Comparison of double-glazed windows. Single-chamber and double-glazed windows: the difference, pros and cons of each type Choosing a PVC window seal

Every year more and more win the sympathy of people. This is due to several factors: PVC windows have an excellent design, they are harmless, quickly installed, and affordable for ordinary people. All components of the plastic window perform separate functions. For example, a frame is made from a profile, fittings allow you to create micro-ventilation, close and open sashes, and double-glazed windows protect against weather aggression and burglary.

double glazing an important component of a metal-plastic window, and in this article we will talk about which double-glazed windows you can choose.

A double-glazed window is a structure consisting of glass cut to a certain size and a frame. Distance frames separate the glass from each other, inside they have a hydroscopic layer that absorbs moisture, the glass is glued to them. The ends of the double-glazed window are hermetically sealed and sealed with a sealant. Thus, air chambers are created in the double-glazed window. Today double-glazed windows can consist of several chambers: 1st, 2nd or 3rd. The heat-saving and noise-insulating characteristics of PVC windows directly depend on the number of air chambers, their distance, and the thickness of the glass used in the double-glazed window. In our climate, double-glazed windows are mainly used.

For plastic windows, several types of glass are used: reinforced, tempered, triplex, sun-protection.

Today there are several types of double-glazed windows:

- Energy-saving or double-glazed windows with climate control. The air chambers of such double-glazed windows are filled with gas (argon), the inner side of one of the glasses is coated with silver and other metals. This technology allows for a long time to control the transmission of sunlight into the apartment in the summer, and in winter, on the contrary, reflect the heat coming from the room, preventing it from escaping into the street.

Thus, in the summer the apartment will be cooler, and warmer in the cold. thereby reducing the cost of heating and air conditioning. It is worth noting that single-chamber double-glazed windows with climate control are warmer than ordinary double-glazed windows. And this means that energy-saving double-glazed windows are lighter and therefore the fittings on such windows will last longer. One of their main disadvantages is the volatility of the gas. Without which windows become ordinary. In 10-15 years, energy-saving double-glazed windows will have to be replaced.

More recently, Clima Guard Solar has introduced a super new double-glazed window for PVC windows. Thanks to the new technology of spraying silver and metal on the inner surface of the glass, even without filling the air chambers with gas, such double-glazed windows showed excellent climate control characteristics.

Noise isolation. As we have already said, the thickness of the glasses affect the conductivity of the noise. So glass in double glazing must be of different thicknesses. Otherwise, the sound, colliding with one glass, passes to another, and if it is of the same thickness, then resonance occurs. If the glasses are of different thicknesses, for example, a single-chamber double-glazed window of 4-6 mm., then when the noise passes to the second glass, 3-4 dB will be extinguished, which is 30% compared to identical glasses. In any case, the sound insulation of plastic windows is much higher than that of ordinary wooden ones.

Armored. Such windows allow you to protect the room and its residents from various mechanical influences and attacks. For example, from small arms, explosives, blast and fragments from grenades, strikes from metal objects, etc. Armored windows are divided according to protection class A-1, A-2, A-3. In addition, glasses can be made with Smart Glass technology. This is a "smart glass" technology, it allows glasses to change transparency, thereby avoiding observation. The infrared barrier blocks the operation of night vision devices, and the electromagnetic one from sources of electromagnetic radiation.

Let's summarize. If you want to create a favorable climate in your apartment, then buy energy-saving windows with micro-ventilation. If you live in a noisy area, then noise-absorbing double-glazed windows save you from noise. Armored glass will help protect valuables and life.

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Wooden windows are losing popularity every month. They are everywhere replaced by plastic "competitors". Let's talk about how to correctly choose a good double-glazed window and what you should remember even before placing an order and calling a measurer.

Choosing a manufacturer and a double-glazed window: what to look for when ordering plastic windows

There are a sufficient number of proven manufacturers on the modern market: good windows are produced rehau, energy-saving double-glazed windows have proven themselves well LG, Gealan, Veka, KBE and other well-known firms. However, it is not always worth chasing after eminent manufacturers.

Regional companies have own production bases who produce double-glazed windows highest quality. For example, the author of the article personally had the opportunity to verify the reliability of the products of one of the firms located in Veliky Novgorod.

It is not necessary to be a professional in order to evaluate the quality factor of production and assembly by the appearance of the product. This must be done, because a poor-quality window will negate the efforts of the most professional installer and waste your money.

What you should pay attention to first of all:

    Inspect the surface for scratches, chips and other cosmetic defects.

    Pay attention to quality cleaning of welded seams, their uniformity and accuracy.

    Take a look at trimming glazing beads: do they fit well in the corners, are there any gaps?

    Ask about glass thickness. From options with thickness 3 mm must be abandoned. The size 4 mm - well 6 mm - excellent.

    Test performance locking mechanisms. Any flaws are a reason to be wary.

Depending on the number of glasses used in a double-glazed window, there are single chamber and two-chamber types. Of course, there are options with a large number of cameras, but it is advisable to use them only in the northern regions.

single chamber a double-glazed window is a tandem of two glasses with the formation of one chamber between them, two-chamber- connection of three glasses with the formation of a pair of chambers.

Distinguish energy saving double-glazed windows. They contain an inert gas, argon, with a low thermal conductivity. They are made using special glass, which has the property of retaining heat:

Helps capture the sun's rays silver oxide film. It reflects heat back into the room.

The size of the installation width and the number of profile chambers. Reinforcement thickness

Take a look at the special samples that are mandatory in any sales office. They are a cross-section of the product for a visual demonstration of its internal structure. The cavity of the double-glazed window is divided into cells, and the air trapped in them acts as a heat insulator.

Cell depth directly affects on the thermal properties of the profile. As a rule, the parameter is considered together with the number of cameras. The more chambers and the higher the depth of the cells, the wider the frame and installation depth.

By this size, one can judge the potential of the window system as a whole. Usually, installation depth(frame profile thickness) is within 60 -75 mm.

Details can be found in the video:

Be sure to ask the manager about the thickness of the reinforcement - the metal inserted into the window profile compensates for its thermal expansion. The thickness of the metal profile must be at least 1,2 mm (in the figure above it is indicated red).

Ventilation system and other fittings

Ask for clarification on the principle of operation of the ventilation system. Climate control valves can be built into the frame during production. There are also varieties for equipping already installed windows.

Popularity is gaining special type of fittings - scallops for micro-ventilation.

If you have children in the house, then you should pay a little extra and put padlock with key. Also discuss with the manager the availability of other necessary items in the kit, mosquito nets, a thermometer, and so on.

Every self-respecting seller (and manufacturer) places in a conspicuous place in the sales office all the necessary documents: certificates DIN EN ISO, RAL, certificates of conformity for all products, quality certificate for finished products.

If for some reason the paper unavailable for free acquaintance, manager is obliged to provide them at your first request.

When is the best time of year to install double glazing? For obvious reasons, it is more convenient to install new windows in the warm season.

But if the season is over, firms offer significant discounts and you can take advantage of this, especially if you do not temporarily live in the house and the danger of chilling the premises during work does not bother you.

Measurer's visit obligatory. The specialist will explain on site the features of the installation and fix all the necessary dimensions.

An experienced techie will pay attention to individual nuances and will definitely advise something. For example, if the windows face the sunny side, you may hear a suggestion to equip them additionally. reflective material.

A service worker is able to thoroughly explain the process of “step-by-step” ventilation (more on this aspect can be found in the video at the end of the article).

The final and key stage of equipping the living space with new windows is the appearance of installers and the start of work on the direct installation of the structure.

Pay attention to the delivery of your double-glazed window: metal-plastic frames should be transported only in vertical position.

The service life and quality of the entire system depends on the professionalism of the installers. As a result of poor-quality installation, fogging of glasses, water leakage from the street, and cold air penetration into the room are not ruled out. Violation of the levels will lead to incorrect operation of the fittings and premature failure of the mechanism.

Trust but check. It is not at all necessary to “stand over the soul” of specialists during their work, but it is advisable to periodically glance and evaluate the quality of the installation during and after the installation is completed, even if you are sure that you have contacted the best company and do not worry about the result.

First of all, after dismantling the window and leveling the opening, you need to make sure that it is cleared to the load-bearing wall, the plaster is well beaten off, and the old insulation is removed. Fasteners must be fixed in strong parts of the window opening.

After fixing the window, you can be asked to invite you to check the quantity and quality of fasteners (anchor bolts, spacers and support pads). Attachment points should be spaced 150 180 mm from corner followed by step 700 mm (for white PVC-constructions).

You should pay attention to such factors:

    The window should be straight in the opening. Permissible deviation no more 3 mm for the entire structure along the planes: horizon, vertical, front (maximum 1,5 mm per metre).

    The foam must lie evenly. Without interruptions, completely filling the assembly seam.

    The task of the assembly seam- providing hydro- and vapor barrier, partial compensation of thermal expansion and moisture removal. In accordance with GOST ohm 30971 , the seam should be three-layer. Width 15-60 mm. If less, the window may buckle and warp with thermal expansion. And an increase in size will lead to a loss of fastening strength.

    Slopes should be at the same angle to the window opening. All cracks and joints must be sealed with sealant. The seam should be neat, without stains and smudges.

    Cold can penetrate not only through the window, but also through the slope. Therefore, if the order includes slope insulation, you should make sure that there is insulation under the panel.

And finally check smoothness and ease of folding doors, their rotation, reliability of the locking mechanism. Test the reliability of the latches and the mosquito net.

The guarantee is given absolutely in each firm. It should be noted that the obligation can only apply to a client who is familiar with the correct operation of plastic windows.

Check attachment of the operation sheet to the contract.

The windows of the eminent manufacturer are durable and most likely, as a maximum, worn-out rubber seals will be replaced during the warranty period.

By GOST y, the guarantee for the products must be at least 3 years, and for the assembly seam at least 5 years.

On consumer protection

If a dialogue with representatives of the organization for the installation and maintenance of your window failed to resolve the issue of eliminating the identified shortcomings, then you need to file a written claim addressed to the manager. In the claim, you must put forward your claim.

Art. 29 law RF « On consumer protection” states that the consumer, upon detection of shortcomings in the service provided, has the right to demand at his choice:

    gratuitous elimination of defects;

    a corresponding reduction in the price of the work performed (service rendered);

    gratuitous production of another thing from a homogeneous material of the same quality or re-performance of work;

    reimbursement of expenses incurred by him to eliminate the shortcomings of the work performed (service rendered) on his own or by third parties.

The consumer may refuse to fulfill the contract for the performance of work (provision of services) and demand full compensation for losses caused to him due to shortcomings in the work performed (service rendered).

In accordance with the requirements of Art. 30 law RF deficiencies in the work (service) must be eliminated by the contractor within a reasonable time, appointed by the consumer. This time period is indicated in the contract or in the application sent by the consumer to the contractor.

What can a manufacturer of plastic windows save on to the detriment of the buyer? Find out in the video:

It will be about, it would seem, well-known products - double-glazed windows. Let's try to figure out the difference between one, two and three-chamber double-glazed windows.

In this article you will learn:

How to choose and which double-glazed windows are better to install

We will answer the question of how to choose a double-glazed window for a certain place of residence with different temperature conditions.

Let's find out where the five-chamber protective packages are installed. Let's take a look at the pros and cons of the product. We will answer questions regarding troubleshooting. Let's think about which double-glazed window is more suitable for a loggia, balcony, veranda, bedroom, kitchen. Let's start with the existing types of double-glazed windows. In total, 5 types of products are produced.

  • Single-chamber double-glazed windows

Budget, the easiest option. Two glasses and a layer of air between them - this is a single-chamber package. Glass thickness is usually 3-4 mm. It will not protect the house from the cold. It is more often installed in technical or utility rooms than in a residential area.

Single or double glazing is suitable for installation in garages, attics, stairwells.

Flaw: due to poor protection against external temperature changes, condensation forms on the single-chamber bag. Another weak point of such a package is poor sound insulation. The thickness of a single-chamber bag can be 18 or 24 mm.

  • Double glazing

They are installed in places of residence where there are no sudden changes in temperature. These are mainly areas of the middle lane. In the two-chamber version of the package, there are three windows, and between them there are two air chambers. They keep heat better, delay street noise.

Condensation forms on the windows (you can’t get away from this). It appears if the outside temperature is minus 18 degrees. When filling the chamber with an inert gas to a temperature of minus 29, there will be no problems with the glasses. The thickness of a two-chamber glass bag must be at least 32 mm.

  • Three-chamber double-glazed windows

These are the best double-glazed windows for residents of the northern regions of the country, where the average temperature in winter exceeds minus 20 degrees and reaches a negative mark with the figure - 40. Packages consisting of three chambers cost an order of magnitude more than a two-chamber version. But more reliable keepers of home heat. Reinforced heat and sound insulation is provided.

Attention: installation of double-glazed windows consisting of two and three chambers must be carried out by a professional installer.

  • Four-chamber double-glazed windows

A variant of enhanced protection against noise, dust, heat preservation in the room. They are produced only on order.

  • 5-chamber double-glazed windows

Products are intended for regions of the Far North. They are installed at arctic and polar stations. In the houses of shift workers on the island of Svalbard. The products are not large. In the world, there are very few enterprises specializing in the production of such products.

If we talk about the industrial production of double-glazed windows, then these are the first three options mentioned above. Four and 5 chambers are made to order.

Attention : in addition to chambers filled with argon, glass covered with a protective film is installed to improve thermal insulation. It is believed that such glass conducts up to 90% of heat rays into the interior of the room. In summer, glass, on the contrary, reflects most of the ultraviolet, which has a positive effect on the microclimate in the house.

Product marking

The technical designation of glass bags contains information about the thickness of the glass and the air gap. For example, the numbers 4-16-4 indicate that the package is made of two glasses. The thickness of each is 4 mm. The number 16 indicates the thickness of the layer. So the single-chamber package is marked.

Two-chamber is indicated by the numbers 4-10-4-10-4. Three glasses 4 mm thick. And two layers with numbers 10 - this is the thickness indicated in mm.

Fittings for plastic windows

simple fittings- these are door handles, clamps, brackets, hooks, hinges and ventilation mechanisms.

Sophisticated fittings are the mechanisms by which windows open and close. Mechanisms responsible for turning, tilting and locking. If you choose a reliable manufacturer with a name that has gained trust and reputation in the market, you can be sure that the fittings will be of the highest quality.

This means that with the right choice of manufacturer, careful attitude to the product, windows can serve to keep the heat in the house up to 40 years. German companies have the highest credit of trust.

Which package and where is it better to install?

In each room, on a balcony, loggia or kitchen, you can install different double-glazed windows.

It all depends on the location of the apartment, number of storeys, places of residence. It also matters what material the house is built from. Consider options for the use of double-glazed windows.

  • Kitchen

It is possible to install one or two-chamber version. In practice, double-glazed windows are installed. This is enough for the kitchen.

  • Living sector

In residential premises put two-chamber packages. Double or triple glazing is installed in the bedrooms to reduce street noise. They are a reliable barrier and protection from street noise.

  • Technical buildings

If the question arose, which double-glazed windows are better to install in non-residential, technical premises, the answer is single-chamber. There is no point in using other options.

  • Which double-glazed window is better for a loggia and a balcony?

From which side the balcony faces (to the carriageway of a street with heavy traffic or a quiet courtyard), packages consisting of two or three cameras are mounted.

Problems of double-glazed windows, experienced advice

1. Why do plastic windows cry, why does condensation appear? There may be several reasons. Condensation appears on windows that are not suitable for this climate. For example, single-chamber double-glazed windows are not recommended to be installed in the northern areas of residence.

2. The appearance of condensation inside the glass indicates a poor-quality product. A replacement is needed, which is usually done by the enterprise that installed the package.

3. Double-glazed windows constantly cry in rooms with high humidity. This is the area where food is prepared. A boiling kettle or pot of hot water can cause condensation to form. In such a room, in these conditions, the highest quality windows will not save!

Attention: in a room where the humidity is more than 40%, there is a real threat of condensation!

4. The reason for the appearance of tears on the windows may be foreign objects on the windowsill. They limit the flow of warm air from the battery to the glass. This is another reason why double-glazed windows leak. Glass must be warm.

You can fix the problem:

  • airing the room;
  • in the kitchen, you need to check the operation of ventilation systems, as well as the hood;
  • it is advised to use anti-fog agents - special-purpose aerosols.

Why do double-glazed windows freeze?

At negative temperatures outside, the double-glazed window freezes and cracks. The reason for the freezing of double-glazed windows can be the installed single-chamber package (4-16-4), and not the energy-saving one (4-10-4-10-4), with a warm spacer.

Condensate may freeze at low temperatures. We talked about ways to deal with it earlier. If, as a result of freezing, the glass is cracked, it must be replaced.

Why did the glass in the double-glazed window burst?

A possible cause could be the mechanical stress of house settling. Usually glass in private houses does not burst. This is a "disease" of high-rise buildings.

Another reason for window freezing is not enough cameras in the package. Perhaps it is better to change the windows to a better glass package with more cameras?

Double-glazed windows sweat, what to do?

  • Incorrect glass installation. Perhaps, during the installation of the product, a skew formed.
  • Possible manufacturing defect. A defective product needs to be replaced.
  • Installation was carried out in the cold season. It is recommended to install windows in the summer!
  • Winter is the main examiner. If the glass is cold, and the air temperature outside is minus, fogging of double-glazed windows inevitably. The problem is solved by airing the room.
  • In winter, it is undesirable to dry clothes in rooms, on batteries. The temperature regime changes, which inevitably leads to fogging of the windows.

Why is the double-glazed window sweating inside?

  • Perhaps the window is defective. There is no micro-ventilation function. You can fix the problem yourself. It is necessary to cut a piece of sealing rubber in the upper part of the rubber gasket for better ventilation. Rubber can always be put in place.
  • The room has high humidity. The problem is eliminated by regularly airing the room.
  • The main reason when a double-glazed window fogs up from the inside is a poor-quality package. It is necessary to contact the company that performed the installation to replace the product.

The double-glazed window blows, what should I do?

How to determine the blowing from the window or not? By placing a candle on the windowsill, you can determine the weak spot by the movement of the flame. There may be several reasons.

  • If the window is under warranty service, its replacement is the business of the company that installed the window. Otherwise, glass replacement will cost you a pretty penny.
  • It is possible that the package was installed in violation of the workflow. In this case, a reinstallation is required.
  • Why blows glass? Could it be the cheap fittings? We need to change it to a better one. It is necessary to call the master to eliminate the shortcomings on the spot.
  • The elasticity of the seal has decreased. They are tight to the frame. This could be the cause of the blowout. The seal needs to be replaced.
  • And one more option: low-quality, cheap plastic. When it is deformed, the problems described above may occur.

Why did the glass pane burst?

The problem may be in mechanical stress and sudden changes in temperature. Perhaps the installation rules were not followed, the package was skewed. The package needs to be replaced. Yes, exactly the package, not just one glass! This is due to the peculiarities of production.

It must be remembered that deformed glass does not make the room attractive, its functionality decreases, and tightness is lost. The double-glazed window cracked, the reasons for the failure of the product - poor quality glass was installed. This happens, but very rarely. We need to change the package.

What determines the cost of double-glazed windows?

The price is affected by the profile used in the manufacture of the product, the size, the thickness of the glass. The price depends on the number of cameras in the package, the energy-saving properties of the product. The name of the manufacturer also costs money. If the package was made "in garages", then the price of the product will be small. You need to understand what may follow - the inevitable costs of repairing low-quality products, this is at best.

Therefore, it is necessary to approach the choice of packages slowly, with special care to choose the manufacturer. On which the quality of the double-glazed window and the warmth in the house directly depend!

Often, paying attention to the choice of profile, the moment of choosing a double-glazed window is somehow missed. By default, as a rule, a two-chamber energy-saving or ordinary double-glazed window is installed. But today there are double-glazed windows with a wide variety of options, which makes sense to choose depending on the location of the glazed space.

Popular types of double-glazed windows

You can learn more about the different types of double-glazed windows and the additional functions that they may have from the training video below.

Number of cameras

The most common are double-glazed windows. However, there are also single-chamber and three-chamber ones. What does this mean and what is the difference between them? The main difference between double-glazed windows is the number of glasses and, accordingly, the cameras between them.

Often you have to think about the question: which double-glazed window is better single-chamber or double-chamber? So, if you produce cold or semi-warm glazing of balconies or loggias, it is preferable to choose a single-chamber double-glazed window. However, if you are striving to get not only excellent thermal insulation, but also to make your home as protected from street noise as possible, choose double-glazed windows.

A single-chamber double-glazed window consists of two hermetically welded glasses, between which there is a gap (chamber) filled with dried air or an inert gas. In most cases, the distance between the panes (chamber width) is 16 millimeters, but it can be less. But it is not recommended to do more, since convection will appear and the thermal insulation properties of the double-glazed window will significantly decrease. Advantages of single-chamber double-glazed windows:

  • the weight of the glazing is lower (most relevant when glazing balconies)
  • lower cost

A double-glazed window is a system that includes three glasses and two cameras. It has a much greater sound insulation index than a single-chamber. However, if we compare the thermal insulation characteristics of a single-chamber, but with energy-saving glass and a simple two-chamber double-glazed window, the first one will win. Yes, and the load on the fittings when installing a single-chamber energy-saving double-glazed window will be lower. Benefits of double glazing:

  • maximum thermal insulation
  • better noise absorption

Three-chamber double-glazed window - a system consisting of four glasses and three chambers. It is used extremely rarely and is only suitable for regions with too low winter temperatures.

What additional options to choose?

In addition to energy saving, what other features can a double-glazed window have, and in which case should one or another option be preferred? Which double-glazed window is better suited for windows located on the sunny side, and which one is better for the lower floors? Consider the most popular properties of double-glazed windows and their scope.

1. Energy saving

Double-glazed windows with increased energy saving in the modern window market are represented by two main types: energy-saving and multifunctional.

Energy-saving double-glazed windows
The ability to reflect heat waves emanating from heating devices back into the room is obtained by the glass unit due to the use of glass with a low-emissivity coating. It can be soft (i-glass) or hard (k-glass). Which double-glazed window to choose is, of course, up to you. However, double-glazed windows that use i-glass are more common. Therefore, if despite all the efforts of heating devices, it is still cool in your room, we advise you to pay attention to energy-saving double-glazed windows, because it is through the window glass that the greatest percentage of heat loss occurs. Single-chamber or double-glazed windows with energy-saving properties will be the best choice for both private houses and high-rise buildings.