Everyone knows that the design of a plastic window consists of a profile frame, sashes, double-glazed windows and fittings installed in them. The profiles for the manufacture of frames and sashes, at first glance, are exactly the same. They are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), have the same external shape and similar internal structure.
However, there is a difference, and it consists, first of all, in the quality of the manufacture of the profile. Therefore, you always need to know which profile for plastic windows is better. Window frames assembled from substandard materials may become deformed within the next two to three years. As a result, difficulties arise with the opening and closing of the valves, cracks, leaks appear and the window has to be changed to a new one.
Existing Profile Classification
Technical requirements for the manufacture of plastic window profiles and classification parameters are given in GOST 30673-99 and European EN 12608 SR. According to these regulatory documents, the classification of core products is determined by several different indicators. Let's try to determine with them what profile to choose for PVC windows.
Wall thickness
The cross section of the plastic window profile is a hollow structure built in the form of a system of external and internal partitions. External include all surfaces that are visible after the final installation of the window.
This means that the walls resting on the wall and located under the double-glazed window are internal. The strength, durability and cost of the profile depend on the thickness, size, quantity and location of the walls.
Depending on the wall thickness, the accepted standards define 3 classes of window profiles:
- "A" with a thickness of the outer walls of more than 3.0 mm (European standard minimum of 2.8 mm) and internal more than 2.5 mm. Structures with such parameters have the highest strength and excellent thermal insulation properties.
- “B” with external walls 2.5-3.0 mm and internal 2.0-2.5 mm. Such a profile is less resistant to mechanical deformations by an average of 15% and has a thermal conductivity coefficient of 10-15% more.
- “C” are materials for which no specific requirements are imposed. Their economy-class profiles are usually made of plastic windows for industrial and unheated objects.
Please note that the classification of the profile according to the wall thickness is made at the lowest rate. If the outer thickness is 3.2 mm, and the internal partitions are 2.1 mm, then this section is classified as class “B”, despite the thick outer walls. You can only find out the exact dimensions and make a profile choice for plastic windows by taking measurements using measuring tools.
Depending on climatic zones
Manufacturers of plastic shaped products produce products with various technical specifications for countries with hot, temperate and cold climates. Therefore, depending on the average outdoor temperature in January, window profiles are distinguished:
- light - for regions in which the average January temperature does not drop below -5 ° C;
- normal execution - for territories with an external temperature from -5 ° C to -20 ° C;
- frost-resistant - for harsh northern conditions, where below -20 ° C.
Russian manufacturers produce only the last two types of profiles. The lightweight version can only be purchased on order from foreign companies and the Russian company Krauss from Krasnodar.
In addition, the State Standard defines 5 classes of window plastic profiles according to the coefficient of resistance to heat transfer. Digital readings range from 0.4 m ° C / W to 0.4 m ° C / W, in increments between classes of 0.1 m ° C / W.
Mechanical strength
According to the ability of resistance to mechanical loads, PVC profiles are divided into I and II class. The materials of the first class must withstand without damage the effects of a special test impactor when dropped by a mass of 1 kg when dropped from a height of 1 meter. For class II tested at a fall height of 1.5 meters. The temperature of the plastic during testing should not exceed -10 ° C.
Mechanical tests make it possible to determine how well the internal partitions are located, and which profile to choose for plastic windows, depending on the resistance to mechanical shocks at low temperatures.
Features to consider
In addition to the technical characteristics of the plastic window profile discussed above, there are several consumer indicators that must also be considered. This is, first of all:
- number of chambers in cross section;
- system width for the installation of a double-glazed window;
- manufacturer of window materials.
It is also important to find a good installation company supplier, which employs qualified craftsmen. Unless, of course, you are not going to install the window yourself.
Number of profile cameras
In the design of the window there can be two types of prefabricated plastic elements. The first is a supporting window frame made of the main profile. The second type is an opening plastic casement for installing a double-glazed window. In both cases, the profile design is hollow and in its cross section consists of chambers divided by partitions, which can be from 3 to 7.
The larger the number of chambers, the higher the structural strength and higher performance. Each wall and partition performs a specific function and therefore the position and thickness of the profile elements are calculated mathematically based on experimental data. The structures most in demand in central Russia have 5 cameras.
Profile Width
Which profile can be installed in this window and the number of chambers in the inner section depends on the installation width of the frame. Both of these indicators greatly affect the thermal and sound insulation characteristics, the total weight of the structure and the cost of the window.
Single-chamber double-glazed windows in the classic version of two glasses have a width of 58 mm and must be installed in the profile of the corresponding section. For two-chamber structures, the profile width must be at least 70 mm. Accordingly, 3-chamber - 90 mm and 4-chamber 110 mm. The last two types of windows belong to the "Premium" class and are installed only in areas of the Far North.
Well-known manufacturers of PVC window profiles
Among the most popular brands in our country are the products of the following companies:
- KBE, Rehau and Veka from Germany;
- Montblanc from Austria;
- Salamander from Sweden;
- Kaleva, Proplex and Panorama from Russia.
All European companies, except Salamander, have established production of plastic window profiles in our country. Therefore, they are sold at affordable prices for most owners of apartments, private houses, office and other buildings.
Profile developed in Germany
The line of German profiles contains products with the number of cameras from 3 to 6 and a width of 58-90 mm. Each of these manufacturers offers not only a white profile, but also having various color coatings of factory application.
The most popular is the finish with polymer films that imitate various types of natural wood. The main advantages of products of European companies include:
- high rating and excellent workmanship;
- wide range of proposed models;
- affordable democratic prices;
- plastic does not change color under the influence of solar ultraviolet radiation.
It should be noted that materials produced in Russia do not differ from analogues produced in European plants.
Austrian windows
The Mont Blanc company (Mntblanc) makes the most budgetary high-quality plastic windows. Production is located in the suburbs of Elektrostal. It offers for sale 7 types of profiles with a width of 58 to 120 mm with a number of chambers from 3 to 5.
Russian brands
Despite a short history of development, the Russian companies Kaleva, Proplex and Panorama managed to establish themselves well in the building materials market. They also have a wide (albeit slowly updated) profile range.
They offer windows at a low price and widely practice their own network of installation and maintenance services. The main drawback of all three companies is poorly developed management and rare promotional events.