Modern plastic windows occupy a leading position in sales ratings. Today they are not uncommon, although until recently, it was the arrangement of the window opening with a plastic structure that indicated the well-being of residents of housing construction.
Many in their reviews of PVC windows note the advanced technical capabilities of such products, a change in the usual design, functionality, easy care, durability and other advantages. This is largely why they do not lose, but continue to gain popularity among consumers.
What is PVC
Polyvinyl chloride is a synthetic substance that is part of the group of polymers. It has various physicochemical properties that are distinguished by the application of the technology of its formation. Appearance: a powder with a white color and no taste, and there is no smell. Polyvinyl chloride is the most popular material used in the construction industry, since it has the lowest cost.
Window profiles are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which are the basis of metal-plastic windows. According to experts, this particular part of the design is the key to reliability and quality. Therefore, choosing a plastic window, special attention must be paid to its profile.
Why PVC windows are called metal-plastic
In the manufacture of the PVC profile, stabilizing components and modifiers, color pigment, additives are added. They use lead or zinc in combination with calcium in granular form. They provide the profile with the property of resistance to temperature extremes, to zero level of water absorption and to certain loads. Based on the fact that lead and zinc belong to the group of metals, and polyvinyl chloride to the group of thermoplastics, PVC windows got their second name - metal-plastic.
Elements that are the basis for the design of window products
A metal-plastic window is a structure consisting of their frames and sashes (PVC), an amplifier, a sealant, a double-glazed window.
1. The structure of profiles.
In the profile plane, several internal through air chambers are formed that provide the structure with thermophysical properties. Inside the plane, a galvanized reinforcing product of the liner is arranged, which performs a protective function from wind loads and ensures the preservation of profile shapes when exposed to temperature changes.
2. Double-glazed window.
A structural system having several glasses (two or three) separated evenly in the plane of the frame, which is connected by a hermetic substance to the glasses. In the chamber of a double-glazed window there is an air drained mass or inert gases (krypton, argon). Different types of glass are used: shockproof, sun-protection, energy-saving, triplexes.
Each connection of the profiles with the structural system of the double-glazed window is provided by a continuous sealant made on the basis of a rubber group of materials. They provide a barrier to the penetration of moisture into the living space and exclude through blowing through the PVC window.
3. Hardware.
The third important component. Connecting loops, locking trunnions mounted in movable devices, handles and levers, providing opening / closing of the planes of the leaves, fixing limiters, a mechanism that performs a tilt-and-turn function - all these are accessories for PVC windows. During operation, these parts are subject to wear and may require replacement.
Characteristic Features of PVC Window Structures
The metal-plastic window is made in various variations having the distinctive characteristics of the main elements of the structural system.
1. Types of product flaps:
- Single leaf. Open or dumb window.
- Bivalve. On the plane of the product there are two wings: blind and opening.
- Tricuspid. The window consists of three wings: two deaf and one opening.
- Sliding sash. Scope: planes of loggias and balconies. This type is lightweight, stiff and durable.
- Window with a door. Used to equip a doorway providing entry / exit to the balcony space.
2. Opening systems:
- Swivel system. Windows of this variant resemble typical wooden window products. Disadvantage: a powerful flow of air when ventilating the room in the winter, and are also unsafe for residents with small children who live in multi-story buildings.
- Swing-open. A system that provides the product with the ability to fully open and horizontally tilt. There are models with a micro-ventilation system that provides minimal opening only for the flow of air masses. Judging by the reviews of PVC windows, such structures are the most popular in modern apartments.
- Sliding opening option. Guide profiles provide the sliding process of sliding sashes. This is the most relevant option for rooms with a small area.
3. Double-glazed windows and their varieties.
Double-glazed windows can be divided into several types, determined by indicators of the number of cameras:
- One camera. It is formed from two planes of glass of certain sizes, with the distribution of an air chamber between them. The best option for arranging spaces of loggias, balconies, as well as for kitchen openings.
- Two cameras. It is based on three glasses, and two chambers with uniform dispersion of air mass. They have a high level of sound insulation and heat saving. The most popular product for arranging apertures in housing construction.
- Three cameras. Formed from four glasses and three chambers. This type has maximum heat conservation and sound absorption. Very often they are used in places with the advantage of low temperature conditions.
Providing PVC windows with additional options
When ordering a window design, it is necessary to check with the consultants of the outlet all the detailed information about the product. Of particular importance are the design functions. The properties of PVC windows largely depend on them. They can have standard and additional options. If the product will be manufactured to order, you can immediately specify the necessary options. The main group of those includes:
- Ventilation. This function provides a minimum gap opening of the sash, which provides air intake, which is especially important in cold weather.
- Installing a vent valve. The option facilitates the passage of air through the plane of the window, without performing the opening function. Such a device is mounted in the profile frame. Air flow adjustment is carried out in two ways: manual and automatic. As shown by numerous reviews, PVC windows. installed in poorly insulated rooms, for example, on balconies and loggias, must have such a device.
- Remote control. To perform the function, the window is equipped with an electric drive. Management is carried out using a remote control.
- Energy saving function. The option is performed by spraying the glass plane, which does not alter its transparency. It is also relevant for windows made of PVC film. These products are used for arranging terraces and summer houses.
- Arrangement of anti-vandal fittings for PVC windows. Installation of electronic signaling devices and mechanical locking elements formed in different planes of the sash. These devices protect the building and its owners from "guests" illegally penetrating through windows.
- Blocking option. The use of this option eliminates the risk of sash opening by young children. To ensure this, special fittings are installed: a handle with a built-in lock, plug sockets, buttons that block the opening of the shutters.
Color tone
The standard color for the PVC window profile is white, but it can have a different color palette. The profile can be laminated on the inside and outside or on just one of them. Profiles are laminated by the press method using a color film. The most popular is a film that imitates the structure of a tree: golden, rustic, dark, natural oak, walnut. It is resistant to ultraviolet rays.
The cost of PVC windows with a laminated coating on the outside will be 15–20% higher, and on both sides 35–45% higher than for products with the usual white profile.
Pricing Features
There are a large number of companies producing PVC windows, and an understanding of pricing policy is determined individually by each participant in the construction market. Fluctuations in the difference in the pricing of metal-plastic windows depend on the qualitative characteristics that determine whether a product belongs to a certain class. There are three classes:
- Budgetary. A profile having three air chambers and a single-chamber or two-chamber double-glazed system. Its width is from 58 mm to 60 mm. Two seal lines. Concise and simple design of a metal-plastic window. Window size 1500x1500 mm with the presence of two wings - the price is from 5000 to 8500 rubles.
- Business Class. Profile characteristics: width from 64 mm to 80 mm, five air chambers, two-chamber double-glazed window system, three sealing contours. The design has a more refined decor. The cost of PVC windows in this case will start from 9500 rubles.
- Premium Windows have a respectable appearance and have the highest level of thermal insulation and sound absorption. Profile criteria: at least five cameras. Thickness is from 70 mm to 80 mm. Four lines of sealing, its color is determined by the consumer. The window has additional options: ventilation system, micro-ventilation.
Basic design selection criteria
When choosing windows, it is necessary to take into account their qualitative characteristics and functional properties, since the product should not only have a respectable appearance, but also form a favorable climate in the living space. Criteria for choosing windows:
- Profile: the thickness of the outer wall is more than 2.8 mm, the inner wall is at least 2.5 mm, the width of the product is not less than 58 mm, and there is no smell or mechanical damage on its plane.
- Air chambers: from 3 to 8 chambers, depending on the design of the glass.
- Double-glazed window: two-chamber system, if the structure is located near roads, enterprises, stations, the three-chamber design will be the optimal solution.
Why PVC windows are so popular
Without exaggeration, we can say that these designs are in great demand. This success is largely due to the numerous advantages of PVC windows. These include:
- the possibility of making windows taking into account the individual design of the consumer;
- low weight, allowing you to equip the product on large areas of window openings;
- high level of tightness and strength;
- simple maintenance of PVC windows;
- do not emit toxic fumes, since the stabilizing components are not used in their pure form;
- the ability to replace accessories without dismantling the window from the window opening;
- high level of heat saving;
- simple control of accessories with many functions;
- resistance to temperature extremes;
- maximum resistance to adverse environmental factors;
- windows are not exposed to ultraviolet rays; during the operational period, the shape and color do not change; this property also applies to flexible PVC windows;
- operational period - up to 50 years;
- affordability; a variety of types of structural systems allows you to choose a product with financial capabilities.
The disadvantages of PVC windows
Metal-plastic products are a reliable and durable design, capable of creating comfort and coziness in the room, but they, like other products, have their drawbacks:
- inaccessibility of natural air exchange; the possibility of the appearance of condensate formations;
- minimum possibilities of decorating the product;
- if structural elements are damaged, it is necessary to completely dismantle the window.
Soft PVC windows and their quality characteristics
They appeared relatively recently on the market, but have already managed to gain the trust and recognition of consumers. An affordable and convenient solution for arranging summer areas, which are an object of a wooden house or a separate building, will be soft windows with the use of polyvinyl chloride film. They are an alternative to glazing open apertures of the planes of verandas and terraces of suburban buildings.
Accessories for forming a soft window (curtains): PVC film, edging and fasteners.
- Film. An unreinforced transparent PVC product having a thickness of 0.5 mm to 0.75 mm. The product is manufactured in rolls with a width of 1.4 m, as a result of which, for openings exceeding this value, it is soldered before the installation process using a transparent seam technology.
- Edging. A colored strip made on the basis of synthetic materials, width from 5 cm. It performs the function of adjusting the gain of the product and its fastening along the edges of the window.
- Mount. Staples, locks and reverses.
The production of flexible soft windows made of transparent PVC is aimed at expanding the market of building materials. Due to their unique features, films will not only give an attractive appearance, but will also be a great alternative to traditional designs.
Benefits of Soft Windows
Such products are increasingly chosen for the arrangement of suburban buildings for recreation. Undoubtedly, soft PVC windows for a terrace have their advantages and disadvantages, as well as other types of structures. Their main advantages are:
- Security. It does not pose a threat to children, as the product does not break.
- The design of the soft window protects open objects from the effects of negative environmental factors.
- Service life is up to 10 years.
- Affordable price. Soft windows for PVC arbors will cost significantly less than with traditional glazing of the object.
The consumer’s appeal to the company's specialists specializing in the installation of PVC windows will help to avoid risks that can lead to a short product life. The company service includes: taking measurements, delivery and installation of windows, as well as warranty service. When choosing a manufacturer, it will be useful to read reviews about PVC windows, as well as customer opinions about the company selected as the installer.