More recently, plastic windows were considered a sign of prosperity, and for most citizens were inaccessible. Today, PVC profile windows have ceased to be a curiosity - many are in a hurry to replace old wooden frames with them, and during construction, almost all install metal-plastic. But this pleasure continues to be expensive. Buying metal-plastic windows, everyone hopes to get a high-quality and durable thing. Therefore, many, if not all, are wondering what is the service life of plastic windows, how many years will they please the owners? This is also of interest to those who are just about to acquire prestigious windows. Marketers promise that plastic windows will last at least 30-40 years.
How long will the components of a metal-plastic window last?
Different parts of a metal-plastic window have different operating periods. The window consists of a profile (for example, Winbau, WDS, Aluplast), a double-glazed window and accessories.
The most durable window element is the profile. Manufacturers give a guarantee on it not very large - from 5 to 10 years, but at the same time promise that it will last much longer. PVC profile really retains the properties and color of 35-40 years. But scientists continue to work to improve the quality of chemical additives, and today the profiles of Winbau, WDS, Aluplast companies produced today promise to last even half a century! The warranty for a double-glazed window is usually up to 3 years, and it serves, according to the installers, from 15 to 20 years.
Accessories promise 10-12 years of life, the warranty period for this component is up to 5 years. But all these are promises, the actual life of the windows will depend on which components to choose, and whether they will be used correctly.
What determines the life expectancy of a window made of plastic
The main factors are four:
- The right choice of fittings and gaskets.
- Care of accessories and gaskets, their timely replacement.
- The quality of the component parts of the product.
- The right fittings.
The less often you open it, the longer it will last!
How long a metal-plastic window will last, how long it will open and close depends, first of all, on the quality of the fittings. And its life is measured in the number of cycles. But even knowing this figure, answering the question of how long the window will last is problematic. Why? Indeed, some owners will open and close the window 30 times a day, while others will only 2. For example, if the number of cycles is 15,000, and the windows will open 20 times a day, then they will stop working with such accessories after 3 years!
Therefore, measuring the life of plastic windows in cycles is very inconvenient. Yes and no need. You just need to be prepared to replace the accessories as the need arises, because it is the most vulnerable part of the plastic window: it is the fittings that ensure the functionality of the windows and take on significant operational loads.
How to choose the right fittings
Different fittings are put on the same profile, and the service life of metal-plastic windows to a large extent depends on which customer chooses, how many times they can open and close.
It is better to give preference to the hardware that is covered with a film of polymeric material. You need to buy accessories from well-known manufacturers, such as Maco, GU, Roto. Each of these brands has advantages.
Experts recommend visiting the manufacturers' websites, familiarizing themselves with the production technologies of this window component and telling the installer which particular brand of hardware you prefer to supply. It is also important to adjust the hardware so that the window opens and closes gently. And you also need to regularly treat it with universal lubricants (lithol or automotive WD-40).
How to extend seal life
The service life of plastic windows also depends on the quality of the seals. The role of the sealing material in the manufacture of the window unit is extremely important. Without it, all the positive qualities of plastic windows simply fade. Indeed, the protection of the room from dust, noise, wind and moisture is provided by a sealant. For good sealing and tight closing of windows they are usually made of rubber.
And she, as you know, under the influence of acid rain quickly becomes worthless. In order for the sealing gum for plastic windows to have a longer service life, it is better to choose gaskets having the color of natural rubber - black. In order to give it a gray or white tint, manufacturers add modifiers to the rubber, which significantly reduce the performance of the sealant. There are few types of profile for this component - only up to four. But fakes - a huge amount.
So that the life of the seals on plastic windows does not disappoint, you must be very careful when choosing them to take only the original sealing gum. Also, to maintain elasticity, it is necessary to periodically coat them with rubber grease, which should not contain either glycerol or silicone.
How long will the mounting foam last?
When installing metal-plastic windows, mounting foam is required. It is filled with voids around the profile to protect the apartment or house from moisture and heat loss. What is the service life of the foam in plastic windows? The basis of this material is polyurethane, which can last quite a long time - for decades. However, under the influence of the sun, the foam can dry out, and as a result of rains, it can become too wet and crack and crumble during subsequent frosts.
The service life of the foam, which is not sufficiently protected, may not even reach 3-4 years. And if you isolate it from ultraviolet radiation, waterlogging, to minimize the temperature difference, then its service life can be extended to 20, or even 30 years.
Are there any GOSTs for installing plastic windows?
In order for the buyer to have a guarantee that the plastic windows will last long enough, they must be installed in accordance with the necessary quality standards, strictly according to the standard. Is the service life of plastic windows in accordance with GOST?
There are many, the main ones are two: GOST 30971-2002 and GOST R 52749-2007. But the installation of plastic windows according to GOST is not strictly required, they are only advisory in nature. And this is often used by unscrupulous installers. State regulation in accordance with GOSTs is really tough only in matters that relate to security. When installing windows, it is advisable to hire a company that adheres to generally accepted standards, and it is better if this is reflected in the relevant clause of the contract.
So, it is impossible to name a single service life of metal-plastic windows. In each case, it can only be calculated approximately. And this figure will depend on many factors. We hope that this article will help the reader make the right choice.