How to choose plastic windows?
It makes no sense to talk about the fact that plastic windows are much more beautiful and practical than old structures, since everyone understands it. But, planning to replace the current windows with PVC windows, you need to understand what they should be. Before choosing windows for an apartment, consider the recommendations below, and you definitely won't be mistaken.
Of course, profiles have an impact on both the aesthetic characteristics of windows and their quality. Of the options available on the market, the most popular are German profiles, and this popularity is fully justified. They perfectly withstand aggressive environments, temperature drops and retain whiteness. At the same time, you should not be guided by the brand name as the main factor. All high-quality profiles today have laser marking, which indicates the class, series, date of manufacture, as well as the brand name.
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Priority is given to reinforcing or, in plain language, galvanized profiles. When analyzing profile characteristics, pay attention to width. It is better that it is at least 1.5 mm.
Window manufacturers offer various types of profiles. Class A is considered the best, for which primary plastic is characteristic and a thickness of 2.5 mm for the inner wall and from 2.8 mm for the outer one. These profiles are suitable for residential applications and have a number of advantages: color fastness, stability of properties and absence of manufacturing defects. Class B profiles are mainly used for technical objects, as well as for glazing loggias, balconies and terraces. As for class C, these are low-quality profiles with thin walls, which are mainly suitable for temporary glazing, that is, they are not able to withstand significant operational loads.
There are also very obvious factors to consider when choosing a profile. So, the frame should hold the geometry well, strength should correspond to the opening where the window is installed and the conditions of its operation.
We can say that double-glazed windows are the main thing in plastic windows. They may differ in the number of cameras. Most often, two-chamber are used. The optimum thickness is from 32 mm. If you need to improve thermal insulation, you can pay attention to energy-saving K-glass. The peculiarity is that the glass unit is filled with an inert gas. An alternative is M1 polished glass, which will not distort the image.
Double-glazed windows can have different shapes, so you can give the windows originality precisely due to them. Also noteworthy are the air chambers. The more there are, the higher the thermal resistance will be. But an increase in the number of glasses and their total thickness reduces the flow of light entering the room, and also increases the mass of the window. It is believed that the optimal number of cameras is three.
The most important thing is a high-quality glass unit assembly, sufficient frame strength, the presence of silica gel and its so-called "freshness". Toning may be appropriate. It helps to reduce backward visibility and also affects the aesthetic characteristics, for example, if it is important that the windows blend harmoniously with the overall style of the building.
Regardless of which window you choose, keep in mind that small details always attract attention. Therefore, it is important to take a responsible approach to the choice of accessories. It includes not only hinges, locks and handles, but also many other components of the mechanism for closing and opening the window. The fittings are responsible for the influence and distribution of the load on the sashes and double-glazed windows and largely influences the operation of plastic windows. In addition, the type of structure as a whole depends on it. Among the manufacturers of accessories, the leaders are German companies that offer reliable and functional products.
When choosing accessories, be sure to clarify the structure of the mechanism and the principle of operation of all elements. It is also worth evaluating the quality of the performance in general. Ideally, a guarantee should be given for the hardware or window in the complex. If long-term operation of windows is important to you, you should not buy the cheapest fittings or products without a brand from the manufacturer.
Not only the correct choice of windows is important, but also their installation. Even the ideal soundproofing and saving characteristics of the structure can be negated by improper installation. If you buy expensive and really high quality plastic windows, pay enough attention to finding a contractor. With the right choice and professional installation, high-quality plastic windows will serve for a long time and become a worthy replacement for outdated structures.