Plastic windows are a popular element of modern housing. We have prepared instructions that will help you choose quality plastic windows.
Step-by-step instructions for choosing plastic windows
A plastic window has four main elements:
- Glass unit.
- Window Profiles.
- Reinforcements for plastic windows.
- Accessories.
In this article, we will approach the choice of plastic windows gradually. At first, it may seem that choosing a profile, thickness of a glass unit, variations of fittings is all complicated and only a professional can figure it out. We assure you that by following our instructions, you yourself will be able to get an idea of what kind of plastic windows you need.
Window location
The first step is the easiest. Analyze your living space and answer your questions.
- Where do the windows face – to the courtyard or to the street?
- How many sashes do you want to see?
- Is it cold in your home in winter?
This information will be useful when choosing plastic windows. For example, to glaze a balcony, you can save money and order an aluminum profile with a single glass. A window that opens onto a glazed balcony can be purchased cheaper, because external glazing already cuts off some of the noise and prevents heat dissipation.
Profile selection
The profile is the part that we commonly call the frame. Although, in reality, it includes both the frame and the window sashes.
The thickness of the profile is much more important. It starts at 58 mm for three-chamber ones. Five-chamber ones are most often 70 mm. Six and seven-chamber ones can be 80–86 mm. If you’re in doubt, order a five-chamber 70 mm thick – the perfect balance of price and quality.
The profile has a lesser effect on sound insulation, but is also important for preserving heat and the microclimate of the room.
The thickness of the outer walls of the profile is indicated by the Latin letters A, B, and C. Class A has a thickness of 3 mm. B: 2.5–2.8 mm. The thicker the wall, the stronger the structure. This is important for safety and for insulating properties.
The plastic profile shrinks and expands due to temperature changes. Over time, this leads to deformation of the structure. So, thickness matters here.
Antistatic substances are also added to a high-quality profile so that it attracts less dust.
“Breathing” windows are popular now. This characteristic refers to the profile. This technology reduces the likelihood of condensation forming on the windows and increases the flow of air into the room.
Selecting a double-glazed window
Windows are the main conductors of heat in the house. The larger they are, the greater the losses will be. Installing floor-to-ceiling windows is an impractical choice.
Not every double-glazed window fits all profiles. The wider the profile, the thicker the glass it will hold.
Double-glazed windows also have chambers, from one to three. Options with two and three chambers are considered warm; they have three and four glasses, respectively.
When choosing plastic windows, you may be offered coated glass that is distinguished by an additional layer that cuts off ultraviolet rays. But such glasses will be more expensive.
If for some reason, safety is very important to you, then order triplex glass. It is glued with film from the inside. This seriously increases its
strength. Even if the glass cracks, the fragments will not fly apart, but will remain in the film.
When the windows are delivered to you for installation, inspect the glass unit – it should be sealed, free of condensation and dust, and clean from the inside.
Selecting a Window Configuration
This point is more design than technical. Decide what the entire glass unit will look like: single window, double frame, three-section unit.
Think about ways to open. Do you want every window to open, or just one of the entire blocks? How will it open: vertically or horizontally? Or both options. It is important to remember that the windows will have to be washed from the outside.
Why does plastic need reinforcement?
Reinforcement is a metal insert inside the profile. It is invisible to the eye and serves as a frame that strengthens the structure. Reinforcement is especially important for windows in regions with strong temperature changes, when in winter it is up to -30 degrees, and in summer it is up to +30 degrees.
Reinforcement also makes sense when installing windows; in a private house, the thickness should be 1.5 mm. For an apartment, 1.4 mm will be enough. In new buildings, to save money, developers often install windows with 1.2 mm reinforcement.
Popular questions and answers
Are plastic windows better than wood?
The choice between plastic windows and wood windows depends on various factors, including personal preferences, budget, durability, and maintenance requirements.
What is the advantage of a plastic window?
Plastic windows, offer several advantages that make them a popular choice for homeowners. Here are some of the advantages of plastic windows:
Energy Efficiency, Low Maintenance, Durability, Variety of Styles and Designs, Noise Reduction.