Types of window profiles and their characteristics. Which window profile is better to choose How to choose a profile for plastic windows

The German quality PVC window profile BauLine is distinguished by high functionality and unique aesthetic properties. Thanks to the use of innovative polymer compositions and steel reinforcement, such windows will successfully serve for at least 30-40 years, even in the most difficult climatic and operating conditions. We offer you to buy a profile for PVC windows with delivery in Moscow, Moscow region and other regions of the Russian Federation.

Application

The PVC profile of the BauLine trademark is used to create modern windows with excellent energy-saving, noise and thermal insulation characteristics. Our products are in demand for the arrangement of multi-storey residential buildings, including new buildings and old houses, summer cottages, cottages, baths, hotels, offices, municipal facilities, shopping and entertainment establishments, etc. The system can be used for the manufacture of standard and French windows, balcony windows and doors, office partitions, stained-glass windows.

Resistance to deformation due to steel reinforcement with a thickness of 1.5-2 mm;
The use of wear-resistant fittings and hermetic EPDM or TPE gaskets ensures ease of use during the entire service life of the PVC profile;
Security due to the high level of burglary resistance of the system;
Availability of certificates of fire safety and hygienic conclusion, which confirms the quality of the products;
Ecologic recipe based on natural heat stabilizers;
Silky-glossy texture and snow-white color thanks to the use of HochGlanz and Extraweiss technologies;
Service life - from 60 years. In this case, the guarantee for the profile is 2-5 years, depending on the technical parameters.

When forming the price of a PVC window profile, the size and shape of the structure, the complexity and urgency of the work are taken into account.

BauLine profile types

Our assortment includes the following popular PVC profile options for windows:

BauLine 60. The profile is equipped with 3 chambers, has an optimal level of noise and heat insulation; The BauLine 60 delivery program includes a system with a 13 mm hardware groove and gray pre-threaded gaskets.
BauLine 70. The classic 70th installation depth system has 5 thermal insulation chambers and is suitable for the installation of 32/40 double-glazed windows.
BauLine 70 4x4. This 4-chamber system with the possibility of installing the maximum in its class 44-mm double-glazed unit - the most suitable solution for the Russian climate, comes with pre-stretched gray gaskets.
BauLine 80. PVC profile for windows consists of 6 chambers, used for the installation of glass units 46-50. Recommended for use in innovative building projects - for home furnishing with minimal energy consumption.

The companies Rehau and Proplex have a good reputation in the modern market of plastic windows in the middle price segment, but which is better - the indisputable and respectable German quality, time-tested, or Russian ergonomics according to Austrian technologies - it is difficult for an ordinary buyer to understand. Judging by the reviews on the network, the products of both companies are worthy of attention. To understand all the intricacies of choice in order to wisely spend savings and get the warmest, quiet, strong, durable, safe plastic windows, a detailed comparison of their designs will help.

Rehau and Proplex product range

To get a more complete picture of the strengths, weaknesses of the products of Proplex and Rehau, it is worth starting with a brief historical background and acquaintance with their range.

Rehau is a world famous German concern operating in Germany since 1948, which produced the first profile for pvc windows in 1959. To date, its assortment includes more than 10 types, the most popular of them are as follows:

Geneo – the latest development, a six-chamber innovation, reinforced in mass (RAU-FIPRO technology) with almost half-lightweight, but still robust design, allowing the use of glass units up to 54 mm. At 86mm depth, the highest heat retention factor is 1.05 and sound insulation is 47dB.
Intelio – The 80-mm novelty of 2017, has six chambers, with a glass unit up to 51 mm, perfectly retains heat (0.95 m2 ° C / W), and also protects against noise (47 dB).
Brillant-Design – an exclusive curly five-chamber construction for the embodiment of any design ideas (70 mm), together with a glass unit up to 44 mm, excellently conserving heat (0.81 m2 ° C / W), as well as filtering noise (36 dB).
Grazio- an elegant five-chamber representative among 70-mm structures with a glass unit up to 41 mm, attracting not only with its aesthetics, but also with high performance - heat transfer resistance - 0.85, sound insulation - 45 dB.
Delight-Design - a five-chamber design for dark rooms (70 mm), transmits 10-15% more light, with a glass unit up to 41 mm, excellent for frosty areas (0.80 m2 ° C / W), sound insulation 32 dB.
Euro-Design 60 - 60-mm version of the economy class, with three chambers having a good heat saving rate (0.65 m2 ° C / W), double-glazed windows up to 32 mm, sound insulation 35 dB.
Blitz - a three-chamber budget version with an elegant shape and an extended range of colors. The depth of 60 mm allows the use of a glass unit up to 32 mm, the heat transfer resistance is 0.64, the sound insulation is 32 dB.

Proplex profiles

The Russian company Proplex is one of the five largest manufacturers of profiles for plastic windows in the country. Its plant is located in the Moscow region and has been operating since 1999. The production is carried out using unique Austrian technologies. Today Proplex's offers are as follows:

OUTLINE - A 42-mm two-chamber profile from Proplex, which has a not too high coefficient of resistance to heat transfer of 0.405, but which, in combination with a glass unit up to 22 mm, is quite enough for the second line of glazing (balconies, loggias, verandas, terraces) or non-heated non-residential premises.
Basis - affordable, reliable 58 mm three-chamber design with decent heat-saving properties (0.64 m2 ° C / W). It can be used with a glass unit up to 32 mm for glazing office or industrial premises, as well as residential buildings located in warm areas or operated mainly in the summer (summer cottages). Can be combined with anti-burglar fittings.
Optima - 58-mm budget three-chamber version, which has basic safety, but at the same time warmer (0.70 m2 ° C / W) due to internal structural features (special arrangement of chambers and reinforcing liner). Designed for use with a double-glazed window up to 34 mm for glazing living quarters, withstands significant temperature fluctuations.
Comfort - 70mm energy efficient four-chamber design, suitable for insulating glass units up to 42mm, with a heat loss resistance coefficient of 0.80. An excellent option for residential premises without regional restrictions.
Hit - a popular five-chamber design (70 mm) with an ideal price-performance ratio. In combination with a glass unit up to 42 mm, it perfectly retains heat in the room (0.81 m2 ° C / W) even when temperatures drop to -60 degrees.
Premium - a five-chamber premium version with a coefficient of resistance to heat loss of 0.82 at 70 mm. It can be used with a glass unit up to 42 mm, suitable for glazing buildings in harsh climatic conditions, as well as in areas of high noise.

Benefits of Rehau and Proplex

The range of both competitors is impressive. In order to decide: Proplex or Rehau, it is necessary to analyze the advantages that their products have.

Rehau benefits

Comparison of Rehau's offers with analogs of its main competitors made it possible to identify a number of advantages of the German concern:

The very first window from Rehau was installed in Germany more than half a century ago, it still stands, which makes it possible to judge the quality and durability of German products.
A wide range of design options allows you to bring any design projects to life.
The line includes models of different price categories - from economy to premium.
Their window frames are as warm as possible (up to 1.05 m2 ° C / W), quiet (up to 47 dB).
The products are constantly being improved, there are innovative models, reinforced in bulk according to our own technology, lighter, but at the same time very durable.
High quality double or triple contour double lobe gasket provides the best window sealing.
Excellent appearance - a snow-white, shiny, very smooth surface that does not turn yellow over time, practically does not get dirty, which reduces maintenance requirements to a minimum.
Operational warranty 60 years.

Proplex advantages

Windows from the Proplex company also have their undeniable advantages:

Manufacturing at a Russian plant in compliance with Austrian technologies - affordable quality.
Environmental friendliness of windows, Proplex is the first Russian company that does not use heavy metal lead in its profile. It has been replaced by calcium-zinc additives, which makes the products as safe as possible for humans and the environment (confirmed by EcoMaterial Green in 2017).
Scratches are not visible on the smooth semi-matt surface.
The products are unpretentious in care, they are easy to clean.
Good value for money.
The versatility of the components, which makes all the variants of the profile line compatible with each other.
Adaptation to any Russian climatic conditions.
Sixty year warranty.

The main differences between Rehau and Proplex

Rehau profile windows differ significantly from Proplex products, which becomes visible even with a superficial comparison of competitors' offers:

The range of the German concern is much wider, and for 60 years of vigorous activity it has developed more branded and unique manufacturing technologies than the Russian one for 20 years of existence on the market.
The minimum thickness of the window profile for Proplex is 58 mm, it has 2 or 3 chambers, the largest possible width of a glass unit is 24-34 mm, the resistance to heat loss is from 0.405 to 0.70, and for Rehau it is 60 mm, 3 chambers, 0, 64-0.65 m2 ° C / W.
The maximum performance of a Russian manufacturer's products is a frame 70 mm, 4 or 5 chambers, a glass unit 42 mm, resistance 0.80 - 0.82, a German one - 80-86 mm, 6 chambers, a glass unit 51-54 mm, resistance 0.90 - 1 , 05.
The Proplex company has a profile with minimal characteristics and cost in its lineup, intended for secondary glazing, for example, balconies or verandas, that is, in those places where aesthetics or cost savings are more important than warmth and silence.
Rehau has a unique code on each product by which you can check the originality.

Comparison of Rehau and Proplex profiles by characteristics

The main thing that you need to pay attention to when choosing a manufacturer is the technical characteristics and features of its products. To decide between Rehau and Proplex, it is necessary to conduct a detailed comparison of their profiles.

To lean in favor of one of the manufacturers, you should compare their offers for the following characteristics:

wall thickness of window frames;
number of cameras;
the quantity and quality of the sealing contours;
type of reinforcement;
mounting width;
thickness of double-glazed windows;
appearance;
operational period.

Waterproofing and quality of used seals

Good waterproofing is a guarantee that the window will subsequently not fog up, accumulate condensate, "grow" mold, and freeze. Waterproofing of pvc windows is carried out by means of a special seal located in contours, at Proplex, for example, in most structures there are two of them. Rehau also has basically two sealing circuits everywhere, except for the latest novelty. Geneo, in which there are three.

An important role is played by the material (mainly EPDM) of the seal, as well as its shape. Rehau has a double-leaf sealing gum without internal cavities. It does not collect moisture, does not stretch, does not age, retains all its properties unchanged, being in the temperature range from -40 to +120 degrees.

Sound and heat insulation

First of all, a plastic window should be warm, and secondly, it should be good to isolate the room from street noise. These properties are determined by the structure of the structure - its depth, wall thickness, number, size, location of air chambers, quality, quantity of the sealant. If we compare the maximum indicators of thermal insulation of plastic windows Proplex and Rehau by class, then the Russian manufacturer in the premium category is noticeably inferior to the German one - 0.81-0.82 versus 0.95-1.05. In other classes, the difference in resistance to heat transfer is not too obvious:

economy - 0.64-0.65 for Rehau versus 0.64-0.70 for Proplex;
the standard is 0.80-0.85 for the Germans versus 0.80 for the Russians.

As for sound insulation, Rehau also keeps its reputation here. In their budget models, this figure is 30-35 dB, in more expensive models - 45-47 dB. Proplex, on the other hand, does not specify the sound insulation parameter for the types of pvc profiles, but claims that in any of them it is at least 30 dB.

Reinforcement type

The strength of the window structure is determined by the presence of a reinforcing base inside it, made of steel tape with a thickness of at least 1.2 mm for small and at least 1.5 mm for large windows. An important nuance is the shape of the reinforcing insert. It can be P, G, G-shaped or square. The last is the strongest, but the G-shaped base is only slightly inferior to the square one.

Basic models of the Proplex window profile are made with U-shaped, and premium versions - with square reinforcement. With Rehau, the situation is similar - in budget variations, P-reinforcement, in more expensive G-reinforcement. It could be counted as a draw, but thanks to its latest development - the RAU-FIPRO fiber reinforcement technology, embodied in Geneo, the German manufacturer is taking the lead. The bottom line is that the reinforcing mesh is placed in the structure itself during its production, so additional reinforcement with a steel liner is no longer required. At the same time, the strength characteristics remain the same, but the weight drops by almost half, which expands the range of application of such frames and extends the service life of the fittings in them.

Installation depth of PVC profiles

The installation depth is the thickness of the frame in the opening. All properties and technical parameters depend on it. Considering the proposals of competing manufacturers, the following can be noted:

German budget models have a frame of 60 mm, Russian ones - 58 mm;
Rehau also has designs in 70, 80, 86 mm with heat retention coefficients of 0.80-0.85, 0.95, 1.05, the deepest Proplex profile - 70 mm, heat saving rate - 0.80-0.82 ...

It follows that Rehau products are significantly ahead of Proplex products in this parameter.

Profile outer wall thickness

The thickness of the outer wall of the window frame largely determines its strength, durability, wear resistance, as well as resistance to various mechanical damage. World standards and Russian GOST (30673-99) set out the minimum values of the wall thickness from the outside for classes A (the best, at least 3 mm in the world, from 2.8 mm in Russia), B (from 2.5 mm), C (less than 2.5 mm).

At Rehau, all standard and premium types have a wall thickness of 2.8, 2.9, 3 mm, respectively, belong to the highest class. Walls in budget variations with a thickness of 2.7 mm, which allows them to be classified as class B. The Proplex plant has only a pvc profile Premium belongs to category A, the rest to B or even C.

Number of air chambers

The main technical characteristic of the window profile is the number of chambers, which for Proplex varies from 2 to 5. Rehau has options with 3-6 chambers. Air chambers, more precisely, their number and size, are responsible for keeping the rooms quiet and at a comfortable temperature. The more there are, the higher the energy-saving and noise-insulating performance.

At Proplex windows, the leaders among the offers ( Hit, Premium) have five chambers, and the heat saving rate is 0.81-0.82. Rehau is doing much better. Their five-chambered Delight, Brillant, Grazio resistance to heat loss is 0.80, 0.81, 0.85, and in six-chambered Intelio, Geneo- 0.95, 1.05. The difference is obvious.

Maximum glass unit thickness

The thicker the glass unit is used in the window, the quieter and warmer it will be in the room. Thick double-glazed windows can only be installed in a deep frame.

The German concern has offers:

60 mm for a glass unit up to 32 mm ( Blitz, Euro);
70 - 41 mm ( Delight, Brillant, Grazio);
80 - 51 mm ( Intelio);
86 - 54 mm ( Geneo).

The profile from Proplex lags far behind in this regard, it has:

58 mm and allows you to install a double-glazed window 24-34 mm ( OUTLINE, Basis, Optima);
70 - 42 mm ( Comfort, Premium, Hit).

Appearance and service life

Competitors' windows also differ in appearance. Rehau's designs are as smooth as possible, shiny, glossy with a bright white surface that does not turn yellow, does not turn gray, does not fade over time. At the same time, dirt practically does not linger on it, which makes it possible to replace the thorough washing of the frame with wiping it with a damp cloth just a couple of times a year.

The profile for plastic windows from Proplex does not have a bright white color, it is rather milky with a semi-matt non-shiny surface. Looks stylish, but somewhat dull. But on it scratches are practically not visible. The dirt retains, but is washed off quite easily.

In terms of service life, both companies guarantee 60 years of maintaining the profile of all its quality characteristics.

Comparison table of Rehau and Proplex profiles

To summarize the comparison, it is worth once again referring to the main characteristics of the Proplex and Rehau profiles, for convenience, collected in one table.

Manufacturer	Series	Glass unit thickness, mm	Number of air chambers	Thermal protection coefficient, m2С / В T

Comparing the profiles of competitors, it can be noted that the 58 mm Proplex designs are similar in technical characteristics to the 60 mm Rehau products. They are just as warm and quiet, but they are inferior to the Germans in strength, since the thickness of their outer walls does not even reach class B.

The 70-mm Russian profile for pvc windows is positioned by the manufacturer as a premium product, while the Germans only belong to the standard class, while in terms of heat saving, albeit just a little bit, Proplex loses (0.80-0.82 against 0 , 80-0.85). Premium offers from Rehau have a thickness of 80, 86 mm, as well as maximum heat retention and sound insulation (0.95-1.05.47 dB).

Price comparison Rehau and Proplex

An important factor is the cost of products. Both manufacturers rank their products as mid-range. For completeness, it remains only to compare the approximate prices for the same windows, for example, double doors from Proplex and Rehau.

Manufacturer	Name	Price for a double-leaf window, rub.

The prices shown in the table for plastic windows Rehau and Proplex reflect only the approximate cost of a double-leaf structure (1300 * 1400) with one blind, second swing-out sash, excluding installation, slopes, window sill. The table shows that Russian offers are 25-30% cheaper than German ones.

Currently, the market for PVC-based windows offers a wide range of different products. In order to attract the buyer of the company, manufacturers are developing new types of double-glazed windows, as well as using various types of profiles from which a plastic window is made.

In this regard, the consumer has reasonable questions: which profile for windows to choose and what will serve as the criteria for his choice?

When choosing a profile used in the manufacture of plastic windows, it is necessary to be guided by the following criteria that determine the purpose of the window and the conditions for its operation, these are:

The ability to provide the required level of heat and sound insulation of the room where it is planned to install a window of this design.
The quality of the material used.
Profile class.
Possibility of installing double-glazed windows of various designs.
Geometric dimensions of the profile (width and height).
The presence of reinforcement.
Possibility of installing additional elements.
Operating and maintenance conditions.
Manufacturer's brand and its reliability.
Price.

In practice, a PVC profile is used, which has a different number of chambers in its design, which ensure the ability of this structural element to retain heat inside the room and maintain the required level of sound insulation.

Structurally, this is expressed in the division of the internal space into several air chambers by means of partitions. There can be from three to eight such chambers (air cavities), of which the most popular among household consumers are three and five chambers.

By class, PVC profiles are classified as:

Class "A" - wall thickness from 3.0 mm.
Class "B" - wall thickness from 2.5 to 3.0 mm.
Class "C" - wall thickness is not standardized.

Window profile materials

In the manufacture of windows, various types of profiles can be used, both in terms of their design and the material from which they are made.

This could be:

Tree.

It is a natural and environmentally friendly material that has always been widely used in the manufacture of windows.

Currently, due to the emergence of new technologies and the high cost of natural raw materials, it is used less widely.

Wood species such as teak, larch, oak, Canadian hemlock and teak are used for the manufacture of custom-made windows and for the construction of premium housing.

Conifers are used in the manufacture of cheaper structures, but, nevertheless, they are still more expensive than products made from various types of plastics and some types of composites.

Aluminum.

Pure aluminum is not a very good material in terms of its use for the manufacture of window blocks. The reason for this is its high thermal conductivity and low elasticity.

In this regard, aluminum faucet is rarely used in its pure form for these structural elements, but in combination with polyvinyl chloride materials, it is an excellent component of such products.

Fiber composites.

Fiber composites are fiberglass reinforced plastic and fiberglass composite.

This material has good thermal insulation properties and strength indicators that exceed those of wood and metal, respectively.

The disadvantage that determines its rather narrow distribution is that under the influence of the external environment (precipitation, sun rays, etc.), this material stratifies.

When using a composite made on the basis of carbon fiber, this disadvantage is absent, but in this case the product is very expensive.

Metal-plastic.

The use of aluminum, which serves as a frame in the manufacture of window profiles and plastic, made it possible to create a wonderful tandem of materials, which made it possible to combine their advantages and create a durable product with good thermal insulation properties.

It is metal-plastic profiles that are currently widely used in the manufacture of window blocks of various designs.

Choice of fittings

The choice of fittings is an important point in the manufacture and equipment of a window, oddly enough it may seem at first glance. In order to make the right choice, you must:

Get acquainted with the types and purpose of fittings.
Choose the most reliable manufacturer that produces quality products (based on user reviews).
Determine the needs of various types of fittings and their technical characteristics.
Determine the price-to-life ratio of the products.

The complete set and type of fittings for each specific window is individual, which is determined by its design and the way of opening the sashes (right or left, sliding or swing type, blind or swing-out design, etc.).

The standard equipment of a window made of PVC profile includes the following elements, such as:

Window hinges (bottom and top).
Compensator.
Protective mechanism (fuse) against slamming.
Devices for lifting the window sash.
Retainers.
Brackets.
Swing-out mechanism.

In addition to the above listed products, the set may include window sash rotation limiters, slot ventilators, mosquito nets and locks that ensure the window is closed from the inside.

In the manufacture of fittings, various metals and their alloys are used, which characterizes their strength and reliability. From the outside, the fittings are coated with paint and varnish anticorrosive materials.

The selection criteria for fittings are:

Wear resistance.
Resistance to external influences.
Availability of a warranty period of operation and a certificate of conformity.
Appearance (aesthetics) and usability.

Choosing a manufacturer of plastic windows

When the user is faced with a question related to the choice of plastic windows, in addition to the technical components that determine the characteristics of the window (the type of profile and material from which it is made, the type of glass unit, the presence and quality of seals and fittings), an organizational component appears - which manufacturer's window to choose.

A large number of large and small companies of various forms of ownership operate on the domestic market for such products. Nevertheless, the main manufacturers of metal-plastic profiles are only a few companies whose products have inherent advantages and disadvantages, below are the most popular of them.

"KBE" (Kunststoffproduktion für Bau und Elektrotechnik), Germany

The KBE company operates in different countries and on different continents. On the territory of Russia, there are representative offices of this company in many regions, the production of metal-plastic profiles is located in the Moscow region. The representative of the company in Russia is CJSC Profine RUS (Moscow).

The advantages of KVE products are:

High performance in heat and sound insulation.
Wide operating temperature range.
The presence of a ventilation system that does not fog up double-glazed windows.

The disadvantages include:

High price.
White plastic can turn yellow when exposed to sunlight.

"Rehau", Germany

The Rehau company operates in various industries and around the world. One of the activities is the manufacture of translucent structures, including metal-plastic profiles.

The central office of the company for Eastern Europe is located in Moscow, and representative offices are in the cities: St. Petersburg, Voronezh, Nizhny Novgorod, Samara, Yekaterinburg, Rostov-on-Don, Novosibirsk, Krasnodar, Irkutsk, Khabarovsk and Simferopol.

The advantages of Rehau products are:

Strength.
A wide range of different types of profiles.
Good performance in terms of heat and sound insulation.
Frost resistance of products.

High price.
Limited flap height on manufactured products.

"PROPLEX", Russia

"PROPLEX" is one of the first domestic enterprises that began to work on the market of metal-plastic windows for the full cycle of their production.

The advantages of products manufactured at this enterprise are:

Relatively low cost.
Long service life.
They are adapted to the operating conditions on the territory of Russia.

The disadvantages are:

There is no international quality certificate.

"VEKA AG", Germany

In Russia, the German company is represented by its branch, a subsidiary company "VEKA Rus", the head office and production of which are located in Moscow. In addition, representative offices of the company have been opened in a number of regions of our country.

The advantages of VEKA products are:

Wide range of models.
High technical performance (heat and sound insulation).
Durability.
Use of special rubber-based seals that are not afraid of low ambient temperatures.

The main disadvantage is the high cost.

Montblanc, Russia

The Mont Blanc company has been successfully operating in the PVC products market since 2000. The head office is located in Moscow, and the factories are in Elektrostal, Moscow region and Krasnoyarsk.

The advantages of products manufactured by this company are:

Low cost.
Adaptation of products to operating conditions in our country.
Well done design.
Large selection of models.
Strength and durability of products.

The disadvantages are:

Lack of international quality certificate.
Low quality of the used fittings.
Possibility of odor from the type of seal used.

What profiles are most often chosen?

The type of selected profile depends on the purpose of the window and its operating conditions. In addition to this, an important factor influencing the choice is not a little, the service life and cost of the product.

When choosing, there are always personal preferences for a particular brand, as well as the presence of representative offices of the manufacturer in the region of residence of a potential buyer. In the regions of our country, the products of various companies are popular, which is characterized by the presence of a similar type of production and competition between manufacturers.

For installation in residential buildings, the greatest demand is for 3 and 5-chamber metal-plastic profiles with a width of 58.0 and 70.0 mm, respectively. For the northern regions, 6 and 8 chamber profiles with a width of 90.0 mm are recommended.

It is not recommended to install plastic windows in residential buildings made of a profile intended for industrial buildings and objects, about which there must be a corresponding marking on its surface (OBJECT, object, engin, tender, etc.).

In addition to the fact that when choosing a window, you need to be careful and scrupulously familiarize yourself with the type and design of the profile, glass unit and fittings, you must also take care of the high-quality installation of the purchased product. An improperly executed installation can negate all the advantages of a window made of a metal-plastic profile.

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The profile for PVC windows is the main element. It affects the functionality, reliability, durability of the structure. Despite the same appearance, the profiles are endowed with different properties, which must be chosen very carefully.

What are the designs?

Currently, there are a large number of companies that produce a variety of. They can differ significantly from each other even from the same manufacturer, not counting competitive products. What is the difference and is it worth paying more?

There are various, comparison of which will help the buyer to make the right choice. They are the constructive basis, from which frames and sashes are made. Different materials can be used: wood, metal-plastic, aluminum, polyvinyl chloride. The latter is the most popular: it is equipped with special steel inserts that make the product more durable and rigid. Air pockets help to achieve good heat and sound insulation. Some manufacturers fill these cavities with nitrogen to prevent the windows from fogging up in the event of temperature extremes. PVC profiles for windows must comply with Russian GOST 30673-99 or European EN 12608 SR.

PVC window profiles of all manufacturers are divided into the following categories:

Class A: characterized by an outer wall size of 2.8 mm. Inside, the thickness does not exceed 2.5 mm. Such a window provides good protection from weather conditions, perfectly keeps warm inside the room.
Class B: differs in thinner walls: outer - 2.5 mm, inner - 2 mm. This sample does less well with thermal insulation, but is suitable for use in warm climates or for glazing balcony rooms. It should be borne in mind that the risk of deformation of the structure increases by 15%.
Class C: products that do not meet Russian and import standards. Since there is no certification, there are no strict requirements for it, and manufacturers can choose the thickness at their discretion. As a rule, such windows are cheap, but their quality suffers.

On sale you can find an objective PVC profile. It is used for glazing of non-residential technical premises, commercial halls, since it is not able to retain heat with high quality, and there is a high probability of deformation. Outwardly, it is not much different from the standard one. You need to pay attention to the presence of the Object designation: unscrupulous traders sell such products for houses.

How to choose the right profile?

PVC window profiles have different characteristics, the comparison of which will help to make the right choice. You should not rely on the external characteristics of the products offered. Attention should be paid to the following properties:

Uniformity of the material. Choose products with plastic that is free from flaws. It should be smooth, pleasant to the touch, and uniform. If you notice that the surface is coarse, most likely you are dealing with a counterfeit made in violation of technology.
The coating should be complete, without streaks, paint traces.

High quality windows are always factory-marked. You should look for it on the inside of the package. Firms put their own hallmarks with the name, numbers may also be present: they mean the number of the shift that released the batch. The numbers indicate the number of the device that produced the window and the date of issue of the goods. Counterfeits either do not have such numbers, or the designations are the same.

Width. PVC window profile often has a standard parameter equal to 58 mm. Such a window is quite suitable for living rooms and is most often sold in stores. If desired, you can order a thicker version, the width of which will be 70 or 90 mm. The first option is relevant on the upper floors of high-rise buildings, as it can withstand heavy loads and is able to effectively withstand strong winds. It can also be used in cold climates. The second option is considered a premium class, it has a high ability to insulate sound and heat, has high strength, but the weight of such a product is much higher, it is not recommended to install it everywhere.

If you decide to install a 90 mm PVC window profile, do not order a window that is too large. Its flap will be heavy and will begin to sag. It is better to take two small ones or make a structure with two shutters, independent of each other.

Thickness. It can vary from 2.5 to 3 mm. However, it is not worth putting such a structure in heavy window blocks. A heavy load can call into question its reliability.

The number of air chambers. The profile, the thickness of which is 58 mm, has two chambers, less often it is equipped with three. This is enough for good thermal insulation. More chambers are available for a thicker profile of 70mm. It can have up to 5 cameras. Such profiles are most often used as glazing in high-rise apartments. If necessary, a 90 mm product can be ordered, it can have up to 6 chambers. The level of soundproofing and warmth inside the room depends on their number. However, it is worth remembering that the number of glasses and the dimensions of the profile also increase the weight of the structure, and the difference between the 3 and 4-chamber package is not too noticeable.
The number of double-glazed windows. Different brands of plastic windows offer products with different amounts of these elements. They should not be confused with air chambers. A double-glazed window is glass combined with a frame and a sealant. There are air chambers between them, they can be filled with gas. The single-chamber double-glazed unit is considered the lightest, since it includes a pair of glasses. Most often, such products are used for finishing terraces, balconies, loggias, since its mass is minimal, but such a window does not insulate heat well. For an apartment or private house, it is better to use a thicker version with three sheets of glass and two air chambers.

When choosing a double-glazed window, you should also be aware of such a feature of the product: the more glasses, the worse the light will pass through. Four-chamber products are installed in the server regions of the country; there is no need to install them in a warmer climate, this will only be an unnecessary overpayment. If the frost does not exceed -40 degrees, the difference between this product and the three-chamber product will not be noticeable.

When choosing plastic windows, you must first of all pay attention to the quality of the products, and also make a purchase based on the purpose of the profile, the climatic conditions in which you live. It is worth remembering that too cheap material cannot be of high quality.

Plastic windows are firmly in the lead. They are distinguished by a high level of heat and sound insulation, in addition, they provide a choice of fittings, a method of opening the window and the color of the profile. You can also choose a double-glazed window with the required number of cameras. But few people think that it is the window profile that ensures the strength and durability of the entire structure. In the article, we will compare profiles of plastic windows that are different in characteristics and manufacturers.

General information about the profile of plastic windows

On average, the thickness of the profile of plastic windows varies from 58 mm to 86 mm, but some firms produce products up to 127 mm wide.

Its interior is hollow, but divided by bridges that create several air chambers. A special technical calculation determines their size and location. The wider the profile, the greater the number of chambers in it that increase the heat-preserving properties. Another characteristic of the profile system is the width of the filling, which determines what type of glass units can be installed in the profile. They come in one or two chambers, the width of the glass in a standard glass unit is 4 mm (grade M1).

Each cavity has its own purpose:

for the outflow of water;
fastening fittings;
responsible for strength, etc.

The color of the profile can be varied, the color is applied in several ways:

by the co-extrusion method - multilayer films create a kind of barrier that allows the product to withstand dynamic loads without damage;

lamination - with imitation of texture, for example, marble or wood;
monochromatic staining.

Characteristics of PVC profile for plastic windows

Material

This product is made from a type of plastic - white polyvinyl chloride.
The material is highly resistant to chemical attack by alkalis, solvents, acids and mineral oils.
It is harmless to humans and the environment.

Polyvinyl chloride, due to its distinctive properties, makes it possible to manufacture frames for double-glazed windows not only of rectangular or square shape, but also in the form of arches, triangles, circles, and so on. Thus, giving absolutely any simple or complex configuration to the window, allowing even the most non-standard idea of designers and architects to come true.

Design

The inner part of the plastic profile body is divided by longitudinal partitions, which in turn form cavities (air chambers). The minimum number of chambers in the profile is 3, the maximum is 8. The number of chambers determines the degree of thermal insulation and sound absorption of the window; the more air cavities, the higher these indicators. It should be noted right away that 3- and 5-chamber profiles are popular.

Reinforcement

To give rigidity, the profile is additionally reinforced. The metal frame provides the necessary structural strength and reliability during the operation of the window. Galvanized steel is used to reinforce the profile, so it does not deform under temperature extremes or other environmental influences.

L-shaped type of reinforcement - a metal insert is installed along two walls;
U-shaped type of reinforcement, where metal reinforces three walls;
Closed type of reinforcement - a metal insert is located along four walls.

For window structures that have double-glazed windows up to 1900 mm in height, a U-shaped reinforced profile is suitable. However, for plastic windows of large dimensions, for example, for a loggia or balcony, a profile with a closed reinforcement is required.

Profile class

The thickness of the profile walls determines its belonging to a certain class:

Class A - the thickness of the profile walls must be at least 3 mm;
Class B - a profile where the wall thickness is from 2.5 mm;
Class C - non-standardized wall thickness.

As a result, the width of the profile of plastic windows directly depends on its class. The higher it is, the correspondingly wider the profile.

Comparison of manufacturers of plastic window profiles

Many domestic and foreign manufacturers represent their products on the Russian market. The leading positions in the rating of profiles for plastic windows are occupied by the companies:

Germany - REHAU, VEKA, KBE, SALAMANDER, SCHUCO, KOMMERLING;
Slovakia - INTERNOVA;
Korea - LG CHEM;
Belgium - DECEUNINCK;
Russia - MONTBLANC and PROPLEX.

VEKA

The profile is produced according to German technology in Russia, they always correspond to class A, suitable for all regions, with any climate.

Profile systems from VEKA are presented in 8 types, the installation depth of which ranges from 58 to 90 mm, and the number of chambers varies from 3 to 6. As a result of all the improvements, this profile is reliable, environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing.

REHAU

An internationally renowned profile from a German company.
It presents these products from economy to elite class, taking into account all weather conditions.
Mounting width from 60 to 86 mm, number of chambers - from 3 to 6.

Windows with the REHAU profile are distinguished by a high level of sound insulation (class 5), good thermal insulation, if desired, they can also be with gray gaskets.
Excellent value for money and quality.

SCHUKO

This company is equipped with modern equipment, uses quality materials and the staff consists of qualified personnel. Thanks to this, it produces the entire line of profiles, fittings and seals.

Window profile designs are available in widths from 60 to 82 mm, the number of chambers is from 3 to 8.
SCHUKO windows are easy to use and have good burglar resistance.

MONTBLANC

On the territory of Russia there are 4 manufacturing plants for the production of profiles.

The Russian-Austrian company is equipped with a production base, where the latest technologies are being developed and introduced.

The Mont Blanc line contains 6 types of profiles, where the installation width is from 58 mm to 120 mm, chambers - from 3 to 6.
The durability of the profile system (60 years) is achieved through specially designed performance characteristics for harsh climates.

PROPLEX

The plant, located in Podolsk, produces profiles on German equipment using Austrian technologies.
These products are produced in widths ranging from 58 mm to 127 mm, chambers - from 3 to 6.
The original recipe allows the production of a high-quality profile, characterized by impact strength and special whiteness.

You can also compare the characteristics of plastic window profiles using the tables below.

Profiles of the German company KBE

It is believed that German profiles of plastic windows are superior to the products of other manufacturers in terms of quality, whiteness, and technical characteristics. They do not lose their properties even during a long service life, they perfectly withstand almost any dynamic loads and significant temperature drops (from -50 ° C to + 50 ° C).

KBE company produces and supplies 2 types of the most demanded profiles: KBE Etalon and KBE Expert.

KBE Etalon - three-chamber profile

The mounting width is 58 mm;
front wall width - 3 mm;
the thickness of the glass unit can be up to 34 mm;
3 cameras in a frame, sash, impost (horizontal and vertical crossbeams of the window);
can be used in harsh conditions (-60 ° C);
service life - 40 years;

Advantages:

with a profile width of 58 mm, it has 3 air chambers, their size and optimal position provide resistance to heat transfer. Such windows have a high degree of tightness, which exceeds the existing GOST requirements by 5 (!) Times, which guarantees the complete absence of dust and drafts in the room;
two sealed gaskets provide excellent sound insulation (up to 46 dB). The profile is additionally equipped with horizontal bridges, thereby increasing the strength of the lock when the window is closed;
stiffeners are installed in the KBE profile, which provide additional strength of the window structure. Also, the rigidity can be increased by special stops, with the help of which the exact position of the reinforcing metal insert is achieved.

KBE Expert - five-chamber profile

The mounting width is 70 mm;
front wall width - 3 mm;
the thickness of the glass unit is up to 42 mm;
5 chambers in a frame and sash, 3 or 4 in an impost (horizontal and vertical crossbeams of the window);
Suitable for use in harsh conditions (-60 ° C);
the sealing contours correspond to class A;
service life - 40 years;
the production uses environmentally friendly materials, does not contain lead.

Advantages:

the five-chamber structure allows to achieve the best thermal insulation value, such a profile is able to retain heat 20% more than typical three-chamber systems. Excellent sound insulation can be achieved by installing wide double-glazed windows in a 70 mm profile;
13 mm groove in the profile allows you to install anti-burglar fittings, thereby ensuring the safety of the room;
KBE Expert profile has additional horizontal bridges, thanks to which the handles and hinges will be securely fixed;
during installation, the assembly seam turns out to be about 20% wider, in turn allowing additional insulation.

Estimated cost of windows from KBE profile

An important factor when choosing one or another glass unit is its price. It is often decisive, but high quality German window profiles cannot be cheap. Below is the approximate market value for Russia.

On average, a single-chamber double-leaf window with dimensions of 140x130 cm, in which one sash is of a blind type, and the other is a tilt-and-turn one, will cost:
- from a profile of 58 mm from 7500 rubles,
- from 70 mm - from 10,000 rubles.

The price of a two-chamber three-leaf window with a size of 140x203 cm, in which the first sash is pivoting, the central one is of a deaf type, the third is a swing-out sash, will be from:
- from 58 mm profile 13,000 rubles;
- from 70 mm 14500 rub. and higher.

When buying a balcony block with an opening door 210x67 cm in size and a blind window - 140x136 cm, you will have to pay at least:
- from a profile of 58 mm 11,000 rubles;
- from 70 mm from 13000 rubles.

What to look for when choosing a plastic profile with a glass unit

In order to determine what profile thickness is required, you should have basic knowledge about a double-glazed window, because up to 70% of heat losses occurs precisely through it.

This transparent element consists of 2 or more glass panes that are sealed to the frame. A chamber (air gap) is formed between them, filled with rarefied air or an inert gas such as argon or krypton. This kind of filling is used in the production of energy-efficient insulating glass units.

A single-chamber double-glazed unit is a construction of 2 glasses of 4 mm each and an air gap of 16 mm, abbreviated as 4-16-4. Thus, its installation width is 24 mm. A construction equal to 36 mm is obtained from a two-chamber double-glazed unit, which consists of 3 glasses of 4 mm and 2 interlayers of 10 mm - 4-10-4-10-4.

Therefore, an appropriate profile is selected for the required glass unit. For example, the optimal solution for an ordinary apartment or house is a 5-chamber profile with a 70 mm installation width and a 30 mm double-glazed unit, where a heat-reflecting coating must be applied to one glass.

If the windows face the north side and there is a road loaded with cars nearby, then in this case the following option is suitable: a 5-chamber profile with a depth of 86 mm, supplemented by a 32 mm glass unit with a protective soundproofing film.

When a balcony (loggia) is combined with an adjoining room or it is planned to make a small office (recreation room) out of it, then the profile should be 5-chamber with an installation depth of 86 mm, and the double-glazed window should be energy-saving, two-chamber with a width of at least 40 mm.

For simple insulation of a balcony, a 60 mm 3-chamber profile and a 30 mm single-chamber double-glazed window are suitable.

But it is not enough just to choose the optimal PVC profile and glass unit. It is equally important to entrust the installation of the finished window to professionals. Otherwise, no matter how expensive the design is, poor-quality installation will invalidate all of its high characteristics.