The subtleties of the selection of PVC profiles for windows

In choosing a profile for the glass, every detail is important. It would seem that all plastic windows are the same. However, in reality it is found that the service life of approximately the same products is different, and the quality characteristics of some often leave much to be desired. Therefore, you need to approach the choice of profile with all responsibility.

PVC profile is a plastic frame for glass. Despite the apparent simplicity, this design is not easy. A cross section of the profile shows a variety of air chambers. At their expense, ensured the safety of heat. The more of them, the better the level of thermal protection.

For rigidity and reliability, a metal frame is inserted into the base of the profile. This process in production is called reinforcement. Due to the reinforcement, the profile becomes stronger, eliminating the possibility of its deformation and resistance to structural change under the influence of negative environmental factors (for example, rain, gusting wind and frost). Profile material is polyvinyl chloride.

Regardless of the type of profile, the metal strip inside it is an important factor that you need to pay attention to when ordering. It is because of them that the profile is called metal-plastic.

At the bottom of the design, they have a connection with the atmosphere. Due to this, drops appear on the street when they appear. The presence of such holes in no way affects the level of heat in the room: the heat in the room is not reduced. Externally, these elements do not spoil the aesthetic appearance of the windows,since in most cases they are closed with plugs or are simply not visible against the background of the whole structure. The presence of these holes indicates a quality window. It will be more durable compared to the modification without them.

Plastic profile (PVC) is the basis of windows. It depends on him the reliability and durability of the whole structure. Doors and accessories are made of this material, a double-glazed window is installed into it. It depends on the main characteristics of the window construction, including the level of noise insulation, as well as tightness. It also affects the preservation of heat in the room.

Metal profile is a sash and frame with a different number of chambers (up to 8). The most popular products from customers are options for 2-3 compartments. The fundamental factor of technical characteristics are the size of the windows. Thus, the varieties of the panoramic type are characterized by lower noise and thermal insulation properties in comparison with analogues of smaller sizes.

Due to the increase in heat retention in such structures, during installation it is necessary to resort to foam during the filling of the chambers.In addition, structures may have a fiberglass coating with stiffeners. One of the significant characteristics of the installation are the thickness of the overlap and the assembly width. They are responsible for the rigidity of the profile design and the reliability of the flaps themselves.

Modern plastic profile for windows differs from analogs in the period of its appearance. Today, its quality characteristics are quite high, as well as decorative features. Technological and functional frames have long pressed the analogs of wood, making the glazing reliable and ergonomic. Unlike wood, PVC does not shrink. Such windows will not be deformed during operation.

PVC windows can be installed in buildings of various types. They can replace wooden frames in homes whose active shrinkage phase has already been completed. At the same time, residents will be protected not only from cold and noise, but also from dust. Usually such constructions draw out any, even dull, room design and look harmonious in the architectural context of buildings of various types. The ability of plastic to imitate any texture allows using such frames in any design style.

The surface of the profile can be matte, glossy and even three-dimensional. Colors of these products today are diverse and can satisfy every taste. For example, you can choose a profile for expensive wood (wenge), show imitation of aged wood.

Among the main characteristics of this profile include:

• resistance to oxidation, high temperature;
• resistance to moisture and water;
• household health safety;
• aesthetic appeal;
• low thermal conductivity;
• variability of forms of structures;
• fits into any historical architectural design;
• different degree of complexity of the structures and mechanisms of operation of windows;
• rich color palette.

In the care of such a profile is easier than wood counterpart. It is not necessary to cover it with paint or other paint over time. To clean the surface, in most cases it is enough to use a damp cloth or a semi-dry sponge.However, in the event of significant mechanical damage, scratches may form on it that cannot be hidden in any way. This is the main disadvantage of such structures.

The profile itself is eco-friendly. It is far from the harmful plastic, which was released at the factory before. Such a frame with shutters will not release toxic substances during the operation of the window. When choosing it is important to pay attention to the number of cameras. If the glazing is cold, they should be at least 3. Such profiles can be used for balconies, loggias and technical rooms. When it is planned to glaze heated buildings (school, house, apartment, restaurant), the number of necessary chambers increases to 5.

In addition to polyvinyl chloride, aluminum or steel is used in the construction of PVC profiles for windows.Metal is used in horizontal and vertical elements.. The production of profiles is subject to the requirements of GOST 30673-99 in our country and EN 12608 SR in Europe.

The main parameters are considered to be the thickness of the walls of the outer contour and the inner partition. These indicators are conventionally divided into 3 types: A, B, C.

The profile of the first group is the best option and is intended for residential buildings. It is characterized by a thickness of the outer walls of about 2.8 mm and more, the inner walls - from 2.5 mm. This type is more resistant to accidental mechanical damage. Similar category "B" has a smaller wall thickness.

The inner walls have a thickness of 2 mm, while the outer one is 1/3 mm thinner. It seems to be a little, but that is why such options are less resistant to mechanical loads. They can be used for heated and unheated rooms. The profile labeled "C" is characterized by lower thickness of both walls. In the language of specialists, it is called object.

In fact, all existing types of plastic profiles for windows can be divided into 3 types:

• economy;
• standard;
• luxury

Window plastic profile is the main and additional. On the shelves of stores today you can buy a profile:

• connective;
• stand;
• reinforcing;
• broad;
• P- and F-shaped.

These are tubular structures with blocks inside that make up the window frame. Cameras are different in shape and volume. Some of them are not connected with each other or with the external environment. They are sealed, while others are used for ventilation. Depending on the size, air occupancy and the number of cells, such profiles have different purposes. Some of them are used for premises of a technical nature, others can be used for residential buildings.

The L-shaped view is characterized by the reinforcement of two profile walls. U-shaped type is a reinforcement of the three walls. In a closed form, all parts are reinforced. In this case, the choice of profile depends, among other things, on the number of glasses in the structure. Framed cameras directly depend on this.

Varieties differ in the degree of frost resistance. So, the versions of frost-resistant design with the mark “M” are designed for temperatures up to -50 degrees C (reference load). Analogs of normal performance are suitable for regions with sub-zero temperatures down to -20-40 degrees C. The difference depends on the type of base material used.

Profile parameters are determined by its width and thickness. In this regard, manufacturers are trying to adhere to standard values. The common frame version may have dimensions of 58x63x43 mm. The dimensions of the sash are 58x77x57 mm, impost - 58x87x47 mm.

When a profile holds 6 chambers, its thickness can be 85-90 mm. At 70 mm, it usually has up to 5 cameras. In the first case, the profile is thick and not suitable for every window opening. 70 mm is considered the best option if you need up to 5 cameras.

The thickness of the front wall of class "A" is on average 3 mm. For analogs of category “B”, this indicator is reduced by half a millimeter. Not the front side of the classes "A" and "B" thinner by 0.5 mm each from the values ​​of the front wall. In category "C" manufacturers do not indicate data. The installation width of the profile in individual versions can be 104, 110 and 130 mm.

In the modern market of similar materials PVC profile is presented in a wide range. Buyer is easy to get confused. However, to make the right choice is quite possible, without being an expert in the field of construction and installation. First, pay attention to the material itself. The appearance of plastic can tell a lot about its quality.

When there is no decorative laminated film on the profile (imitation of the desired texture), one close look is enough. Quality material is monolithic structure. It should not be rough and inhomogeneous. Exclude any spots, uneven staining. Distinct grain will indicate a fake product.

Yes, and you need to know about the manufacturer before you buy parts. To do this, you can learn more about the reputation of the company based on the reviews.

It is important to understand that profiles have some differences among themselves. They are cut on special machines for specific sizes of structures. This applies not only to the valves, but also racks and crossmembers. Therefore, when buying, you need to purchase the entire set from one brand. Otherwise, you can not count on the perfect joining of elements, whether it is a compound with special welding or mechanical hardware.

Before buying it is important to ask about the number of cameras. Usually, quality products of famous brands have more than 5. This is enough, while 7 cavities will be surplus. In this case, we must not forget that not the number of chambers, but the thickness of the walls is more important. After all, they will be responsible for the level of heat to a greater extent.

In addition to the options with air chambers, today in the market you can find a PVC profile, in which the voids are filled not with air, but with a heat insulator. This material is mainly based on foam (polystyrene foam) or fiberglass. Such a profile appeared on the market relatively recently.

Since the choice of profile provides a comprehensive analysis, it is worth paying attention to the width of the PVC profile. It is often called the mounting depth in the language of specialists. In a standard profile, its index usually varies in the range of 50-80 mm. It depends on the number of cameras inside the element. Usually, with a smaller width, the structure has no more than 3 cavities. When the width exceeds 70 mm, their number increases from 4 to 5.

However, it cannot be assumed that the wider the profile, the more cameras there are. This is not always true, because depending on the design features, the profile can be wide (for example, up to 9 cm), but with a minimum number of cavities. Such variants may differ with excellent heat insulating characteristics, since in this case the air supply and dimensions of the cavities themselves are important.

In some cases, the installation depth may be 10 cm. Such options overlap the window opening, so they often do not need to install external slopes. Their distinctive feature is the shape of a section in the form of a trapezoid.These windows are called "Dutch", "Danish". They are certainly better than the usual analogues, although their installation is far from affordable for everyone.

It is impossible to buy a plastic profile without knowing the depth of the glass unit. This factor is responsible for the type of glass, its quality, as well as heat-shielding properties. A good profile frame is a structure where the glass sheet is at least 1.5 cm from the frontal section, overlapping the profile's seam.

If you plan to mount the frame to a depth of 5-7 cm, the seat for installing glass should be 1.8 cm. Few people pay attention to this aspect when buying a profile. However, if you ignore it and rely solely on the width of the profile and the number of cavities in it, it is not surprising that the glass unit sweats or freezes.

In addition, you should pay attention to 4 factors:

• Linear expansion It should be minimal so that during installation no voids are formed. The higher it is, the smaller the window frame.
• Coefficient of elasticity. The presence of steel is a mandatory criterion for choosing a profile.The thickness of the inner walls (stiffeners) is important.
• Resistance to temperature changes and UV rays. The composition of polyvinyl chloride should be stabilizers, allowing to maintain inertia to the loss of color and structure.
• Compactor. From thermoplastic, thermopolymer, silicone and rubber it is necessary to give preference to products from silicone. It is resistant to abrasion, inert to temperature changes.

White color frames today is considered old-fashioned. He is replaced by profiles with a laminated film that can imitate any texture. These may be neutral variants (gray, black), as well as tones for wood. Of course, such a solution for the window construction will cost more, but by paying 15-20% more, the buyer can equip his home based on the choice of a particular design.

Light colors will not be heated under the sun as, say, dark stony or woody brown shades. This means that when choosing a color profile, the presence of metal in the frame is mandatory regardless of the size and shape of the frame. In addition to lamination, manufacturers paint PVC profile with acrylic spraying, complement it with metal or wood overlays. A decorative technique is the very form of the elements, which today is more streamlined and may have a complex relief.

To date, you can order a plastic window profile under oak, alder, fir, mahogany, malachite, marble. For a more creative design in the palette of shades there are yellow, turquoise, blue and wine shades. Due to lamination, it is possible to decorate the frames with an aging film. If desired, you can choose and cover with a three-dimensional effect, creating a sense of volume and relief.

Today, many companies are ready to offer the customer PVC profiles for windows. The rating of highly-rated professional craftsmen includes several companies:

• Rehau;
• Veka;
• KBE;
• Proplex.

Their products are of high quality performance and meet the established standards of European standards. Such frames do not cause complaints of professional craftsmen, they are easy to install and are not deformed during operation. According to customer reviews, these products are characterized by high cost. However, the product is worth it, since the profiles of these brands are durable, resistant to mechanical stress and do not collapse with time.

German profile manufacturer with a wide range of products. The brand focuses on all sectors of society, producing products of economy class, standard and elite. Variants are designed for different climatic conditions. The number of cameras in the profile varies from 3 to 6. At the same time, the installation depth ranges from 6 to 8.5 cm. Products are characterized by a high level of noise and heat insulation. They are suitable for seals gray.

Profile of Russian production, produced by the German technology. Corresponds to the class "A", is intended for use in any regions of Russia with a different climatic background. Today, there are 8 different species with a different installation depth range (58-90 mm).The number of air chambers inside the profile ranges from 3 to 6. Equipped with a durable metal frame, it looks stylish, beautiful and modern.

This profile differs in the best indicators of quality and technical characteristics in comparison with analogues of other brands. Products have a resistant white color that does not fade in the sun and for a long time. The profile is presented in three options: "Standard", "Expert", "Expert +".

These are products of “A” class with a service life of about 40 years. The chambers in the frame and sash can be 3 or 5, 3-4 in the impost. It is possible to install such products in rooms with a critical temperature of the region (up to -60).

The domestic manufacturer offers to the attention of customers a profile created using Austrian technology. The Podolsk plant produces varieties with three and five air chambers with a system width of 5.8 and 7 cm. The width of the glass unit, depending on the profile model, can be 4-34 and 12-42 mm. The approximate service life of the product is about 60 years.The profile resistance at heat transfer is 0.78 and 0.81 m2С / W. Constructions are distinguished by whiteness and toughness.

The ranking lists the best manufacturers, whose products are checked by installers. In addition to the main companies, one can distinguish the products of the brands “Mont Blanc”, Trocal and Salamander. Good products can be purchased from companies Aluplast, Funke, Artek. If there is no brand profile from the rating in the assortment, you can pay attention to these options.

If the choice seems to be a difficult task, you can consult with the seller, having noted for yourself the necessary questions. For example, if the buyer lives in the southern region, there is no need to order a six- and seven-chamber profile. In this case, it will be sufficient analog to 3 cameras.

To ensure that the window does not deform over time, it is worth checking the presence of the profile to enhance the frame before purchasing. In the absence of it, the window with time will be badly closed.In addition, its tightness will suffer. In addition, you need to understand that a cheap quality profile does not happen. In an attempt to save, you can lose on quality. And this will affect the reduction of the life of the window.

For installation, more often buy varieties with a width of 58 mm. This option is relevant for apartments in high-rise buildings and is present in each line of trademarks. Larger widths are considered premium products. They are more durable, reliable and differ in noise and thermal insulation capabilities in comparison with the first analogues. However, it is not always possible to install such structures in high-rise buildings from the point of view of their load on the bearing floors.

Finally, it is worth noting an equally important nuance: the manufacturer and the installer may be different companies.So that in the future they do not throw off the responsibility for the poor-quality window at each other, it is important to initially select the material correctly. It is necessary to go through each paragraph of the article and note what is appropriate in a particular case. In addition, you will have to study the installer rating so that the profile is set as expected.

In order not to run into the fake of the promoted brand, you should go to the manufacturer’s website and inquire about the address of a particular store. Information about the official suppliers will allow you to understand whether a brand profile is really for sale in the store of your city. If the site administration gives an affirmative answer, you can buy products. When buying a color version of the profile, it is important to look at each element for different shades: the window should look monolithic.

The quality product has a factory mark in the form of a stamp. It indicates the name of the brand, as well as the number of the shift that performed the product. In addition, there you can see the date of manufacture.

From the video below you will learn the secrets of choosing plastic windows.