Windows metalplastic and plastic difference. What profile of a plastic window is better to choose? Tips for choosing and rating manufacturers. Comparison of plastic and metal-plastic windows

Combined windows are rightfully considered the standard of quality, because they combine the advantages of several materials at once. The most common windows are made of metal and plastic: they are durable, resistant to large temperature fluctuations, have an excellent appearance and excellent thermal insulation and noise reduction. If you decide not to save on quality and install windows in your house that will last for decades, you will undoubtedly need complete and detailed information on how to choose the right metal-plastic windows.

What is the difference between plastic windows and metal-plastic ones?

Their main difference is in the profile. The plastic profile consists entirely of polyvinyl chloride, PVC for short (excluding sealant and intermediate profile). At the moment, the manufacture of such windows has been abandoned, since the plastic itself, without a rigid frame, cannot withstand the weight of the sash, the profile quickly bends and becomes unusable. In the case of metal-plastic windows, PVC plays only one of the roles, it protects the structure from external factors. The basis of the window is a special metal (reinforcing) insert made of galvanized tape 1.2-2.0 mm thick, which gives the window additional rigidity and strength.

Besides metal-plastic profile differs as follows:

It is much more durable, serving about 50 years.

It has a higher level of heat and sound insulation.

More rigid and stable, can withstand the weight of multi-chamber double-glazed windows.

How to start choosing metal-plastic windows?

Before choosing metal-plastic windows, you need to decide what exactly you expect from them: thermal insulation, sound insulation, safety, or maybe good ventilation of the room?

Of course, all these characteristics can be combined, but in this case the price of one window will go beyond the reasonable. Therefore, you need to prioritize. For example, if you live in country house, the degree of sound insulation of windows is not important to you, but for rooms with low level humidity does not need a natural ventilation system.

Only having understood your needs, you can start choosing metal-plastic windows, decide which profile to choose and which double-glazed window suits you best.

Thermal insulation of the room

1) The number of cameras in the profile.

If you are familiar with how to choose the right plastic windows, you should know that inside which there is ordinary air. The coefficient of resistance to heat transfer depends on the number of chambers - an important parameter showing the ratio of temperature on the external and inside profile and heat flux density. The higher the coefficient, the warmer the room. In a three-chamber profile, this indicator is on average 0.64, in a four-chamber profile, 0.67, and in a five-chamber profile, 0.72.

Each profile must have at least three cameras:

The main one is the one that is in the middle of the profile; a reinforcing insert is mounted in it.

The camera for attaching accessories is the one that is located from the side of the room. It is divided by additional horizontal partitions for extra rigidity.

The drainage chamber is designed to drain water that can get inside the profile when the external sealant and spar are destroyed (the part of the window that secures the double-glazed window in the profile). It has a sloping shape and slightly moves away from the frame or wall from below.

2) The number of chambers in a double-glazed window

The next thing you should pay attention to before choosing the right metal-plastic windows with excellent thermal insulation is a double-glazed window. In it, as in the profile, the number of cameras is very important. Three to five chambers will provide excellent thermal insulation, but in this case the window sash will be too heavy and its fittings can quickly become unusable.

To facilitate the design, additional measures can be used, such as filling the chambers with inert gas and energy-saving glass.

3) Inert gas

Special gases significantly reduce the amount of heat lost. This is due to the fact that they have a very low thermal conductivity.

Argon or krypton is used to fill the double-glazed unit chambers. Both of them are absolutely non-toxic and even if a window is broken, they will not bring a person any harm.

Argon in a small amount (1%) is contained in the air, so it is easier to obtain and the price for it is correspondingly lower. Krypton is a more expensive gas, but its heat-insulating properties are twice that of argon.

The coefficient of resistance to heat transfer in a single-chamber double-glazed window with an inert gas is from 0.30 to 0.34, in a similar double-glazed window without inert gas - only 0.28.

4) Special glasses

Speaking about which metal-plastic windows are better to choose and how to ensure maximum thermal insulation, it is worth talking separately about glasses. There are tempered, tinted, laminated and other glasses. All of them are much thicker than usual, thanks to which they additionally protect the room from the cold. But their thermal protection indicators are not included in any comparisons with similar ones.

This glass is designed specifically to keep the maximum amount of heat inside the room. The principle of its operation is similar to the principle of operation of an ordinary mirror - it simply reflects heat radiation back into the room.

Room soundproofing

1) Profile thickness

For residents of large cities, the silence in the house is of particular importance. In this case, which metal-plastic windows to choose depends on the thickness of the profile, it must be at least 70 mm. As a rule, there are 3-4 air chambers in a profile of this thickness, their number also has a positive effect on the sound insulation of a room (for example, which is not inferior to a brick wall in terms of its heat-shielding properties).

2) Soundproof double-glazed window

Similar double-glazed windows differ from the usual ones in that in one of the chambers the distance frame is slightly increased (an aluminum plate located inside the double-glazed window), and the glass itself has a different thickness.

The noise level in the room where soundproof double-glazed windows are installed is 20-30 dB. For comparison: complete silence - 0 dB, grass rustling - 10 dB, quiet music - 30-40 dB, loud speech - 60 dB, street noise - 70-80 dB.

3) Inert gases

We talked about the excellent thermal insulation properties of argon and krypton above, but in addition, inert gases perfectly muffle noise. Using a special double-glazed window and inert gas, you can achieve impeccable silence in the room.

Premises security

In the question of how to choose metal-plastic windows for a house or apartment, the level of security is of particular importance. By itself, a window without metal bars will not be able to fully protect your home from burglary, but it will greatly complicate the task of intruders.

1) Anti-burglary fittings

Anti-burglary handles, latches and hinges differ from conventional fittings in a more durable frame and a special mechanism that completely eliminates the possibility of opening the window from the street.

In addition, you can install special sensors on the fittings that will give an alarm signal when you try to hack.

2) Laminated glass (triplex)

Laminated glass consists of several layers, as a rule - these are two glasses connected with a special composition or one, covered with a special film. Upon impact, it does not break into small pieces, but is covered with cracks. This technology is used in the manufacture of standard windshields and is great for additional protection for your home.

3) Tempered glass

Such glass undergoes a more thorough processing process and is tempered at high temperatures. The result is glass 5-6 times stronger than usual.

In one double-glazed window, you can use laminated and strained glass at the same time, it will further increase the protection against hacks.

Room ventilation

Thinking about which metal-plastic window to choose for the kitchen, one cannot but take into account one feature of this room - it requires frequent ventilation. The same can be said about any other room with high humidity. To solve this problem, experts advise buying windows with different ways opening.

2) Comb

Such a limiter is very effective for windows with only one way of opening. This mechanism is attached directly to the profile itself.

3) Ventilation supply valve

It is a small opening at the top of the window, through which fresh air continuously enters the room. The supply valve does not affect the temperature inside the room in any way, since the air from the street immediately mixes with the warm air under the ceiling.

Inside the supply valve, special filters can be installed that will purify the air from dust and harmful contaminants.

How to choose a window supplier?

Now that you know which metal-plastic window to choose, you need to find a suitable company whose services and products you will use. To do this, you need to carefully study all available information. Particular attention should be paid to the following nuances:

If your relatives, friends or acquaintances have recently installed new windows for themselves, ask them for all the selections. Word of mouth is not only beneficial for manufacturers, but also for customers, because in this way you are less likely to purchase low-quality products.

Company experience

Another guarantee of quality is the experience of the organization. If a company has been able to hold out in this market for more than 10-15 years, this indicates the quality of its products and confident competitiveness.

Professionalism of employees

Do not opt for a company whose employees are not competent in their field. A competent employee will be happy to answer all your questions.

Own installation team

Good companies not only manufacture and sell windows, but also install them. Ask in advance whether there is such a service in the price list of the company.

Treaty

Conscientious manufacturers without fail conclude an agreement with their customers. It should clearly spell out the responsibilities of both parties, the timing of the implementation and payment of services.

Guarantee

High-quality metal-plastic windows can last 40-50 years, and if the company is confident in its products, it will provide you with a guarantee of at least 10 years. Otherwise, this company should not be contacted.

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All large quantity people chooses more modern designs as a replacement for their outdated wooden windows.

In most cases, consumers give preference to plastic or, as they are also called, metal-plastic windows. But wait, is it the same thing? Let's figure it out.

The easiest way is to combine both of these concepts into a common one and give it a definition (however, this has already been done before) double-glazed windows. But it will not be too complete, since when clarifying, you still need to indicate their type - plastic or metal-plastic. In fact, both of them have much in common but, at the same time, differ in certain parameters.

Plastic windows- the basis for their production is polyvinyl chloride, abbreviated as PVC. Such structures consist of several layers, which are hermetically located in the frame. It is this feature of their design that provides higher heat and sound insulation. Such double-glazed windows are universal in terms of use in interior design in the very different style, they harmoniously fit into it and provide an optimal level of comfort.

Metal-plastic windows- they are characterized by all the above advantages of plastic specimens, however, they have certain structural differences. Compared to conventional plastic double-glazed windows, these windows additionally have a metal frame, which is the basis of the entire structure. It provides them with higher strength and stability, therefore, outwardly looking almost identical to plastic windows, metal-plastic double-glazed windows are more reliable in terms of operation.

Scope and Key Differences

We would like to note that due to additional reinforcement, metal-plastic windows in Kiev, as well as other cities, have greater strength and reliability, so it makes sense to give them preference if they are used in more severe climatic conditions. Due to enhanced metal frame structures, they are able to more effectively withstand strong gusts of wind, therefore, for example, on the upper floors of houses, it is advisable to make a choice in their favor. At the same time, plastic windows have found their application almost everywhere, they are installed in private houses, cottages, apartments. Here are some of the main differences between metal-plastic and plastic windows:

plastic structures are less durable than their "metal" counterparts;
the service life of windows with a reinforced structure can reach 50 years, while ordinary PVC copies can last 20-30 years;
in financial terms, plastic windows will become a more acceptable option, the price of which is significantly lower than for metal-plastic models.

But in any case, the scope of use of both types of double-glazed windows is largely similar and, first of all, it depends on the preferences of the buyer himself, what to give preference to.

For the manufacture of plastic windows, a special material is used - PVC or polyvinyl chloride. In their appearance, such products resemble ordinary wooden windows, however, their design is more complex, as it includes several layers separated from each other, hermetically installed in a special frame. Due to this, when compared with conventional windows, double-glazed windows have better sound and heat insulation.

PVC windows are usually installed in houses, apartments or cottages and are not suitable for installation in industrial premises. This is explained by the fact that such designs do not have a particularly long service life (no more than 10-20 years) and even more so are completely unsuitable for use in extreme conditions. But simple care for such products and quite reasonable cost make them especially in demand among consumers.

Metal-plastic windows

Metal-plastic windows are in many ways similar in appearance to plastic structures and have almost the same advantages. But, from the point of view design features However, there are certain differences between them. Such products are equipped with an additional metal frame. The latter is built into the profile and is the main component of the entire structure. In appearance, it is no different, which is why there is a certain similarity between plastic and metal-plastic windows. But this is only at first glance - metal-plastic structures have higher strength and resistance to negative influences. environment. Speaking professionally, we can say the following: "such structures are reinforced with a galvanized profile."

Metal-plastic windows are ideal for use even in the most extreme conditions, have a long service life (more than 50 years), and most importantly - they can be given absolutely any shape: round, lancet, arched, etc. The cost of such products is much higher than that of the same plastic windows, but the quality is at its best.

What exactly to choose - metal-plastic windows or PVC construction - it's up to you. Here it is necessary to take into account a variety of factors: installation features, operating conditions, the necessary characteristics of the product, appearance and, of course, financial capabilities.

Today, the problem of energy saving is very acute, and therefore the replacement or installation of new windows remains relevant, which will reduce the heat loss of your home, being more airtight compared to traditional wooden ones. At the same time, it is desirable that they have beauty, ease of use, practicality and quality. Today, many companies offer windows different designs, material of manufacture, purpose and price.

A good plastic window should protect from cold and noise, be not only beautiful, but also reliable. And, of course, the window should last a long time.

So how do plastic windows differ from each other and from other windows?

plastic device

The window consists of:

frames;
double-glazed windows;
accessories;
window sill;
drainage.

Frame

In the conditions of the southern coastal climate with sufficiently strong seasonal winds, especially for multi-storey buildings, the use of windows with a profile less than 60 mm thick is not recommended.

The frame makes up 20-30% of the window area and is made of plastic profile reinforced with metal. The profile can be three- and five-chamber with different configurations and mutual positions of the cameras. At the same time, its width is either 58 mm or 70 mm (for the northern regions of the continent it may be thicker). The chambers are formed inside the profile by partitions so that air rollers are placed along the perimeter of the frame, which help to achieve high sound and thermal insulation, and affect the strength and rigidity of the frames.

In addition, frame profiles differ in their wall thickness, material and reinforcement technology. The profile can be reinforced on all 4 sides of the window or only on 3 sides.

In inexpensive systems, to save plastic, the thickness of the walls of the chambers is sometimes reduced, which leads to a decrease in strength and frost resistance. The outer surface of the frames can be glossy or matte.

Double-glazed windows

Double-glazed windows are a construction with a thickness of 34 mm or 44 mm, consisting of several glass sheets connected along the edge, between which the space is filled with rarefied air or argon (which does not greatly affect their thermal conductivity). They are one-, two- and three-chamber with a chamber thickness of 6 to 16 mm and are differentiated depending on the severity of the climate. The quality and thickness of the glass in the package varies (from 4 to 7 mm), as well as their properties: ordinary glass, energy-saving K-glass or I-glass (with silver ions sputtered on their surface). For the best sound insulation and for different climatic zones, the thickness of the glass in the package is combined.

accessories

The picture shows: handles, blocker-lifter, micro-ventilation function, locking adjustable pins, built-in latch, clamping of the bottom hinge of the sash.

Fittings are locks, hinges, handles, that is, all those mechanical elements due to which windows have the ability to open and close and on which convenience of use mainly depends. They are resistant to wear, stress and safety. Windows in the direction of opening can be pivoting or tilting with the possibility of slotted ventilation or without it. And the systems allow you to install: mosquito nets, blinds, ventilation systems etc. Recently, in the manufacture of plastic windows, they began to install climate control, which smoothly regulates the flow of fresh air without dirt and dust. The hinges of cheap fittings do not have the ability to adjust them, which can lead to unregulated gaps, which will lead to additional loss of thermal energy.

window sills

Window sills are a cut of a special plastic profile with special plugs. The main requirement for them is their strength, which depends on the thickness of the walls and the number of internal partitions. Their appearance depends on the material of manufacture.

Aluminum

Windows whose frames are made of aluminum alloy (and not pure aluminum, as some might think) are windows with a wide range of uses. The aluminum profile is similar to the plastic one: it has internal chambers, places for mounting double-glazed windows and seals.

Differences from plastic

Thermal conductivity of frames

Aluminum windows have more high cost compared to others, but they have durability, high thermal conductivity, easy to clean and can have any complex shape.

The ability to transfer heat from aluminum is much greater than that of PVC, so frames made of aluminum must have more chambers and special insulating fillers. aluminum profiles are 'cold' and 'warm'. "Cold" - these are profiles with a small number of chambers (about two), designed for installation in places where there is no need for thermal insulation (indoors, balconies, technical buildings). There are a lot of "warm" cameras and they successfully compete with plastic ones. In addition, in aluminum profiles, in order to avoid the appearance of a thermal bridge, walls made of a special polyamide material are inserted along the contour - a thermal break is arranged.

Frame rigidity

Plastic is softer than aluminum, and to increase the rigidity and strength of frames from them, they are reinforced with metal, eliminating this difference.

Durability

It is clear that the metal retains a neat appearance longer. Aluminum window profiles remain attractive almost twice as long as plastic ones. In addition, if aluminum frames are damaged, the profile can be restored or replaced, which cannot be done with PVC frames. But scratches on metal are more clearly visible, and it is almost impossible to eliminate or mask them.

In case of fire, the aluminum window is resistant to high temperatures and plastic is not.

It is possible to make windows of very large sizes only from aluminum. In addition, aluminum is absolutely fireproof.

Light transmission

Due to the greater strength of aluminum windows compared to plastic ones, they have thin frames, which increases the area of the double-glazed window, so more light will enter the rooms.

Environmental friendliness

Plastic profiles contain oil-derived chlorine, which is converted into dioxins when used windows are burned, and aluminum alloys easily recycled.

Sound conductivity

Of course, plastic window systems are more resistant to sound penetration than aluminum ones.

Price

Plastic profiles are much cheaper than aluminum ones, which attracts the average buyer and is the key to their popularity.

It would seem, what is easier - to buy a plastic window? Now in every yard you can find a window company. But when you start dealing with this issue, you are faced with such a variety of profile systems and a run-up in prices that your head is spinning. What is the difference in window characteristics between different manufacturers? Why, at first glance, the same window has a different cost in different companies? Should I be tempted by cheapness? What hides behind low price PVC windows?

In this article, we will try to figure out what makes the window cheaper and what manufacturers of cheap plastic structures are silent about? It is better to know the answers to these questions in advance in order to really profitably buy a plastic window.

So, what is the difference between cheap plastic windows and expensive ones?

Profile

The first thing we start with the choice of plastic windows is the profile. Recently, a lot of very inexpensive profile systems have appeared, which initially appearance do not differ from well-known brands such as KBE , VEKA , REHAU . Consider how savings are achieved in the production of a cheap profile.

First of all, this is the use of recycled materials, that is, recycled, non-virgin PVC, which leads to a change in color and even to the appearance of an unpleasant odor.

The second way to save money is to replace expensive modifiers and stabilizers responsible for the strength, durability and environmental friendliness of plastic, its color and resistance to atmospheric influences (ultraviolet, precipitation, temperature changes) with inferior analogues of these components. It can be lead, the use of which is prohibited in the EU countries, or chalk, which initially gives a white (unfortunately short-lived) profile, but at the same time increases the fragility of the plastic.

And the third aspect of reducing the price of a profile is a decrease in the thickness of the front walls. On this basis, a profile class is assigned (GOST 30673-99): class A 3mm, class B 2.5mm. This characteristic directly affects the strength of PVC and the quality of its installation.

Reinforcement

German PVC window production technologies involve the use of reinforcing inserts made of galvanized steel with a thickness of at least 1.5 mm to stiffen the profile. Some short-sighted window assemblers are able to replace the metal with thinner (up to 0.6mm) or non-galvanized metal. This leads not only to the desired price reduction, but also to a deterioration in strength and performance. plastic window generally.

double glazing

Even the most ordinary double-glazed window can be made cheaper by manufacturing it in violation of standards. Some owners of PVC windows have already encountered the sore problem of tightness and fogging of glass from inside the double-glazed window. This is a clear savings in the quantity and quality of the molecular sieve (adsorbent inside the aluminum frame between the glasses). Another problem is associated with a low grade of glass (highest grade grade M1) with visible defects: debris, bubbles, specks.

Seals

The sealing contour in a plastic window plays an important role - it is responsible for the density of pressing the glass unit to the frame and sash profiles, as well as the density of the sash rebate to the frame, thereby ensuring the tightness of plastic windows. To save money, manufacturers of PVC windows often use low-quality sealing contours. With the onset of cold weather, this becomes a problem. A high-quality sealing contour must be evenly distributed in the profile groove intended for this purpose and be elastic, especially in the cold season. In large industries, this is carefully monitored by placing the sealant in special chambers to test elasticity.

accessories

Approximately 60% of the cost of the window is fittings. She is responsible for tight clamping and blowing the sash. High-quality fittings make it possible to easily adjust with a regular hexagon, have the first class of anti-burglary in the basic configuration, micro-slot ventilation and a tilt blocker are required, which excludes the sash from hanging on one hinge. Forget about it if you are buying an inexpensive window with fittings of an unknown brand, and get ready to seal the windows for the winter "the old fashioned way" now with plastic windows.

Equipment

Factory quality is valued for a reason. The presence of expensive equipment (as a rule, these are imported machines), the so-called "test room", the technical control department of the QCD allows you to control and guarantee high quality plastic windows. Such windows can be immediately distinguished from self-made ones by special identification marks and a production barcode.

Work force

Skilled labor should be well paid. Otherwise, the end customer has a non-viable product with numerous errors during production. The Internet is replete with such moments: poor-quality soldering of welds and their cleaning, incorrect milling of functional holes, incorrect mechanical connections, handicraft installation of seals and locking devices.

Installation

Now plastic windows have become commonplace, and all and sundry undertake the installation of PVC windows. Therefore, as a result, we observe inverted products with a tilt from below, “littered” towards the street and just crooked windows. All this is a consequence of savings when buying plastic window blocks.

Mandatory certification

Some window companies proudly inform the customer that they have their own production near the city. In such cases, do not hesitate to ask for certificates of their products for compliance with the state standard. Remember that on the territory of the Russian Federation, the requirements of GOST 30674-99 “WINDOW BLOCKS FROM POLYVINYL CHLORIDE PROFILES” are mandatory.

Let's summarize!

An attractively low price is not always the result of a fair discount. changing wooden window on plastic, you must get rid of cracks and blows, low sound insulation, crooked sagging sashes, the need to seal windows for the winter and repair them in the spring. Due to the savings, you run the risk of maintaining old problems by spending money.