veka. The production system is quite powerful, mastered in 1970. Expanded the network in our country, placing factories in Novosibirsk and the Moscow region. Equivalent competitor to the above companies.
   Types in demand in Russia:
   
7. funke. Corporation for the production of plastic pipes, which began its activities in 1962. and at the end of the 20th century expanded its production with profile window systems. In Russia, they have placed a wide network of warehouses and representative offices, which are responsible for organizing the sales process. Forms in demand:
   

Profiles made in Korea

sliders. Designed and supplied by Hanwha Chem Corp. since 1993. Distinctive characteristics - the use of a specially designed system for connecting structural elements on screws and corners without welding. The operating principle of the system is the sliding displacement of the sashes. In our market they are positioned as a company for glazing loggias.

LG Chem. The production of plastic windows has been debugged since 1995 in China, Korea and India. It is quite successfully conquering the Russian market, although the company is still represented by two types of profile systems:

Conclusion

Make a purchase only after you have made sure that the company and the window design fully comply with all requirements. This approach will not only ensure long-term operation and uninterrupted operation of installed systems. By choosing the right specialists, you will save on the constant repair of an unreliable canvas and keep calm, enjoying the comfort of home.

If you are ready to regret your choice for 20 years, you should not read the advice So:

Have you noticed that a double-glazed window occupies from 70 to 90% of the window structure? This is the main gate for the leakage of such expensive heat. Therefore, decent, i.e. a warm double-glazed window is: 32 mm (the wider the better)...

How to choose plastic windows?

3 glasses, i.e. 2 air chambers spacer PVC glass with energy saving.

If you have Africa in winter, you can stop at a double-glazed window with a width of 24 mm, 2 glasses, 1 air chamber. Cheaper! But it is worth putting energy-saving glass in case the heating is turned off in winter.

What to look for? First things first, the manufacturer. We will delicately keep silent about China and Russia.

All European plastics are produced in Russia and Ukraine, according to European recipes, on imported automatic and semi-automatic equipment. All of them are white, maybe with a slight blueness, do not turn yellow. Everything is environmentally friendly, the notorious lead harms nature only during production and disposal, it is absolutely harmless in windows. The amount of lead in your windows is hundreds of times less than in your crystal.

I liked the manufacturer, we look at the width of the profile. 70 mm is optimal for our climate. The main difference between a 70 mm profile and a 60 mm profile is in the width of the mounting joint. There is more warm foam in a wider profile.

Select the number of air chambers in the profile. Where they are, any manager in the sales office will show you. Here you can save money, with the same width, the number of cameras does not significantly affect the advantages of the window. Only if you have your own house, you need to heat it, or you have apartment heating, it is better to take 5 cameras.

Who will not listen to this advice and choose a profile of 58 mm, 3 cameras, look at least at the thickness of the front walls. It happens from 2.5 mm to 3 mm. For heavy window structures, 2.5 mm are not suitable, the welding seam is less strong, and the walls themselves will not withstand the load.

And there is also a staple. I saw a man admiring a round glazing bead: “I like this one!”. They say that someone falls in love with a glazing bead.

I am not talking about a colored profile, laminated or tinted in bulk, because this has nothing to do with practicality, on the contrary, colored plastics are weaker than white against frost.

It's simple here. Fittings have already been chosen for you, as an attachment to plastic, by manufacturers of window blocks, who is what. Good hardware:

GU, ZIEGENIA-AUBI, Roto-NT

All of them are made in Germany. Automated lines produce lots and lots of fittings for windows, Russia is a great market for Germany. Accessories of the same name cannot be produced in China.

Ask for installation according to GOST. These are: tape PSUL (vapor-permeable self-expanding) foam waterproofing tape. Otherwise, over time, the foam will collapse, and in the cold it will blow out of all the seams.

Excess foam cannot be cut off; after installation, a protective film is formed only once. Take care of good installers, they will not produce excess foam.

Mounting seams are the weakest point in the window structure.

do not get into the garage production. There, they will assemble a double-glazed window for you very inexpensively with adhesive tape, instead of a sealant, they will weld a profile at the very least, and, at best, in 2-5 years you will definitely feel the difference with a neighboring normal window. Good advice and intuition can help.

P.S. This article was written as part of a competition . Do you participate?