Which plastic windows are better: rating of PVC window manufacturers 2021-2022

When a person is preparing to glaze an apartment or private house, the question always arises about which plastic windows are of the highest quality. I want to quickly complete the installation and forget about repairs and additional costs for a long time.

With so many options, it's easy to get confused. There are several dozen manufacturers on the market. The characteristics in the description - the type of double-glazed window, the number of chambers, the thermal conductivity coefficient - can put you in a stupor. Let's consider which windows can be called the best and what you need to consider when choosing them.

Glazing requirements

When talking about glazing requirements, you need to take into account two parameters - the type of room and the window configuration. The first parameter allows you to understand which model is best to choose for a room, be it a kitchen or a children's room. Here are the main parameters:

Living room. This is the room with the largest glass area. You need to focus on protection from the cold. A profile with four or five cameras is suitable. One or two cameras are enough in a double-glazed window. If the apartment is located on the north side or on the top floor of a high-rise building, the cavities can be filled with inert gas. It is practiced to install glass with a special coating.
Bedroom or children's room. This room should be the warmest, quality ventilation is important. We recommend installing five-chamber models filled with inert gas and special energy-saving glass.
Cabinet. The choice of glazing depends on the location of the workplace relative to the window opening. Standard window designs with double-circuit seals and double glass are suitable.
Kitchen. Here it is better to install a window with a special valve for ventilation. It will stabilize the operation of the ventilation system and prevent the formation of condensation.

The second parameter is configuration. This is the ratio of the sashes in the structure. It varies depending on the size of the window opening.

Blind sashes are cheaper, but the configuration must have at least one opening one. If it is not there, you will not be able to wash the glass. This option is only possible for private houses with attics or apartments on the ground floor, which can be easily washed from the street.

We understand double-glazed windows: type and quantity of glass, markings, spacer frame

A double-glazed window compared to traditional window glass is a complex design. This is a block of glass, hermetically sealed together. The space between the two glass sheets is called the chamber. It should not be confused with those included in the profile.

What does the thermal and sound insulation of a double-glazed window depend on?

The ability to retain heat and keep noise out depends on:

From the thickness of the glass unit. For a house or apartment, a double-glazed window with a thickness of 32–44 mm is suitable.
Depending on the number of cameras. Typically, a double-glazed window consists of 3 glasses and 2 chambers between them. For harsh climates or houses located in places with high noise levels, three- and four-chamber packages are produced. Single-chamber ones are suitable for arranging balconies, loggias, and gazebos.

From the width of each chamber of the glass unit. The larger it is, the better the insulating characteristics. However, after 24 mm, increasing the thickness no longer increases the positive properties of the product.

From filling the cells. Inert gas pumped between the glasses reduces heat loss and protects against noise and ultraviolet radiation. Argon retains 50% more heat compared to air, krypton - 2 times more than argon.

From the thickness of the glass. If you install 5 or 6 mm external glass instead of the standard 4 mm in a window facing a busy street, the sound insulation will increase, but only slightly. And glass of different thicknesses will not resonate with each other.

Depending on the type of glass. It makes sense to choose a material that is more expensive, but with additional useful properties. Low-emissivity glass that reflects infrared rays keeps your home warm in winter and cool in summer.

Advice from Mr. Build. Sometimes there is no point in spending money on extra glass: you can put single-chamber double-glazed windows on the external block of the balcony, and the internal block will protect from noise and cold. For comparison: full glazing of a 3-room apartment with three-chamber double-glazed windows will cost 75,000 rubles, and if you install single-chamber double-glazed windows on the balcony, the total cost will drop to 71,250 rubles.

Glass types

To obtain low-emissivity glass, a thin metal film is sprayed onto it.

K-coating is a tin film that reduces heat loss by 25% in a single-chamber double-glazed window.
I-coating (i) is a layer of rare earth metals that retains more than 30% of heat. It is installed only from the room side, the coating is turned inside the chamber, since it is not resistant to mechanical damage. Often labeled E-low.

USEFUL INFORMATION: Which fittings are best for plastic windows: reviews, rating 2021

Due to such glass, a single-chamber double-glazed window approaches the thermal insulation properties of a double-chamber one and can even exceed them.

If you listen to the recommendations of experts in the field of energy saving, then the best choice in terms of heat conservation will be a two-chamber double-glazed window filled with an inert gas and having one glass with a special coating. Thermal packages will help you save on heating in winter and on electricity due to less frequent use of air conditioning in summer.

Let's look at an example. Ordinary double-glazed windows for a private house cost the owner 150,000 rubles. In winter, you have to pay 8,000 rubles for heating. per month, and in the summer, due to the operation of the air conditioner, you need to pay 600 rubles more for electricity. per month. If the owner of the house installed thermal packages, he would pay 180,000 rubles for them. But at the same time, heating costs would drop to 4,800 rubles. per month, and for air conditioning – up to 420 rubles. It turns out that thermal packages pay for themselves in two years, and then bring benefits.

It is practically impossible to break glass laminated with triplex. The same quality is found in glass reinforced with special metal or polymer meshes.

INTERESTING FACTS!

Energy-saving i-glass was invented completely by accident. Japanese scientists were researching the development of protective equipment against radiation and found that some metals applied to glass reflect heat. First, this technology found application in space developments, and is now used in the manufacture of double-glazed windows.
Scientists still have not been able to explain one amazing phenomenon. After 39 years of operation of a plastic window, the outer wall of the profile becomes 0.75 mm thinner. Not a single version explaining this fact has yet been recognized as sufficiently reliable.
Triplex laminated glass was also created by chance. The famous French scientist Edward Benidictus dropped a glass flask on the floor. It cracked, but did not shatter into fragments. And the reason for this was a mixture of cellulose nitrate, which froze on the walls of the burst flask and created a layer that prevented the glass from disintegrating.

Glass unit markings, tables

The structure of a double-glazed window can be understood by the markings, which indicate the thickness of the glass, the width of the chambers, and the type of coating. For example, the designation 4-12Ar-4-12 Ar-4I is deciphered as follows:

double-glazed window;
glass thickness – 4 mm;
the distance between them is 12 mm;
I-type inner glass;
the chambers are filled with argon.

The following tables will help you choose the ratio of glass unit parameters.

Distance frame

The frame between the glasses sets the distance between them, which ranges from 6 to 24 mm. Frames are made from aluminum, steel, and plastic. Distance frames made of stainless steel or plastic conduct heat to a lesser extent and prevent the formation of a cold bridge, therefore they are considered the best option.

The second function of the frame is moisture absorption. It has an absorbent inside that absorbs liquid, preventing windows from fogging up in winter, and there is perforation on the surface.

Rules for choosing double-glazed windows

To choose reliable double-glazed windows, you need:

Make sure that there is a marking with the manufacturer’s logo, production date and information about components. Its absence is a reason for serious suspicion.
Inspect the glass for chips and cracks.
Check the quality of sealing. There should be no traces of liquid sealant along the bar that regulates the distance between the glasses. The outer layer of the product should look smooth and neat. Sagging and cracks indicate unreliable quality of the package.
Use a tape measure to determine the accuracy of the geometry. The difference in measurements along the diagonals (more than 3 mm) proves that the glass unit parameters do not meet the standards. The thickness of the package, measured with a caliper, cannot differ from the declared thickness by more than 1 mm.
Use a square to measure the displacement of the glass planes. A deviation exceeding 1 mm indicates non-compliance with standards.
Determine the transparency of the glass, the presence of water and steam in the chamber.

Decorative and functional elements

To give the window a more sophisticated look, so-called sprats are used (see photo).

They can vary in color, thickness, and be located between the glasses or on top of them.

Built-in blinds can be a convenient addition to the window design. They are located directly in the glass unit chamber and are controlled from the outside. But such a system has a serious drawback - the impossibility of maintenance and repair.

Read about choosing blinds for plastic windows in this article.

It is much more profitable to order all additional fittings and accessories at once: this way you will not have to pay for their delivery and installation, which will cost from 1,300 rubles.

Which glass unit is warmer?

This table shows how the level of thermal insulation of a double-glazed window increases with the increase in the number of glasses and the thickness of the chambers:

Double-glazed window formula	Reduced heat transfer resistance coefficient, m2×°C/W
4M1-12-4M1	0,30
4M1-Ag12-4M1	0,32
4M1-16-I4	0,59
4M1-Ar16-I4	0,66
4M1-10-4M1-10-4M1	0,47
4M1-12-4M1-12-4M1	0,49
4M1-Ar10-4M1-Ar10-4M1	0,49
4M1-Ar12-4M1-Ar12-4M1	0,52
4M1-12-4M1-12-I4	0,68
4M1-16-4M1-16-I4	0,72
4M1-Ar6-4M1-Ar6-I4	0,64
4M1-Ar10-4M1-Ar10-I4	0,71
4M1-Ar12-4M1-Ar12-I4	0,75
4M1-Ar16-4M1-Ar16-I4	0,80

Please note: from the point of view of heat conservation, a single double-glazed window with I-glass is superior to a regular double-glazed one.

How to choose a window profile

The basis of the window is the profile. It is usually called simply the frame. This is a rigid structure, inside which a double-glazed window is installed.

The profile itself consists of PVC. The polymer material is well protected from mechanical and climatic influences, does not fade in the sun, and cracking is excluded. So that the plastic can withstand strong pressure and seasonal temperature expansion, it is reinforced. An internal metal profile is used. It makes the entire structure strong and stable.

An important part of the system is the seal. It guarantees internal tightness.

An important indicator of the profile system is intimacy. Buyers often confuse the cameras inside the profile and in the double-glazed window. These are different parameters, but they both affect the overall insulation level.

The more cameras a profile has, the warmer, quieter and more comfortable the apartment will be. This characteristic affects the strength of the entire structure and its ability to withstand strong pressure.

The obvious solution is to buy multi-chamber profiles. But they are expensive and large. They are often impossible to install on a balcony or loggia.

When choosing, you need to rely on the location of the room. Systems with at least five cameras are recommended for apartments on the north side, on the upper floors of houses, and for the private sector.

There are many manufacturers on the market, and new names appear periodically. We recommend using the services of companies such as Rehau and Veka, as well as others from our rating. These are certified suppliers whose products undergo strict quality control.

There are documents and standards that regulate production:

DIN 53454 and ISO 179-61. They indicate the strength of the window and the fact that it will not deform under the influence of external factors.
DIN 53456. Standard for hardness. A particularly important indicator when installing in the private sector, where houses are characterized by gradual shrinkage after construction.
DIN 53387. The rules specify the durability of plastics. They make it clear that special plastic is used in window production, which can be installed outdoors.
DIN 53460 and ISO 306-68. The certificate shows that the structure withstands high temperatures well. Why does the window need this? In summer, the plastic gets very hot due to the sun. The standard guarantees that it will not melt and thermal expansion will be reduced.

Having a certificate is an important competitive advantage. Therefore, if the manufacturer has such a document, he will easily provide it.

Tip eight – several useful “lifehacks” around the window

A mosquito net is an important attribute not only in rural areas. There is plenty of poplar fluff, flies and mosquitoes in the city. Order immediately with windows, so as not to waste time calling a measurer and delivery. Mosquitoes also fly to the 20th floor, verified.

Photo: if you can find a mesh with a connection on the inner corner, go for it! Plastic corners turn yellow and break. The inner metal corner holds the mesh tightly, does not change color and will not break, even if the mesh falls

Window sill - just choose a good and expensive one. A cheap window sill is wasted money. They scratch instantly and are scary to place heavy objects on. After a couple of years, you won't be able to wash them off with anything.
Slopes are a matter of taste. If you like plastic ones, then it should be a sandwich panel with insulation inside. Under no circumstances is it a hollow panel! Otherwise, you are guaranteed to freeze. I prefer plasters, but window companies don't do that.
The tide is also to your taste. Can be made of aluminum, polyester (painted metal strip) or galvanized. The main thing is that during installation, they put a sound-absorbing gasket under it, otherwise the sound of rain will not let you sleep peacefully, and seal the joint between the ebb and the wall.
Installation – illiterate installation kills the best quality windows. This is not a horror story, but an experience. Over the years of fielding complaints, I have seen enough of deformed windows and profiles torn by frost and sun. Let the professionals install the windows, no matter how easy it may seem to you, and you can do it yourself. And yes - the seam must be three-layer, the foam must be protected from steam from the inside and from the sun and rain from the outside.

Double-glazed windows in the best plastic windows

When compiling a rating of plastic windows, not only the profile, but also the double-glazed window is taken into account. To protect the room from cold, drafts, and humidity, several glasses are inserted into the frame at once. They are separated by air chambers.

A double-glazed window occupies more than 80% of the entire area of the window system, so it is important that it be reliable. There are two main types:

Single-chamber. Two glasses are installed, separated by an air chamber.
Two-chamber. The design has three glasses and two internal air chambers.

The glass is separated by a spacer frame. It is made from different materials - aluminum, steel and plastic. The element guarantees the tightness of the entire structure and prevents deformation and other potential problems.

A special air-gas mixture is pumped inside the chambers. There are also energy-saving options that have only inert gas, such as argon, in the chambers. It reduces heat loss.

To install the required double-glazed window into the profile, you must first clarify the dimensions of the system. The permissible thickness is indicated in the characteristics of the profile structure.

Reinforcing insert: what to look for

PVC windows are often called metal-plastic. A steel reinforcing insert must be installed in each frame and sash in accordance with GOST 30674-99.

Its absence is a direct violation of the standard. You can check the presence of reinforcement in the finished product using a strong magnet.

The reinforcing insert is a U-shaped, square or L-shaped steel liner. The thickness of its walls should be at least 1.2 mm. The surface is treated with an anti-corrosion coating.

The liner prevents profile deformation during heating and cooling. Without it, the structure quickly changes geometry and loses its tightness.

It is impossible to check the quality of the reinforcing insert in the finished window. An unscrupulous manufacturer may insert the reinforcement in separate fragments or use thin metal or metal that is not protected from corrosion. But the most irresponsible manufacturers do not use a metal insert at all.

Characteristics

There are a number of important characteristics that are also taken into account when searching for the optimal double-glazed window:

Security level. It is especially important if the apartment is on the first or second floor, next to a fire escape or gas pipe. In this case, tempered glass is installed. It is very difficult to break or damage by other means.
Sun protection. Ultraviolet light penetrating into a room strongly heats objects. It also causes the dyes to gradually fade. They produce many types of tinted glass with a special coating or film applied to the surface. Optical properties are preserved, and UV rays are cut off.
Soundproofing. Those who live near sources of strong noise should pay attention to this parameter. The insulating properties are increased by increasing the thickness of the glass and pumping a special inert gas into the air chamber of the glass unit.
Thermal conductivity. The apartment loses a lot of heat through the windows - this can be seen in thermal photographs. To make the room warm, you can use special energy-saving windows with gas filling of the glass unit and external coating.

When choosing a model, the location of the apartment is taken into account. This allows you to avoid buying the most expensive options, some of whose functions will be useless in actual use.

Double-glazed windows for residential premises: minimum and optimal parameters, price comparison

The formula for a double-glazed window suitable for an apartment or house located in central Russia:

Minimum parameters: double-glazed window 4-10-4-10-4. This is a generally accepted standard with good sound and heat insulation characteristics.

Advice: if you live in a quiet area, it will be more profitable to order a single-chamber double-glazed window with I-glass. It is not as good in terms of sound insulation, but retains heat much better than the standard two-chamber option (see table below).

Optimal parameters: double-glazed window 4-16Ar-4-14Ar-I4. There are all the necessary additions: wide chambers of different thicknesses for better noise protection, argon filling, energy-saving glass.

USEFUL INFORMATION: How to get rid of mold and condensation on plastic windows?

Now let’s compare the cost of these double-glazed windows using the example of products from the Moscow Window Plant:

Type of glass unit	Marking	Reduced heat transfer resistance coefficient, m2×°C/W	Price, rub./sq. m
Standard two-chamber	4-10-4-10-4	0,47	2884
Single-chamber energy-saving with I-glass	4-16-I4	0,59	2382
Two-chamber energy-saving with argon and I-glass	4-16Ar-4-14Ar-I4	0,77	3944

A three-chamber double-glazed window is expensive and weighs a lot. It is often proposed to be installed as a “super-warm” option, but its installation in a region with a temperate climate does not make sense: a two-chamber one will be quite sufficient.

Dimensions of double-glazed windows

Durable sheet glass is installed in the window system. Speaking about thickness, there are two types:

Thickness of individual glass. The standard value for an apartment is from 3 to 6 mm. There are also thicker varieties, but they are more expensive and unprofitable in the city.
Total thickness of the glass unit. Depends on the parameters of the profile that was installed. Standard from 24 to 32 mm.

The total glazing area also changes. It is indicated in square meters.

Manufacturing glass over a large area is very expensive. Therefore, when the opening is large, compromise solutions are often used, such as installing a transom.

But if necessary, you can create a large panoramic window. It will give a beautiful view and let a lot of sunlight into the room.

Results

When choosing high-quality windows, you should pay attention to the profile class, wall thickness, number of chambers, and seal material. All these indicators are indicated in the accompanying documentation for the product. It is necessary to clarify which manufacturer’s fittings are used in the production of windows. For northern windows, thermal insulation characteristics are important. For windows that face a noisy highway, sound insulation is important.

The presence of an ISO 9001 certificate guarantees control of profile production according to a quality management system.

Double-glazed windows with special functions

Manufacturers of plastic windows are actively introducing new technologies. This allows the design to provide additional functions that increase convenience and durability of use.

Among the most common designs:

Energy efficient. Significantly reduce heat loss from the room. This is achieved by using special spraying on glass, injection of inert gas, and increasing the size of the internal strips.
Multifunctional. Stabilize the microclimate in the apartment. It will be warm in winter, cool in summer. This improves the performance of the heating and air conditioning system. It has been proven that the level of heat loss after installation is reduced by 80%.
Shockproof. Glass is created using two technologies - armoring or tempering. Both options can withstand strong mechanical stress and shock. The design is more expensive, but protects against burglary.
Sun protection. Reduces the penetration of ultraviolet radiation into the room. The function reduces the heating of things in the room and protects against fading in sunny areas.
Reinforced. Help protect against vandals and thieves. For reinforcement, a special mesh made of metal or transparent durable fiber is used.

There are also options available with a self-cleaning function. Thanks to surface coating, the window will always remain clean. This is a good solution for blind sashes in hard-to-reach places that cannot be washed without industrial climbers.

Standards and guarantees

The requirements for window manufacturers are specified in GOSTs and SNiPs. The main document is GOST 23166-99 “Window blocks”. In total, the quality standards of plastic windows in Russia are regulated by more than 20 GOSTs.

Double-glazed windows and profiles have a warranty period according to the purchase and sale agreement, but not less than 5 years. The maximum permissible storage period is no more than 1 year.

The durability of double-glazed windows is 20 years, profiles - 40 years.

Sealing rubber

Since the window structure is made of plastic, it is necessary to solve the problem of cracks through which cold, draft and dust can penetrate. It is also necessary to compensate for thermal expansion that occurs during heating or freezing.

Manufacturers use a sealing loop. It runs along the perimeter of the sash from the outside and inside. The double-circuit sealing system does not let cold into the room, and keeps heated air inside.

When the seal is selected and installed correctly, there will be no drafts in the room, and there will be no condensation on the window glass. Duration of use largely depends on the seal material. Among the popular ones:

TRE. It is a thermoplastic commonly used to make inexpensive windows. Adheres tightly to the surface, durable, reliable. The lack of material is a strong reaction to heat. At elevated temperatures and direct exposure to ultraviolet radiation, its service life is greatly reduced. Therefore, an open sash with a sealing contour of this type should not be left open when the sun is shining on it.
Silicone. Less common than thermoplastic. Does not change elasticity under the influence of temperatures, designed for long-term use. It is quite expensive and is less commonly found on sale than TPE.
Ethylene propylene rubber. Marked as EPDM. More affordable than silicone, used for a long time, resistant to temperatures. During installation, you will have to abandon plans for independent replacement - it is not provided. You will need to call a professional for this task.
Rubber. It is inexpensive and wears out slowly. Like thermoplastic, it should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Temperature changes also harm the material.

To find the best windows, you need to find a balance. Sometimes it happens that while using a durable seal, you can change the rubber or thermoplastic contour several times. As a result, you pay less at the start, but over the years of constant replacements a large sum accrues.

Selecting a seal

Complete tightness of PVC structures is achieved through sealing contours. Under normal operating conditions, two are enough - one on the sash and one on the frame. To improve sound and heat insulation properties, some profile systems are equipped with an additional circuit. Seals are also located around the perimeter of the glass unit on both sides.

The seals on the frame and sash are subject to accelerated wear, as they are compressed and regain their shape when opening and closing. The seal is broken when the contour is no longer able to compress freely and return to its original shape.

The seal is an elastic cord that is installed in a special groove on the profile. It also has air chambers, which allow it to change shape and reliably close the gap between the frame and the sash.

Seals are made from various materials:

Rubber is the most common and inexpensive option. It does its job well, but after 5-7 years of use it loses its elasticity, cracks and collapses. It hardens a lot in the cold.
Silicone is an expensive material, but it retains its properties in all weather conditions and is less susceptible to destruction than rubber.
EPDM is a sealant made of ethylene propylene rubber. Resistant to weather conditions. It has a reasonable price. Serves for about 15 years.
TPE - thermoplastic elastomer seal. Just like rubber, it hardens in the cold and softens greatly in the heat. Available in various colors, welded in corner joints. Has no smell.

In fact, the choice of seals for PVC windows is not as wide as it seems at first glance. In most cases, the manufacturer installs only one type, without giving the buyer the right to choose. It is also not always possible to replace one seal with another on your own; the installation groove may not be suitable for a cord of a different shape and material.

Accessories

Fittings are a set of parts that affect the convenience and duration of use of the window. The products help to open and close the window, fix it in the chosen position for proper ventilation.

There are several main types of fittings:

A loop. Responsible for the correct opening of the sash. Hinges can be hidden or screw-in. In production, overhead products are more often used. They can be collapsible or non-collapsible. The use of increased security means is allowed - they help prevent unauthorized persons from entering the premises.
Locking devices. Provide additional protection for opening against breakage, tampering and other potential problems.
Counterplates. Placed around the perimeter of the frame on the inside. When they are in order, the sash fits tightly to the main frame. If there are breakdowns or installation problems, there will be drafts, cold in the room, and condensation will form on the glass.
Pens. Turning helps to open the sash or lock it in a certain position. The most durable materials are made from aluminum alloys or steel. Additional protection against burglary is allowed.
Corner switches. Made from high quality stainless steel. Allows you to move the sash to a tilt-and-turn position.
Locking pins. They guarantee that no strangers will enter the premises. They also ensure smooth operation of the locking device.

Special locking fittings are also installed. The main one is needed to simply close the sash. Auxiliary provides additional protection against burglary, squeezing out the sash and other actions of intruders.

History of PVC

Since ancient times, people have tried to create a synthetic material that would surpass any natural raw material in all physical characteristics, be cheaper and help save resources. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is one of the oldest synthesized materials used in industry. Many sources confirm its appearance and use (often to no avail) in different parts of the world at different times. The earliest mentions date back to the mid-19th century. The first dates back to 1838, when, in the course of various experiments, PVC was discovered by the French chemist Henry Victor Regnault, the second - the German chemist Eugen Bauman achieved a similar result in 1872. In both cases, the resulting material was described as hard white granules that formed accidentally when vinyl chloride reacted with sunlight. But the resulting material was difficult to work with, and no one tried to use it for industrial purposes. In 1913, German inventor Frederick Heinrich August Klatte patented polyvinyl chloride. In 1920, there was a real PVC breakthrough in the United States, which is associated with BFGoodrich and manufacturing scientist Waldo Semon. Waldo was faced with the task of finding a worthy alternative to natural rubber, which is very expensive to produce. All experiments led to polyvinyl chloride, which met all the company's requirements - the material had waterproof properties like rubber, provided the opportunity not to use natural resources and had low cost. The product quickly gained enormous popularity and found wide application in many industrial sectors. During World War II, PVC was used as an insulating material for wiring on warships.

In 1926, Waldo Semon proposed PVC as an alternative to natural rubber.

Coloring

There are three methods for painting a plastic profile:

Coextrusion method. The method is rarely used because it can increase the final cost of the window by a quarter. A decorative acrylic layer is applied to PVC. In this case, a classic coating is not created - both layers are soldered and become a single material. There are several advantages of using this method - high quality acrylic layer, protection from cracking and other types of damage. Under the influence of ultraviolet light, the material does not fade and retains its saturation for a long time.

Spraying. Used much more often. In this case, standard painting is carried out - special sprayers transfer very small drops of paint to the surface. The coating is uniform, without defects. The advantages include cost and production speed. Thus, you can create different coating textures - glossy or matte.

Coloring by mass. The dye is added to the plastic while it is still liquid. Stirring helps to make the color even. The advantage is that there is no external coating - the PVC itself has the desired color. This prevents damage to the decorative layer. There are many shade options available to choose from. All of them will be well protected from ultraviolet radiation and gradual fading.

Installation Features

When choosing window profiles for your home, it is definitely recommended to think about how to install them. Many manufacturers provide a guarantee for their products only if the installation of windows is carried out only by their official representatives. Therefore, when purchasing a window profile, it is recommended to carefully read the warranty terms. After all, there may be various nuances.

It is also necessary to inquire about the finishing of the slopes. Some manufacturers offer very good discounts on this work when purchasing and installing windows.

Additional features of plastic windows

What should a good window look like? In addition to good protection from cold, drafts, humidity and extraneous noise, you need to take into account the requirements for safety and ease of use. All this can be achieved using additional accessories.

All the special fixtures are usually not included with the window system because they add to the cost. But when agreeing on the order or already at the operation stage, you can provide for an additional upgrade to your window.

Useful accessories include:

Grids. Installed on a window to prevent insects from entering the room and to prevent pets or children from falling out. Made from various high strength materials. These can be either metal threads or thin fiberglass. The fastening method also changes. So some of the most durable options are fixed on special fasteners or screws. They are designed for many years of use.
Child protection products. They are needed to prevent a child from opening the door. Performed using different methods. There are special locks that can be locked with a key. Opening limiters are also provided.
Combs. Increases the convenience of ventilation. They fix the sash in a certain position that you choose yourself. Also required to protect pets and children from falling.
Ventilation valve. Window structures use different ventilation systems. A convenient solution is to install a ventilation valve. It allows fresh air into the room. To organize ventilation, you do not need to open the sash, which is especially convenient in winter. A removable filter against dust, insects and other contaminants is installed in the valve. It can be removed and simply washed under running water.

Coordinating a set of optional accessories will greatly enhance the usability of your window system.

Salamander

Many people are interested in: which company has the best double-glazed windows? Among the popular brands, Salamander must be highlighted. This is a German corporation. Most of its factories are located in European countries, although the manufacturer itself assures its consumers that all window products are produced exclusively in Germany.

The main advantages of Salamander plastic windows are:

Interesting design.
The outer surface of the windows is of good quality.
Comfortable and beautiful fittings.
Snow white plastic.
All necessary accessories are included in the kit.

The main disadvantage is the high cost of production. The following disadvantages are also noted:

poor build quality (given the high cost of windows);
profiles require complex inter-seasonal adjustments.

Window sills

A window sill is a slab that is located under a window. The slab completes the appearance of the opening. The element is also needed for thermal regulation - it closes the heating radiator, creating the correct microclimate in the room.

When installing, it is important to consider the dimensions of the part. It should protrude from the wall from 5 to 10 cm. If you do not comply with this requirement, you will encounter a situation where heat transfer is impaired. Condensation will appear on the glass and the seal will require replacement sooner.

The material varies depending on the type of window sill. Among the most common:

Stone. Looks beautiful and can withstand heavy loads. It weighs quite a lot, dear. You can choose many color and texture options - it looks impressive from the outside.
Tree. Eco-friendly material. The wood is coated with a special varnish and impregnated with compounds that prevent rotting, cracking and other problems. Despite all efforts, there is a high probability that the period of use will be short. The most durable models are made from valuable wood.
Chipboard or MDF. These are wood-containing materials that must be protected from condensation and strong heat. They can imitate wood, but are less durable and will not withstand heavy loads. There are many colors and texture types to choose from.
Plastic. A universal solution when installing PVC windows is to use window sills made of a similar material. It can withstand a fairly heavy load, looks beautiful, and is well protected from heavy wear, fading and other potential external threats.

Proplex

This is also a Russian company. Some time ago it was a small company that was engaged in the manufacture of windows from other people's profiles. To date, this company has managed to organize a full production cycle. Window systems are created jointly with Korean developers who have extensive experience in designing thermal insulation systems.

Not everyone believes that Proplex has the highest quality plastic windows. Reviews about this brand are mostly positive. Many people note that the price really matches the quality.

The main advantage of the product is its low cost. This allows you to buy inexpensive high-quality plastic windows. Other advantages:

Plastic does not turn yellow over time.
Good noise and heat insulation.
Multi-chamber profile.

Flaws:

windows “cry” in the cold season;
poor quality fittings;
weak seal.

Safety of plastic windows

When deciding which plastic windows are best to install in an apartment, you must also take into account potential risk factors. One of the most important is the likelihood of hacking.

People often enter apartments through windows. There are many options - break the glass, squeeze out the window. Several real estate options are considered to be at particular risk:

Apartments overlooking quiet streets, courtyards - places where there are few witnesses.
Premises on the first or last two floors of the building.
Windows next to which fire escapes are installed, gas pipes or other structures are fixed that provide access from the outside.

Country property owners need to be careful. In the private sector, thefts occur especially frequently.

To prevent anyone from entering the apartment through the window, several basic methods are used:

Installation of special fittings. It makes forceful penetration impossible. Attackers will not be able to open the sash by squeezing or crimping, or it will take them much longer.
Installation of special glass. It can be hardened, armored or reinforced. Robbers and vandals cannot break it.

Don’t forget about safety methods to prevent children and pets from falling out of windows. For this purpose, special tightly stretched meshes made of special materials, locks and opening limiters are used.

A set of additional accessories is formed at the stage of choosing a window design. It is also possible to carry out modernization during use and supply additional fittings.

Manufacturers rating

The rating of window companies in Moscow in 2021 will allow you to understand whose profile is the most reliable. There are several main manufacturers that consumers consistently trust:

Rehau. A German company that has been producing profiles for over 50 years. Creates many design options - from budget ones to the most expensive multi-chamber ones with high insulating properties. The thickness of the profile systems is from 60 to 70 mm.
KBE. Another German manufacturer of models with system depths from 58 to 70 mm. The level of insulating qualities is high.
VEKA. One of the largest window concerns in Germany, Rehau's main competitor in the international market. The windows are of high quality, using our own innovative technologies.
Salamander. Product made in Germany. Less known in Russia, but distinguished by quality and environmental friendliness. PVC is reinforced using a special technology, which makes windows especially in demand in the private sector, where shrinkage of the house is likely. The installation depth ranges from 60 to 76 cm.
Trocal. A brand with a strong focus on sustainability. Greenline technology is used. It guarantees that the plastic contains no harmful impurities.
Proplex. The Russian manufacturer is ready to offer profiles up to 127 mm thick. The advantage is that when developing solutions, climatic conditions were initially taken into account. This made it possible to increase the service life and insulation characteristics.

Our company is included in the rating of companies installing plastic windows. When a client contacts us, we will select the best solution for him and answer all questions regarding characteristics, installation features and other parameters. To call a surveyor, leave a request on the website or call us at the indicated numbers. We provide official guarantees, perform quick installation, provide service, modernization and repair.

European intervention

The American and European markets for plastic windows developed in parallel, independently of each other. With the increase in the number of manufacturers in the USA in the 70-80s. European brands began to penetrate the market. “The Germans had a strange sales tactic,” recalls Weiss. “In the US, the walls of most houses were very thin, and they were trying to sell their massive, super-durable, expensive windows... but for such windows you would have to build a new house. Therefore, it took them several years to adapt their products to our market. We had to take into account all the nuances and sell plastic windows cheaply.”

Sigi Valentin, a representative of the European company Komcraft, which was later sold to LBPlastics: “The windows were not at all suitable for the American market, they were very heavy and expensive. We didn't understand the Americans at all. In Europe, everything that is technologically advanced automatically becomes in demand, and the US market requires technological and practical solutions that will be affordable for the majority of the population.” Trocal, Rehau, Veka windows, and LB Plastics all had to adapt.

In 1980, only about 600,000 PVC windows were sold in the United States; over the course of several years, this figure slowly grew, and by 1984, 10% of the window market was made up of plastic structures, and by the end of the decade, the number of units sold reached 6 million.