One of the main questions when carrying out major repairs is how to choose plastic windows correctly, so as not to regret later about the wrong decision. It is not so easy to answer, given the large number of offers on the market, advertising by manufacturers and companies involved in the installation of window structures. The problem is solved by the right approach to choosing a product, the purpose of which is not just to replace old glass and frames with new ones, but also to create comfortable indoor conditions, the durability of the purchase made, and even safety. By paying attention to all evaluation criteria, you can end up with windows that fully meet the homeowner’s requirements and will serve him for at least 40–50 years.
Basic requirements of GOST
Typical window sizes are applicable for the multi-apartment sector; in private country houses, openings are measured individually for custom manufacturing.
Typical GOST standards for window dimensions help in working with mass development of microdistricts. For example, GOST 11214 - 86 describes standard window sizes.
- width 60 cm; 90 cm; 100 cm; 120 cm; 135 cm; 150 cm and 180 cm;
- height 60 cm; 90 cm; 120 cm; 135 cm; 150 cm and 180 cm;
- double-leaf frames 130 x 140 cm (kitchens, bedrooms);
- narrow kitchen - 70 x 135 cm;
- tricuspid - 140 x 205 cm (hall);
- exits to the balcony - 70 x 135 (frame) / 75 x 1980 (door) and 130 x 135 / 75 x 1980 (frame / door).
In addition to size requirements, there are conditions for compliance with quality . Current standards regulate regulatory characteristics, and sellers must have documents of compliance with the required parameters.
Set of working documents:
- quality requirements for metal profile products - GOST 30673 - 99;
- conditions for manufacturing double-glazed windows - GOST 24666 - 99;
- compliance of window fittings - GOST 30777 - 2001;
- quality of the finished window included - GOST 30674 - 99;
- installation work rules - GOST 30971 - 2002.
GOST 30673 - 99 standards contain instructions on resistance to harmful influence factors: temperature changes, insolation, durability. The document obliges manufacturers to conduct regular tests, and it is mandatory to notify the consumer about the service life.
GOST 24666 - 99 standards divide products into single-chamber and double-chamber according to certain characteristics.
Double-glazed windows are classified into sun-protection and energy-saving products. There are product categories with increased noise insulation and shock resistance.
Types of sealants used
The correct choice of seals determines the tightness, quality of manufacture and appearance of the window unit. To do this, you need to know what products of this kind exist. They are made from rubber, silicone, natural and artificial rubber. Each of these materials, as a sealant, has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Rubber is the cheapest material that seals cracks well and does not allow moisture to pass through even in the heaviest rain. However, the service life of rubber seals is the shortest and usually does not exceed seven years.
Silicone products last at least 12 years, and with proper care - up to 20, but are more expensive and can be used in a smaller temperature range than rubber.
Rubber seals last up to 10 years and require periodic lubrication.
The main advantage of this material is its very good level of compaction. Therefore, rubber is recommended for use in windows with large linear dimensions.
Selection of windows for balconies and loggias
Balconies are covered with frames using single glazing or single-chamber double-glazed windows.
Model selection principle:
- if the balcony is insulated, with heated floors, or radiators placed on one of the walls, the choice is made according to the type of heated room;
- for rooms that serve as cold storage in winter, it is enough to install single glazing;
- a loggia connected to a room by an arch or other open opening is glazed according to the principle of a warm room;
- On loggias without a heating system, single-chamber double-glazed windows are usually installed.
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Single glazing will protect from wind and rain. This option is usually made with hinged doors, sometimes with sliding ones. If additional noise insulation is needed, then single-chamber double-glazed windows (2 glasses) are installed. In unheated balconies without insulation of walls, floors, and ceilings, energy will escape through these structures, so a double-glazed window will not save you from the cold. Loggias and balconies with insulated walls and enclosing surfaces require the installation of double-glazed windows (3 glasses) and insulated frames (with 3 - 5 chambers inside).
Are PVC profiles safe for human health?
High-quality windows must be safe for health and the environment. In the production of PVC profiles, lead may be used in some formulations, and, at first glance, wooden windows that “breathe” and are made from natural material look better. But wooden frames are glued together with glue and coated with chemical paints, and PVC does not interact with air; Lead from this material never releases or evaporates. This has been confirmed by numerous studies, and PVC windows have long been installed in school buildings and children's hospitals. Therefore, environmentally hazardous or problematic plastic windows and doors simply do not exist.
Sergey Elnikov
From an environmental point of view, absolutely all PVC windows are safe.
Choosing windows for an apartment
Up to 60% of thermal energy can escape through glazed openings, so heat-saving windows are made for apartments.
The principle of achieving heat savings:
- use a metal-plastic profile with a thickness of outer walls of at least 3 mm;
- the width of the lamellas should accommodate a double-glazed window with three glasses (two-chamber);
- use a spacer frame whose width is 16 – 24 mm;
- Argon, krypton or other transparent gas is welcome inside the glass unit;
- the frames are installed overlapping the quarter walls to reduce the width of the cold bridge.
Outside, be sure to install drip linings made of stainless steel, aluminum or galvanized metal to prevent water from flowing in when it rains.
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Standard window sizes are only good for mass glazing of a newly built house. When repairing or reconstructing apartments, such dimensions are not always suitable, so the quality of the apartment’s glazing depends on the accuracy of the measurements taken.
Usually frames are installed in white, but decorative trim is used inside the room to match the design of the room.
Selection of double-glazed windows
It is known that the glazed part occupies up to 85% of the total area of a plastic window. Therefore, design options for manufacturing a double-glazed window largely affect the heat and sound insulation properties of the window unit, lighting intensity and other parameters on which the level of comfort in the room depends.
General description of the design
The technical principle of the structural assembly of a double-glazed window is as follows:
- every two glasses are separated from each other by a metal perforated spacer frame located around the perimeter;
- A dense butyl tape is laid under the frame, onto which a moisture-absorbing sorbent is poured, which protects the glass from moisture condensation;
- A sealing mass of theocol is applied along the common outer perimeter, which finally assembles the entire structure into a single whole.
Improving the technical characteristics of a double-glazed window is achievable only by increasing the number of chambers (additional glass).
Increasing the number of cameras to more than 4 no longer improves quality indicators, but only increases the overall weight and cost.
Effect of glass thickness
Changing the thickness of the glass installed in the package has virtually no effect on the change in thermal conductivity. But you can achieve a significant effect in noise absorption if you use glass of different thicknesses in the design. In this case, each layer of glass will resonate at its own frequency, reducing the overall level of sound vibrations.
Sound-absorbing double-glazed window.
Glass grades used
The following types of glass are used to assemble modern double-glazed windows:
- very smooth, even and transparent float glass;
- low-emissivity, capable of reflecting thermal radiation and transmitting sunlight;
- mirrored and tinted for sun protection;
- Impact resistant to prevent unauthorized entry.
Each type of glass may have several options for manufacturing technology and chemical components in its composition. They significantly change the characteristics of the material and affect its price.
Low-emissivity glass.
Glazing thickness and profile installation depth
The number and size of air chambers depend on:
- thermal conductivity coefficient of the entire structure;
- level of protection of the premises from street noise;
- window light transmittance;
- total cost of the window unit.
The thickness of a double-glazed window is determined as the total thickness of the glass and the total size of the air chambers.
The distances between the glasses have minimum and maximum restrictions. The air gap cannot be less than 5 mm and more than 20 mm. The optimal width of the air chamber is within 10-15 mm.
The installation depth of the profile is called from the edge of the front wall to the edge of the inner wall in the narrowest place. It corresponds to the calculated size of the double-glazed window and the width of two glazing beads. If this condition is violated, then the width of the air chambers must be adjusted.
Mounting depth of the profile.
Manufacturers produce profiles with a minimum installation width of 48 mm. For living rooms, when installing single-chamber double-glazed windows, profiles with a width of 58 mm are used. Double-chamber bags are usually placed on a profile with a width of 65 or 70 mm. Maximum profile depth 127 mm.
Choosing windows for a private home
Country houses and dachas always differ in the design of walls and openings, so non-standard solutions are used for such buildings.
Glazing options in the private sector:
- arched forms for indoor windows,
- arched beams, entrance group;
- rectangular, trapezoidal, arched structures for glazing verandas, terraces, corridors, winter gardens;
- windows in the roof for attics, attics;
- openings of various shapes in the walls of gazebos and pavilions.
Arched windows are more expensive than rectangular ones, because they are produced on special bending machines. Double-glazed windows are made of a similar shape, which increases the cost. You can also bend the spacer frame; this is easy to do, but you need to make sure there are no cracks.
The number of windows in houses is chosen so that the interior space is well lit. Double-glazed windows are made using energy-saving glass - this way, even through large windows, heat will not escape.
What improvements can be made?
The production of plastic windows involves the use of additional functions. Regarding the issue presented, we can highlight:
1. A comb for plastic windows is a standard limiter that makes it possible to independently adjust the angle of inclination of the sash inward.
The opening limiter for plastic windows has 4 positions, which is why everyone will find a comfortable air supply. The positions allow openings from 10 to 77 mm.
2. Child locks on plastic windows are a mandatory safety measure if there is a child in the house. It is a standard lock located on the bottom of the sash, which is locked with a key.
If they are available, you can ventilate the windows by tilting the sash to the desired angle. The key blocks the ability to turn the sash - to open the window in the standard way, which increases the risk of children falling from a height.
3. Anti-cat on plastic windows - is a standard mesh, which is attached to the sash frames using self-tapping screws and more complex bolts.
You can only remove it with a screwdriver - you will need to unscrew the screws to remove the mesh.
This type of fencing has larger slots in the mesh compared to mosquito protection and can withstand up to 20 kg of a cat’s weight, even if it starts to climb the bars.
Today there are numerous variations with the manufacture of a special mesh protrusion - the animal can “go out” 30-40 cm into the street and sit in a kind of cage.
4. The supply valve for plastic windows is a unique and uncluttered analogue of an air conditioner, which provides air from the street to the room.
All plastic structures are installed in such a way that they block the natural ventilation of the room, making the room stuffy, but open windows worsen the situation with cold air.
To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to use supply valves, ensuring the flow of air without creating a draft or increasing noise from the street.
5. Mosquito nets are an additional element designed to protect residents of an apartment or house from insects.
The plates are removable, their fastening is insignificant, so you cannot rely on the mesh.
Cases of children falling out of windows due to pressure on the mesh are increasing.
These are the main additional elements that clients of companies producing and installing plastic windows purchase. Childproofing plastic windows also benefits cats.
There are many known cases when the flap closes due to a draft when the animal goes outside through the window. Animals often die from such injuries, as the incident leads to internal bleeding.
Manufacturers rating
When choosing certain brands, they take into account technical characteristics, innovativeness of technology, price, popularity and prevalence of products, expert conclusions, and user reviews.
Manufacturers included in the rating:
- VEKA , rating 4.8. German manufacturers produce competitive products, regularly increasing production capacity. The concern achieved success through operational control at each stage of production, which is beneficial for both parties to cooperation with Russian partners.
- REHAU , rating 4.7. The German company is one of the major profile manufacturers and has its own laboratories for quality research. Technologists are working on creating new types of lamellas with improved qualities. The defect rate is so minimal that it is not taken into account.
- KBE , rating 4.7. The company pursues a flexible pricing policy, while the quality of profiles and components for double-glazed windows is at a high level. Manufacturers are expanding their range to suit different operating conditions.
- PROPLEX , rating 4.7. The products of this brand are distinguished by the fact that they are adapted to cold Russian winters. The reliable profile undergoes complex technological processing, so it does not darken or turn yellow over time. The company has not received an international certificate confirming quality.
- TROKAL , rating 4.6. The German company has been working in the market of plastic structures for a long time (1954). Since that time, capacity has been repeatedly updated and new technologies have been developed. The quality is not satisfactory, the profile is durable and reliable, even when it comes to budget options.
Video: How to choose the right plastic window
You can get additional information about choosing suitable window designs and the companies involved in their installation using videos on this topic.
Conclusion
To summarize, it is worth noting that the reliability of a plastic window, first of all, depends on the quality of all its elements. Therefore, when choosing which window structures are best installed in an apartment, they pay attention to all the details, from the thickness of the profile to the materials of the fittings. However, if windows are purchased already assembled, the manufacturer also matters - although the use of European technologies allows you to pay attention not only to foreign brands, but also to domestic brands. The last part of the preparation for installation is the selection of contractors. In order for the installation to be carried out efficiently, it is recommended to approach this stage as responsibly as all previous ones.
The first and most important tip is – don’t rush into purchasing.
As practice shows, the process of buying windows occurs as follows:
- First, a decision is made to replace the windows. Where does it come from? There are different reasons here - I’m tired of insulating them for the winter, it’s difficult to wash, it’s drafty, it’s cold, it’s ugly, it’s noisy, “the neighbors have had them for a long time, but we’re worse off,” and so on.
- Searching for offers on the Internet or choosing a company based on the advice of friends/neighbors.
- Comparison of offers based on the main criterion – lower price. Most often, buyers do not think about what is included in this price.
- Next is payment and installation.
- After six months or a year, disappointment and regret about the money spent. Why? Because the windows began to sweat, freeze, it was inconvenient to open them, and the list went on.
Why is this happening? Because the need that drives buyers when buying windows (read point 1) was not voiced to the seller, and the seller did not find out or ignored it. Important factors were not taken into account, for example, family composition, number of floors, design, heating operation and other important points.
Understand that in most cases both you and the manager have the same goal - a deal for the minimum price. It’s easier for him to sell a lot of cheap windows than a few expensive ones. Every option you add to your window increases its cost. And if you yourself do not recognize the capabilities of windows, then the manager may not offer them. Alas, this is reality. Based on what has been said, the second piece of advice follows.
If you are looking for a window that will last 1-5 years, read no further. Just find the cheapest window, it will last for this period.
My advice is for those who are looking at a future of 20-30 years and for whom family values and comfort in the home are not an empty phrase.
What to consider in visual characteristics?
Although it is more difficult to choose windows based on their characteristics, you should also pay close attention to their appearance. For example, deliberately modern models in an old rustic style will look alien.
The shape and number of flaps are determined not only by their appearance, but also by the thickness of the package: the more chambers and the heavier the flap, the more compact it should be.
The color of PVC windows is usually white, but if desired, you can order plastic in any shade: red, yellow, blue, black. Or choose models with an imitation of wood structure - from light to dark.
The color of the glass also plays a role: usually transparent, but in rooms facing south, tinted glass would be appropriate. Although it is more practical and cheaper not to darken the windows, but to tint them with film.
Plastic windows are a technically complex mechanism that requires attention. But you don’t have to study all the nuances yourself; contact a trusted company with good reviews and entrust the choice to specialists.
