Gradually, window replacement are becoming a thing of the past, and people are starting to prefer plastic structures based on polyvinyl chloride materials. These products can serve long enough, not dry out, unlike wood, and do not emit harmful substances into the environment.
Although plastic windows have existed on the Russian market for quite some time, not all people know how to approach their choice correctly. First, pay attention to window companies near me that has released the product. Although today, the production of these materials is engaged in many firms, the probability of acquiring a low-quality profile is relatively high. So that you turn only to proven companies, we decided to make a rating of the best firms for manufacturing plastic windows. This article will describe several of the best-known companies in the capital, analyze their pricing policy, and provide some valuable tips to help you when buying.
How to choose the right company for the production of plastic windows?
In most cases, when a person needs to replace a window, he has a very indirect understanding of the device of the product and its functionality. In this regard, the first step should be to study in detail the characteristics of the windows, to understand what the profiles may be, the accompanying fittings, and so on. It is mandatory to learn the reviews of users. However, it is essential to remember that on many sites, such comments are made on commission and paid for, so it is best to go to the virtual resources, where publication of such materials is impossible. Fortunately, there are quite a few of them today.
Today every major company has its website. To study the comments of users, of course, is not worth it, but looking at the certificates of quality and compliance with safety requirements and other regulations will be very useful. When you sign a contract for the production and installation of windows, you should be as careful as possible. The document must be spelled out the responsibilities of each party. In no case should not agree to manufacture products without an agreement, even at a significant discount.
The algorithm for selecting the company producing plastic windows is as follows: after carefully studying the product's characteristics, you should contact several companies with the most favorable reviews on independent Internet sites. Then you need to wait for an answer and determine which proposals are the most suitable - fully correlate the price and quality. If the products you like are relatively expensive, you should not immediately reject them in favor of cheaper windows. Instead, you can lower the price a little: for example, during winter, ordering a window will cost significantly less.
Many companies offer a free appointment with a measuring engineer. This opportunity is also desirable to use - a specialist will assess the complexity of the work, determine the exact size of the structure and calculate the cost. When all these stages are passed, conclude a contract with the company, make an advance payment, and after the installation process is completed, perform the calculation. Now is the time to consider the firms themselves. We have tried to include companies with not too expensive products in our review - this will allow most readers to buy the windows they liked at a reasonable price.
Quality criteria
High-quality plastic is flawlessly smooth, uniform in color, odorless, and rough. It is resistant to high humidity, household chemicals, and temperature fluctuations. The material is harmless to the environment and human beings. Plastic windows of the best brands are reinforced with metal. They do not deform, change color, or insulate sound or heat. It can additionally protect against burglary and intense sunlight. Choose brands of manufacturers of PVC systems according to the characteristics and cost of the plastic.
Take into account your preferences. Pay attention to:
- chamber depth,
- mounting depth of the profile system,
- quality of fittings, sealing rubber,
- the thickness of the glass filling.
What are the best window profiles?
The characteristics of profile systems can be reduced to a common denominator of quality.
- Warm and quiet frames have a minimum installation depth of 50 mm. The best window profiles have a depth of 58-70 mm. Wider frames are mounted in the country's north and noisy metropolitan areas. In residential areas, you should install a PVC system with a wall thickness of 2.5 mm inside and 2.8 mm outside. Smaller walls are less effective at insulating heat and sound.
- The optimal number of profile chambers is from 3 to 8. A higher number of partitions means higher sound and heat protection of glazing.
- Instead of standard glass, it is rational to install double-glazed windows—for example, glass packages with fireproof, colored glass, soundproof, sunproof, and energy-saving. For the house, cottage, office, or apartment, suitable 2-chamber glazing. Three-chamber analogs weigh a lot and let in less sunlight. They are installed in the north, where sub-zero temperatures reach -40 ° C.
- Manufacturers with a high reputation do not skimp on fasteners: reliable locking mechanisms and locking systems - are an essential element of glazing.
- Reliable sealing rubber is made of silicone and rubber. It is not subject to deformation and lasts for decades. Its rubber counterparts are short-lived and much cheaper.
There are many window companies. Choosing a brand and profile is not easy. We hope that our rating of PVC profiles for windows will help you to choose the best solution. Focus on well-known brands. Check the accompanying documents on the plastic. You can find inexpensive profiles. But branded windows can't be cheap.
Plastic window units are a popular option for finishing building facades. Although there are many offers on the market, manufacturers produce different types of translucent structures. Which profile for plastic windows is better? How to buy a variant that optimally suits the purpose and characteristics?
Mistakes of choice are expensive and manifest themselves within a year or two. The shutters sag, gaps appear, the plastic is warped, condensation falls between the panes, and mold grows. Therefore, it is imperative not to make any miscalculations and to consider all factors.
Types of profiles for windows
A profile is an airtight structure made of metal and plastic. There are voids inside the blocks. This is the load-bearing base of the frames and the sashes. The stiffness of the frame determines the strength of the windows. What does the profile look like? The outer walls are on the surface. Internal cavities, fasteners, and fittings are not visible.
According to the German RAL standard, the minimum thickness of class A products' outer/inner walls is 2.8/2.5, class B - 2.5/2 millimeters. The stiffness and width of class C metal are not adjustable.
Class A provides the highest level of thermal protection and sound insulation. Characteristics of class B are 10-20% worse. Economy class C is designed for household buildings.
The lower the class, the weaker connections, less durability, and service life. Economy constructions have common heat-saving characteristics—high risks of breakage of fittings.
Important: B-class products, installed in non-residential premises, are marked "Object". Possible designations are "Object", "ENGINE", "Tender".
After the installation of prefabricated units, recycled plastic emits pungent odors. As a result, such products unscrupulous sellers often try to sell as A systems.
Properties of profiles
Manufacturers produce models of window units adapted to different climatic conditions and increased humidity. For example, developing a series of products in Russia is guided by the average temperature of January - the coldest month.
The customer can choose window units.
- lightweight;
- standard;
- Frostproof version.
Lightweight structures are designed for areas with hot climates. For example, average daily temperatures in winter remain in the positive zone. But PVC systems must withstand short-term frosts down to -5 degrees.
Standard units are used in temperate climates. For example, the average January temperatures are -20 degrees, with brief drops to -45 degrees.
Frost-resistant windows are made for the Far North. Reliable reinforcing profile withstands frosts up to -55 degrees.
Window designs are divided into two classes regarding resistance to mechanical stresses. Products of type I stand the fall of one-kilogram cargo from one-meter height while cooling down to -10 degrees. PVC of class II is designed to withstand a one-and-a-half meter drop.
Testing determines the condition of internal partitions and plastic's strength at low temperatures. The walls must resist bending inward. High-quality plastic keeps elasticity on frost.
Profile width
The width of the window unit is one of the main characteristics of the design. The mounting depth of a standard profile is 58 millimeters. These windows are installed in most openings and have 1-3 air chambers.
Blocks of a width of 70 millimeters contain 3-5 air cavities. A reinforced profile is designed for the northern, arctic regions and high-rise buildings. 82-127 mm variants are expensive categories of premium and luxury series.
Thermal insulation
Heat preservation is an essential parameter of a window profile. The primary heat losses are due to gaps and radiation through the glazing. The abbreviation Ro is used to indicate the level of thermal insulation. The index is measured in m²С/W. The resistance value to heat transfer is the number of watts reflected by a square meter of the profile during a second.
The higher the Ro value, the more heat is retained. Window blocks are divided into ten categories according to their level of thermal insulation—the highest class - А1 with a coefficient of 0.8 m²С/W. In the lowest category - D2, the Ro value is 0.35 m²С/W.
Important: The factor that affects air tightness is high-quality installation. Check the portfolio and reviews of the specialists. Choose only professionals.
Number of double-glazed windows
Insulating glass units - glass sheets connected by frames treated with sealant. The inner cavities contain air (inert gases).
Single-chamber packages are made of two panes of glass framing a sealed chamber. Lightweight designs are ideal for glazing terraces, oversized loggias, balconies, and non-residential buildings.
Double-glazed windows are made of three layers of glass. They have two air cavities. This is a standard option for apartments, houses, and offices.
Three-chamber packages - four panes, three chambers - let in less light and are notable for their considerable weight. Reinforced windows are popular in the north, in areas with frost from -40 degrees and below.
Air and water tightness
The more airtight the PVC systems, the more pressure is needed for moisture and air from the street to get inside. Products are divided into five classes in terms of air and water tightness.
The best structures with high air tightness are denoted by the letter A. The products of the lowest group belong to class D.
Tip! When comparing options, you should check the sealing of frames. Quality products have two layers. Under unsealed boundaries, condensate falls out. This leads to deterioration of insulation and the development of colonies of pathogenic microflora.
Soundproofing
Noise reduction is significant for owners of houses and apartments near highways and busy streets. According to the level of sound insulation, products are divided into five classes. Class A units suppress noises above 36 decibels. Products D class protect only from extraneous sounds weaker than 25 decibels.
Translucency
The ability to transmit light radiation depends on the condition of insulating glass units and glass composition. Five categories are used for classification. Weak transmittance index of the highest class A - 0.5, mediocre products of class D - 0.3.
Wind load resistance
Resistance to wind loads is associated with the attachment block's strength and construction quality. The parameter, measured in pascals, denotes the maximum pressure the PVC system can withstand. For example, class A of Reliable products can withstand wind loads over 1000 Pa. Normal windows can bear a force of 200-400 Pa.
Profile rigidity
The main load-bearing load is on the metal frame of the window unit. Metal inserts strengthen the construction. What is the best profile for plastic windows? The larger the window, the thicker and stronger should be the metal frame.
To increase the rigidity of plastic, modifying components are added to the elemental composition, as well as fillers. A rigid frame provides:
- strength;
- durability;
- structural stability.
Quality window units are not deformed when exposed to sunlight or seasonal temperature changes. Sashes do not sag in the process of opening-closing.
Important: To determine if there is metal in the window unit, use a magnet. If there is no metal frame, it is better to choose another company supplier.
Profile uniformity
Quality plastic is characterized by a homogeneous structure, uniform color, no depressions, inclusions, and roughness. Poor-quality fakes are distinguished by uneven surfaces, poorly fitting joints, and graininess. In addition, the cheap plastic will yellow over time.
How to choose a profile for windows
To buy quality products, you should consider when comparing:
- design;
- the popularity of the manufacturer;
- color;
- cost;
- number of cameras;
- thickness;
- strength;
- durability;
- levels of thermal and acoustic protection.
The protective tapes of branded structures are labeled with the name, company logo, date, and time of issue. In addition, information about shift numbers and automated lines can be seen inside the package.
The surface of quality PVC systems is perfectly smooth. Layers of paint are uniform, without streaks. When comparing, you should consider the rating of honest customer reviews.
Important! In new buildings, a modified profile can be installed. Such batches are supplied to developers in large bulk.
From conventional systems, modified products differ in a smaller thickness of the walls. As a result, such products are characterized by reduced strength and deteriorated thermal protection.
