The formation of PVC windows into a full-fledged segment has long been completed on the domestic market. Technological and functional frames confidently replaced wooden counterparts, providing consumers with reliable and ergonomic glazing. However, the plastic profiles for PVC windows cause mixed opinions of users, due to the variety of models and quality parameters of this product. Often, the manufacturer’s brand becomes the decisive criterion for selection - certified windows are more likely to be endowed with the qualities and characteristics declared by the company. It remains only to figure out which brand guarantees the best profile properties.
What is a PVC profile?
A metal-plastic profile is a frame that can include up to eight cameras, but models with two or three compartments are more common. Actually, the technical properties of the window as a whole depend on their parameters. It is logical that options for a larger area are weaker in warming and noise insulation functions than plastic profiles for windows of small sizes. In order to increase thermal insulation, manufacturers use polyurethane foam, which fills the space of the chambers. Fiberglass coating with stiffeners is also common . The list of main distinguishing features of the profiles includes wall thickness and installation width. The stiffness of the structure and, consequently, the reliability of the valves depends on these indicators.
Foreign manufacturers of profiles
For the most part, imported PVC windows are represented on the market by German products. The technologies of European companies have gone far ahead and today dominate this niche. The list of companies is in the tens, and the leading positions in quality and sales are occupied by the brands KBE, Rehau, Veka, Trocal, Deceuninck, etc. It is noteworthy that the windows of most German companies are manufactured in Russia under special licenses. Accordingly, many plastic profiles for PVC windows, the names of which are of German origin, are produced in our country. Domestic manufacturers of brands such as Rehau and KBE are committed to providing the right quality by fully recreating the original manufacturing process.
Russian manufacturers of profiles
Despite the wide representation of foreign window products, Russian manufacturing technologies are also being improved. One of the oldest domestic manufacturers of metal-plastic profiles is Proplex. Having initially mastered Austrian technology, the company seeks to offer a wide range of glazing products.
The formation of the Montblanc brand was not without help from Austrian experts. Currently, plastic profiles for windows with a maximum width of 120 cm are available to the company's customers - this is a system that includes five cameras.
Perhaps Novotex, which has production facilities in the Moscow region, can be unconditionally called Russian. Engineers and technologists are constantly working on improving plastic structures, focusing on local climatic conditions. It is the latter factor, combined with the low price, that allows the Novotex brand to maintain competition.
Class A Profiles
Although the quality of profiles is determined by general criteria, there is a division into classes, according to which comparison of premium models and representatives of budget series is unjustified. The former obviously benefit in performance and durability, while the latter becomes an advantage for the price.
So, luxury plastic profiles for windows are positioned on the market as an A-class. Such systems are distinguished by wall thickness (3 mm), reliability of joints in the corners, as well as protection from external influences. The technical features of A-class profiles are not felt during use, which, however, indicates the reliability of the structures. It is very difficult to dismantle them without a special tool, an optimal microclimate is created in the room, and aesthetic beauty with the ability to tint frames makes premium systems the best choice. Representatives of the A-class include profiles KBE, Rehau, Veka, etc.
Class B Profiles
You can’t count on perfect technical and physical parameters in the windows of this group, but due to the relatively low cost, these products also deserve attention.
The thickness of the outer walls in the structures of the B-class is 2.5 mm. For this reason, plastic profiles for Class B PVC windows are less resistant to physical stress. There is also an opinion about unsatisfactory indicators of environmental friendliness of the profiles of this group, but this is not true. Lack of toxicity is a general condition for certification of plastic structures.
Category C Profiles
In general, modern C-class profiles fully meet the needs of the consumer both in terms of sound and thermal insulation, as well as in decorative properties. Another thing is that premium competitors raised the level of technical qualities quite high.
Category C representatives include profiles of brands such as Vektor, LG Hausys, AGF, as well as almost all domestic products, including Novotex. As a rule, they are used in providing non-residential premises, but there are also rulers oriented to installation in apartments and private houses.
Rating of the best profiles
Against the background of the development of technological methods for manufacturing profiles and fierce competition, it is not easy to identify the best plastic profiles for PVC windows. The rating is formed by a combination of qualities and the introduction of fundamentally new properties. In this regard, the alignment of leaders can be represented as follows:
1. KBE
This brand has earned superiority by maintaining an unrivaled level of basic qualities of window profiles. Among them, 50-year durability, increased heat and noise insulation indicators, as well as environmental friendliness, due to the introduction of zinc and calcium compounds in the PVC compounding.
2. Veka
Composing the serious competition of KBE, the Veka brand takes the second place. In the list of its advantages is the technology of manufacturing "light" profiles, which at the same time ensure the preservation of heat and acoustic comfort.
3. Rehau
The Rehau company is rightfully included in the top three. The quality of the profiles of this manufacturer is achieved through the introduction of lead compounds. As a result, designs gain high strength and stability in operation.
The following items can be taken by many plastic profiles for PVC windows. Which is better among them should be determined by the same parameters. The Salamander and Deceuninck systems should be added to the top three. Although plastic profiles for windows of these brands are not so popular, their physical and technical qualities maintain a high level. They are also distinguished by ergonomics and a well-thought-out configuration that facilitates installation and further use of window systems.
Profile Reviews
PVC models reasonably occupy a leading position in the market for glazing constructions. The impressions of users from the operation of this product are mostly positive - especially among consumers who switched to them from wooden structures. Virtually no complaints branded plastic profiles for PVC windows. Reviews of German models of the Veka and Rehau level pay attention not only to the protective function and ensuring climatic comfort, but also to the quality of the fittings.
Economy class profiles do not have such a favorable reputation due to problems with adjustment, reliability of mechanisms and a less wide range of colors. And yet this applies to rare cases when a defective kit is purchased. Budget manufacturers also seek to recapture their part of the market, which necessitates improving the technical characteristics of profiles.
PVC profile development
There are two areas in which PVC window constructions are being developed. So, adherents of one approach aim to improve the basic qualities that plastic profiles for windows have (insulation, acoustics, reliability). The latter are actively working on innovative solutions, offering systems with advanced functionality. Using the example of German profiles, one can trace how advanced technologies are in both directions. In particular, the Rehau GENEO profile has become revolutionary in terms of energy efficiency and burglary resistance.
Develop the operational qualities of profiles and domestic companies. For example, the Novotex-Termo system offers enhanced weather protection and provides optimal light transmission performance. The company also uses the latest means of tinting and lamination, enabling the consumer to improve the decorative qualities of the premises.