What are doctors talking about? Plastic windows are slow killers for third world populations. Which PVC windows are preferred in different countries? Do Europeans use plastic windows?
Are they harmful to human health? plastic windows? What is included in their composition? Which windows are better - wooden or plastic? What kind of windows are installed in Europe? There are many questions, the main thing is to know the right answers and dispel all the myths among buyers.
12/10/2010
European manufacturers are not only leaders in the production of plastic windows, but also in their consumption. Information that Europe is switching back to the old wooden windows, just a myth. Today there is a huge range of profile windows on the market. European production, which in appearance and texture resembles a tree. Such “visually wooden” windows are based on the same design and composition as in ordinary white plastic windows.
The information that lead is added to windows, which is harmful to health, is also not justified. Yes, indeed, manufacturers produce a PVC profile with the addition of a small amount of organic lead salt, which is dangerous only during the production process, and not in finished product. The plastic profile is also "harmful", like ordinary glass.
Featured on modern market plastic windows are characterized by high quality and harmless impact on the environment. The European Union and the Commission for Environmental Protection advocated environmentally friendly production. Therefore, since 2005, manufacturers have been replacing lead salts in the production of PVC with a composition of calcium and zinc, which is a completely new standard and maintains a clean environment at all stages of production and profile processing, as well as during the operation of windows. In Denmark, Switzerland and Austria, the ban on lead has long been in place, and manufacturers do not use these mineral salts.
Plastic windows are an environmentally friendly component for the construction and design of premises, which has a lot of advantages. The function of energy saving and sound insulation already justifies the choice of plastic windows. Durability in operation, no additional annual maintenance, air flow adjustment, a variety of shapes and designs, protection from dust and insects, affordable prices on plastic windows - all these are the advantages of plastic windows.
Just think: noise, drafts, insects, extra care and financial costs for maintenance, coating wooden windows with paints and varnishes, fragility in use ... Do you want to get all these problems and worries? European residents choose comfort, health and economy - and this is another reason to take a good example.
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I am glad to welcome my readers!
During my work, I installed many windows, but most often the quality was not very good.
The fact is that the main thing in a plastic window is the profile, but at first glance, all windows look the same. That is why, I often encountered the fact that clients choose not to quality profile.
What is the main thing in plastic windows? The basis of plastic windows is a profile. A good profile is a guarantee of high-quality and reliable plastic windows.
How to choose a quality profile and what to look for when choosing? I want to help you find the answer to this question in this article.
We go outside or take a newspaper and what we see are the windows of KBE, REHAU, VEKA, SALAMAHDER, LG, PROPLEX, BRUSBOX and the like. What is behind all these names? - These are the names of window profile manufacturers and nothing else, and your windows will be made by completely different companies, and we know perfectly well what our manufacturers can make from the best raw materials.
And yet a little about the profile manufacturers. When ordering windows, you will hear from the manager that windows (for example, KBE, VEKA, REHAU, SALAMANDER) are German windows made in Germany - naturally the best and highest quality. What is true in these words and what is not? Of all those listed, only SALAMANDER is 100% produced abroad (therefore, it has a corresponding price), the rest have long been produced in Russia.
And about the production of the window profile. Most profile manufacturers have built their factories in Russia. I was at the KBE and VEKA factories - excellent factories, imported equipment, foreign specialists, imported raw materials, so there is not much difference from where the profile comes from (I think the situation is similar at other factories of European manufacturers).
True, as always, there is a "BUT". This is a "BUT" profile system produced specifically for Russia, i.e. it is not used abroad - it is only for us at "our request". The advantage of this system is cheap, the disadvantage is to reduce the cost, the profile walls are made thinner, respectively. thermal resistance less, less strength.
For the south, this is quite acceptable, in the middle lane - it is doubtful, in the north they can freeze. Usually this profile system is called an object profile and is used for glazing large objects - multi-storey residential buildings, industrial enterprises, etc. There are also Russian and Turkish systems, but since we are going to glaze our house, we will not consider these systems in detail.
Which profile I personally prefer, I can write further.
Which profile do you think is better? What is better Rehau or Brusbox? Veka or Proplex? KBE or LG? etc.
The most difficult and annoying question, to which it is almost impossible to give a reasoned answer, I can only express my personal opinion. I emphasize once again - this is my personal opinion, and not advertising, and the conversation will only focus on the profile systems with which I worked.
A few words about SALAMANDER (goes to non-competition) – good profile. The main advantage is made in Germany, the main disadvantage is that it is expensive. It would have been produced in Russia - it was among the middle peasants.
Now, in order about the profile systems produced in Russia:
Better than others in:
- number of customer reviews
- the number of defects in the supply of plastic profiles,
- sealant,
- holding seminars, trainings and training courses for window manufacturers.
- Variety of profile systems.
Another advantage is that it sells the profile only to well-equipped enterprises for the production of plastic windows, which it regularly checks and issues its certificate to these plants. Therefore, if you have chosen a factory working with this profile, then the likelihood of getting into an unpleasant situation is less.
I give second place. This company sells its profile only to well-equipped plastic window manufacturing plants, which it regularly checks and issues its certificate to these plants. Therefore, if you have chosen a factory working with this profile, then the likelihood of getting into an unpleasant situation is less.
Deserved 3rd place.
Flaws:
- There are disruptions in the supply of the profile, the rejection of the profile is more common than in REHAU and VEKA
- Sells a profile to any factories of plastic windows.
THYSSEN, LG, DIMEX
MOTNTBLANK, PROPLESS, BRUBEBOX
They share the last place by the number of positive reviews of people who installed windows, but they are very well suited for glazing balconies and loggias, as well as domestic premises. Advantage - low price.
P.S. I have not worked with other profile systems, so I can’t say anything about them.
source: http://infokna.narod.ru/
What profile of a plastic window is better to choose? Selection tips and manufacturer rating
The profile is the main element of any window; the durability and reliability of the entire structure depends on it. At first glance, the profile for PVC windows from different manufacturers looks almost the same.
The difference in quality becomes apparent after several months (or even years!) of use, when cheap windows begin to warp and cracks form in them. How to choose a good plastic profile for windows? How are products of different brands different from each other? And does it make sense to save on glazing by choosing an economy class profile?
Profile for PVC windows: characteristics and types
The profile is the basis of the entire structure, from which window sashes and frames are made. They determine not only appearance windows, but also its strength. Common materials for window profiles are wood (cedar and larch) and aluminum.
But most often the profile for windows is made of PVC, or polyvinyl chloride. Such a profile is reinforced with metal inserts and has air cavities inside, which increase the thermal insulation of the structure.
According to European standard EN 12608 SR "Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC-U) for the manufacture of windows and doors" and similar Russian GOST 30673-99 "Polyvinyl chloride profiles for window and door blocks. Specifications” profiles are classified according to a number of characteristics. In particular, in terms of the thickness of the outer and inner walls, the following are distinguished:
- Class A profiles - have outer walls with a thickness of 2.8 mm and inner walls with a thickness of 2.5 mm; they provide the best thermal insulation and are considered the best choice.
- Class B profiles - have outer walls with a thickness of 2.5 mm, internal - from 2.0 mm; such windows are not only “colder”, but also 15% less resistant to deformation.
- Class C profiles - all others that do not fit the standards A and B, they are not subject to strict requirements.
Note!
There is a so-called "objective" profile, which is designed for installation in non-residential industrial premises. It cannot be used in houses and apartments - because of the thin walls, it does not hold heat and is unstable to deformation.
At first glance, such a profile is no different from the usual one - except for protective film you can see the marking object. Often, unscrupulous companies offering very low prices for their goods sell windows from just such a profile.
Choosing the best profile for plastic windows
It is not easy to determine "by eye" which profile of plastic windows is better, but there are some features that can say a lot about its quality.
Profile uniformity
The plastic must be homogeneous and absolutely smooth. The grainy surface suggests that the windows were most likely made in artisanal conditions and are fake. The coating must also be uniform, free of streaks and gradients.
By the way. In order not to buy a fake at the price of branded windows, pay attention to the factory markings on the inside window frame. It should be stamped with the name of the manufacturer and a number of numbers: shift number, devices for the production of PVC profiles and date of manufacture.
Profile width
Most often, companies offer a plastic profile for windows with a width of 58 mm - this is a classic option, preferred for residential premises. There is also a profile with a width of 70 mm, this is often installed in high-rise buildings or where the climate is especially harsh. The 90 mm wide profile belongs to the premium class, it is characterized by excellent heat and sound insulation characteristics. However, not all companies work with such products.
Profile thickness
The thickness of the profile should be the same, from 2.5 mm to 3 mm. However, thin walls are not suitable for heavy window blocks - in this case Weld it turns out less durable, which means that the reliability of the entire structure suffers.
Number of air chambers
The number of cameras also depends on the width of the profile. A 58 mm profile can have a maximum of three chambers - which, however, is quite enough for the windows to retain heat. 70mm - three, four and even five cameras. The last of those mentioned (70 mm) are most in demand for glazing apartments and houses.
The norm for a 90 mm profile is six chambers. The more cameras, the warmer and quieter it will be in the house. However, in fairness it should be said that the difference between, for example, a three- and four-chamber package is not so significant.
Number of double-glazed windows
Do not confuse the number of air chambers in PVC profile with the number of double-glazed windows. A double-glazed window is several sheets of glass interconnected along the contour using a special frame and sealants. Airtight chambers with air or other gas inside are formed between the panes.
One chamber double-glazed window- the lightest, it consists of two glasses and one air chamber between them. Such double-glazed windows are very light, suitable for glazing large openings, so they are often installed on balconies, loggias and terraces. However, they are not suitable for windows due to insufficient thermal insulation.
For a house, cottage, office or apartment, it is better to choose a double-glazed window consisting of three sheets of glass and two air chambers. Three-chamber double-glazed windows made of four sheets of glass are rare, they are heavy and let through less light than other types of double-glazed windows.
Such windows are in demand only in the North, where the temperature in winter can drop to -40 o C and below. With more high temperatures there is almost no difference between two- and three-chamber double-glazed windows.
Helpful advice!
When choosing a plastic profile for windows, pay attention to the frame seals. There should be two of them, otherwise condensation will settle under the frame, and this spoils the insulation and creates a favorable environment for bacteria and mold.
Window profile rating: comparison of products from key manufacturers
- rehau
One of the most famous companies that has been producing reliable windows for more than half a century and is considered the main innovator in this area - Rehau engineers are constantly improving the design and configuration of the profile - so the company pays great attention to environmental friendliness and energy-saving technologies. The company produces a profile with a width of 60-70 mm. Rehau products belong to the middle class. - VEKA
Another German "giant", whose products are valued all over the world. VEKA produce white and colored profiles that do not fade or turn yellow under the influence of direct sun rays. The seal is made of natural rubber, which does not freeze even under the influence of very low temperatures - a valuable quality for the Russian climate. The line includes models with a width of 58 to 90 mm. In terms of price, VEKA windows are comparable to Rehau. - Trocal
This is a company with a long history, one of the pioneers in the production of plastic windows. The first model was released in 1954. For decorative finishes the company offers the widest range of options - from lamination to acrylic coating. The profile is produced using the environmentally friendly Greenline technology and provides perfect thermal insulation. Profile width - 70 mm. - Salamander
This German company is not as well known as KBE or VEKA, but Salamander products are in no way inferior to them in quality. The profile is produced exclusively in Germany, which means that by purchasing such windows, you can count on truly European quality - at the same European price. The company produces bags with a width of 60 to 76 mm. - KBE
One of the most popular German brands that produces environmentally friendly windows recommended for installation in children's institutions and hospitals. KBE windows are of high quality and durability (they can serve up to 50 years!), and the line includes both luxury models and economy options. Profile width - from 58 to 70 mm. - Proplex
Proplex- Russian company, which, despite its youth, has already managed to establish a wide production and significantly modernize window systems. The profile is developed with the participation of Austrian specialists and taking into account Russian conditions. At very good quality The company's products still manage to maintain affordable prices. Proplex offers models in widths from 58mm to 127mm.
This is only a small part of the manufacturers of plastic windows, in fact there are dozens, if not hundreds. What plastic windows are better? When choosing glazing, you should give preference to well-known brands, but be sure to check all the documentation - famous brands are often faked. Branded windows at too low a price are a sign that they may be trying to deceive you.
Editorial opinion
Even the best windows will not last long if mistakes were made during their installation. Better simple economy class windows installed by professionals than expensive German windows installed by amateurs.
source: http://www.kp.ru/
Which profile of plastic windows is better
What is a quality profile?
A guarantee of quality and durability plastic window is a quality profile. Even if at first glance the entire profile for plastic windows is the same, in reality this is far from the case. What profile for plastic windows is better, and how to choose the right window, experts from VEKA Rus advise you.
Certificates
The entire profile from which the windows are made is certified. The most significant is the RAL Certificate, which certifies not only the type of product, but also the place of its production. In other words, a profile of the same brand, but manufactured at different factories, will not always have this certificate.
The ISO 9001:2000 quality management system certificate is issued to industries that have a well-organized management system in compliance with all technological, economic and organizational requirements typical for the production of developed countries. Both Russian VEKA plants have this certificate.
If the profile is wider, is it more reliable and warmer?
Profile width is one of its main characteristics. Many window manufacturers promise a couple of extra millimeters to the profile width in their advertising campaigns, but are they really useful?
The following offers are most often found on the market:
- classic profile 58 mm;
- profile 70 mm with increased installation width;
- profile VEKA ALPHALINE 90 mm.
The width of 58 mm is due to the "classic of the genre" - wooden frames replaced by plastic windows. Today, the EUROLINE 58 mm profile allows the production of modern warm windows that meet the requirements of most customers in different climatic zones. Subject to proper manufacture and installation, this best profile for windows in any room.
A profile with a width of 70 mm is a proposal that appeared in the 80s of the last century. Having higher heat-saving soundproofing characteristics, this profile is especially fond of Russian consumers. In the product group of VEKA profiles, SOFTLINE, SWINGLINE and PROLINE have a width of 70 mm.
The 90 mm wide profile is a premium product that appeared about 5 years ago. VEKA Profile ALPHALINE allows the use of double-glazed windows up to 50 mm thick and is currently the unsurpassed leader among window profiles with improved energy efficiency.
Note!
The choice of profile width largely depends on the installation location (window in the office, vestibule door, front door to the store, windows in country house) and climate.
Now another novelty has appeared on the market - the SOFTLINE 82 profile. Innovative multi-chamber system, elegant style and a choice of more than 40 modifications guarantee the satisfaction of the most demanding customer. SOFTLINE system 82 provides the best insulating performance, is fully compatible with 70 mm profiles and can be installed in any home.
Number of cameras
The second characteristic of the window is the number of cameras in the profile. There are three in the standard. The first one is for condensate drainage, the second one is for placing a reinforcing metal insert, and the third one is for fixing parts of the fittings and creating an additional air gap for better window tightness. The number of chambers depends on the width of the profile. So, a 58 mm profile can have a maximum of three cameras, but a 70 mm profile - preferably four. For a profile of 90 mm, the norm is 6 cameras.
Three and six chamber profile systems
Increasing the number of cameras with the same profile width does not significantly change the characteristics of the window. To increase the heat-saving characteristics, a wider profile is needed, and not large quantity partitions in it.
Full package
Another important point- double glazing. The number of glasses in the window affects its characteristics and cost. Double glazing is the most common, but single glazing or triple glazing can also be ordered.
"Triple" windows are warmer. However, they weigh more and require high-quality assembly and stable construction. Single glazing is the coldest. It can be used for glazing unheated balconies, as well as summer houses. Double glazing is optimal for technical specifications, and allows you to maintain indoor comfort all year round.
Profile class
There are two classes of metal-plastic profiles. The first, class A, with a thickened outer wall, is certified by the RAL system as the optimal profile for windows, doors and frame glazing.
Helpful advice!
The second, class B, is a lightweight profile with a thinner outer wall, the so-called "object" profile. It has a slightly lower cost, but does not guarantee the preservation of the characteristics of the window throughout its operation.
Windows from the "object" profile, as an economical option, can be offered by absolutely all manufacturers, but you must remember that such a window may have weaker corner joints, poorer dimensional stability, lower energy-saving characteristics, risk premature wear accessories, shorter service life.
conclusions
Summing up the reasoning on the topic of choosing a profile for a metal-plastic window, we emphasize:
- The presence of certificates confirms the quality.
- According to the mounting width, all profiles are divided into two main classes: 58, 64 mm and 70 -76 mm. Within the class, the thermal characteristics are the same. A profile with a width of 68 mm and a profile with a width of 72 mm do not differ from each other.
- The number of cameras affects the window quality only if the profile belongs to different width classes.
- The most common is double glazing.
- Class A profile is the leader in reliability and quality.
When choosing windows, be able to hear necessary information and filter out ads. The quality of your windows depends on your choice. Take the time to make the right choice!
source: http://www.veka.ru/
Which plastic PVC windows are better - 2-chamber, 3-chamber or 5-chamber?
Often we encounter confusion when discussing plastic windows, they confuse cameras in a double-glazed window and cameras in a profile, I hope that this article will help you deal with cameras in modern plastic windows.
In my article 3-chamber and 5-chamber profile - what is the difference? we have already figured out how the 3- and 5-chamber profiles differ, now let's see which profiles are better.
Here, the more the better - there are no many cameras.
Plastic windows consist of a profile and a double-glazed window and fittings.
A double-glazed window can be single-chamber (2 glasses and one air chamber between them) and 2-chamber (three glasses and two air chambers between them), also the profile can be 3-chamber and 5-chamber (there are profile systems with a large number of air chambers).
A 2-chamber double-glazed window is almost 1.5 times warmer than a single-chamber one. The heat transfer resistance of a double-glazed window from 3 glasses is 0.42 sq.m C / W, and for 2 glasses - 0.33 sq.m C / W. Many mistakenly believe that an additional third glass is installed solely for soundproofing.
In fact, first of all, the third glass is placed for heat saving and only then for additional sound insulation.
The same is true with the profile. Not only is the 5-chamber profile warmer, it is also tougher, it does not have a cold bridge in the area of \u200b\u200bthe loops (a 3-chamber profile in these places often freezes in winter period).
But the most important thing is that the 5-chamber profile has a thickness of 70 mm and you can install a double-glazed window up to 44 mm thick in it, while in a 3-chamber profile no more than 38 mm, and this is additional thermal insulation and energy saving.
Which double-glazed window and which profile to choose.
If the window opens onto a glazed balcony / loggia or you plan to glaze them later, then in this case you should not overpay and you should choose a window with a single-chamber double-glazed window and a 3-chamber profile, in all other cases, a 2-chamber double-glazed window and a 5- This camera profile (or more cameras) will be preferred.
So you decided to change your old windows for new plastic ones. You went around and called a huge number of window companies, but there were only more questions. You don't see how one is different window company from another and how plastic windows offered by one company differ from windows offered by another company, and if there is no difference, then why pay more?
And here you make the most common mistake - you start looking for a company that can offer the lowest price for plastic windows.
Do not rush, now we will figure out how windows differ and what window companies are trying to hide from you.
PROFILE
When it comes to PVC windows, the most common question that is asked is “what profile are your windows made of?”. At the moment, there are more than 40 profile manufacturers on the market, and each manufacturer has a large number of different profile lines in its arsenal.
All European manufacturers offer quality product(KBE, Gealan, Veka, Rehau, SCHUCO, etc.) - a guarantee for such a profile is not less than 40 years, such a profile does not crack or turn yellow. A slightly different picture with the Turkish and Chinese profile systems. Without going into unnecessary details, I will say that it is preferable European manufacturer, but we simply forget about the rest, especially since there is practically no difference in price.
As we have already said, each manufacturer offers not one, but a whole line of profiles. Various profile systems differ from each other in thickness, number of sealing contours, design. As for the design, here, as they say, the taste and color, the number of sealing contours does not affect the blowing in any way and it’s definitely not worth overpaying for it, but the thickness of the profile is not an unimportant factor.
For middle lane the recommended profile has a thickness of 58-60 mm, but in practice, at low temperatures at the hinge attachment points, a cold bridge occurs and freezing and ice formation occurs. We recommend a profile from 68 to 84 mm, and a double-glazed window can be installed thicker in such a profile. The difference with a thinner profile is insignificant, but the rigidity and heat saving of such windows are much higher.
Many manufacturers produce the so-called object profile for installation in non-residential premises, outwardly such a profile is no different from the usual one, but the wall thickness of such a profile is much thinner and the plastic used in such profiles is recycled plastic. Many companies wishing to give the most low price on the market, they sell such windows under the guise of ordinary ones, relying on the client's lack of education. But this is not about us.
Defining such a profile is not easy: protective film often does not have any inscriptions at all, or there is a word: OBJECT, object, engine, Tender, or something similar. Be extremely careful - such a profile cannot be categorically used in residential premises - it does not have the required rigidity, thermal conductivity and can emit an unpleasant odor.
Drainage bar
The vast majority of companies do not install dewatering strips that are required to be installed. Drainage strips protect you from water ingress during rain in the ventilation mode (in tilt mode)
There is a possibility that such a company could save on something else that will become clear only during the operation of the window.
REINFORCEMENT
It is more correct to call plastic windows metal-plastic, since inside the plastic profile is reinforced with metal. The metal gives strength and rigidity to the structure, but the reinforcement is located inside the profile and is hidden from the eyes of the consumer, which is what unscrupulous sellers use. They just don't reinforce their windows. Such windows are very often installed in new buildings.
Take a magnet, and the frame and sash of the window should be reinforced with metal, which is easy to check with a magnet. If it was not possible to find metal with a magnet, then let such a window look for another owner.
ASSEMBLY
In order to assemble a high-quality plastic window, you need good (read expensive) equipment, special stands for setting up fittings and checking welds, and qualified craftsmen. Only a large manufacturer can afford this.
Otherwise, as a result, the window geometry is not correct, a bad porch, blowing out, a quick failure of the fittings. The build quality is very difficult to determine by eye, you need to take measurements and so on, so just ask the seller who the manufacturer is. If this is a small local company in a small town, then quality is out of the question.
ACCESSORIES
Fittings are a very important component of your window, the quality of fittings determines the life of the window and how comfortable this operation will be. Here the leaders are the Germans. These are the companies Roto, SIEGENIA-AUBI, Maco, we avoid everything else. But there are many ways to save money by installing high-quality fittings.
Mistake Blocker
Required to install! If you opened the window, and then switched the handle to the tilt mode and the window hung on one lower hinge, then you do not have a blocker installed. Such a window will not last long, and may cause harm to health. We witnessed when the sash just fell out, almost killing a small child.
Be sure to check the presence of a blocker in the window before buying and after the window has already been mounted to you.
striker
The reciprocal bar is placed along the inner perimeter of the frame and is responsible for the density of the porch. After all, we chose plastic windows for their tightness and energy-saving properties.
The number of strikers depends on the size of the window, but they cannot be less than 4.
Note!
We are aware of companies that put 2 strikers on the window, nullifying all the advantages of plastic windows. In this case, it will blow from the window, and frost may form on the glass and window sill.
Often, cheap plastic handles are installed on the windows, which quickly fail. good pens are produced by Maco and Roto, which should be written on the pen. These handles are made of aluminum and covered with plastic, they differ from cheap plastic ones in their greater weight and long service life.
SLOPES
High-quality slopes are made of insulated sandwich panels. Fungus does not form on such slopes, they are warm, rigid and do not have joints.
The joints between the slopes should be covered with liquid plastic, and not with silicone, which blackens and falls off after a month. The joints on the slopes are covered with liquid plastic.
Liquid plastic has the same structure as the PVC from which your windows are made, which means that liquid plastic will not differ in color, fungus will not form on it and it will not crack. has the same expansion factor.
Many companies continue to use poor quality cold Wall panels sealing the gaps with sealant. As a result, cold slopes, fungus, silicone must be changed every six months, the silicone darkens and such slopes look much worse.
INSTALLATION
It is mandatory to use the Vapor Permeable Tape PSUL (Pre-Compressed Sealing Tape). The tape is needed to protect the foam from the sun and to remove moisture from the foam.
But PSUL also requires protection from ultraviolet radiation, for which flashings or external slopes are used.
We talked about just a few ways to save money. The rest are either less significant, or it is not possible to identify them to a non-specialist.
Be careful when choosing plastic windows.
Windows are absolutely natural and familiar elements of the building. Windows primarily serve as a source of daylight and provide visibility. But also window like architectural element, expresses the individuality of the building. At all times, architects and architects have paid Special attention combination of shapes and configuration of windows in the external appearance of the building.
The oldest windows were unglazed openings in the walls that let in the room. Fresh air and daylight. The first window panes appeared in Rome, and glazing became widespread in the 13th century. in church building, and in the XVI century. in residential construction. The resulting diversity of window styles testifies to their importance in architectural aesthetics.
Shape, material, equipment and other features window structures in different countries are dictated climatic conditions terrain, the level of development of technology and building traditions.
American windows
For example, Americans are distinguished by their practicality, optimal use of space and comfort. So for America Windows with a sliding opening system are characteristic. Most of the windows are occupied by systems with a vertical direction of the sash shift. These windows are already popular. for a long time and we all saw them in American films.
Vertical sliding design the window has no hinges, the sash rises up and is fixed in this position with special clamps. In the southern regions of America, blind windows using a narrow profile are common.
German windows - practicality and durability
The main criterion for choosing windows in Germany is the durability and operational strength of structures. Exactly Germany is the birthplace of plastic windows, which have high thermal insulation, reliability, practicality and ease of maintenance and operation. German windows in most cases are equipped with tilt-and-turn fittings.
German profile REHAU systems famous and popular all over the world. The company has been a leader in the production of profile systems for many years thanks to high quality, which is controlled at all stages of production; great choice systems for consumers with different incomes, as well as through the introduction advanced technologies to achieve maximum protection and durability of structures.
English windows
Traditional English windows are distinguished by their height and narrowness, they are usually divided into square sections, which can be blind, open outwards or vertically. This method of opening allows you to save a maximum of internal space, which is typical for the prudent British. Interestingly, the British do not install double-glazed windows, but mostly single-glazed windows, although the average annual temperature is quite low.
Double frames Scandinavia
Windows in Scandinavian countries differ significantly from European windows. Modern and so popular plastic windows did not take root in the Scandinavian countries, instead the Scandinavians use wooden windows similar to Soviet ones.
The cold climate of the countries has led to the use of double-glazed windows. The inner frame is equipped with double glazing, and the outer one with single glazing. The entire window structure is equipped with a single locking mechanism.
Windows in Italy
The peculiarity of windows in Italy is determined by the warm climate of the country. The windows are wide external slopes, which allows you to protect inner space from sunlight and keep the house cool. Windows usually have small size , which is also explained by the predominance of sunny weather. Italy is also characterized by arched windows.
french charm
The French really appreciate the good natural lighting of the premises. Therefore, the windows in France are large, floor-to-ceiling glazing is often used, the so-called "French balcony". Big windows allow sunshine fill the space, make it more spacious, warmer, visually erase the boundary between nature and the room. Interesting feature French windows are an even number of folds. The shutters open to the inside of the room.
French windows are usually made of plastic. wooden structures not popular, as the French take care of environment. Popular in France skylights located in the roof of the house.
Windows in Ukraine
In winter, Ukraine is characterized by quite low temperatures, therefore, high thermal insulation is one of the key factors when choosing glazing. Therefore, on the territory of our country, plastic windows using multi-chamber profile systems and double-glazed windows with an energy-saving coating are popular.
Traditionally, windows consist of two or three sections, they open into the interior of the room with the help of tilt-and-turn fittings. But in new buildings more and more often use panoramic glazing.
Myths - out the window! Experts on the choice of double-glazed windows, "windowers" and inventions of marketers
In the era of SpaceX and electric vehicles, an ordinary double-glazed window is perceived as a terribly simple thing that does not cause any additional questions. However, choose desired window and at the same time, it can be difficult not to overpay: marketers now and then trumpet new super-technologies, improved systems and brands of German quality. But which of these is true, and which is another ploy to get more money? We're trying to figure it out.
IN last years the range of Belarusian windows has grown considerably. They are offered for every taste and budget: energy-efficient, multifunctional, armored, tinted, with a different number of cameras in a profile or a double-glazed window ... Some are well suited for private houses in a quiet village, others - for apartments in cozy sleeping bags, others help to find balance in a bedroom with a view on the Moscow Ring Road or a noisy avenue.
- By by and large now double-glazed windows are made in the same way as they were five or ten years ago. There has not been a revolution in this area, but the choice has recently become much wider: many positions have only recently begun to come to Belarus, competition has appeared among manufacturers,- Vasily Gerlovsky, a representative of the Window Industry Plus company, is sure.
Is it worth it to pay extra for brands?
- There are five or six most demanded manufacturers in Minsk. Some of the popular profiles are produced here - in Slonim and Brest, something is brought from Germany, Russia and Ukraine. Due to the absence of customs clearance and travel expenses, Belarusian windows are cheaper: finished product you can save 15-25%.
People often opt for German production and are willing to pay more. Someone thinks that they know how to do better there, others simply don’t want to experiment: why take the risk and buy something new if the German Rehau has been behaving perfectly at the neighbor’s for 15 years?
Sellers often play on the combination of " German quality”and do not explain to customers that, for example, Salamander is also made in Brest, although the brand itself is German. Personally, I think that there is no fundamental difference between them, and this is exactly what you can save on without sacrificing quality: most often the same models are made from the same materials and according to single technology in all factories.
Some models are produced exclusively abroad: a class A profile (made only from primary raw materials) comes from Germany, and a class B profile (using secondary raw materials) is made in Belarus.
As explained in the press service of Profine RUS, which represents the KBE brand, the products of many German companies are manufactured under the control of the organization's headquarters, whether it be a plant in Berlin or Russian Voskresensk. In addition, all factories of the concern have been assigned numbers included in the profile marking applied to the visible surface of the fold. From it you can always determine the place of production of PVC profiles.
Conventional, energy efficient or multifunctional?
Recently, new types of double-glazed windows have appeared on the Belarusian market: energy-saving and multifunctional. Due to the special spraying and composition, such structures are able to reflect thermal radiation, so that they perform their functions better than usual.
- People buy ordinary double-glazed windows less and less, as energy-saving ones become cheaper every day and no longer cost crazy money. Multifunctional double-glazed windows work in both directions: they not only do not release heat, but also do not let in cold. Therefore, with such windows it is cooler in summer, but warmer in winter,- the expert is convinced. - We have not yet learned how to make such things - we have to bring them, which is reflected in the price.
Wood or plastic?
Today, the whole world is striving for the naturalness of materials and is trying to get rid of plastic. However, sellers notice that not everyone can afford wooden windows in Belarus: it is better to buy expensive plastic than cheap wood.
- Experience shows that budgetary wooden windows, which are installed in new buildings, have to be changed in a year or two. In these, not the highest quality types of wood are used, which eventually begins to deform, from which the window performs its functions worse every day. If there are no restrictions in the budget, you can invest in a good wooden euro-window, otherwise it is better to stop at more durable and practical plastic.
The more cameras, the better?
One of the characteristics of PVC windows is the number of chambers (air gaps) in the profile. It is believed that the more cameras in the profile, the better it is. Their number can vary from two to six.
- Chambers prevent the formation of condensate, and also affect heat and sound insulation. Previously, manufacturers mainly made three-chamber profiles, but competition grew, the market expanded, and companies began to improve the system, add all kinds of jumpers, increase the installation width, and so on.
This can definitely be considered one of the main indicators, but I assure you, the average person will not notice a global difference between windows with a three-chamber and five-chamber profile. The effectiveness of heat and sound insulation depends on the double-glazed window, fittings, assembly, and so on, and not only on the profile.
Companies are trying to slowly move away from single-chamber double-glazed windows - almost everyone today installs two-chamber structures with three glasses in living quarters.
Now some stores also sell triple-glazed windows, but this increases the price quite a bit, in addition, the window transmits light worse and becomes heavier. Due to a number of shortcomings, they are not widely used either in our country or abroad.
Solidarity with Vasily and specialists from the store "Comfort Industry".
- Designs with four panes are practically not produced, since there is not much sense in this: the thickness of the profile makes it necessary to reduce either the number of panes or the distance between them. For example, Salamander Streamline allows you to use a distance of 40 mm. Put at least three glasses here, at least four - practically nothing will change from this, only the price will increase,- explain in the company. - Some models with wide profiles allow you to install thick glass, but they are more expensive and not for everyone.
Because the modern developments allow you to achieve good results, the requirements are gradually growing. Today, even in new buildings according to the TCH, the coefficient of resistance to heat transfer should be equal to one. Five or six years ago optimum thickness double-glazed window, which meets all standards, was 32 mm, today it has grown to 40-42. To achieve such indicators, the developer must install a 70 mm profile with three glasses, one of which should preferably be energy efficient, and in addition, fill the distance between the glasses with argon to increase heat and sound insulation.
As the experts explained, the distance between the panes can vary from 10 to 20 mm, but more than 16 mm ceases to matter for heat containment, although it slightly increases sound insulation. Therefore, if your windows overlook the Moscow Ring Road or motorcyclists haunt you at night, pay attention to this indicator.
