Shower      03/04/2020

Plastic windows, their types. Types of plastic windows - how to choose the right one. Elements without which the window will not have a complete look

Importance window opening for any building or structure cannot be overestimated. Thanks to them, premises owners have the opportunity to save on electricity and create a favorable microclimate in living rooms. But for this you need to select quality window PVC that meets all needs and requirements.

From simple to complex

Research shows that only high-quality plastic windows meet all standards and requirements, as well as price preferences. It is not surprising that these products are very popular among consumers, which is based on the following parameters:

  • availability;
  • various types;
  • reliability and quality.

Availability is expressed in cost plastic windows, which is still the lowest of all categories of goods for this purpose. Moreover, photo and video installation materials allow you to perform the installation yourself. At the same time, plastic requires virtually no maintenance, which is also appreciated by buyers. Reliable locking mechanisms allow you not only to open the doors, but also to use them for various modes of air supply to the room.

But most importantly, these are a variety of types and shapes of window structures, which allows you to make glazing not only functional, but also visually attractive. There are all the prerequisites for this. The user can choose from the following product forms:

  • rectangular;
  • square;
  • trapezoidal;
  • arched;
  • round.

Based on these types, a lot of more complex products are produced, the sizes of which are limited only physical characteristics PVC profile. Simple designs do not contain at all or in small quantities additional details dividing the window space into individual fragments that can be opened. And more complex options are able to surprise with their design and functionality, which is what attracts modern builders and designers.

For non-residential premises and production

The shape of the window frame is not the same for rooms of different purposes. For non-residential or industrial buildings, certain types of structures are used that have a simpler manufacturing option. As a rule, these are blind frames with no sash that can be opened. They are intended only to illuminate the interior space, and therefore do not require additional mechanisms.

In some cases, simple window designs that can be opened are used. Most of these products only use the tilt function, where the top of the sash swings halfway down, stopping at a 45-degree angle. This is quite enough to obtain the fresh air needed for comfortable work of people. Photos of such products can often be found on enterprise websites.

There are also combined forms, when blind structures are diluted with a transom located in the upper part. This type has a large size to receive quality lighting space inside a workshop or warehouse. It is worth noting that the cost of such PVC windows is quite low, which attracts many managers.

Variety of types for residential premises

If production areas require simple structures, then for residential buildings products of more complex configurations are used. This is due to the desire of the owners to obtain beautiful and multifunctional window systems that provide comfortable living. Therefore, in manufacturers’ offices, buyers carefully study every photo of the product offered.

Most often, for apartments, a design with two doors is chosen, one of which can be opened in several planes (turn and tilt).

Triple-leaf plastic windows are also used for spacious rooms. In this case, one part always remains blank, since it does not play a key role either in ventilating the room or in caring for the structure. There are also types in which a blind transom is located at the top. She is responsible only for the light space.

For the construction of buildings according to individual projects exclusive plastic windows are required. This involves manufacturing not according to accepted standards, taking into account the design of the facade, which looks harmonious when viewed from the street. Such designs look impressive not only in photos, but also in a real project. Arched profile bends are almost always present in such structures. But there may not be so many opening sashes, since the main function of these plastic windows is aesthetics and beauty. But the structures will be reliably protected from external precipitation, as well as wind and other troubles.

When choosing the required window system You should pay attention not only to aesthetic forms, but also to the quality of the profile itself. The service life of the product depends on it. In addition, the locking system should also be inspected, since if it fails, the entire structure will no longer be able to open. Therefore, the choice should not be based only on photo materials.

Heating and cooling glass

What else is the difference between plastic windows and all others? The presence of a double-glazed window, which makes these designs unique. There are two types, differing in the number of spaces. Double-glazed windows with one chamber are cheaper, but also less temperature-resistant. For severe frosts and high heat, double-glazed windows should be used. Only with the help of such PVC windows will the interior be cool in summer and warm in winter.

The strength of the profile when using a double-glazed window with two chambers should be maximum. Otherwise, if you open such a sash, it may not hold up and become deformed, rendering the structure unworkable. But for elite products this is unacceptable. Therefore, all types of window structures are made from reinforced profiles.

When choosing a double-glazed window, you should pay attention to the size of the chambers themselves. Now you can purchase systems with different widths between the glasses. It is assumed that the space can be filled with a special gas. Only it guarantees the absence of dew point on inside PVC windows, but its validity has its own period.

Today, windows are made from a variety of materials and can have very different shapes. Based on this, you can ask the question: what types of windows are there? The correct answer to the question is the classification of products.

For example, they can be divided into types according to the material used to make them:

  • PVC structures;
  • wooden;
  • aluminum;
  • combined view windows.

In addition to the material, frames can be divided into groups according to design:

  • paired;
  • separate;
  • single.

Today, products can be with single glazing or double glazing.

Classification of windows by material

Today, systems are manufactured using very complex technologies, which achieves excellent results in heat and sound insulation. Products made from PVC are very popular today. But for those who prefer the classic version, wooden frames are also manufactured using new technologies. As a result ready product radically different from old wooden ones.

Metal-plastic.

Metal-plastic structures have been known to the world for more than 50 years. They appeared on the territory of our country much later. All products were imported from other countries, since domestic production was not established. Today, using technology from leading brands, products are manufactured in the country. The metal-plastic device consists of:

  • polyvinyl chloride profile;
  • reinforcement made of galvanized steel, which is located inside the profile chambers;
  • high-quality fittings;
  • glass unit.

Using a PVC profile in a production environment, you can create a window of completely different configurations.

Aluminum windows.

Many people associate aluminum with industrial buildings, offices, shops. It is in such establishments that aluminum aluminum frames are most often used. window frames. Due to their strength, such frames are installed in houses where they will be subject to intense loads. Also, very often such metal frames are used for the construction winter gardens, glazing of balconies. It is this frame that will allow you to create a large window.

Wooden windows.

Previously, only wooden windows were installed in houses, which over time became deformed, cracks formed, through which heat was lost and cold entered. Today, in order to create a wooden window, new technologies are used. For the manufacture of such windows it is used hard rock wood or three-layer timber. It is the use of laminated veneer lumber that completely eliminates the possibility of any deformation. The glazing is modern single- or double-chamber double-glazed windows.

Return to contents

Combined type of windows

According to experts, such windows will soon occupy a leading position in the field of glazing. This is due to the fact that such windows use several materials, for example, wood and aluminum, wood and plastic, etc. Having absorbed the most best qualities materials used, such windows will last very long long time without causing unnecessary hassle in your service.

The most striking option for a combined window is a structure made of a three-layer profile. The first layer is decorative, made of wood. The second layer is made of metal, it protects the structure from impact environment, and also gives the frame rigidity and stability. The third layer is made of polyvinyl chloride; the main purpose of using this material is to significantly increase the thermal insulation qualities.

Return to contents

Key Features

Windows are a source of natural light in the apartment and access to fresh air. This is especially important in apartments where ventilation systems do not work so well.

But at the same time, they create significantly greater heat loss during the cold season. It is through glazing that the most a large number of heat. In order to significantly reduce such losses, it is necessary to select the correct profile, clarify the design of the glass unit, and check all joints. Additional measures Blinds and curtains can be used to retain heat.

Double-glazed windows.

The number of glasses in a double-glazed window plays a very important role in heat retention. There are options for windows with one glass, but heat loss in this case will be maximum.

A double-glazed window, in which two glasses are installed, forms a kind of air gap that will reduce heat loss. Modern double-glazed windows can have two or three sheets of glass. Additionally, the space between them is filled with dry air or gas.

All joints are closed with sealing profiles.

In addition to light, extraneous sounds and noise enter the room through the windows. Sound insulation will depend on the number and thickness of glass. To minimize the passage of extraneous sounds, you should take care to seal all joints, not only window design, but also the connection points between the window and the opening.

When choosing a system, it is worth Special attention pay attention to the type of opening. Today, thanks to accessories, products can be:

  • folding;
  • rotary;
  • tilt and turn;
  • deaf;
  • sliding.

Blind design.

This design does not involve opening the doors. The product costs much less than other options and is as reliable as possible. It is used in houses quite rarely, since it is almost impossible to wash it from the street if it is not located on the ground floor. The only option may be to completely remove the glass unit and then install it in place. Fixed windows can be installed on the side walls of the balcony or in the entrances. They can also be installed in private homes as a source of natural light in the hallway or terrace.

Folding design.

If the window is equipped with tilting fittings, it can be opened to the ventilation position (vertical opening). In this case, normal opening is not available. Like a fixed window, this design does not have access to the outside, which prevents the window from being cleaned. Such a window can be installed in a place where full opening cannot be achieved. This is possible if the layout of the house does not have enough space to allow the sash to open completely. But, unlike a blind window, such a window allows you to gain access to fresh air.

Rotating window design.

The rotating design opens in the traditional way. This method allows you to gain access to the outside and adjacent doors. This design is very easy and convenient to care for. The disadvantages include the need for free space, which will allow the doors to open freely. Similar elements are installed in almost any room.

Swivel and tilt design.

The most popular and common type of opening. Those. allows you to open as classic version, and leave the element in the ventilation position. They are also installed almost everywhere.

Sliding system.

This opening system metal-plastic windows appeared relatively recently. This opening method allows you to open all windows completely, even in the narrowest room. This system is most often used on loggias and balconies. The quality of windows with such an opening system is no different from the usual opening system. All joints are completely sealed and do not leak cold air inside.

Over the past 15-20 years, plastic windows have literally become an integral part of any work related to both construction and renovation. This is not at all surprising, given their high performance characteristics and properties, as well as ease of installation and maintainability. In addition, the most important reason for the frequent use of plastic windows is modern technology, which has reduced the cost of an initially quite expensive design. As a result of their introduction, PVC windows turned out to be quite competitive compared to wood structures, often offering higher quality of the resulting structure.

Plastic windows - description, pros and cons

The design of a plastic window is fundamentally practically no different from an ordinary wooden one. The only difference is that instead of solid wooden blocks, multi-chamber profiles made of polyvinyl chloride are used as a supporting structure.

The main material used in the production of plastic windows is polyvinyl chloride. It refers to thermoplastics, that is, plastics that, after initial molding, retain the possibility of subsequent processing. When producing profiles for windows, various modifying, stabilizing and other additives are added to PVC to achieve the necessary properties of strength, light resistance, colors and shades, as well as resistance to atmospheric factors from the material.

The scope of application of plastic windows is extremely wide - they can be used in almost any residential, public or industrial buildings. In this case, it is simply necessary to select a type of design that meets the specific requirements.

Advantages of plastic windows

The rapidly gaining popularity of the design in question is largely due to its undoubted advantages:

  • tightness of the structure. Plastic windows provide high levels of both sound and heat insulation;
  • environmental friendliness. Despite the fact that polyvinyl chloride is a product of the chemical industry, like ready material it is absolutely harmless, at least the variety that is used in the production of window profiles;
  • variety of sizes, options, types and appearance of the structure. The modern technological level allows us to produce almost any design of a plastic window, taking into account individual characteristics and wishes. Even manufacturing a window of non-standard sizes rarely takes more than 1-15 weeks. In addition, it is possible to obtain any frame color, including various shades of wood;

  • reliability, strength and durability of the structure. The properties of plastic allow windows made from it to guarantee trouble-free operation of the product for several decades;
  • ease of maintenance and operation. Plastic windows do not require special care or maintenance, additional painting or other similar measures;
  • relatively low cost. Price per different kinds plastic windows are quite different. But we can say with confidence that it is quite competitive in comparison with wooden ones, if we take products of similar properties and characteristics.

Disadvantages of plastic windows

Like any building structure or material, plastic windows also have a number of disadvantages:

  • high installation requirements. Despite the fact that installing plastic windows is not too difficult technological process and can be done independently, nevertheless it has a number of nuances and features that can seriously affect the quality of the work and the resulting design. That's why better job entrust it to specialists, but even at the same time control its implementation;

An example of installation of structures is shown in the following video:

  • tightness of the structure. It’s a little paradoxical that this property of plastic windows has both advantages and disadvantages. However, most residential buildings built earlier do not have a forced ventilation system. Under such conditions, even a slight ability wooden windows providing air circulation turns out to be a generally favorable factor. This must be taken into account when renovating old houses, in which wooden windows often played the role of the only supplier of fresh air. Of course, the best way out of this situation is regular ventilation of the premises, but this is sometimes difficult in winter conditions.

As can be seen from the above lists of advantages and disadvantages, plastic windows have extremely attractive properties and characteristics that provide them frequent use and popularity

Types of plastic windows

There are several characteristics that classify the types of PVC windows.

Based on the number of valves, they are distinguished:

  • single-leaf. In most cases, they are performed opening;
  • double-leaf. Most often, one leaf is made to open;
  • tricuspid. To save money, there is often only one opening sash, which makes the window inconvenient to use, in particular, it is extremely problematic to clean it. Tricuspid structures with two opening doors are less common, and very rarely - with three. The reason for this is a serious increase in the cost of the product.

According to the opening method there are:

  • deaf. This window does not open; its main drawback is that it is impossible to get to the outside. A logical and easily explained advantage is the low cost of production and installation;
  • windows that open into the room using a rotary opening method. Their structure is similar to standard and familiar wooden windows, easy to use and maintain;
  • transom windows that open by tilting. The window opens by turning it horizontally. It is also often used for wooden windows. In this case, the sashes are tilted either down or up, depending on the design;
  • windows that open in a combined way. The most difficult of all possible device windows, however, are the most convenient and therefore widespread. It requires high-quality fittings for the opening mechanisms, as well as careful operation, as it can be damaged quite easily. Minor shortcomings are fully compensated by the maximum available level of convenience and comfort during operation.

Based on the number of cameras there are:

  • single-chamber. It is easy to determine that such a window is designed with two glasses that form a chamber between them;
  • two-chamber. By analogy with the previous version: three glasses, two cameras between them;
  • three or more chambers. The principle is simple, clear and similar to the previous ones.

The number of chambers primarily affects the thermal insulation properties of a PVC window. Currently, two- or three-chamber structures are most often installed.

For most regions of the domestic middle zone V residential buildings installation of at least two-chamber plastic windows is required.

At the request of the customer, even more reliable and high-quality three-chamber ones are often installed.

The following types of plastic windows are distinguished by shape;

  • rectangular. The standard and most common form of window, which is designed and then installed in almost all residential buildings;
  • arched, trapezoidal, triangular, etc. Modern technologies allow us to produce plastic windows of almost any shape according to individual orders. But it should be taken into account that their cost will be higher than for standard rectangular ones. The exact amount of this increase depends on the complexity of the required form.

The above classification of plastic windows shows how diverse this design can be. Any customer can easily choose exactly the option that suits him.

Accessories for plastic windows

Fittings for a plastic window are considered to be various movable or fixed additional elements and components. These include hinges, locks, handles, and combs. The quality of the fittings used largely determines the degree of reliability and comfort of use of a plastic window. Also accessories for correct installation must provide a tight and airtight fit that does not allow even the slightest blowing at the connection point.

Any manufacturer or supplier of plastic windows always provides a wide range of fittings that can be installed on selected plastic windows. It is quite logical that, as a rule, the most expensive components are of the highest quality.

Often the price of fittings reaches 15% of the total cost of plastic windows.

We should not forget that high-quality and reliable fittings are an important element that ensures and guarantees security against unauthorized entry into the room where plastic windows are installed. Even special anti-burglary fittings have been developed, making it extremely difficult for thieves to get into the apartment through the windows.

Fogging - causes and solutions

One of the most common problems when using plastic windows is the fogging of the glass, in other words, the appearance of condensation on them. There may be several reasons for this:

  • high level of indoor humidity. Most types of plastic windows are designed for normal humidity levels. To achieve this, it is quite enough to regularly ventilate the premises, since high humidity harmful to the inhabitants of the apartment or office, and not just to the windows;

  • disruption of convection processes. Convection is the process of movement and mixing of air, in which warm layers rise and cold layers, accordingly, fall down. Often, when the batteries are cluttered (namely, windows are almost always installed above them, although it would be more correct to say that the batteries are mounted under window openings), warm air It hits the windows purposefully, rather than spreading freely throughout the room. This leads to heating of the glass and the appearance of condensation. The problem can be solved simply - eliminating interference with air movement, as a last resort– a couple of additional holes in the window sill;
  • poor quality window or incorrect installation. A similar problem becomes clear quite quickly. Therefore, the optimal solution in this case is to contact a company that installs or sells low-quality plastic windows.

Plastic windows represent a modern building structure with high consumer properties and characteristics. With proper installation, they can provide comfortable and convenient operating conditions for a long time.

Plastic window profiles already an obligatory part of new buildings and the primary task of renovating apartments in old buildings. Our review information will be useful both for people who do not know how to choose plastic windows for an apartment, and for owners of old-type windows who care about the warmth and environmental friendliness of their home.

To understand the range of existing plastic profiles and choose the best, you need to familiarize yourself with the classification of types of plastic windows according to certain criteria.

Of course, for colder climates, such as northern regions, you should install a profile with three or four chambers. Accordingly, the more cameras, the stronger effect thermal insulation.

Read also

Criteria for choosing plastic windows: tips
You are planning to install plastic windows in your apartment. Which models and designs to choose? Where to begin? Below are tips for choosing plastic windows. In such cases, they begin by solving the following...

Difference in Shape

Choosing a variety of plastic windows according to this property depends on the design and design features of the wall into which it is mounted.

  • Rectangular. This is the most popular type, which is built into residential and office rooms buildings. They are also the cheapest type among their analogues.
  • Trapezoidal.
  • Triangular;
  • Arched and others possible options more complex, made to order.

In addition to all the listed classifications, you can also choose windows in which the glass will not be ordinary, but shockproof. When broken, glass crumbles into many small rounded fragments that do not have sharp edges.

One of the features of this type is the energy-saving properties of plastic double-glazed windows. Their essence is that the profile glass, coated with a special film that reflects light in the infrared wavelength range, does not transmit thermal energy from the room to the outside.

It is possible to order not the standard white plastic, but some original views profiles, because now there is wide choose dyes added to plastic, or films that imitate wood texture with veins and knots.

Video tips for choosing

The window opening pattern is a fairly important element that helps you figure out how to place furniture and generally make your home more comfortable. It can be displayed on plans; The doors can be hinged or sliding, opening in different directions. We will tell you in more detail what types of windows there are and how they are reflected on paper.

How can the doors open?

The types of opening plastic windows are quite diverse, which allows you to use the window in any interior, making it the most practical and functional. Most plastic structures open indoors. In addition, their upper part can be pulled towards you and set to winter ventilation mode. However, this is the most familiar and standard method; opening plastic windows can also be done according to other schemes:

  • . Most often they are installed in shops or residential premises as an additional window. Such a door does not open and does not allow ventilation of the room. In the diagram, such a window will be indicated by a rectangle with a cross in the center.
  • window openings are more popular. The window sash can rotate, usually inward, but on some designs it opens outward. Usually these are made to order, as they are quite rare. One side of such a window is held on hinges, the second is closed using a handle, when turned along its axis, the fittings change position, allowing you to open the sash or put it in the desired position. The designation for opening windows on the plan is quite simple: it is a rectangle with a triangle inside. Its base points to the side where the hinges are, and the top points to the side where the handle is. He can look left or right depending on which way the door opens.
  • . The window opens by turning the handle, but the upper part of the sash is separated; completely folding options are quite rare. Usually this is the winter ventilation mode, and this method of opening is combined with a swing one. If the window opens only towards itself, then on the diagram it will be reflected in the form of an isosceles triangle located in a rectangle.
  • is quite interesting. In this case, the lower part of the structure will open, and the hinges are on top, but such a window must be used carefully, as it is easy to pinch your fingers. Opening windows of this type in the drawings looks the same as in the previous version, but the triangle will be upside down.
  • If the window is rotary and moves along a vertical axis, it can move to the left or right, while becoming across the frame, so part of the sash will remain indoors, and part will look out onto the street. This is quite convenient if there is not enough space inside the room for a swing door, for example, there is furniture or there is a wall that it will cling to. In the diagram, such a window will be designated as a rectangle, in the center of which there is a checkmark with an arrow. The arrow shows in which direction the sash moves. However, such windows are not very convenient to open, so they are not common, and not all companies make such models.
  • Rotation along a horizontal axis. The system is similar to that discussed above, however, if in the first version the sash is placed across the wall, then in this version it lies parallel to the window sill. The designation for opening windows in the drawings is also similar, but the arrow is located vertically.
  • . Such a window is used quite often if there is no room in the room to open the sashes. In addition, this is a popular system for balcony glazing, so you can see it quite often. This window does not require additional fixation and can open to any width. You can make a fairly large window opening without partitions, which cannot be achieved with the swing method. These types of window openings are indicated extremely simply in the diagram - in the form of a rectangle with a horizontal arrow; in which direction it points, in that direction the sash moves.
  • Folding method; it can also be called . These options for opening windows are widely used in cases where the window opening is large enough, but it is required that it opens as much as possible and does not have partitions. When opened, the doors fit one after another, like accordion compartments, and become parallel or across the wall, depending on the design. This is a rather convenient method, since the sashes can not only be folded so that they take up a minimum of space, but also not all of them can be used at once, which allows you to open the window opening to the desired width. In the interior, this design looks quite original and modern. This type of opening will be indicated in the diagram by a wavy arrow, in the direction of which the structure moves.

Non-standard window opening symbols

How to choose?

The systems for opening plastic windows are quite varied, so when choosing a plastic window you need to pay attention not only to the design features of the structure, but also to its functionality. Assess whether there is enough free space to open a window of one type or another, how wide the window opening is, and whether it is often needed. The manufacturer may offer different variants opening plastic windows, he can help you choose the most optimal option for your room, correctly calculate the load on the frame relative to the window opening, and take into account your requirements for appearance designs.

When buying an apartment, you can always think in advance where the furniture will be. Knowing symbol opening windows , you can easily figure out how to make the room more functional.

The way the windows open plays important role during operation. It affects the usability of the systems and has certain features that must be taken into account before installing the selected design.