For the manufacture of window structures, three types of materials are now most often used: polyvinyl chloride (PVC), metal (mainly aluminum) and wood. In addition, it is possible to combine some of the listed materials, for example, a fairly common option is wood-aluminum windows.
The use of one type or another depends on the design of the building, climatic conditions, preferences and financial capabilities of the owner.
Wooden windows
For the manufacture of modern wooden windows, pine or larch are mainly used. These rocks are the most accessible, relatively easy to process and have all the necessary qualities for creating reliable, warm and weather-resistant structures. More expensive options are made from hardwood: oak, ash or meranti.
Wood species (from left to right): oak, larch, pine
The main advantages of wooden glazing are the visual appeal of the natural material, environmental friendliness, high level of thermal insulation and noise absorption. Wood practically does not freeze, is quite resistant to mechanical damage (especially hard wood), and if any defects appear over time, they can be easily eliminated yourself.
The weaknesses of wooden windows are largely related to the naturalness of the wood. They are prone to moisture accumulation, the formation of fungus, mold accumulations, the appearance of various microorganisms or bugs and subsequent rotting. However, thanks to modern processing technologies, the described disadvantages are becoming less and less common, which does not have the best effect on the main advantage of wood - its natural naturalness and environmental friendliness.
Read more about modern wooden windows here
Century
In the production of Veka profiles, reinforcing amplifiers are used to ensure reliability and strength.
Multi-chamber systems have good insulating characteristics and energy efficiency. Such beautiful windows in the cottage protect the room from noise, creating and maintaining comfort. They are not afraid of precipitation, humidity, or temperature changes. The structure can be equipped with anti-vandal glass and security fittings that prevent illegal intrusion.
Warm aluminum
Previously, aluminum profile windows were mainly used for glazing buildings not intended for permanent residence. They were installed in retail, office, warehouse or industrial premises. Now the situation has changed somewhat, and aluminum structures are increasingly being installed in residential buildings or apartments. There are two types - warm and cold frames.
The latter option is also increasingly used for industrial buildings or for unheated premises, for example, balconies or as glazing of country houses, in which accommodation is planned only in the summer.
The warm version of aluminum glazing is characterized by the presence of a special insert in the profile (thermal break).
Warm aluminum profile from Alutech W72
In fact, between the two contours of the aluminum profile there is a separating element made of a polymer with low thermal conductivity properties (usually polyamide is used). Its thickness is at least 20 mm, which is quite enough to prevent the profile from freezing even in severe winter frosts. Read more about warm aluminum glazing here
Types of frames based on material of manufacture
Until recently, profiles were made exclusively from wood. Thanks to technological progress, double-glazed windows also made from other materials are now common.
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Wooden frames
Traditional designs are still popular today, as they have considerable advantages. They are made from solid timber or laminated veneer lumber. Thanks to advanced technologies, such windows are resistant to temperature changes, are not afraid of high humidity, and are not deformed. There are three types:
- single - the lightest, made of one glass;
- separate double - consist of two autonomous parts;
- paired - the sashes are securely fastened to each other with metal bolts.
Wooden double-glazed windows can be solid or opening. They are often equipped with a window, and some models have a vertical sliding mechanism.
Wood frames have several advantages:
- environmental friendliness;
- long service life;
- good thermal insulation;
- easy repair;
- external aesthetics.
However, they also have disadvantages:
- high cost;
- annual maintenance;
- poor sound insulation;
- easy flammability.
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Metal-plastic frames
Today, plastic windows are breaking a record in popularity. The reason for this is the optimal price-quality ratio. The structure consists of a PVC profile, inside of which there is galvanized steel reinforcement, which increases strength. A double-glazed window is hermetically installed between the frames, and the structure itself is supplemented with the necessary fittings.
Metal-plastic glazing can be single-, double- or triple-leaf, sometimes supplemented with a window. There is also a classification according to the type of opening:
- hinged doors (with hinged doors);
- folding;
- sliding (coupe type);
- accordion (folding);
- pendulum;
- rotary;
- transom (top-hung)
Advantages of PVC frames:
- reasonable price;
- high heat and noise insulation;
- tightness;
- ease of operation;
- strength;
- neat exterior;
- resistance to high humidity.
Metal-plastic double-glazed windows have one drawback - the material from which they are made “does not breathe,” such as wood. When windows are constantly closed, this causes the formation of condensation, changes in the microclimate in the room and the formation of mold.
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Aluminum frames
More recently, such profiles were found in production facilities or offices. Today, they can also be installed in residential buildings by choosing the desired type. Thus, balconies or summer buildings are glazed with “cold” structures. But “warm” ones are quite suitable for apartments. In Russia, aluminum double-glazed windows never became popular due to the high thermal conductivity of the metal.
In terms of the opening method, such frames do not differ from metal-plastic structures. Their advantages are:
- high strength;
- resistance to external factors;
- wide range of colors;
- service life up to 80 years;
- practically do not require maintenance;
- safety of the materials from which the windows are made.
Disadvantages of aluminum frames:
- high heat loss;
- inability to combine with other metals due to corrosion on the latter;
- high price.
Wooden frames Metal-plastic frames Aluminum frames
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Combined frames
Thanks to the combination of several materials, such double-glazed windows become more energy efficient, and their service life increases significantly. Two combinations are in demand: wood with aluminum and wood with PVC.
In the first design, the wood can be hidden by an aluminum profile or placed on top of it. The most commonly used wood is hardwood (beech, oak or ash). Such windows are more durable, retain heat well, and have an attractive design. They are usually made using Finnish, Swedish or German technology. They are easy to install, have different opening methods, but are quite massive.
Combined frames are considered more energy efficient
The combination of wood and metal-plastic can also be twofold. The design, where laminated veneer lumber is covered with a profile, is similar in energy saving to wooden Euro-windows. But frames, in which the plastic is hidden inside, are closer in their technical characteristics to PVC profiles. Externally, they are no different from double-glazed windows made from timber, but they cost significantly less. The doors of both types open in two ways: tilted or swung open.
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Metal-plastic windows
The thermal insulation and sound-absorbing characteristics of PVC structures are comparable to those of wooden products, and in some cases even exceed them. At the same time, plastic windows are much easier to manufacture, which, coupled with the low cost of the material, makes them much more affordable.
The main material used for the manufacture of metal-plastic windows is polyvinyl chloride, which in turn consists of ethylene and chlorine. Both materials are of natural origin: ethylene is obtained from petroleum, and chlorine is part of ordinary kitchen salt. PVC structures are airtight - they retain warm air in the house in winter, and in summer they do not allow cool air to leave the room.
Wood-look windows have become very popular for private homes.
Metal-plastic windows are resistant to any type of atmospheric influences, do not collapse or degrade from household chemicals, and if used correctly, do not require complex maintenance, repairs or additional finishing. A high-quality profile used for glazing residential buildings does not change its color, maintaining its original color throughout the entire service life of the window. More detailed information - here
The best windows for a private home - material options
To make the frame we use:
- Wood – looks solid and goes well with classic interior concepts. In this case, the tree will need to be covered with bio-, fire- and moisture protection.
- Aluminum - used for glazing non-residential rooms. For living rooms - bedroom, office, etc. – you need warm aluminum. Windows for a private home made of warm aluminum are airtight and resistant to strong winds, and are not afraid of impacts.
- PVC is a more popular option than the previous ones. The plastic profile allows you to give the window frame any shape. PVC frames are sealed and do not require maintenance.
Approximately 80% of customers choose a standard plastic profile. A popular solution is products from Rehau. Four systems are considered in demand: Geneo, Blitz, Delight and Intelio. Let's look at all the options for plastic windows for a private home in a little more detail.
Selecting a quality profile
In most cases, the profile is a hollow structure divided by internal partitions into isolated chambers. All the variety of options is classified depending on the thickness of the internal and external walls. There are 3 classes – A, B and C.
- Class A. This classification is given to the highest quality products used for glazing residential buildings. They are able to provide mechanical strength, resistance to deformation, and maximum heat and sound insulation. The thickness of the outer plastic in the A-class profile is at least 2.8 mm; internal partitions – from 2.5 mm.
- Class B. A mid-price profile, not recommended for use in residential buildings, is characterized by a shorter service life and low (compared to A-class) energy-saving and sound-proofing properties. External walls – not less than 2.5 mm; internal – 2 mm.
- Class C. The minimum possible thickness of the external and internal walls, ensuring the structural rigidity of the window frame and sashes. There are no special requirements for the profile of this class.
The thickness of the walls, both external and internal, has a significant impact on the mechanical, heat and sound insulation properties of the finished window. Most manufacturers make external walls of at least 3 mm in their products for residential premises.
Number of cameras
In addition to the thickness of the partitions dividing the hollow profile into separate sections, the number of these sections (chambers) is also important. The cheapest products have three chambers, isolated along the width, of different sizes. As a rule, the two closest to the outer walls are relatively narrow and separated for rigidity by horizontal partitions. The central one is the largest, has no horizontal sections, as it contains a reinforcing element.
Reinforcing U-shaped profile
The three-chamber profile is not intended for use in residential premises and is more often found in industrial buildings, unheated parts of houses or apartments.
Leading manufacturers of plastic windows
In Russia, one of the leading manufacturers of plastic windows is the German company KBE. The products of this manufacturer stand out from others due to their optimal quality-to-price ratio. Thermal insulation characteristics are sufficient for houses located in the middle zone. People who have installed windows of this brand have noted the significant advantages of KBE profiles:
- absence of drafts;
- no heat loss;
- easy opening/closing of handles;
- nice view;
- easy care.
Among the hardware manufacturers on the Russian market, Roto stands out. This world-famous manufacturer pleases not only with the high quality of its product, but also captivates with price tags that are affordable to people with almost any income. One of the main advantages of Roto include: no play in the handles, a large selection of models.
In its windows, Velis Plast combines KBE profiles with Roto fittings to obtain the best quality and long-term service.
Decorated windows
For decorating plastic window structures, there are several common solutions that make it possible to decorate almost any type of glazing without radical changes to the block.
Layouts
Depending on the type of installation, internal and external layouts are distinguished:
- External. They are located on the outside of the glass unit and in most cases are a thin metal profile fixed to the outer glass. The use of this type of decor allows not only to decorate a monotonous structure, in which solid glass predominates, but also to increase its rigidity and ability to absorb sound waves.
- Internal. Mounted directly into a double-glazed window, they have all the positive qualities of external analogues, while allowing the implementation of quite complex design solutions, for example, patterned inserts made of aluminum profiles.
Laminated windows
One of the most common ways to make a PVC structure of the required color or texture is lamination. This is a technology for covering a plastic profile with a special polymer film, the appearance of which is determined by the sample selected from the catalog.
Next, in the video, we talk about just such windows:
Arched windows
Rectangular windows are most often installed in a private house, however, if the building has a specific design or architecture, it is possible to install structures of non-standard shapes, for example, arched ones. When choosing arched windows for glazing, special attention should be paid to profile reinforcement, since there are manufacturers whose profile systems do not provide stiffening elements for curved products, which negatively affects the strength of opening sashes.
Additional equipment for windows for a country house
Choosing the right design modification and profile type is half the battle. It is necessary to take care of the safety and functionality of windows, taking into account all the modern requirements placed on these products today. Fortunately, we have everything we need for this:
- triplex glass, grilles, alarms, roller shutters and anti-burglary fittings - to ensure security;
- “smart home” system with automatic door opening systems, wind, sun and rain sensors - for effective climate control;
- several types of mosquito nets and blinds - to create absolute comfort.
Important! Final recommendation - in view of the huge number of options and offers, do not neglect consultations with specialists at any of the stages associated with the selection and installation of windows. Moreover, their installation must be carried out strictly in accordance with GOST by a trusted company, otherwise all expenses for energy-efficient double-glazed windows and high-quality fittings may turn out to be a waste of money.
What window sizes are optimal?
The dimensions of the translucent elements of a private house must be determined at the design stage, but if glazing is installed in a finished building, then its dimensions directly depend on the window openings.
Optimal dimensions for a double-hung window
Optimal dimensions of a three-leaf window
The calculation of dimensions is largely influenced by the design of the building facade and the required level of lighting inside the building. The minimum total area of all windows for a comfortable stay in the room should be 1/8 of its total area . If there are more translucent openings, the room will become lighter and visually more spacious; in addition, large windows make the façade of the building more attractive.
According to GOST, the width of the window block ranges from 87 cm to 267 cm ; the minimum height is 116 cm , and the maximum is 206 cm . The actual final combination of the required width and height is determined by the dimensions of the room, its natural lighting, and the design of the building. The size of the window opening is significantly influenced by the configuration of the block, the type and formula of the double-glazed window, the presence of opening elements and their number.
Ending
There are still questions about which glazing will be optimal for a private home - our managers are ready to answer via chat on the website or by phone.
Our employees (from managers to installers) regularly improve their skills and participate in training events in order to answer even the most complex questions that arise when choosing or using them.
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Dormer windows
When designing roof window openings, as well as when ordering them, the following points should be taken into account:
- The length of the block should not exceed half the length of the roof slope into which the glazing will be installed;
- The area of translucent filling in the room must be at least 10% of its square footage;
- The lower edge of the block must be located at a level sufficient to view not only the sky, but also the street;
- Since roof windows are located on the roof, it is worth paying special attention to their tightness;
- All the heat in the room rises and accumulates at the top, in the immediate vicinity of the attic block, and if its thermal insulation characteristics are insufficient, heating costs may be unreasonably high;
- Sound absorption is also essential: during heavy rain or hail, the noise of the precipitation can create noticeable discomfort.
A common problem with roof windows is condensation on the inner surface of the glass unit. To eliminate the occurrence of such a problem, manufacturers equip their products with additional ventilation.
Non-standard types of windows: what to look for
Usually the windows in houses are rectangular. But sometimes the stylistic design of a home suggests something different. Let's consider several non-traditional options:
- Attic. This is a window that is installed on a pitched roof to increase natural light in a room. The tilt angle should be from 20 to 90 degrees. In this case, you need to carefully approach the choice of profile and glass unit. It is important to eliminate heat loss, prevent leaks, and pay attention to sound insulation. Condensation often accumulates on attic windows. To avoid this, you need to choose products with additional ventilation.
- Arched. The upper curved part of the window is made separately from the lower one. This makes the structure more durable. In addition, it becomes possible to provide different options for opening the doors. Such windows are a real space for imagination. The upper part can be made of almost any shape and decorated with stained glass. An interesting element will be the layouts - additional thin profiles on the glass. Disadvantages: high cost and complex installation.
- French. This type of panoramic glazing will visually expand the space and make the room bright. If you choose it, then choose a wide double-glazed window. It must be taken into account that the profile must support its weight. It is impossible to install heating on such a wall. It will be necessary to think in advance about an alternative option - warm floors or additional heaters.
- Bay windows. This is a complex structure of several glasses that extends beyond the building. Windows can be decorated with decorative layouts and stained glass. A special element for installation is a bay window pipe. With its help, the canvases are joined, giving additional strength to the entire structure. As a rule, the glazing area in a bay window is large, so double-glazed windows with increased thermal insulation are installed.
- Transoms. A transom is a part of a window located horizontally, most often used in panoramic glazing. It can be opened and deaf. The shape corresponds to the top of the window opening. In Stalin-era houses, where the ceilings are high and the openings are large, installing a transom window is the safest option. The sashes will not exceed the dimensions according to GOST, which means the fittings will not become loose and will not fail prematurely.
Selection of double-glazed windows
More than 80% of the window area is glazing, so the correct choice of double-glazed windows largely affects the characteristics of the window as a whole. Modern windows are equipped with one, two or three-chamber double-glazed windows. The latter option is currently relatively rare, since its cost is quite high, and its important characteristics are not significantly superior to their two-chamber counterparts.
Single-chamber products are more suitable for non-residential buildings or glazing balconies, and are practically not used in private houses or apartments. The most optimal is the installation of double-glazed windows, the characteristics of which depend on the properties of the glass, the size of the interglazed frame and the filling of the chambers.
The distance between the glasses should not be less than 16 mm, at the same time, excessively large gaps increase heat loss due to convection. The glass thickness for internal sheets is in the range of 4-6 mm, for external sheets - up to 10 mm or more, if we are talking about large double-glazed windows. Dried air is used to fill the chambers in budget windows, but the most energy-efficient option is an inert gas (argon or krypton).
High sound insulation performance is achieved by using glass of different thicknesses located at different distances. However, only high-frequency sound is well absorbed, and low frequencies, such as train noise or thunder, are much worse.
Selection criteria and design features of windows
The cottages themselves and the tastes of homeowners are varied, as are the climatic conditions in the regions where the houses are located. Consider the following factors:
- weather conditions - average annual temperature, air humidity, wind load on the building, wind direction,
- location according to cardinal directions,
- proximity of the building to sources of increased noise - airfields, train stations, highways,
- thickness and material of house walls,
- architectural style of the cottage,
- room area,
- threats of hackers breaking into the cottage,
- requirements for glazing functionality.
For cold regions, the installation of double-glazed windows with several chambers and “warm” frames with a high coefficient of heat transfer resistance is relevant. Glass with an ultraviolet filter will provide protection from sunlight. If the cottage does not have a ventilation system, you need to equip the glazing with ventilation valves and consider options for opening windows for regular ventilation.
Glazing features:
- Doors. The sashes are standard and transom. They are necessary for ventilation of the room. There are usually 1-3 sashes in one window opening.
- Frame. In cottages, frames of rectangular and complex shapes are installed. Often they order arched, triangular, round windows, in the shape of a trapezoid.
- Opening methods. Movable sashes are installed: rotating, tilting, compartment, top- or bottom-hung, hinged, pendulum, accordion-folding. Transoms are convenient to use to ventilate a room, especially with large window openings. Rotating segments are the optimal solution for round windows. Folding doors save space.
Accessories
Reliable fittings must meet the following requirements:
- Wear resistance. It is characterized by the number of cycles (opening/closing) until the end of which the mechanisms will properly perform their functions. For high-quality products, this figure is never less than 10,000 cycles.
- Ease of maintenance . Elements of common types of fittings are easy to replace if damaged, which cannot be said about exclusive products.
- Anti-corrosion qualities . Components and mechanisms made of metal should not rust after contact with moisture. Ideally, stainless steel is used, but such fittings are not cheap, so coated options are increasingly found, the service life of which is not nearly as long.
- Ease of use . The opening elements of the block should open easily without backlash or distortion, without making unnatural sounds.
Designs with increased protection
Anti-burglary fittings are distinguished by a locking mechanism in the form of pins and strikers and are designed to prevent entry into the room by opening the sash from the street. Such mechanisms are useless if an attacker breaks the glass.
To protect against such burglary, special roller shutters were developed. Unlike conventional roller shutters, they are installed directly into the opening, and not on the facade. This does not spoil the appearance of the building, but slightly reduces the translucent glazing area.
Useful hardware functions
- Microlift . An additional mechanism for supporting large opening elements in order to reduce the load on the hinges and prevent sagging of the sash.
- Child protection . It is mounted into the frame profile or directly into the handle, preventing the child from opening the sash on his own.
- Reclining position regulator. An additional element of the tilt-and-turn mechanism, which allows you to fix the sash during ventilation.
A separate category includes special ventilation elements - supply valves, overhead ventilators and similar devices. They are installed to ensure the required level of air circulation in the room, which after installing PVC windows may turn out to be excessively airtight.
The best manufacturers
- Maco. The Austrian company mainly specializes in the production of rotary or tilt-and-turn products. The company's product range is very wide and includes modifications with five levels of burglary protection.
- Roto. A German manufacturer, which is remarkable in that it provides a ten-year guarantee for its products.
- Winkhaus. The company has been operating in the hardware market for more than 50 years. Simple and easy to install products.
Rating of PVC profile manufacturers
Russian consumers give preference to German manufacturers. Their products are distinguished by quality and durability.
KBE is a company founded in 1980. The profiles are suitable for our climatic conditions. They retain their appearance for a long time, do not deform, and do not turn yellow. Can be cleaned with soapy water and a soft cloth. Well protected from the cold. This will allow the owner of a country cottage to significantly save on heating costs. KBE is designed to last for 50 years.
Rehau is a popular manufacturer in Russia. It has been manufacturing its products for more than half a century, having accumulated extensive experience during this time. The profiles fit exactly against each other, which ensures warmth and silence in the house. The windows are equipped with fittings that prevent the sashes from loosening. Additional anti-burglary mechanisms are also installed. The assortment includes models for every budget.
Veka traces its history back to 1968. The company is familiar and loved in many European countries. Produces reliable profiles that are easy to care for. High-quality fittings and adherence to production technologies are the key to the durability of products. You can choose a window of almost any shade or make a custom design that suits your interior.
Choice depending on climatic conditions and wall material
In temperate climates, structures made from a high-quality five-chamber profile with a two-chamber double-glazed window are sufficient. When using energy-saving glass and filling the space between them with inert gas, the window will not freeze or fog up.
As for regions with a more severe climate, the most reasonable solution would be to install double-circuit glazing. As a rule, the outer part is made of aluminum profile, the inner part is made of metal-plastic or wood.
Depending on the wall material
The material used to build the walls of the house, in most cases, does not have a significant impact on the choice of windows. High heat and sound insulation characteristics of glazing will not be superfluous in any living space. However, there is a point that is not directly related to the quality of glazing, but is also of no small importance. We are talking about installing window blocks in a house whose walls are made of wood, for example, log cabins.
Such buildings undergo a certain shrinkage over several years, but even after this period, seasonal deformations of the openings occur due to fluctuations in atmospheric humidity. To compensate for the mentioned deformations, special casings are installed in the openings, which act as a buffer between the frame and the opening. If you do not pay due attention to this and install the block in the usual way, over time, cracks may appear on the double-glazed windows.
How to choose plastic windows
They are selected according to several criteria:
- Material. Although the classic solution for glazing a cottage is wooden windows, it is more practical to install plastic window systems. They do not require such careful maintenance, are less vulnerable to the negative effects of the environment, and do not require regular application of protective compounds. Plastic windows are cheaper and often more effective in insulating noise. They effectively protect the building from burglary, heat, precipitation, and wind.
- Profile surface. Matte plastic is more difficult to care for. It is more difficult to clean it from contaminants, which appear faster on the matte surface. Glossy plastic is more practical. It has higher strength and looks more attractive.
- The chamber profile and its installation depth. The higher the chamber size and installation depth of the window system, the higher its insulation characteristics. However, if the house is in a warm and quiet area, there is no point in paying for additional cameras and centimeters. But if there is an airfield near the house, you need windows with at least four cameras. It is preferable to install an A-class profile in the house. It is distinguished from its analogues by the thickness of the outer wall of 2.8-3 mm; for material of other classes it is thinner.
- High-quality fittings. Roto and Siegenia fasteners have proven their reliability. It serves well for decades and withstands environmental influences and intense loads.
- Optional double glazing. To use windows for a long time and with comfort, glaze your home with double-glazed windows with options. They will help protect your home from heat, cold, noise, prying eyes, and burglary. For a cottage, current options include enhanced heat, sound, and burglary protection. To save on energy resources, it is practical to use double-glazed windows with metal coating on the glass.
- Micro-slit ventilation. It is better to choose a profile with a ventilation system to prevent condensation from appearing on the windows. Intake ventilation valves and a micro-ventilation system help to avoid its occurrence. Thanks to them, the air constantly circulates and the windows do not sweat.
- Colored coating. To decorate and protect the material, to embody bold design ideas, install laminated windows. Lamination can be one-sided or double-sided, to match the interior, facade, metal or wood. Laminating film - additional protection of plastic from moisture and scratches. RENOLIT lamination has the highest quality. Films from this manufacturer can reflect IR radiation, preventing the plastic from overheating. The glass filling of the opening can also be decorated by installing double-glazed windows with tinting and stained glass film. It also helps protect the room from prying eyes and ultraviolet radiation.
In the article we name significant criteria for choosing window materials. There is no single recipe for choosing glazing; various solutions can be combined. Don't know which windows to choose? You can consult with a specialist or calculate your order using the contacts on the website.
Which material to choose
When building a modern house, the choice of materials is not limited to wood. The same is true with windows. When designing windows, you have to think about what they will be made of. The most common options are wooden and metal-plastic structures. There is much debate as to which is better. Don't rely on someone else's opinion
It is important to weigh all the pros and cons yourself. If we talk about wood, then no one will argue about the environmental friendliness of this material
Due to its porosity, wood perfectly allows air to pass through, which means partial gas exchange is ensured through it.
If the choice of metal-plastic windows falls only because of double-glazed windows, then it is worth knowing that modern practice allows them to be installed on wooden structures. For better thermal insulation, double-glazed windows with a special coating or filled with inert gas are installed. There is also the advantage of installing modules with multiple cameras. The price of wooden frames is much higher than that of plastic ones. It is difficult to find a good master who would do everything perfectly. Natural material needs to be updated with coloring from time to time. Installation of wooden structures also requires special skills.
More and more buyers prefer to install plastic products. It is cheaper to replace old wooden window frames with modern profile ones. The time in which the supplier is ready to complete the work on manufacturing plastic products is several times less than it takes to assemble wooden structures. Plastic products are equipped with a sophisticated sealing system that guarantees high tightness. This also reduces heat loss, because there are significantly fewer drafts. To install finished products, you do not have to hire a separate contractor, since the manufacturing company often cooperates with craftsmen who do this work.
Some advantages also lead to disadvantages. For example, high tightness means poor air exchange. This can lead to moisture accumulation indoors and the development of mold and mildew. If you do not monitor this point, you can cause irreparable harm to some finishing materials. To avoid such consequences, it is necessary to take care in advance of the presence of fresh air ventilation. It can be mounted in windows, be a separate supply valve or an entire supply and exhaust ventilation system. Special metal strips are installed inside the profile. Their task is to stabilize the shape of the frame. Unscrupulous manufacturers may use metal that will harm the human body. This issue needs to be discussed in advance.
Advice! To make plastic windows last longer, you can make a special visor that will prevent direct exposure to sunlight on the profile.
Wood and PVC are used most often for the production of windows, but are not the only materials for these purposes. In addition to them, we can mention aluminum. Aluminum frames are made like plastic ones, but have higher strength. Aluminum windows stand out with their appearance. But they have a significant drawback - high thermal permeability. Although strips are installed inside the window profile that eliminate cold bridges, aluminum windows are inferior to plastic and wooden ones. It makes sense to install aluminum windows in areas where the climate does not imply cold winters.
Pay attention! Modern products made of plastic and aluminum are not left without standards. Regulatory documents numbered 30673/99 30973/2002 and 22233/2001 were adopted. These are GOST standards, which also indicate the rules for using accessories.
Panoramic glazing – a new level of comfort
Glass walls are increasingly becoming fashionable in modern country houses. A floor-to-ceiling window or a huge sliding glass door will transform any property. The cost of such structures is high, but the sensations they give are indescribable. In a room with panoramic glazing there is always more light, the space visually expands. The price of real estate with panoramic windows is many times higher.
Sliding panoramic doors are the best way to organize access to a terrace, glaze a swimming pool or lounge area.
The construction material can be anything: warm plastic, for example, REHAU HST GENEO , universal aluminum or luxurious wood.
Recommendation: The main thing is not to forget about burglary-resistant fittings and safety double-glazed windows with laminated glass.
The maximum dimensions of panoramic doors largely depend on the selected fittings.
Tilt-and-slide (PSK) doors from any REHAU profile system reach a width of up to 4 meters, and lift-and-slide REHAU GENEO HST doors can be up to 10 meters wide with a height of up to 3 meters.
The cost of PSK doors starts from 200,000 rubles, and HS doors from 400,000 rubles.
Installation of windows in houses made of timber and brick
When installing windows in such cottages, take into account the shrinkage of the structure, which will occur in the first 5 years after construction. The wood dries unevenly, which can cause distortions in the openings. Before installing windows in timber cottages, measures should be taken.
To prevent deformation, a casing box made of wooden beams is installed, its diameter is no more than 8 cm. It is fixed in the opening in front of the glazing and takes on part of the load during shrinkage, which protects the frame from deformation and cracks.
To protect the casing, a gap of about 7 cm is made between it and the upper part of the opening, into which the seal is placed. The joints are treated with sealant.
Standard sizes of plastic windows for brick cottages:
- width – up to 140 cm;
- height – up to 160 cm.
During installation, the width of the walls and slopes, voids and heterogeneity of the masonry are taken into account.
Choosing the shape of window systems
When glazing a cottage or country house with plastic windows, you can think of non-standard options. The forms are different:
- round or oval;
- arched;
- triangular;
- bay windows;
- trapezoidal;
- multifaceted.
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Their use creates an attractive appearance of facades. I often see arched plastic windows in cottages, decorated with layouts or stained glass.
Residential Standards
The standardization of window openings is designed primarily to regulate the light intensity in the room. The gradation of opening parameters depends on the purpose of the room. But not only this is taken into account:
- Light transmittance of a glass unit.
- Geographical location.
- Dimensions of the building.
- The degree of solar illumination required.
Dimensions are calculated based on building codes and regulations, and it simply cannot be any other way. For each residential premises, the rules determine the mandatory value of the illumination coefficient in our latitudes - south of 60˚ and north of 45˚ latitude. It is assumed that glass cleaning will be carried out twice a year in ordinary premises and four times a year for regions with a certain amount of combustion products. It is clear that this means environmentally unsafe areas. However, you can talk about this topic for a long time, but the dimensions do not change. The first table is for standard single-hung windows.