Which plastic windows are better: types of window profiles and rules for choosing double-glazed windows

PVC glazing is a convenient and comfortable way to insulate your home from weather conditions. Such windows allow you to spend 20-40 years practically without having to worry about updating the frames and insulating them in winter. In order for plastic structures to perform all their functions 100%, it is necessary in advance (at the stage of comparing proposals) to understand in advance what criteria to use to choose the structures themselves.

In this material we will try to suggest which plastic windows will be the best for your purposes and what characteristics you should pay attention to (and understand them!).

Design features of plastic and aluminum windows

You can find out for yourself which windows are better, plastic or aluminum, only after studying the fundamental difference between structures made of PVC and metal profiles. There are several important differences to be aware of.

Method of connecting parts

Plastic products are assembled using thermal welding - PVC on the edges of adjacent parts is heated to a high temperature and hardens after they are joined. The reliability of this method of fastening is quite high, but there is also a drawback. It lies in the difficulty of dismantling in parts and the impossibility of reassembling the structure from the same parts. In fact, plastic windows are not intended for reuse, but enterprising owners have figured out how to give a second life to PVC structures.

Aluminum windows are assembled using rolling systems consisting of screws and internal corners. The strength of the connections does not suffer from the use of this method. But such a design of frames and sashes allows them to be disassembled at any time, and then quickly screwed together again without the use of special equipment. Thanks to this feature, you can quickly replace a broken glass unit or any damaged part.

Method of fastening accessories

For PVC windows, the fittings are screwed directly to the profile with self-tapping screws. Aluminum structures have a different fastening system - the leaf control elements are inserted into special grooves and clamped with screws and plates.

Profile sizes

Aluminum profiles are more compact than plastic ones. They have a smaller width and installation depth, due to which windows made from metal systems are lighter, have greater light transmittance and require less space for installation.

Dimensions of structures

Since metal is stiffer than plastic, GOST 23166-99 allows the assembly of large-sized structures from aluminum profiles. For example, the following restrictions have been introduced for active sashes made of different materials:

• aluminum – 2.6 m²;
• white plastic – 2.5 m²;
• colored plastic – 2.2 m².

The difference is small, but sometimes even a few extra centimeters make a difference. In addition, reinforced aluminum systems have appeared that make it possible to assemble active doors with an area of ​​about 6 m² and a weight of 400 kg.

Number of cameras

Modern PVC profiles have from 3 to 8 internal chambers. Aluminum systems are inferior in this indicator to plastic ones and have only 1-3 chambers. However, this difference does not affect the thermal technical characteristics of metal structures. The energy efficiency of aluminum windows depends on the dimensions of the polymer thermal insert, as well as on the cross-sectional shape of this element.

Monsters of the industry. Leaders of sells.

Why are these plastic windows in our rating: The most popular

VEKA profile Naro-Fominsk district, Gubtsevo village

The average price in the Russian Federation for windows measuring 1470x1420 from a profile 70 mm thick: 9,500 rubles

The profile is released near Moscow. This is the first such enterprise in Russia. In addition, there are branches in Novosibirsk and Khabarovsk. The head office of VEKA AG is located in Germany in Sendenhorst. The company produces six types of profiles:

• EUROLINE - three chambers, width 58 mm
• PROLINE - four chambers, width 70 mm
• SOFTLINE - five chambers, width 70 mm
• SWIGLINE - five chambers, width 82 mm
• SOFTLINE 82 - six to seven chambers, width 70 mm
• ALPHLINE - six chambers, width 90 mm

The products are certified according to ISO 9001: 2008. The profile has been assigned the German RAL quality mark, which means that the control procedure for the raw materials used and the finished product complies with control standards.

Pros:

• Stable quality
• Large product line

Minuses:

Typical reviews about VEKA windows: “The profile itself is good, it performed well in winter, pah-pah, but in truth it’s expensive. I am still inclined to believe that this is an overpayment for the brand. " ". The company is quite well-known, it seems to me that in our city we have the most advertisements for this particular company. And there are banners along the roads, and the press writes on the main pages, and videos are shown on TV.”

REHAU profile Gzhel

The average price in the Russian Federation for windows measuring 1470x1420 from a profile 70 mm thick: 9,500 rubles

The German company has been producing window profiles in Russia since 2002. Currently, it is the leader in the number of products produced per year among similar Russian enterprises. The plant is equipped with modern equipment and certified according to the quality management system by independent international experts. The following profile types are offered to clients:

• GENEO - 6 chambers, width 86 mm
• INTELIO - 6 cameras, 86 mm
• BRILLANT-DESIGN – 5 (6) chambers, width 70 (80mm)
• DELIGHT-DESIGN – 5 chambers, 70 mm
• SIB-DESIGN – 3 + thermoblock (5) chambers, 70 mm
• EURO-DESIGN – 3 chambers, 60 mm
• BLITZ - 3 cameras, 60 mm

Let's note the slogan and production culture (in the photo there is a plant near Gzhel).

Pros:

• Quality
• Manufacturer's Warranty
• Large selection of profile models

Minuses:

Typical reviews about REHAU windows: “. They were a bit expensive compared to others, but it’s worth it” “The windows are very good, I wanted something cheap, but in the end I chose the most expensive one, the quality is really impressive”

Profile of KBE (KBE) Voskresensk

The average price in the Russian Federation for windows measuring 1470x1420 from a profile 70 mm thick: 7,700 rubles

KBE is another German company that has built enterprises in Russia, in particular, factories in Voskresensk and Khabarovsk. No special differences between the KBE profile and competitors' products were found. However, the cost of KBE is slightly lower. At the same time, the company’s profile is ISO certified, and the marketing move for issuing partner certificates is respectable. Let me explain: the company issues an “Official Partner Certificate” to the best profile processors and thus can indirectly influence the quality of the finished windows. I must make a reservation - this certificate does not provide any guarantees to the consumer.

So, the list of products:

• “Etalon” and “Engine” - 3 cameras, width 58 mm
• “Etalon +” - modification “Etalon” with an additional camera, installation width 127 mm
• "KBE_SELECT" - 5 cameras, width 70 mm
• "KBE_Expert" - 5 cameras, width 70 mm
• “KBE_Expert+” is a modification with a mounting width of 127 mm
• "KBE_Energia" - 3 chambers, width 70 mm
• “KBE_88” - 6 cameras, width 88 mm

KBE plant in Voskresensk

Pros:

• Price
• Quality
• Large selection of models

Minuses:

Typical reviews about KBE windows:

“I'm satisfied with KBE windows. My husband and I chose from a variety of companies and chose PVC windows from Rehau and KBE. KBE won in terms of price” “For me, KBE windows were the best value for money”

Advantages and disadvantages of aluminum windows

Aluminum windows can be warm or cold, the difference between them lies in important indicators - energy efficiency and noise absorption level. Warm systems have higher parameters than cold systems. However, it is better to evaluate the designs together, since they have many common advantages:

• durability – service life is 60-100 years;
• fire safety - aluminum does not burn, and to melt the profiles the temperature must rise to 660 °C;
• rigidity – the stability of the shapes of structures made from aluminum systems allows them to be used under high wind loads and when glazing large openings;
• maintainability - the ability to quickly disassemble the sashes facilitates the process of replacing individual elements in the windows;
• light transmittance - narrow frames and sashes retain less light;
• burglary resistance - the rigid aluminum profile is difficult to pry from the street side in order to press the sash and open the window;
• the possibility of continuous glazing of large areas - the presence of several fundamentally different modifications of aluminum systems makes it possible to cover entire façade planes.

To solve each individual repair and construction task, a specific aluminum system is provided. Cold profiles are used to assemble inexpensive blocks that are suitable for glazing unheated rooms. Warm systems, depending on the modification, are used for the manufacture of large sliding doors, windows for residential, commercial, industrial and municipal facilities, winter gardens, skylights and other roofing structures. In each case, it is necessary to consider the characteristics of a particular system and decide whether it is suitable for solving a particular problem.

Plastic windows, their pros and cons

Windows made from PVC profiles were developed in such a way that these designs were accessible to a wide consumer audience and met the most important requirements of buyers. Typically, the requests of most customers are that the interior spaces be warm, quiet and dry, as well as beautiful. That is why these products have the main advantages:

• energy efficiency - PVC profiles retain heat well;
• sound insulation – plastic and air chambers separated by internal partitions do not allow noise to pass through;
• tightness - due to the presence of 2-3 sealing contours, PVC windows do not blow out;
• stability of shapes - installation of steel liners in the internal chambers reduced to a minimum the risk of deformation of profile structures;
• security - multi-chamber plastic profiles, steel reinforcement, triplex double-glazed windows and reinforced fittings make it much more difficult to break into;
• fire safety - PVC does not burn, but melts and chars;
• assortment - profiles are offered for sale by a huge number of systems from European and domestic manufacturers, which have different colors, mounting depths, number of chambers and shapes.

When choosing plastic windows, their advantages, as in the case of aluminum models, must be considered along with the disadvantages. The disadvantages of products made from PVC systems include size restrictions, the large mass of reinforced structures and the difficulty of replacing individual elements of sashes and frames during product repairs.

Choosing accessories

The fittings ensure the opening of the window sashes. Installing good fittings means extending the service life of the window as a whole and protecting yourself from unpleasant surprises. The opening mechanism can be simple - rotary, or more complex - tilt-and-turn; with slot opening (winter ventilation). High-quality fittings are made from high-strength alloy steel. At the client's request, the windows can be equipped with anti-burglary fittings, handles with locking and locking, and hidden anti-drilling linings.

Related article: Open ceiling beams and false beams in the interior of a house (38 photos)

Good fittings are resistant to corrosion, have a smooth ride and an optimal ratio of metal and plastic in the design.

The leading manufacturers of accessories for plastic windows include the following companies:

• Siegenia-Aubi;
• Roto;
• G.U.;
• Maco;
• Winkhaus.

It is recommended to install products from these companies to ensure the reliability of the design.

Comparison of window types by characteristics

It is often difficult to choose between two types of windows. After a quick review, both systems seem suitable to customers. In such cases, a table comparing the main characteristics will help you understand in detail which frames are better - plastic or aluminum. To make a choice, it is recommended to put pluses in front of all the items, and then compare their number for each type of window.

When aluminum windows are studied during the selection process, the characteristics of such structures also include points with negative qualities. The main disadvantage of these profile structures is their low energy efficiency. Even warm profiles with polyamide inserts transmit more heat than PVC systems with similar dimensions. The level of noise absorption of aluminum doors and frames is also less. In addition, you need to take into account the limited range of metal profile systems. This feature is due to the fact that window blocks made from aluminum systems are ordered less often than plastic ones, and companies are concentrated on the production of PVC products.

Average companies with ambitions

Why in our rating: These PVC windows are constantly popular, often making it into the top ten according to professionals.

SALAMANDER profile Türkheim, Germany

The average price in the Russian Federation for windows measuring 1470x1420 from a profile 76 mm thick: 26,000 rubles

The products of SALAMANDER Industrie-Produkte GmbH are classified by us as “average” only in terms of “sales level in Russia”. Salamander Industrie is a German corporation that has several factories in Europe, including one in Belarus, in Brest. According to the manufacturer, the entire SALAMANDER profile is produced exclusively in Germany, and the BRÜGMANN profile is produced at its other enterprises. The author had the opportunity to personally verify the validity of such a statement when visiting a plant in the Republic of Belarus.

The company produces the following profile systems:

• Design 2D - 3 (4) cameras, width 60 mm
• Design 3D - 4 (5) cameras, width 76 mm
• Streamline - 5 cameras, width 76 mm

Pros:

• External surface quality
• Design
• You can hope for European quality control
• Control of dealers by the manufacturer

Minuses:

Typical reviews about SALAMANDER windows: “Salamander profiles are a proven option” “Salamander is a serious device, no complaints”

Profile Mont Blanc, Elektrostal

The average price in the Russian Federation for windows measuring 1470x1420 from a profile 70 mm thick: 7800 rubles

The international company STL-Extrusion, which has four factories in the CIS, is engaged in the production of the Mont Blanc profile. Over the thirteen years of production, the MONTBLANC profile has become a fairly well-known brand, and the company has acquired an extensive dealer network. There are currently seven product lines available for purchase:

• TERMO 60 – 5 chambers, width 60 mm
• QUADRO 70 – 4 chambers, width 70 mm
• NORD 70 - 5 chambers, width 70 mm
• LOGIC - 3 cameras, width 58 mm
• GRAND 80 - 6 chambers, width 80 mm
• ECO 60 – 3 chambers, width 60 mm
• CITY 120 – 5 chambers, width 120 mm

The profile produced in Mogilev is ISO certified. There is no information about the certification of products from other enterprises of the company.

Pros:

• Quality
• Large selection of profile options
• Democratic price

Minuses:

• Lack of ISO certification at Russian factories

Typical reviews about Mont Blanc windows: “A good profile on the Russian market is not uncommon. But cheap and high quality is a rarity. We are happy with everything." They keep the heat great"

Profile Kaleva Moscow

The average price in the Russian Federation for windows measuring 1470x1420 from a profile 70 mm thick: 10,000 rubles

The Kaleva company is engaged in the production of window blocks. The profile is produced independently. Reviews from professionals are more neutral than negative. Users are often captivated by the appearance of the profile - Muscovites did a good job on the design. The company has two classical-style profile systems and three designer ones:

• Kaleva Standard - 4 chambers, width 70 mm
• Kaleva Vita - 4 chambers, width 70 mm
• Kaleva Design - 4 chambers, width 70 mm
• Kaleva Design+ - 4(5) cameras, width 70 mm
• Kaleva Deco - 5(6) chambers, width 70 mm

Pros:

• Appearance
• Full production cycle

Typical reviews about Kaleva windows: “. Overall it will work" "In general, we are very happy with the windows"

Profile Proplex Podolsk

The average price in the Russian Federation for windows measuring 1470x1420 from a profile 70 mm thick: 8800 rubles

Proplex is a Russian company that is making significant efforts to modernize production and introduce new window systems. Just a few years ago, it was a small company manufacturing windows from someone else’s profiles, but now the company has created a full production cycle. Innovative window systems were created together with well-known Austrian developers with extensive experience in the design of thermal insulation systems. Proplex offers the following types of profiles:

PROPLEX-Optima - 3 chambers, width 58 mm PROPLEX-Optima - 3 chambers, width 58 mm PROPLEX-BALCONY - 3 chambers, width 46 mm PROPLEX-Comfort - 4 chambers, width 70 mm PROPLEX-Premium - 5 chambers, width 70 mm PROPLEX-Lux - 5 chambers, width 127 mm

Pros:

Minuses:

• Lack of international certification
• The presence of obsolete systems in the line

Typical reviews about Proplex windows: “For a window 110mm x 150mm they paid about 7 thousand rubles. Reasonable price” “I listened to the opinion of a specialist and I don’t regret it. Everything is great"

Reviews about aluminum and PVC windows

In addition to objective information, future customers, as a rule, are interested in the opinion of buyers of a particular type of profile and other components for assembling window or door units.
Igor Valentinovich Kupchin (driver):
“When moving to a new apartment, the windows were completely changed, since the developer saved on everything - profiles, double-glazed windows and fittings.
Some difficulties arose when choosing a profile. When we didn’t know which profile was better for the balcony – plastic or aluminum, the reviews were able to make a choice for us. We decided to order aluminum sliding windows from a non-insulated system. Thanks to the light weight of the structure, there was no need to strengthen the parapet, and the sliding sashes allow us to freely do our business on the balcony with the windows open.” Victor Semenovich Sobolev (window installer):
“More than 10 years of experience in window installation helped us understand that theoretically it is impossible to choose between plastic and aluminum windows. It is necessary to evaluate the operating conditions of the structure and, depending on them, give preference to the material from which the profile systems are made. The general trend is the same - in residential construction, windows made of PVC profiles are more often used. However, even in this case, there are exceptions - in the private sector, when glazing openings with a large area, aluminum systems have recently been preferred.”

Recommendations for choosing PVC and aluminum windows depending on the application

If plastic or aluminum windows for balconies and loggias are chosen mainly depending on the individual requirements of the customer and the condition of the parapet, then in other cases it is recommended to follow the general rules.

Plastic windows

Models made of PVC profiles are recommended for installation in small and medium openings. Most often they are installed in residential and municipal premises, although their scope is much wider. These products have proven themselves to be excellent when used under standard conditions, when they are not subject to increased loads.

Aluminum windows

Models made from metal profile systems are mainly chosen when it is necessary to reduce the load on supporting structures or to perform continuous glazing of a large area. Aluminum windows are excellent for industrial and sports facilities. They are indispensable during the construction of buildings with modern architecture and are in demand for glazing shop windows.

Before comparing the two systems, you will first need to determine the optimal characteristics for your future windows. This must be done so as not to overpay for unnecessary product qualities, because in different situations the initial requirements may differ significantly.

Eurowindow manufacturing companies periodically included in the top 10 ratings

Why in our rating: these plastic windows are worthy of attention.

Profile Deceuninck Belgium, branch - Protvino

The average price in the Russian Federation for windows measuring 1470x1420 from a profile 71 mm thick: 10,600 rubles

The Belgian concern The Deceuninck Group (Deceuninck Group) releases its own profile in the Moscow region. The production is not certified, which is strange, because all of the company’s European factories are ISO certified. Whether this is due to unstable quality or whether management simply hasn’t gotten around to it yet is unknown. The profile “collected” the usual ratio of both positive and negative reviews. Product line:

• Forward - 3 cameras, width 60 mm
• Bautek - 3 chambers, width 71 mm
• Favorite - 5 cameras, width 71 mm
• Favorite Space - 6 cameras, width 76 mm
• Eforte - 6 chambers, width 84 mm

Pros:

• Availability of several highly efficient systems
• Quality

Minuses:

• High cost of outdated modifications

Typical reviews about Deceuninck windows: “Deceuninck profiles are very reliable, retain heat well” “The windows withstood the winter tests perfectly”

Profile SOK Syzran

Included in the list as a regular figure in Internet ratings. From the information gleaned from the website of the company SOK (Samara Window Constructions) you can easily find out that the company does not have its own production of window profiles. The “branded” profile is manufactured at the Profine concern plant (see KBE). This means that the profile is produced in accordance with international requirements and is ISO certified, which is not bad. But the question immediately arises about the high cost of windows made from this profile, the price of which is significantly higher than KBE windows. The choice of configurations is very small, only two types:

• Corporate profile SOK-470 - 4 chambers, width 62 mm
• Corporate profile SOK-570 - 5 chambers, width 72 mm

pros:

• quality
• unique camera arrangement

Minuses:

• inflated cost of finished products
• small selection

Typical reviews about SOK windows: “SOK is a normal profile, no better and no worse than many” “I liked the profile, simple and strong”