There are different plastic windows. What are modern windows?

Some features that should be taken into account when designing a plastic window:

1. If you increase the number of chambers in a profile, then you must definitely increase its width; if this is not done, then the desired insulating effect will not be achieved. For example, for a three-chamber profile the optimal width is 60 mm, for a six-chamber profile – 90 mm.
2. To increase the sound insulation of double-glazed windows, but avoid vibration resonance, you need to alternate the thickness of the glass. For example, take the thickness of the outer glass to be 8 mm, and the next one to be 4 mm, and so on.
3. The window fittings must ensure a tight fit of the sashes to the frame and provide the possibility of adjustment.

When operating a window, most of the heat comes out through the glass surface rather than through the frame, so there is little point in installing an expensive six-chamber profile. And in the case of a double-glazed window, it is better to install a two-chamber version with alternating glass thicknesses, but increase the distance between the glasses.

If you stock up on information, then making a reliable choice of a plastic window will not be difficult. The main advisers on choosing high-quality and durable products are certificates and technical specifications. After all, sellers can embellish the benefits of a product.

Over the past 15-20 years, plastic windows have literally become an integral part of any work related to both construction and renovation. This is not at all surprising, given their high performance characteristics and properties, as well as ease of installation and maintainability. In addition, the most important reason for the frequent use of plastic windows is modern technology, which has reduced the cost of an initially quite expensive design. As a result of their introduction, PVC windows turned out to be quite competitive compared to wooden structures, often offering more high quality the resulting design.

Plastic windows - description, pros and cons

The design of a plastic window is fundamentally practically no different from an ordinary wooden one. The only difference is that instead of solid wooden blocks, multi-chamber profiles made of polyvinyl chloride are used as a supporting structure.

The main material used in the production of plastic windows is polyvinyl chloride. It refers to thermoplastics, that is, plastics that, after initial molding, retain the possibility of subsequent processing. When producing profiles for windows, various modifying, stabilizing and other additives are added to PVC to achieve the necessary properties of strength, light resistance, colors and shades, as well as resistance to atmospheric factors from the material.

The scope of application of plastic windows is extremely wide - they can be used in almost any residential, public or industrial buildings. In this case, it is simply necessary to select a type of design that meets the specific requirements.

Advantages of plastic windows

The rapidly gaining popularity of the design in question is largely due to its undoubted advantages:

• tightness of the structure. Plastic windows provide high levels of both sound and heat insulation;
• environmental friendliness. Although polyvinyl chloride is a product chemical industry, as a finished material, it is absolutely harmless, at least the variety that is used in the production of window profiles;
• variety of sizes, options, types and appearance of the structure. The modern technological level allows us to produce almost any design of a plastic window, taking into account individual characteristics and wishes. Even making a window non-standard sizes rarely takes more than 1-.15 weeks. In addition, it is possible to obtain any frame color, including various shades of wood;

• reliability, strength and durability of the structure. The properties of plastic allow windows made from it to guarantee trouble-free operation of the product for several decades;
• ease of maintenance and operation. Plastic windows do not require special care or maintenance, additional painting or other similar measures;
• relatively low cost. Price per different kinds plastic windows are quite different. But we can confidently say that it is quite competitive in comparison with wooden ones, if we take products of similar properties and characteristics.

Disadvantages of plastic windows

Like any building structure or material, plastic windows also have a number of disadvantages:

• high installation requirements. Despite the fact that installing plastic windows is not too difficult technological process and can be done independently, nevertheless it has a number of nuances and features that can seriously affect the quality of the work and the resulting design. That's why better job entrust it to specialists, but even at the same time control its implementation;

An example of installation of structures is shown in the following video:

• tightness of the structure. It’s a little paradoxical that this property of plastic windows has both advantages and disadvantages. However, most residential buildings built earlier do not have a forced ventilation system. In such conditions, even the slight ability of wooden windows to provide air circulation turns out to be a generally favorable factor. This must be taken into account when renovating old houses, in which wooden windows often played the role of the only supplier of fresh air. Of course, the best way out A solution to this situation is regular ventilation of rooms, but this is sometimes difficult in winter conditions.

As can be seen from the above lists of advantages and disadvantages, plastic windows have extremely attractive properties and characteristics that provide them frequent use and popularity

Types of plastic windows

There are several characteristics that classify the types of PVC windows.

Based on the number of valves, they are distinguished:

• single-leaf. In most cases they are made to open;
• double-leaf. Most often, one leaf is made to open;
• tricuspid. To save money, there is often only one opening sash, which makes the window inconvenient to use, in particular, it is extremely problematic to clean it. Tricuspid structures with two opening doors are less common, and very rarely - with three. The reason for this is a serious increase in the cost of the product.

According to the opening method there are:

• deaf. This window does not open; its main drawback is that it is impossible to get to the outside. A logical and easily explainable advantage - low price production and installation;
• windows that open into the room using a rotary opening method. Their structure is similar to standard and familiar wooden windows, easy to use and maintain;
• transom windows that open by tilting. The window opens by turning it horizontally. It is also often used for wooden windows. In this case, the sashes tilt either down or up, depending on the design;
• windows that open in a combined way. The most difficult of all possible device windows, however, are the most convenient and therefore widespread. It requires high-quality fittings for the opening mechanisms, as well as careful operation, as it can be damaged quite easily. Minor shortcomings are fully compensated by the maximum available level of convenience and comfort during operation.

Based on the number of cameras there are:

• single-chamber. It is easy to determine that such a window is designed with two glasses that form a chamber between them;
• two-chamber. By analogy with the previous version: three glasses, two cameras between them;
• three or more chambers. The principle is simple, clear and similar to the previous ones.

The number of chambers primarily affects the thermal insulation properties of a PVC window. Currently, two- or three-chamber structures are most often installed.

For most regions of the domestic middle zone In residential buildings, the installation of at least two-chamber plastic windows is mandatory.

At the request of the customer, even more reliable and high-quality three-chamber ones are often installed.

The following types of plastic windows are distinguished by shape;

• rectangular. The standard and most common form of window, which is designed and then installed in almost all residential buildings;
• arched, trapezoidal, triangular, etc. Modern technologies allow us to produce plastic windows of almost any shape according to individual orders. But it should be taken into account that their cost will be higher than for standard rectangular ones. The exact amount of this increase depends on the complexity of the required form.

The above classification of plastic windows shows how diverse this design can be. Any customer can easily choose exactly the option that suits him.

Accessories for plastic windows

Fittings for a plastic window are considered to be various movable or fixed additional elements and components. These include hinges, locks, handles, and combs. The quality of the fittings used largely determines the degree of reliability and comfort of use of a plastic window. Also accessories for correct installation must provide a tight and tight fit that does not allow even the slightest blowing at the connection point.

Any manufacturer or supplier of plastic windows always provides a wide range of fittings that can be installed on selected plastic windows. It is quite logical that, as a rule, the most expensive components are of the highest quality.

Often the price of fittings reaches 15% of the total cost of plastic windows.

We should not forget that high-quality and reliable fittings are an important element that ensures and guarantees security against unauthorized entry into the room where plastic windows are installed. Even special anti-burglary fittings have been developed, making it extremely difficult for thieves to get into the apartment through the windows.

Fogging - causes and solutions

One of the most common problems when using plastic windows is fogging of the glass, in other words, the appearance of condensation on them. There may be several reasons for this:

• high level of indoor humidity. Most types of plastic windows are designed for normal humidity levels. To achieve this, it is quite enough to regularly ventilate the premises, since high humidity harmful to the inhabitants of the apartment or office, and not just to the windows;

• disruption of convection processes. Convection is the process of movement and mixing of air, in which warm layers rise and cold layers, accordingly, fall down. Often, when the batteries are cluttered (namely, windows are almost always installed above them, although it would be more correct to say that the batteries are mounted under window openings), warm air deliberately hits the windows, rather than spreading freely throughout the room. This leads to heating of the glass and the appearance of condensation. The problem can be solved simply - eliminating obstacles to air movement, in extreme cases - a couple of additional holes in the window sill;
• poor quality window or incorrect installation. A similar problem becomes clear quite quickly. Therefore, the optimal solution in this case is to contact a company that installs or sells low-quality plastic windows.

Plastic windows represent a modern building structure with high consumer properties and characteristics. With proper installation, they can provide comfortable and convenient operating conditions for a long time.

It's good to have plenty of daylight in, but the large windows that allow it in act as a cooling factor when the outside temperature drops below room temperature. Heat loss through a double-glazed window occurs in two ways - direct heat transfer and through leakage of infrared radiation.

Obviously, windows do not have the same thermal insulation properties as walls. Even the highest quality double-glazed windows conduct heat 2-3 times better than the main enclosing structures. When determining the size of windows in a future living space, it is necessary to find a middle ground - a compromise between its area and the size of the windows.

In living rooms, where people will stay for a long time and often, the ratio total area windows to the area of ​​the room should be at least 1:8, i.e. in a room with an area of ​​24 m², the window area should be at least 3 m². If there is only one window, then it must be scheduled in the middle long wall. The height of the window, as well as its shape, also matters. Through a high window, more light will penetrate into the room. Accordingly, the elongated shapes of the windows contribute to better insolation. There should not be a large distance between the upper slope of the window and the ceiling.

Premises, so-called daytime areas should be well and evenly illuminated. These include, first of all, the living room and dining room. Such rooms do not require excessive insolation, but at the same time, a lack of light will greatly worsen their comfort. So, in a living room with an area of ​​27-30 m², it is necessary to install either two windows, each measuring 116 x 114 cm, or one big window balcony type, size 146 x 230.

There is no need for a lot of light in the bedroom, so you can get by with one small window, for example, if its area is 17 m², then one window 116 x 114 will be enough.

In the kitchen, rectangular windows of an elongated shape should be installed (the horizontal side is longer than the vertical), the height of the window sill should be at the level of 100-120 cm from the floor. It will be great if kitchen furniture look in advance - this will give you the opportunity to choose the height of the window sill that is level with the kitchen cabinets. In this case, the set will fit better into the interior of the kitchen.

As for the bathroom, it is desirable that there is a window there too. However, its lower slope needs to be positioned higher. This way, it won’t take up valuable wall space that could be used for the same mirror or shelf, and it won’t give you the opportunity to look into the bathroom from the outside. But not too high, otherwise such a window will be inconvenient to open and clean.

Don't forget about the natural lighting of the stairs. For this, not only windows, but also glass blocks can be used. It is appropriate to place a window on the landing non-standard shape, for example elongated arched or round.

Insolation factors

First of all, the intensity of insolation depends on where the window is oriented (meaning the side of the world). At sunrise straight Sun rays penetrate deep into the room, since their angle of inclination is small. At the same time, a room with windows facing east never overheats, since the rays at this angle slightly heat the surfaces.

South windows provide the longest insolation. Therefore on south side buildings try to place a veranda, loggia or balcony, making the most of sunlight for insolation of the room. On such windows, awnings and blinds are appropriate to regulate the intensity of insolation in order to avoid overheating of the room. For these purposes, horizontal canopies are suitable, which will partially shade the window in summer time, and in winter, when the sun does not rise high, they will have virtually no effect on the intensity of insolation.

When planning roof windows, it should be taken into account that even with a small area in the summer, direct sunlight will penetrate into the room for a long time, leading to overheating of the room. The light spot formed on the floor, for example, of an attic, will become very hot (sometimes up to 60° C) and work as heating radiator. Blinds, roller shutters and awnings in this case provide adjustment of lighting intensity. In systems " smart House"This adjustment occurs automatically.

Western orientation of windows can provide no less insolation than southern orientation. Rooms with windows facing west, as well as those with a single-layer western wall, tend to overheat in the summer. It is better to make low windows in them so that the sun's rays do not penetrate deep into the room. To reduce insolation in this case, it is best to use perforated blinds or roller shutters.

Those facing north do not provide insolation, since direct sunlight never penetrates through them. For the same reason, rooms in the northern part of the building require more powerful facade insulation. Through the northern windows, only reflected light enters the room, but it is not worth compensating for the lack of natural light by increasing the window area: large heat losses will be inevitable.

All hope is for the double glazed window

To ensure the best thermal insulation properties of double-glazed windows, their manufacturers use various tricks. Between the glass of the simplest and therefore inexpensive double-glazed windows there is simple air. It is considered a fairly good thermal insulator, but not the best. In more expensive models, an inert gas (argon, krypton, xenon) is pumped in or a vacuum is created. There are also special heat-saving double-glazed windows, the glass of which has a special coating applied to it, reflecting most of the IR radiation back into the room. Double-glazed windows, which consist of three glasses, also help reduce heat loss. Technologies that increase the service life of a double-glazed window, all kinds of energy coatings and tinting cannot but affect the final cost of the window.

Large windows facing south or west should be equipped with special double-glazed windows that protect the room from overheating. In such double-glazed windows, two types of glass are used: reflective and absorbent.

• Reflective glass has a metal coating that provides reflection of the sun's rays.
• Absorbing glasses are made from tinted glass mass.

Double-glazed windows with reflective or absorptive properties become more expensive by 20%.

Since the conversation has already turned to the technology of double-glazed windows, it is worth touching on the topic of sound insulation and safety. If your windows face a busy street, then you should choose special sound-absorbing double-glazed windows, which can also perform energy-saving functions. The sound-absorbing properties of such double-glazed windows are given by a design of three glasses, between two of which there is a special film. Sound insulation will increase the cost of the window by another 15%.

If you want to install a double-glazed window with increased safety, the glass of which, upon impact, crumbles into small pieces with non-sharp corners, then it will cost you 30% more than usual. Such double-glazed windows are usually ordered when large sizes windows

There are glasses that make windows difficult to break into - these are triplexes. They consist of two tempered or laminated glasses, which are connected by a reinforcing film. Double-glazed windows with triplexes cost 50% more than regular ones.

Heat saving requirements

Thermal insulation of buildings requires matching the window's R-value (R) climatic zone. For central Russia, this figure should not be less than 0.5 m² °C/W. Otherwise, heat loss will be significant. On the other hand, the higher the R value, the less you will need to spend on energy to heat your house.

Choosing windows from large manufacturers, which are assembled on branded equipment in a factory environment, you don’t have to worry about their compliance with domestic standards. For most of these windows, the R value is in the range of 0.6-0.8 m² °C/W, which fully meets the standards for thermal insulation of buildings.

Windows of non-standard shapes

If the design of your house requires the installation of windows of a non-standard shape, then you need to be prepared for additional expenses, since any shape other than rectangular will increase the cost of the window. In addition, such windows will be more difficult to order and you will have to wait longer for their production.

And yet, if desired, you can get a window of any shape, be it an arch (regular or Gothic), an oval, a circle, and even a “bull’s eye” - it is installed in lucarnes. Naturally, non-standard windows will cost more than regular ones, sometimes three times more (bull's eye). The cheapest windows are trapezoidal or triangular in shape - only 45% more than usual.

What cannot be done from a PVC profile, most likely, will be possible to do from wood. Therefore, for purely technical reasons, you should not refuse non-standard windows. This choice depends more on the financial capabilities of the customer.

Today, windows are made from a variety of materials and can have the most different shapes. Based on this, you can ask the question: what types of windows are there? The correct answer to the question is the classification of products.

For example, they can be divided into types according to the material used to make them:

• PVC structures;
• wooden;
• aluminum;
• combined view windows.

In addition to the material, frames can be divided into groups according to design:

• paired;
• separate;
• single.

Today, products can be with single glazing or double glazing.

Classification of windows by material

Today, systems are manufactured using very complex technologies, which achieves excellent results in heat and sound insulation. Products made from PVC are very popular today. But for those who prefer the classic version, wooden frames are also made using new technologies. As a result ready product radically different from old wooden ones.

Metal-plastic.

Metal-plastic structures have been known to the world for more than 50 years. They appeared on the territory of our country much later. All products were imported from other countries, since domestic production was not established. Today, using technology from leading brands, products are manufactured in the country. The metal-plastic device consists of:

• polyvinyl chloride profile;
• reinforcement made of galvanized steel, which is located inside the profile chambers;
• high-quality fittings;
• glass unit.

By using PVC profile in production conditions, you can create a window of completely different configurations.

Aluminum windows.

Many people associate aluminum with industrial buildings, offices, and shops. It is in such establishments that aluminum aluminum frames are most often used. window frames. Due to their strength, such frames are installed in houses where they will be subject to intense loads. Also very often, such metal frames are used for the construction of winter gardens and glazing of balconies. It is this frame that will allow you to create a large window.

Wooden windows.

Previously, only wooden windows were installed in houses, which over time became deformed, cracks formed, through which heat was lost and cold entered. Today, in order to create a wooden window, new technologies are used. For the manufacture of such windows, hardwood or three-layer timber is used. It is the use of laminated veneer lumber that completely eliminates the possibility of any deformation. The glazing is modern single- or double-chamber double-glazed windows.

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Combined type of windows

According to experts, such windows will soon occupy a leading position in the field of glazing. This is due to the fact that such windows use several materials, for example, wood and aluminum, wood and plastic, etc. Having absorbed the most best qualities materials used, such windows will last a very long time without causing unnecessary trouble in their maintenance.

The most striking option for a combined window is a structure made of a three-layer profile. The first layer is decorative, made of wood. The second layer is made of metal, it protects the structure from impact environment, and also gives the frame rigidity and stability. The third layer is made of polyvinyl chloride; the main purpose of using this material is to significantly increase the thermal insulation qualities.

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Key Features

Windows are a source of natural light in the apartment and access to fresh air. This is especially important in apartments where ventilation systems don't work so well.

But at the same time, they create significantly greater heat loss during the cold season. It is through glazing that the largest amount of heat is lost. In order to significantly reduce such losses, it is necessary to select the correct profile, clarify the design of the glass unit, and check all joints. Blinds and curtains can be additional measures to preserve heat.

Double-glazed windows.

The number of glasses in a double-glazed window plays a very important role in heat retention. There are options for windows with one glass, but heat loss in this case will be maximum.

A double-glazed window, in which two glasses are installed, forms a kind of air gap that will reduce heat loss. Modern double-glazed windows can have two or three sheets of glass. Additionally, the space between them is filled with dry air or gas.

All joints are closed with sealing profiles.

In addition to light, extraneous sounds and noise enter the room through the windows. Sound insulation will depend on the number and thickness of glass. To minimize the passage of extraneous sounds, it is worth taking care to seal all joints, not only the window structure, but also the junction of the window and the opening.

When choosing a system, it is worth Special attention pay attention to the type of opening. Today, thanks to accessories, products can be:

• folding;
• rotary;
• tilt and turn;
• deaf;
• sliding.

Blind design.

This design does not involve opening the doors. The product costs much less than other options and is as reliable as possible. It is used in houses quite rarely, since it is almost impossible to wash it from the street if it is not located on the ground floor. The only option may be to completely remove the glass unit and then install it in place. Fixed windows can be installed on the side walls of the balcony or in the entrances. They can also be installed in private homes as a source of natural light in the hallway or terrace.

Folding design.

If the window is equipped with tilting fittings, it can be opened to the ventilation position (vertical opening). In this case, normal opening is not available. Like a fixed window, this design does not have access to the outside, which prevents the window from being cleaned. Such a window can be installed in a place where full opening cannot be achieved. This is possible if the layout of the house does not have enough space to allow the sash to open completely. But, unlike a blind window, such a window allows you to gain access to fresh air.

Rotating window design.

The rotating design opens in the traditional way. This method allows you to gain access to the outside and adjacent doors. This design is very easy and convenient to care for. The disadvantages include the need for free space, which will allow the doors to open freely. Similar elements are installed in almost any room.

Swivel and tilt design.

The most popular and common type of opening. Those. allows you to open both in the classic version and leave the element in the ventilation position. They are also installed almost everywhere.

Sliding system.

This system for opening metal-plastic windows appeared relatively recently. This opening method allows you to open all windows completely, even in the narrowest room. This system is most often used on loggias and balconies. The quality of windows with such an opening system is no different from the usual opening system. All joints are completely sealed and do not let cold air in.

IN Lately Three main types of windows are widely used. Windows are wooden, plastic and aluminum. Each type of window has both pros and cons. Next, each specific type of window will be considered in more detail.

Wooden windows. Wood is considered a traditional material for making windows. Since ancient times, almost all windows have been made of wood. However, the old traditional windows had significant drawbacks. Due to insufficient treatment, the wood dried out and became deformed over time, which in turn affected both the thermal insulation of the window and the functioning of the mobility of the window structure. Modern wooden windows are manufactured taking into account the characteristics and properties natural material. For the production of wooden windows, deciduous and conifers tree. In more expensive and high-quality modern wooden windows, valuable wood is used. The material for the window is carefully processed and prepared timber. The wood is dried to a certain value and coated various compositions, which allow you to withstand sudden temperature changes, precipitation and humidity. This treatment significantly increases the service life of the window and gives it additional strength. More expensive windows are made not from solid timber, but from a material that consists of several layers of durable wood glued together. The strength of such material increases significantly and, accordingly, the service life of the window increases. It is worth noting that modern processing wood material allows you to equip windows with more functional fittings compared to traditional windows. The main advantage of wooden windows was and remains, of course, the natural origin of the material. Moreover, modern wooden windows are equipped with high-quality double-glazed windows and have good thermal insulation. Accordingly, such windows have a fairly high cost.

Plastic windows. To replace the old ones wooden windows plastic windows arrived. Until recently, plastic windows were installed only by people with above-average incomes. However, the situation is changing and recently plastic windows have been successfully installed in private homes, government and industrial institutions, that is, they are becoming available to almost every family. Modern plastic windows meet all the requirements for thermal insulation, strength, and appearance. A plastic window is a frame made of durable PVC profile in which the sashes are fixed. Double-glazed windows are attached to the window sashes, which may have one or more chambers. Chambers in a double-glazed window are formed by tightly bonded glass. The unused space of the frame and sashes has air partitions, which themselves are a heat insulator. The strength of a plastic window is ensured by a high-strength plastic or metal profile in the window frame. Windows with a metal base are also called metal-plastic windows. Such windows have increased strength. Plastic windows have a beautiful appearance, suitable for any type of building. In addition, windows made in accordance with all state standard requirements also have environmental and fire safety.

Aluminum windows. Some buildings successfully use so-called aluminum windows. The main material for such windows is aluminum. The main advantage of such windows is, of course, high strength window designs. Moreover, these windows are highly environmentally friendly. This material allows you to do window designs wider size. However, these windows have one significant drawback, which is the high thermal conductivity of the material. For this reason, aluminum windows are not as widespread as other types of windows. However, there is a type of combined aluminum windows. These windows have an external coating of aluminum, but are supplied with various thermal insulating materials inside. In addition, aluminum windows require careful handling. Deformation or destruction of the outer covering of the material can shorten the life of the window, since aluminum is susceptible to oxidation.