I am glad to welcome my readers!
During my work, I installed many windows, but most often the quality was not very good.
The fact is that the main thing in a plastic window is the profile, but at first glance, all windows look the same. That is why, I often encountered the fact that customers choose a low-quality profile.
What is the main thing in plastic windows? The basis plastic windows- profile. A good profile is a guarantee of high-quality and reliable plastic windows.
How to choose a quality profile and what to look for when choosing? I want to help you find the answer to this question in this article.
We go outside or take a newspaper and what we see are the windows of KBE, REHAU, VEKA, SALAMAHDER, LG, PROPLEX, BRUSBOX and the like. What is behind all these names? - These are the names of window profile manufacturers and nothing else, and your windows will be made by completely different companies, and we know perfectly well what our manufacturers can make from the best raw materials.
And yet a little about the profile manufacturers. When ordering windows, you will hear from the manager that windows (for example, KBE, VEKA, REHAU, SALAMANDER) are German windows made in Germany - naturally the best and highest quality. What is true in these words and what is not? Of all those listed, only SALAMANDER is 100% produced abroad (therefore, it has a corresponding price), the rest have long been produced in Russia.
And about the production of the window profile. Most profile manufacturers have built their factories in Russia. I was at the KBE and VEKA factories - excellent factories, imported equipment, foreign specialists, imported raw materials, so where does the profile come from big difference no (I think the situation is similar at other factories of European manufacturers).
True, as always, there is a "BUT". This is a "BUT" profile system produced specifically for Russia, i.e. it is not used abroad - it is only for us at "our request". The advantage of this system is cheap, the disadvantage is to reduce the cost, the profile walls make thinner, respectively, the thermal resistance is less, the strength is less.
For the south, this is quite acceptable, in the middle lane - it is doubtful, in the north they can freeze. Usually this profile system is called an object profile and is used for glazing large objects - multi-storey residential buildings, industrial enterprises etc. There are also Russian Turkish systems, but since we are going to glaze our house, we will not consider these systems in detail.
Which profile I personally prefer, I can write further.
Which profile do you think is better? What is better Rehau or Brusbox? Veka or Proplex? KBE or LG? etc.
The most difficult and annoying question, to which it is almost impossible to give a reasoned answer, I can only express my personal opinion. I emphasize once again - this is my personal opinion, and not advertising, and the conversation will only focus on the profile systems with which I worked.
A few words about SALAMANDER (goes to non-competition) – good profile. The main advantage is made in Germany, the main disadvantage is that it is expensive. It would have been produced in Russia - it was among the middle peasants.
Now, in order about the profile systems produced in Russia:
Better than others in:
- number of customer reviews
- the number of defects in the supply of plastic profiles,
- sealant,
- holding seminars, trainings and training courses for window manufacturers.
- Variety of profile systems.
Another advantage is that it sells the profile only to well-equipped enterprises for the production of plastic windows, which it regularly checks and issues its certificate to these plants. Therefore, if you have chosen a factory working with this profile, then the likelihood of getting into an unpleasant situation is less.
I give second place. This company sells its profile only to well-equipped plastic window manufacturing plants, which it regularly checks and issues its certificate to these plants. Therefore, if you have chosen a factory working with this profile, then the likelihood of getting into an unpleasant situation is less.
Deserved 3rd place.
Flaws:
- There are disruptions in the supply of the profile, the rejection of the profile is more common than in REHAU and VEKA
- Sells a profile to any factories of plastic windows.
THYSSEN, LG, DIMEX
MOTNTBLANK, PROPLESS, BRUBEBOX
They share the last place by the number of positive reviews of people who installed windows, but they are very well suited for glazing balconies and loggias, as well as domestic premises. Advantage - low price.
P.S. I have not worked with other profile systems, so I can’t say anything about them.
source: http://infokna.narod.ru/
What profile of a plastic window is better to choose? Selection tips and manufacturer rating
Profile - main element of any window, the durability and reliability of the entire structure depends on it. At first glance, the profile for PVC windows from different manufacturers looks almost the same.
The difference in quality becomes apparent after several months (or even years!) of use, when cheap windows begin to warp and cracks form in them. How to choose a good plastic profile for windows? How are products of different brands different from each other? And does it make sense to save on glazing by choosing an economy class profile?
Profile for PVC windows: characteristics and types
The profile is the basis of the entire structure, from which window sashes and frames are made. They determine not only the appearance of the window, but also its strength. Common materials for window profiles are wood (cedar and larch) and aluminum.
But most often the profile for windows is made of PVC, or polyvinyl chloride. Such a profile is reinforced with metal inserts and has air cavities inside, which increase the thermal insulation of the structure.
According to the European standard EN 12608 SR "Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC-U) for the manufacture of windows and doors" and similar Russian GOST 30673-99 "Polyvinyl chloride profiles for window and door blocks. Specifications» profiles are classified according to a number of characteristics. In particular, in terms of the thickness of the outer and inner walls, the following are distinguished:
- Class A profiles - have outer walls with a thickness of 2.8 mm and inner walls with a thickness of 2.5 mm; they provide the best thermal insulation and are considered the best choice.
- Class B profiles - have outer walls with a thickness of 2.5 mm, internal - from 2.0 mm; such windows are not only “colder”, but also 15% less resistant to deformation.
- Class C profiles - all others that do not fit the standards A and B, they are not subject to strict requirements.
Note!
There is a so-called "objective" profile, which is designed for installation in non-residential industrial premises. It cannot be used in houses and apartments - because of the thin walls, it does not hold heat and is unstable to deformation.
At first glance, such a profile is no different from the usual one - except for protective film you can see the marking object. Often, unscrupulous companies offering very low prices for their goods sell windows from just such a profile.
Choosing the best profile for plastic windows
It is not easy to determine "by eye" which profile of plastic windows is better, but there are some features that can say a lot about its quality.
Profile uniformity
The plastic must be homogeneous and absolutely smooth. The grainy surface suggests that the windows were most likely made in artisanal conditions and are fake. The coating must also be uniform, free of streaks and gradients.
By the way. In order not to buy a fake at the price of branded windows, pay attention to the factory marking on inside window box. It should be stamped with the name of the manufacturer and a number of numbers: shift number, devices for the production of PVC profiles and date of manufacture.
Profile width
Most often, companies offer a plastic profile for windows with a width of 58 mm - this classic version preferred for living quarters. There is also a profile with a width of 70 mm, this is often installed in high-rise buildings or where the climate is especially harsh. The 90 mm wide profile belongs to the premium class, it is characterized by excellent heat and sound insulation characteristics. However, not all companies work with such products.
Profile thickness
The thickness of the profile should be the same, from 2.5 mm to 3 mm. However, thin walls are not suitable for heavy window blocks - in this case, the welding seam is less durable, which means that the reliability of the entire structure suffers.
Number of air chambers
The number of cameras also depends on the width of the profile. A 58 mm profile can have a maximum of three chambers - which, however, is quite enough for the windows to retain heat. 70mm - three, four and even five cameras. The last of those mentioned (70 mm) are most in demand for glazing apartments and houses.
The norm for a 90 mm profile is six chambers. The more cameras, the warmer and quieter it will be in the house. However, in fairness it should be said that the difference between, for example, a three- and four-chamber package is not so significant.
Number of double-glazed windows
The number of air chambers in a PVC profile should not be confused with the number of double-glazed windows. A double-glazed window is several sheets of glass interconnected along the contour using a special frame and sealants. Airtight chambers with air or other gas inside are formed between the panes.
A single-chamber double-glazed window is the lightest, it consists of two glasses and one air chamber between them. Such double-glazed windows are very light, suitable for glazing large openings, so they are often installed on balconies, loggias and terraces. However, they are not suitable for windows due to insufficient thermal insulation.
For a house, cottage, office or apartment, it is better to choose a double-glazed window consisting of three sheets of glass and two air chambers. Three-pane double-glazed windows made of four sheets of glass are not common, they are heavy and let in less light than other types of double-glazed windows.
Such windows are in demand only in the North, where the temperature in winter can drop to -40 o C and lower. With more high temperatures there is almost no difference between two- and three-chamber double-glazed windows.
Helpful advice!
When choosing a plastic profile for windows, pay attention to the frame seals. There should be two of them, otherwise condensation will settle under the frame, and this spoils the insulation and creates a favorable environment for bacteria and mold.
Window profile rating: comparison of products from key manufacturers
- rehau
One of the most famous companies, which has been producing reliable windows for more than half a century and is considered the main innovator in this area - Rehau engineers are constantly improving the design and configuration of the profile - so the company pays great attention to environmental friendliness and energy-saving technologies. The company produces a profile with a width of 60-70 mm. Rehau products belong to the middle class. - VEKA
Another German "giant", whose products are valued all over the world. VEKA produces white and colored profiles that do not fade or turn yellow when exposed to direct sunlight. The seal is made of natural rubber, which does not freeze even under the influence of very low temperatures - a valuable quality for the Russian climate. The line includes models with a width of 58 to 90 mm. In terms of price, VEKA windows are comparable to Rehau. - Trocal
This is a company with a long history, one of the pioneers in the production of plastic windows. The first model was released in 1954. For decorative finishes the company offers the widest range of options - from lamination to acrylic coating. The profile is produced using the environmentally friendly Greenline technology and provides perfect thermal insulation. Profile width - 70 mm. - Salamander
This German company is not as well known as KBE or VEKA, but Salamander products are in no way inferior to them in quality. The profile is produced exclusively in Germany, which means that by purchasing such windows, you can count on truly European quality - at the same European price. The company produces bags with a width of 60 to 76 mm. - KBE
One of the most popular German brands that produces environmentally friendly windows recommended for installation in children's institutions and hospitals. KBE windows are of high quality and durability (they can serve up to 50 years!), and the line includes both luxury models and economy options. Profile width - from 58 to 70 mm. - Proplex
Proplex- Russian company, which, despite its youth, has already managed to establish a wide production and significantly modernize window systems. The profile is developed with the participation of Austrian specialists and taking into account Russian conditions. At very good quality the company's products so far manage to support affordable prices. Proplex offers models in widths from 58mm to 127mm.
This is only a small part of the manufacturers of plastic windows, in fact there are dozens, if not hundreds. What plastic windows are better? Choosing glazing, you should give preference famous brands, but at the same time be sure to check all the documentation - famous brands are often faked. branded windows at too low a price - a sign that they may be trying to deceive you.
Editorial opinion
Even the best windows will not last long if mistakes were made during their installation. Better simple economy class windows installed by professionals than expensive German windows installed by amateurs.
source: http://www.kp.ru/
Which profile of plastic windows is better
What is a quality profile?
A guarantee of quality and durability plastic window is a quality profile. Even if at first glance the entire profile for plastic windows is the same, in reality this is far from the case. What profile for plastic windows is better, and how to choose the right window, experts from VEKA Rus advise you.
Certificates
The entire profile from which the windows are made is certified. The most significant is the RAL Certificate, which certifies not only the type of product, but also the place of its production. In other words, a profile of the same brand, but manufactured at different factories, will not always have this certificate.
ISO 9001:2000 quality management system certificate is issued to industries that have competently organized system management in compliance with all technological, economic and organizational requirements specific to production developed countries. Both Russian VEKA plants have this certificate.
If the profile is wider, is it more reliable and warmer?
Profile width is one of its main characteristics. Many window manufacturers promise a couple of extra millimeters to the profile width in their advertising campaigns but are they really useful?
The following offers are most often found on the market:
- classic profile 58 mm;
- profile 70 mm with increased installation width;
- profile VEKA ALPHALINE 90 mm.
The width of 58 mm is due to the "classic of the genre" - wooden frames replaced by plastic windows. Today, the EUROLINE 58 mm profile allows the production of modern warm windows which meet the requirements of most buyers in different climatic zones. Subject to proper manufacture and installation, this best profile for windows in any room.
A profile with a width of 70 mm is a proposal that appeared in the 80s of the last century. Having higher heat-saving soundproofing characteristics, this profile is especially fond of Russian consumers. In the product group of VEKA profiles, SOFTLINE, SWINGLINE and PROLINE have a width of 70 mm.
The 90 mm wide profile is a premium product that appeared about 5 years ago. The VEKA ALPHALINE profile allows the use of double-glazed windows up to 50 mm thick and is currently the unsurpassed leader among window profiles with enhanced energy-saving characteristics.
Note!
The choice of profile width largely depends on the installation location (window in the office, tambour door, Entrance door to the store, windows to country house) and climate.
Now there is another novelty on the market - SOFTLINE profile 82. Innovative multi-chamber system, elegant style and a choice of over 40 modifications guarantee the satisfaction of the most demanding customer. The SOFTLINE 82 system provides the best insulating performance, is fully compatible with 70 mm profiles and can be installed in any home.
Number of cameras
The second characteristic of the window is the number of cameras in the profile. There are three in the standard. The first one is for condensate drainage, the second one is for placing a reinforcing metal insert, and the third one is for fixing parts of the fittings and creating an additional air gap for better window tightness. The number of chambers depends on the width of the profile. So, a 58 mm profile can have a maximum of three cameras, but a 70 mm profile - preferably four. For a profile of 90 mm, the norm is 6 cameras.
Three and six chamber profile systems
Increasing the number of cameras with the same profile width does not significantly change the characteristics of the window. To improve heat-saving characteristics, a wider profile is needed, and not more partitions in it.
Full package
Another important point- double glazing. The number of glasses in the window affects its characteristics and cost. Double glazing is the most common, but single glazing or triple glazing can also be ordered.
"Triple" windows are warmer. However, they weigh more and require high-quality assembly and stable construction. Single glazing is the coldest. It can be used for glazing unheated balconies, as well as summer houses. Double glazing is optimal for technical specifications, and allows you to maintain indoor comfort all year round.
Profile class
There are two classes of metal-plastic profiles. The first, class A, with a thickened outer wall, is certified by the RAL system as the optimal profile for windows, doors and frame glazing.
Helpful advice!
The second, class B, is a lightweight profile with a thinner outer wall, the so-called "object" profile. It has a slightly lower cost, but does not guarantee the preservation of the characteristics of the window throughout its operation.
Windows from the "object" profile, as an economy option, can be offered by absolutely all manufacturers, but you must remember that such a window may have weaker corner connections, worse dimensional stability, lower energy-saving characteristics, risk of premature wear of fittings, shorter service life.
conclusions
Summing up the reasoning on the topic of choosing a profile for a metal-plastic window, we emphasize:
- The presence of certificates confirms the quality.
- According to the mounting width, all profiles are divided into two main classes: 58, 64 mm and 70 -76 mm. Within the class, the thermal characteristics are the same. A profile with a width of 68 mm and a profile with a width of 72 mm do not differ from each other.
- The number of cameras affects the quality of the window only if the profile belongs to different classes in width.
- The most common is double glazing.
- Class A profile is the leader in reliability and quality.
When choosing windows, be able to hear the necessary information and filter out ads. The quality of your windows depends on your choice. Take the time to make the right choice!
source: http://www.veka.ru/
Which PVC plastic windows are better - 2-chamber, 3-chamber or 5-chamber?
Often we encounter confusion when discussing plastic windows, they confuse cameras in a double-glazed window and cameras in a profile, I hope that this article will help you deal with cameras in modern plastic windows.
In his article 3-chamber and 5-chamber chamber profile- what is the difference? we have already figured out how the 3- and 5-chamber profiles differ, now let's see which profiles are better.
Here, the more the better - there are no many cameras.
Plastic windows consist of a profile and a double-glazed window and fittings.
A double-glazed window can be single-chamber (2 glasses and one air chamber between them) and 2-chamber (three glasses and two air chambers between them), and the profile can also be 3-chamber and 5-chamber (there are profile systems with many air chambers).
A 2-chamber double-glazed window is almost 1.5 times warmer than a single-chamber one. The heat transfer resistance of a double-glazed window from 3 glasses is 0.42 sq.m C / W, and for 2 glasses - 0.33 sq.m C / W. Many mistakenly believe that an additional third glass is installed solely for soundproofing.
In fact, first of all, the third glass is placed for heat saving and only then for additional sound insulation.
The same is true with the profile. Not only is the 5-chamber profile warmer, it is also tougher, it does not have a cold bridge in the area of \u200b\u200bthe loops (a 3-chamber profile often freezes in these places in winter).
But the most important thing is that the 5-chamber profile has a thickness of 70 mm and you can install a double-glazed window up to 44 mm thick in it, while in a 3-chamber profile no more than 38 mm, and this is additional thermal insulation and energy saving.
Which double-glazed window and which profile to choose.
If the window opens onto a glazed balcony / loggia or you plan to glaze them later, then in this case you should not overpay and you should choose a window with a single-chamber double-glazed window and a 3-chamber profile, in all other cases, a 2-chamber double-glazed window and a 5- This camera profile (or more cameras) will be preferred.
So you decided to change your old windows for new plastic ones. You went around and called a huge number of window companies, but there were only more questions. You don't see how one is different window company from another and how plastic windows offered by one company differ from windows offered by another company, and if there is no difference, then why pay more?
And here you make the most common mistake - you start looking for a company that can offer the lowest price for plastic windows.
Do not rush, now we will figure out how windows differ and what window companies are trying to hide from you.
PROFILE
When it comes to PVC windows, the most common question that is asked is “what profile are your windows made of?”. At the moment, there are more than 40 profile manufacturers on the market, and each manufacturer has in its arsenal a large number of various profile lines.
All European manufacturers offer a quality product (KBE, Gealan, Veka, Rehau, SCHUCO, etc.) - a guarantee for such a profile is at least 40 years, such a profile does not crack or turn yellow. A slightly different picture with the Turkish and Chinese profile systems. Without going into unnecessary details, I will say that a European manufacturer is preferable, but we simply forget about the rest, especially since there is practically no difference in price.
As we have already said, each manufacturer offers not one, but a whole line of profiles. Various profile systems differ from each other in thickness, number of sealing contours, design. As for the design, here, as they say, the taste and color, the number of sealing contours does not affect the blowing in any way and it’s definitely not worth overpaying for it, but the thickness of the profile is not an unimportant factor.
For middle lane the recommended profile has a thickness of 58-60 mm, but in practice at low temperatures at the hinge attachment points, a cold bridge occurs and freezing and ice formation occurs. We recommend a profile from 68 to 84 mm, and a double-glazed window can be installed thicker in such a profile. The difference with a thinner profile is insignificant, but the rigidity and heat saving of such windows are much higher.
Many manufacturers produce the so-called object profile for installation in non-residential premises, outwardly such a profile is no different from the usual one, but the wall thickness of such a profile is much thinner and the plastic used in such profiles is recycled plastic. Many companies, wishing to give the lowest price on the market, sell such windows under the guise of ordinary ones, relying on the client's lack of education. But this is not about us.
Defining such a profile is not easy: protective film often does not have any inscriptions at all, or there is a word: OBJECT, object, engine, Tender, or something similar. Be extremely careful - such a profile cannot be categorically used in residential premises - it does not have the required rigidity, thermal conductivity and can emit an unpleasant odor.
Drainage bar
The vast majority of companies do not install dewatering strips that are required to be installed. Drainage strips protect you from water intrusion during rain in ventilation mode (in tilt mode)
There is a possibility that such a company could save on something else that will become clear only during the operation of the window.
REINFORCEMENT
It is more correct to call plastic windows metal-plastic, since inside the plastic profile is reinforced with metal. The metal gives strength and rigidity to the structure, but the reinforcement is located inside the profile and is hidden from the eyes of the consumer, which is what unscrupulous sellers use. They just don't reinforce their windows. Such windows are very often installed in new buildings.
Take a magnet, and the frame and sash of the window should be reinforced with metal, which is easy to check with a magnet. If it was not possible to find metal with a magnet, then let such a window look for another owner.
ASSEMBLY
In order to assemble a high-quality plastic window, you need good (read expensive) equipment, special stands for setting up fittings and checking welds, and qualified craftsmen. Only a large manufacturer can afford this.
Otherwise, as a result, the window geometry is not correct, a bad porch, blowing out, a quick failure of the fittings. The build quality is very difficult to determine by eye, you need to take measurements and so on, so just ask the seller who the manufacturer is. If this is a small local company in a small town, then quality is out of the question.
ACCESSORIES
Fittings are a very important component of your window, the quality of fittings determines the life of the window and how comfortable this operation will be. Here the leaders are the Germans. These are the companies Roto, SIEGENIA-AUBI, Maco, we avoid everything else. But there are many ways to save money by installing high-quality fittings.
Mistake Blocker
Required to install! If you opened the window, and then switched the handle to tilt mode and the window hung on one lower hinge, then you do not have a blocker installed. Such a window will not last long, and may cause harm to health. We witnessed when the sash just fell out, almost killing a small child.
Be sure to check the presence of a blocker in the window before buying and after the window has already been mounted to you.
striker
The reciprocal bar is placed along the inner perimeter of the frame and is responsible for the density of the porch. After all, we chose plastic windows for their tightness and energy-saving properties.
The number of strikers depends on the size of the window, but they cannot be less than 4.
Note!
We are aware of companies that put 2 strikers on the window, nullifying all the advantages of plastic windows. In this case, it will blow from the window, and frost may form on the glass and window sill.
Often cheap windows are installed plastic handles which are rapidly deteriorating. Good pens are produced by Maco and Roto, which should be written on the pen. These handles are made of aluminum and covered with plastic, they differ from cheap plastic ones by their greater weight and long term operation.
SLOPES
High-quality slopes are made of insulated sandwich panels. Fungus does not form on such slopes, they are warm, rigid and do not have joints.
The joints between the slopes should be covered with liquid plastic, and not with silicone, which blackens and falls off after a month. The joints on the slopes are covered with liquid plastic.
Liquid plastic has the same structure as the PVC from which your windows are made, which means liquid plastic will not differ in color, fungus does not form on it and it does not crack. has the same expansion factor.
Many companies continue to use poor quality cold Wall panels sealing the gaps with sealant. As a result, cold slopes, fungus, silicone must be changed every six months, the silicone darkens and such slopes look much worse.
INSTALLATION
The use of Vapor Permeable Tape PSUL (Pre-Compressed Sealing Tape) is mandatory. The tape is needed to protect the foam from the sun and to remove moisture from the foam.
But PSUL also requires protection from ultraviolet radiation, for which flashings or external slopes are used.
We talked about just a few ways to save money. The rest are either less significant, or it is not possible to identify them to a non-specialist.
Be careful when choosing plastic windows.
Plastic windows have spread all over the world. The combination of price, functionality and reliability has made them very popular. However, each country has retained its own "window traditions", in accordance with which PVC windows are produced and installed.
british plastic windows
In Britain, narrow and high window openings are traditionally made, under which PVC windows are created. If you are building your house in English style, then take care of finding just such windows, since for our realities this is a rather non-standard form. English window structures are made up of small square sections that do not have hinges and move on special wheels. Even the British, as a rule, do not install double-glazed windows, despite the fact that the average annual temperature in the country is quite low.
PVC windows in France
The French put windows that open into the room. The number of gates must be even. The French love it when the room is well lit. sunlight and when the room can be quickly ventilated. Popularity in France panoramic windows, floor-to-ceiling and attic structures.
scandinavian windows
Scandinavians are not used to PVC windows. They most often use wooden windows, which by design are very reminiscent of Soviet ones. In connection with the cold climate, windows with double frames and a single locking mechanism are installed. The outer frame has single glass, while the inner frame contains double glazing.
Plastic windows in Germany
The Germans are famous for their practicality in everything, including the approach to glazing their own homes. In Germany, it is customary to install windows made of metal-plastic profiles, absolutely airtight, which will last at least 50 years. As a rule, these are single-frame structures with the possibility of opening the sash vertically and horizontally. Such windows are widely used in our country.
Italian plastic windows
In Italy, very often window openings are in the shape of an arch, so arched windows are often called Italian. An Italian window is a wide arched structure, sometimes with aluminum profile. In order to keep the room cool, the windows are placed deeper in the wall than, for example, it is customary with us.
American tradition
Inhabitants North America are accustomed to using window structures without hinges with a vertically sliding opening mechanism. We often see such windows in American films.
Where to order PVC windows?
Glaze your home in an original and high-quality way. When ordering windows from us, you get high quality products. Decide on the style, and if you need any advice, call us!
Are plastic windows harmful to human health? What is included in their composition? Which windows are better - wooden or plastic? What kind of windows are installed in Europe? There are many questions, the main thing is to know the right answers and dispel all the myths among buyers.
12/10/2010
European manufacturers are not only leaders in the production of plastic windows, but also in their consumption. The information that Europe is switching back to old wooden windows is just a myth. Today on the market there is a huge range of windows from a profile of European production, which, according to appearance and the texture resembles a tree. Such “visually wooden” windows are based on the same design and composition as in ordinary white plastic windows.
The information that lead is added to windows, which is harmful to health, is also not justified. Yes, indeed, manufacturers produce a PVC profile with the addition of a small amount of organic lead salt, which is dangerous only during the production process, and not in finished product. plastic profile as "harmful" as ordinary glass.
The plastic windows presented on the modern market are characterized by high quality and harmless impact on the environment. European Union and the Commission for Protection environment advocated environmentally friendly production. Therefore, since 2005, manufacturers have been replacing lead salts in the production of PVC with a composition of calcium and zinc, which is a completely new standard and maintains a clean environment at all stages of production and profile processing, as well as during the operation of windows. In Denmark, Switzerland and Austria, the ban on lead has long been in place, and manufacturers do not use these mineral salts.
Plastic windows are an environmentally friendly component for the construction and design of premises, which has a lot of advantages. The function of energy saving and sound insulation already justifies the choice of plastic windows. Durability in operation, lack of additional annual maintenance, air flow adjustment, a variety of shapes and designs, protection from dust and insects, affordable prices for plastic windows - all these are the advantages of plastic windows.
Just think: noise, drafts, insects, additional maintenance and financial costs for maintenance, coating wooden windows with paints and varnishes, fragility in use ... Do you want to have all these problems and worries? European residents choose comfort, health and economy - and this is another reason to take a good example.
_
Problem: The housing society I belong to is forcing me to install plastic windows in my apartment. As an asthmatic, the quality of the air I breathe is very important to me and I am very concerned about the harm of PVC.
PVC - polyvinylchloryl or "vinyl" as it is also called in short - one of the most popular types of plastics used in the modern world, it can be found everywhere, from toys to computers. But, it is also considered a potentially hazardous material. And here's why: the main problems of PVC are the initial stage of production and the expiration of its shelf life. During the production process, the main components, such as ethylene dichloride and vinyl chloride, are emitted into the atmosphere as gases. These are carcinogens and cause damage to the liver, kidneys, and nerves.
But that's not all, when PVC is disposed of, say by burning it, dioxin, one of the most toxic substances in the world, is released.
And this is where your health concerns come in, and this is not surprising, because there are a lot of reasons for concern.
The main commercial move in sales window frames PVC is that they cost virtually nothing to maintain. But ultraviolet radiation eventually makes the material brittle and friable. And as it degrades, PVC releases toxic fumes like vinyl chloride that inevitably enter the home.
But beyond that, PVC contains a wide range of toxic additives, such as heavy metal stabilizers, fungicides, and "plasticizers." Plasticizers are phthalates and are believed to contribute to gas emissions and impart the characteristic odor to vinyl. Most phthalates are used to soften PVC, but they are sometimes added as hardeners to prevent brittleness of PVC such as window frames.
More toxic than PVC itself, animal studies have shown to cause thyroid and kidney cancer, possibly due to their effects on the endocrine system. Being fat-soluble, they have the ability to accumulate in the body. And steps have already been taken to ban phthalates from plastic nipples on baby bottles, children's toys and plastic pipes in hospitals. However, a broader ban is yet to come.
Recently, a Danish-Swedish team conducted a study of more than 10,000 children and found that phthalates may be one of the key factors in the dramatic increase in asthma and allergies in childhood. They found that asthmatic children lived in homes with high concentrations of phthalates in house dust.
In 1995, Sweden introduced a ban on all PVC products, and Denmark introduced a tax on PVC products and phthalates. More than 150 communities in Europe have already banned PVC or are pursuing a policy to phase it out in public buildings.
Is there an alternative to PVC windows? Yes, traditional wooden windows. Modern, high performance timber windows require minimal Maintenance and will last more than 50 years, while PVC windows are only 20-25 years old. (Once positioned as a "lifetime warranty" product, PVC deteriorates faster than expected, meaning that the release of toxic gases is much greater than originally thought.)
In addition, wooden windows can be restored after 50 years, while plastic windows must be completely replaced in every generation.
Wooden windows are much cheaper than uPVC and do not need to be replaced as often as uPVC. Show this article to your local housing cooperative, and if things don't move, then it's time to move this topic yourself.
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Where did the expression "window to Europe" come from? The author of the famous phrase is an art critic, Italian Francesco Algarote, who lived in the 18th century. He named the city of St. Petersburg in this way, describing his journey in the essay “Letters about Russia”. The city on the Neva, founded by Peter I, was the first seaport connecting the Russian state through the Baltic Sea with Europe. The phrase itself became popular and famous after A. S. Pushkin used it in the poem "The Bronze Horseman". Modern meaning winged expression - a metaphor denoting trade or cultural interaction with Europe.
From Europe came to us and. Plastic was invented in the 19th century, but the material itself began to be used in industry only in the 30s of the last century. And in the 70s, PVC windows were already used here for housing construction as one of the ways to save energy. And what windows are popular today in European countries?
The European consumer's approach to the choice of windows is dictated, first of all, by high energy prices. Accordingly, the main thing that draws attention to is the energy efficiency of translucent structures. Plastic windows with a 3-chamber profile and a simple double-glazed window have long gone from the European market. For housing glazing, a warm 5-8-chamber window profile with a width of 70 mm or more is used; double-glazed windows of complex configurations with and argon are in demand. Colored plastic windows make up the largest part of sales, and shades and tones are of great variety. It should be noted that in countries with a temperate warm climate (Spain, Italy, Greece), wooden windows with double-glazed windows are also popular.
Despite the fact that glazing with plastic windows in Europe has reached its limit, the PVC window industry is developing rapidly. The fact is that a European resident changes windows as often as necessary to maintain effective heat saving. The production technologies and design of windows are being improved more and more, the demand for high-tech window systems with increased functionality is increasing.
The departure from standard shapes and sizes greatly distinguishes outwardly European windows from those used in our country: the architectural possibilities of buildings are wider - more non-standard designs. The design of the windows is characterized by minimalism and sophistication of lines. Stained glass glazing from ceiling to floor with massive translucent structures is popular. Latest developments in the window sphere are represented by models with hidden sashes. The window profile is invisible from the outside, almost the entire surface of the plastic window is double-glazed. This design creates a visual openness of the windows, does not burden the structure and fits seamlessly into the modern architectural style, in addition, the light-transmitting capabilities of windows increase. A special installation technology with this type of glazing allows you to achieve high energy saving parameters. Simple turn-and-turn and tilt-and-turn fittings can no longer cope with the growing demands of the consumer for a locking and security system - they are becoming more and more high quality and sophisticated.
The increased demand for designer windows in Europe and the improvement of energy-saving capabilities of systems give a new impetus to the development of the window industry, replenishing lineups new product line with unique features.
