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Even among plastic windows there are leaders and outsiders. Firstly, it is customary to divide the profile by category into economy, business and premium. As A. Zemskov aptly put it, the first type of windows is good only because they are plastic. As a rule, such products are equipped with poor and cheap fittings, have little service life and lose heat well due to their relatively thin profile. Let's discuss some technical details below. Well, let's see what kind of windows there are.

Types of plastic windows

Plastic window profile

The first thing you should pay attention to is the thickness of the profile. So with the naked eye you can roughly estimate what kind of structure appeared before your eyes. Many people in the provinces are given economy, keeping silent about the fact that there are plastic windows much better. Let's see how to do it (distinguish).

Plastic window

An economy class profile usually has three air chambers. What does it mean? The PVC profile is hollow inside. This is necessary in order to create insulation against the cold current. As we remember from physics, all materials, including gaseous ones, have a certain thermal conductivity coefficient. With plastic it is quite small, but if you make the frame solid, it will turn out to be very weighty. You may ask, what should we do? The inside of the profile is made hollow. Well, as you know, air is also a poor conductor of heat. Due to this, it is possible to achieve acceptable performance.

But the whole point comes down to the fact that inside to give strength you need to use a reinforcing steel profile. It conducts heat well and also weighs a lot. In order to somehow isolate this structure from the outer and inner edges, two more chambers are used on the sides. In total, it turns out to be three pieces. This is a typical economy class profile. And its thickness is usually approximately 60 mm. That is, business class can be distinguished from cheap ones by taking with you a regular line.

But even without this, the dealer usually has a cross-sectional sample of a plastic window profile. On it, these same cameras can be easily seen and counted. And today there are five, six, and perhaps even more. The higher the number, the better the insulating properties of the frame. Now about how to find these same air chambers:

So, the profile largely determines thermal insulation properties windows, but most of the area is still glass. Let's see what to look for in this case.

Double-glazed plastic windows

As A. Zemskov says, good plastic windows are assembled at a factory, not in a garage. Why? For those who are not in the know, we inform you that initially plastic windows are a set of fittings and standard length profile strips. All this is cut according to measurements (from the customer) and properly assembled. This is where it comes to find out that between the glasses there are usually so-called spacers with silicone balls that absorb moisture. This is necessary so that the glass unit glued together in the garage does not fog up in the first frost.

See for yourself. Let's say the assembly is carried out in the summer. The master, according to the measurements received, cuts off two sheets of glass, assembles the spacer frame and seals it all at the ends liquid rubber for sealing. But, as you know, at low air temperatures there is less moisture in the air. Well, the excess will precipitate in the cold. It is this effect that is prevented by a perforated spacer containing silicone beads. At the factory, dry air will be supplied inside, but that’s not the point. It is better if inert gas is filled inside. For example, argon. Because the thermal insulation properties in this case are much better. And this is the first point that you need to pay attention to when purchasing - what’s inside the double-glazed window. If the dealer doesn't know, then there's air in there, and that's a little worse.

On the other hand, repairing an argon-filled glass unit is impossible. You'll have to replace it with a new one, and it's expensive. From this point of view, dealers offer to buy double-glazed windows with three or more panels. As it became known, in Ukraine, due to the problematic situation regarding energy resources, citizens were legally required to use only such windows in residential and heated premises. That is, double-glazed windows with two panels will now only be installed in the entryway. From this fact alone one can already judge the saving of energy resources. On the other hand, the mass of the window itself increases. Anyone who thinks that all this is a fable has simply never tried to lift an ordinary plastic sash on his own.

This is a very heavy thing, and glass accounts for a large part of it. Imagine what would happen if such a thing fell on someone’s head, if the metal equipment couldn’t hold it. And we smoothly move on to the fittings.

Double-glazed window

Accessories for plastic windows

This is the most important part of a plastic window, because it is believed that the fittings are the first to fail. Many manufacturers give service life in the number of closing and opening cycles, but in our opinion much clearer examples the same A. Zemskov, who says that the equipment lasts about 10 years, while the frame itself can last about a quarter of a century. It's hard to say where the truth is, but the point is that fittings really are an important part of the purchase.

The time has come to say that the profile itself is in no way connected with this component. That is, it is theoretically possible to install both GU and any other fittings on Rehau. In practice, this means that you need to choose the brand of this component as seriously as the profile itself. That is, the fittings must be from famous manufacturer. There will be differences in small details, for example, on some windows the position of the handle up means ventilation, on others it means open. But the most important thing is that there are convenient options for adjusting the flow of fresh air.

For example, today you can find fittings on sale with four positions: open, closed, ventilation, window. In the third case, there will be thin cracks around the perimeter of the window, through which enough air will flow in summer to block the effect of reverse draft. In addition, near the handle you can sometimes find a plastic device for adjusting the width of the sash opening. This is a regular frame with a number of molded recesses, for which there is a special tenon on the profile.

Window fittings

And we must not forget that all fittings, without exception, are adjustable:

1. By turning the heads of the latch, the density of the sash slamming is set.
2. Screws are used to adjust the horizontal, vertical inclination and height of the sash hanging on the hinge.

Usually, different tools are needed for these operations. From experience, we will say that those fittings where the heads (located along the perimeter of the sash) have recesses for a Phillips or TORX screwdriver are not the best solution, because these elements are easily torn off. It is much better if the latches themselves are oval. So that you can grab it with pliers. You will say that the master must set everything up himself, but we will add that over time the set parameters may go sideways. And not everyone will want to wait for service in the winter if the plastic window suddenly stops closing.

Aluminum windows

An aluminum profile has the advantage of being slightly more durable. In addition, aircraft metal is relatively lightweight and has an excellent temperature coefficient of expansion. But when talking about what types of windows there are, we must first of all highlight the disadvantages. Aluminum conducts heat well, so structures made from it form cold bridges through which heat flies out. Frost forms on the profile inside.

To prevent this from happening, there are so-called polyamide bridges inside. The profile itself is not much different from a plastic one. These are the same bulkheads and compartments, but inside there is an insert made of polyamide (a type of plastic). And the thicker this bridge, the higher quality the window is considered. But the positive properties of aluminum are so attractive that the Finns, for example, make windows from two frames. The interior is ordinary wood, but it is the metal that fights real frost. Why? The coefficient of thermal expansion is approximately the same as that of glass. Due to this, the gaps can be kept to a minimum, and their size almost does not change with the change of seasons. Due to this, it is possible to minimize the use of aging rubber seals, which increases the service life of the entire window as a whole.

We talked about what kind of windows there are, and wrote nothing at all about laminated veneer lumber. Why? Until now, little is known about the environmental friendliness of this material. What the dealers say doesn't count. We will mention that laminated veneer lumber is assembled from dried wood scraps and is thoroughly impregnated special composition. And then the secret of production technology.

Today there is big variety window frames Some are attracted by beauty and environmental friendliness, others by quality and reliability. But how to find the golden mean? In this article we will look at types of window frames, their advantages and differences, and also learn from the right choice profiles.

Window profile, types

Plastic windows - practicality and comfort

Due to the fact that manufacturers began to use modern technologies, there is an opportunity to receive high quality finished window. This is exactly what applies to windows with a PVC profile, which is the most common and in demand on the market.

The main feature of a plastic window is:

• strength,
• aesthetic appearance,
• durability of the structure,
• wonderful, affordable price.

They, like wooden windows, can provide excellent heat and sound insulation. Typically, manufacturers guarantee 100% window service life from 8 to 16 years. The manufacturing technology of the window frame of a plastic window allows you to create air cavities between the frames and sashes, creating a decent thermal insulation level. The outer side is equipped with special channels that drain water in rainy weather.

Window with PVC profile

Customer reviews are clear and indicate the practicality of this design. The main advantage of plastic windows is that they take a wide variety of shapes, such as square, round, oval or triangular. However, all window functions will remain. Installation of the PVC profile is carried out by the manufacturer and does not take much time.

Read also:

Aluminum frames – versatility and ease of use

Not so long ago, aluminum was the main material when creating window frames in factories, firms or offices. They did not try to use it in private houses or apartments because of its confusion and unattractive appearance. In addition, such a window did not create the desired comfort. But manufacturers have always wanted to reach private consumers, because aluminum has no equal in strength and lightness. And a way out was found.

Aluminum frame

Manufacturers began to coat the aluminum frame special film, which perfectly disguises itself as a tree. In addition, the thermal conductivity of this material was improved by filling the frame with polyamide inserts.

Wooden windows - naturalness and durability

This type of window is considered the most expensive. In addition to the fact that they look solid, they are also environmentally friendly, safe and go well with furniture and any interior. Types of wooden frames are environmentally friendly and durable. Most often, glued-laminated wooden frames are used, which have increased strength. With their help you can perfectly isolate the room from unnecessary sounds and noise.

Types of wooden frames

The only downside to these windows is that they sometimes need to be covered polyurethane paint, which is resistant to atmospheric phenomena. If for production wooden window Valuable wood species are used, the cost of such structures will be very high. But in any case, all wooden windows pass special treatment chemicals, protecting against dust, insects and having a water-repellent effect.

Types of window frames differ in the material of manufacture, fittings and price. The final choice depends primarily on your taste preferences and the interior of the room.

Watch the video: Which PVC profile is better? Secrets of choosing and installing plastic windows. Glazing of balconies and loggias.

For a long time, the only material for making windows was wood, and this continued until about the beginning of the nineteenth century.

With the advent of new materials in construction, other types of windows began to appear. Basically, window unit can be made from many materials, including Ivory. However, since we are talking about consumer goods, cost restrictions begin. In addition, there are design and engineering limitations.

The window block as an element of the enclosing structure can be used in fairly harsh conditions. Thus, when operating in a cold climate in winter, it is on the “warm-cold” border, which causes the problem of temperature deformations.

On southern facades, ultraviolet radiation is added to the temperature load. There is also an impact on the window structure from rain, snow, and dust (the problem of erosive wear). Thus, the material of the window structure must be sufficiently weather-resistant. In areas with strong winds (on top floors high-rise buildings) the strength characteristics of window structures are very relevant.

When choosing a material for making windows, it is necessary to take into account fire safety issues. On the other hand, windows are an element interior design and here the demands placed on them are not so much technical as aesthetic.

Due to such numerous and often contradictory requirements, a peculiar “ natural selection» materials for the manufacture of window blocks. It is also clear that due to objective reasons There is no one “ideal” material. More or less “ideal” is the combination various materials, where each of them shows their strengths.

Today, the following main materials can be distinguished in the production of windows.

Wood of various species

Wood of various species is a traditional material. Both exotic tropical species and cheap conifers - pine, spruce - can be used to make windows. The profile for the manufacture of modern window blocks has long been glued from several lamellas. Used for wood processing various impregnations paint coatings. Now this is not at all the same old “jointwork” made of poorly dried and painted knotty wood. Thanks to modern finishing materials, the weather resistance of wooden windows has also become significantly higher.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Very good combination price-quality, which has made this material the most widespread in the production of window blocks.

Fiberglass

By various reasons the use of this material, despite a number of very good technical parameters, is significantly inferior to PVC.

Aluminum. Lightweight, durable, weather-resistant material for the manufacture of window blocks and facade structures. Such a disadvantage for windows as high thermal conductivity is compensated by the use of “thermal bridges”, or rather, thermal breaks

Combinations of different window materials:

Wood-aluminum window blocks

Window made of wood lined with outside profiles made of aluminum, which in this situation serves to protect the wood from atmospheric influences and performs decorative functions.

Aluminum-wood window units

The window is made of “warm” aluminum, lined with inside profiles made of wood, usually of “noble” species. In this case, the wood practically does not bear operational loads and is not subject to atmospheric influences and plays the role of handsome finishing material(plus some contribution to thermal performance).

PVC + wood combination

PVC carries operational loads, wood plays the role of a finishing material.

Some window materials appeared as a result of recycling wood waste (sawdust) and processing PVC (sawdust and trimmings). The most prominent representative of such window materials is “Fibrex”, developed by the American company “Andersen Windows”. The material consists of approximately 60% waste wood and 40% waste PVC. Extruded into window profiles using conventional PVC extruders. Lamination of such profiles is required, but they do not require reinforcement.

May 8, 2017
Specialization: professional in the field of construction and renovation ( full cycle carrying out finishing works, both internal and external, from sewerage to electrical and finishing works), installation of window structures. Hobbies: see the column "SPECIALIZATION AND SKILLS"

Plastic, aluminum and wood window frames glazing used in the glazing of houses and apartments differ significantly from each other. Moreover, these differences concern not only appearance, but also functional parameters.

Let's figure out what the features of different products are, and what you should pay attention to when choosing/manufacturing window frames.

Selecting a frame by material

Option 1. Metal-plastic profile

Windows without frames, that is, with glass fixed directly in the opening, are used extremely rarely in residential construction. So whatever one may say, when designing a house or planning an apartment renovation, we will have to choose frames.

The most common option today is structures made of metal-plastic profiles. Their key features:

1. Universal configuration. The shape of the product allows not only to securely fix the window in the opening, but also to connect several frames to each other. In addition, such products are compatible not only with double-glazed windows (fixed glazing), but also with sashes.

Before removing the plastic window from the frame, you need to either remove the sash from its hinges or remove the glazing beads that hold the glass unit from the grooves.

1. Plastic case. All surfaces in contact with external environment, are made of resistant polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This not only protects the window from moisture, but also makes cleaning easier. For example, we don’t have to spend a long time trying to wash the frames of plastic windows - they can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth, but if necessary, they can also withstand the effects of more active household chemicals.

1. Internal reinforcement. Plastic is an elastic and quite soft material, therefore, to give the frame rigidity, metal inserts (square or U-shaped) are installed in it. It improves mechanical properties design, but complicates the work with products. For example, before reducing the frame of a plastic window, you have to saw it at the corners, shorten the metal reinforcement and weld the cut parts again.

1. Drainage and ventilation. Despite the almost complete tightness, the design plastic frame provides for the presence technological holes. So that water in the frame of a plastic window does not stagnate after rain and does not provoke corrosion, drainage grooves are almost always made in its lower part.

Option 2. Aluminum profile

Despite the fact that a plastic window is today considered the “default” option, there are still alternatives to such products. And one of the most technologically advanced alternatives is windows with aluminum frames.

Here you need to keep in mind the following aspects:

1. Two aluminum profile options. A cold window frame is made without thermal insulation inserts, but also weighs less. “Warm” aluminum retains energy indoors much better, but weighs more and is more expensive than many PVC structures.

1. Not the best thermal insulation. Even a profile with internal inserts is inferior in energy saving to plastic products with metal reinforcement.
2. High strength. This applies to both resistance to deformation and wear resistance. This is why aluminum is chosen for industrial and industrial glazing. public buildings. But if the window is already out of order, then repairs will be quite expensive and time-consuming.

It is advisable to choose products coated powder paint- it is the most durable, and restoration of the appearance will not be necessary for at least 10 years after installation.

Option 3. Wooden beams

Making window frames and their parts from wood is a traditional technology that remains relevant today. Key Features wooden windows are:

1. There are products in a very cheap segment. As a rule, these are single or double frames designed to accommodate single glazing. On the plus side - low price and light weight, but in houses and apartments they are trying to get rid of such structures.

1. Eurobeam is a functional analogue of metal-plastic. Modern wooden frames are made from laminated veneer lumber so that a sealed double-glazed window can be installed in them. In terms of thermal insulation, they are almost as good as plastic products, and in terms of appearance they beat them “with a crushing score.”

1. Difficulty in packaging. Most manufacturers have accessories for wooden windows, but they are more expensive than standard kits. Therefore, by default, the simplest latches and hinges are installed on the frame - canopies, and advanced mechanisms are installed when finances allow.

Another advantage of wooden frames is that they can be repaired and even made at home. Of course, this will require suitable material, tools and skills. But if you are interested in the technology of making wooden windows with your own hands, we advise you to study the next section.

Making your own window frame

How to make the simplest one wooden frame with your own hands - we will tell you step by step in the table:

Illustration	Work stage
	Manufacturing of blanks. We cut out parts from a flat pine beam, the dimensions of which should be slightly more sizes future window.
	Profiling of blanks. On milling machine we make samples on the beams for installing glazing. At the same time, we align all the planes of the parts.
	Marking for connection. In the places where the parts of the frame will be connected, we apply markings using a tape measure and a square. If the marking is done accurately, and all the details can be cut out cleanly, then putty at the joints will not be needed!
	Formation of spines. On the transverse parts of the frame we cut out tenons that will be used to fasten parts. They can be done either using a router, or simply sawing off fragments with a hacksaw and then cleaning them.
	Formation of grooves. Opposite every thorn in vertical racks select grooves whose size should be equal to or slightly smaller size thorn. The most convenient way to do the work is with a wood cutter.
	Frame assembly. We assemble the structure by inserting the tenons into the grooves and pressing the parts with a mallet.
	Fixation of parts. We glue the joints with moisture-resistant wood glue. While gluing, we fix the frame with clamps. Additionally, all corners can be tightened with self-tapping screws, twisting them from different sides.

Of course, this is not the only answer to the question “how to make a frame yourself.” But the described design organically combines sufficient reliability and ease of manufacture.

Conclusion

Making window frames with your own hands is both time-consuming and troublesome. But if of all available options If you have chosen wooden structures, then the tips and videos in this article, as well as consultations in the comments, will help you cope with this task. You'll also save money!

May 8, 2017

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Window frames made of wood have low sound and thermal conductivity and look very attractive. In addition, they are very durable, but, of course, if we are talking about high-quality structures.

Before you become window frame, the wood is dried to optimal humidity to eliminate the possibility of shrinkage. The production uses not solid wood, which is quite whimsical, but three-layer laminated veneer lumber. Since the direction of the fibers in each layer is different, such a window is resistant to changes in temperature and humidity.

The outside of the frame is usually coated with a moisture-proofing compound, primed, and then layers of varnish are applied, which does not hide, but, on the contrary, emphasizes the natural texture of the wood.

Sometimes you can hear that wooden windows “breathe”. It is not true. Wood treated by the methods described above loses its ability to pass air. To ensure its flow into the house, it is necessary to use a system forced ventilation. However, this applies to any modern window designs.

Plastic windows

Plastic windows, more precisely, metal-plastic (since window profile strengthen steel reinforcement) - the most common on the market. Specifications these frames are no lower than in the case of wooden windows. And in a number of parameters it is even higher. For example, unlike wooden ones, structures made of plastic (polyvinyl chloride) require almost no maintenance. Plastic is resistant to moisture, ultraviolet radiation, and temperature changes.

An important advantage of plastic windows is the lightness of the frames. From PVC profile They make structures of any size and configuration. In addition, plastic windows are much cheaper than wooden ones.

Fiberglass windows

To produce frames of this type, heavy-duty material is used: fiberglass or, as it is otherwise called, glass composite. Fiberglass profiles do not even require the installation of reinforcing steel stiffeners (rebar). Thermal conductivity of glass composite is similar to wood.

Since such a profile consists of approximately 70% fiberglass (essentially glass), its coefficients of expansion and contraction during temperature changes are actually the same as the coefficients of a double-glazed window. Therefore, during freezing and thawing, the window “works” as a single whole, which eliminates the loss of tightness of the seams and significantly increases the service life of the seals, and the entire structure.

The cost of glass composite windows is approximately 30% higher than plastic ones, but lower than the cost of wooden ones.

Wooden-aluminum windows

Some manufacturers offer combined type windows. The most popular are wooden-aluminum.

The base of the frame of such windows is made of wood, which is protected from the outside by an aluminum trim. This metal is very resistant to moisture, sun, temperature changes, and the window lasts much longer than a wooden window and requires almost no maintenance or repair.

For combined window structures, three types of sashes are possible. They are conventionally called Finnish, Swedish and German - according to the country where the system was invented.

Finnish-type windows have two separate sashes. The outer one is made of aluminum, and the inner one is made of wood. The doors are connected to each other by a movable fastener and can open either simultaneously or one by one.

Constructions of this type are quite heavy, in addition, the doors open only in one direction (that is, they only turn, but do not recline). But between such frames you can build sun blinds.

The Swedish window has two frames with paired sashes. The outer binding is aluminum profile with single glass, and the inner one is made of wood (a double-glazed window is inserted into it). Unlike Finnish, buffet window opens in two planes.

German-type combined windows use only one frame. The design here is the same as that of a regular wooden window, only on the outside the wood is protected by an aluminum trim around the entire perimeter.

Aluminum windows

Aluminum windows are quite expensive, so such designs are usually used in cases where the project provides for large windows.

Since aluminum itself is a poor thermal insulator, a “warm” profile is used in the manufacture of such window structures. It consists of two layers of aluminum, between which there is a thermally insulating insert (usually made of glass fiber reinforced polyamide). This layer not only stops the flow of heat along the profile from the room to the street, but also serves as a sound insulator.

Regardless of what material it is made from window design, the quality of the installation is extremely important. Unprofessional installation can negate all the advantages of even the most better window. Great importance has the qualification of master installers aluminum windows, since after installation is completed, reconfiguration is practically impossible.