Comparison of pvc profiles. What profile is it better to choose plastic windows from? The accessories include

Currently, in the Russian market of window products, despite the increasing number of sales of wooden and aluminum structures, the leadership is retained by plastic windows. This is facilitated by the mass of advantages that PVC products have. The main ones, of course, are excellent heat and sound insulation, long service life, the ability to use additional accessories that increase the functionality of the window (mosquito net, thermometer, etc.), as well as a great appearance, coupled with an affordable price.

As you know, the basis of plastic windows is a profile. In the entire light-transmitting structure, it accounts for approximately 10% of the entire area of the product. The remaining 90% is a double-glazed window.

It is no secret that all PVC profiles included in the windows sold are the same. In order to choose the best option that would fully meet the needs in terms of appearance, level of sound and heat insulation, as well as price, the buyer needs to have an idea of each element of the window, to be able to freely operate the technical terms associated with each of its components.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the main points that you should pay attention to when choosing a window profile, describe its design, and explain the meanings of the main technical terms.

How many cameras should a plastic window have?

The image is clickable.

When considering the characteristics of the model of a light-transmitting PVC structure of interest, special attention should be paid to three points:

profile;

The most significant characteristic of a profile is its intimacy, that is, how many cameras it consists of. Their number directly determines how well the plastic profile retains heat.

Profile with three chambers... For residents of regions where cool weather conditions prevail most of the year, the most preferable option is a three-chamber window profile. Three chambers reliably protect the structure from blowing, which means they perfectly keep the heat in the room. In addition, they have a built-in metal frame designed to reinforce the plastic sidewalls. A three-chamber profile of a plastic window, as a rule, has a width of 5.8 cm.

Profile with four or five chambers... Products, which include four, are either intended primarily for use in regions of the country in which the summer season is not long, and the temperature conditions clearly leave much to be desired. The protection provided by the profile with such an increased number of chambers can cope with even the lowest temperatures (30 C and below). Therefore, it will be warm and cozy inside the room, glazed with windows with a multi-chamber profile, in any weather. It should be noted that the use of such windows in warm regions of the country is hardly justified due to: mild weather conditions; prices that significantly exceed the cost of their three-chamber "counterparts".

Single-chamber and double-chamber profiles. They are mainly used for glazing apartments and private houses located in the southern part of Russia. The design flaw that does not allow them to efficiently cope with heat retention at low temperatures is more than compensated for by their price - it is significantly lower than the cost of plastic window models, the profile of which has a larger number of chambers.

Structural elements of the plastic profile. Click on the mouse to enlarge the image.

As a result... If you need maximum protection from the cold, opt for models of plastic windows with 4 or 5 chambered profiles. If there is no need for maximum heat conservation in a glazed room, for example, in the southern regions of the country, where hot weather prevails, one- or two-chamber PVC structures should be chosen.

For most buyers, however, the best solution for a home would be to purchase three-chamber systems.

Criteria for selecting a profile, depending on its thickness.

Sectional profile. Click to enlarge.

An important characteristic of a PVC profile is its thickness. It depends, first of all, on the number of chambers and, indirectly, speaks of the ability to store heat by a window: the wider the profile so, as a rule, it is warmer.

When choosing the optimal width of the profile of a plastic window, it must be borne in mind that there are only a small number of options, of which the following must be distinguished:

58 mm... The profile, 5.8 cm wide, is the most demanded in the Russian market for window constructions. Against the background of the rest, more "fat brothers", it stands out for its low price with rather tolerable characteristics. As they say - cheap and cheerful. However, if the buyer pursues the goal of glazing a window opening without claims for super-performance, then the models of a plastic window with a 58-mm profile will fully satisfy his desire.

70 mm... The profile width of 7.0 cm allows the product to place from 3 to 5 chambers in it. This thickness is more than enough to provide the glazed room with an adequate level of heat and sound insulation.

90 mm... The widest version of the profile for PVC windows, which best copes with the issue of keeping heat in the apartment. Contains up to 6 cameras. The main disadvantage of such a 9.0 cm solution is its price, which is significantly higher than other similar products with a smaller thickness.

There are also constructions, the profile width of which is quite impressive 110-130 mm! Such windows are also called "Danish" or "Dutch". They are, so to speak, designed for the amateur.

Sectional glass unit.

A double-glazed window, as mentioned above, occupies about 90% of the area of the entire window. Today there are three types of double-glazed windows, differing in the number of glasses installed in them:

Single glass option... Not suitable for installation in a residential building due to the lack of characteristics of such a double-glazed window. The main flaws in the design of a single glass unit are poor heat retention, as well as the lack of protection against. With the onset of the cold season, such disadvantages can contribute to cooling the room, as well as the formation of an impressive layer of ice on the glass.
Double glass construction... It is the most optimal solution for installation in an apartment or a private house due to its good price-performance ratio. The so-called is practically excluded, and the heat in the glazed room is preserved much better than when using a double-glazed unit, which contains only one glass.
Three-glass solution... With the installed triple glass unit, you can achieve not only the greatest heat savings, but also the maximum protection of the apartment from all kinds of noises entering its territory from the street. Triple glazing has only two drawbacks - high cost and.

From the above information, it follows that for most buyers, the best option would be to purchase double-glazed windows, which will include three glasses. In case of a shortage of funds, you can opt for a double-glazed window, which has the best price / quality ratio.

Selection of a profile depending on the manufacturer and class.

When choosing a suitable window profile, in addition to its characteristics, its brand and class should be taken into account. Regarding the manufacturers of this type of product, it can be noted that today in the domestic window market you can find a fairly large number of brands that produce various models of plastic windows, differing in their constituent elements and, accordingly, characteristics.

Important! This issue was most fully covered in our previous materials, entitled "" and "".

Now a few words about choosing a profile class. There are two classes of such products:

Profile class A can be used both in residential buildings and geometrically complex facade structures. Has a long service life, has a wall thickness of at least 3 mm.

Class A profile. Click to enlarge.

Due to the design features, the class B profile is usually referred to as a budget solution. The main factor influencing the price is the presence of a thin wall in the product. It is precisely because of the savings in the thickness of the material used for the chamber wall that the manufacturers of PVC profiles class B got the opportunity to keep prices for their products as low as possible. Price at a price, however, the buyer should remember that such a marketing move cannot but affect the service life of a plastic window equipped with such a profile - the service life of the system will be significantly shorter.

Summing up some of the above, I would like to draw your attention to a completely obvious fact: all the elements of a plastic window are interconnected. When making a choice in favor of a warm double-glazed window, one should also attend to the purchase of a warm window profile. Otherwise, the design, due to a significant difference in technical characteristics, may turn out to be unbalanced.

The formation of PVC windows into a full-fledged segment has long been completed on the domestic market. Technological and functional frames have confidently replaced their wooden counterparts, providing the consumer with reliable and ergonomic glazing. However, plastic profiles for PVC windows also cause mixed opinions of users, which is due to the variety of models and quality parameters of these products. Often, the manufacturer's brand becomes the decisive selection criterion - certified windows are more likely to be endowed with the qualities and characteristics declared by the company. It remains only to figure out which brand guarantees the best profile properties.

What is a PVC profile?

A metal-plastic profile is a frame that can include up to eight cameras, but models with two or three compartments are more common. Actually, they depend on their parameters as a whole. It is logical that the options for a larger area are weaker in insulating and noise-insulating functions than plastic profiles for small windows. In order to increase thermal insulation, manufacturers use polyurethane foam, which fills the space of the chambers. Fiberglass covering is also widespread. The list of the main distinctive features of the profiles also includes the mounting width. The rigidity of the structure and, consequently, the reliability of the sashes depends on these indicators.

Foreign manufacturers of profiles

For the most part, imported PVC windows are presented on the market by German products. The technologies of European companies have gone far ahead and today they dominate this niche. The list of companies is numbered in dozens, and the leading positions in quality and sales are held by the brands KBE, Rehau, Veka, Trocal, Deceuninck, etc. It is noteworthy that the windows of most German companies are manufactured in Russia under special licenses. Accordingly, many plastic profiles for PVC windows, the names of which are of German origin, are produced in our country. Domestic manufacturers of brands such as Rehau and KBE strive to ensure the proper quality by completely recreating the original

Russian manufacturers of profiles

Despite the wide representation of foreign window products, Russian manufacturing technologies are also being improved. One of the oldest domestic manufacturers of metal-plastic profiles is Proplex. Having initially mastered Austrian technologies, the company seeks to offer a wide range of glazing products.

The establishment of the Montblanc brand was not without help from Austrian specialists. Currently, the company's clients have access to plastic profiles for windows with a maximum width of 120 cm - this is a system that includes five cameras.

The Novotex company, which has production facilities in the Moscow region, can perhaps be unconditionally called Russian. Engineers and technologists are constantly working to improve plastic structures, focusing on local climatic conditions. It is the latter factor, combined with the low price, that allows the Novotex brand to keep up the competition.

Class A profiles

Although the quality of the profiles is determined by general criteria, there is a division into classes, according to which it is unjustified to compare premium models and representatives of budget series. The former obviously benefit from performance and durability, while the latter benefit from the price.

So, luxury plastic window profiles are positioned on the market as A-class. Such systems are distinguished by the thickness of the walls (3 mm), the reliability of the joints in the corners, as well as the protection from external influences. The technical features of the A-class profiles are not felt during use, which, however, testifies to the reliability of the structures. It is very problematic to dismantle them without a special tool, an optimal microclimate is created in the room, and the aesthetic beauty with the possibility of shading frames makes premium systems the best choice. A-class representatives include KBE, Rehau, Veka, etc.

Class B profiles

It is not necessary to count on perfect technical and physical parameters in the windows of this group, but due to the relatively low cost, this product also deserves attention.

The thickness of the outer walls in the B-class constructions is 2.5 mm. For this reason, class B plastic profiles for PVC windows are less resistant to physical impact. There is also an opinion about the unsatisfactory indicators of the environmental friendliness of the profiles of this group, but this is not true. The absence of toxicity is a general condition for the certification of plastic structures.

Category C profiles

In general, modern C-class profiles fully meet the needs of the consumer both in terms of sound and heat insulation, as well as in decorative properties. Another thing is that premium competitors have raised the level of technical qualities quite high.

Representatives of category C include profiles of such brands as Vektor, LG Hausys, AGF, as well as almost all domestic products, including Novotex. As a rule, they are used to provide non-residential premises, but there are also lines designed for installation in apartments and private houses.

Rating of the best profiles

Against the background of the development of technological methods for manufacturing profiles and fierce competition, it is not easy to identify the Rating is formed by the combination of qualities and the introduction of fundamentally new properties. In this regard, the arrangement of leaders can be represented as follows:

This brand has earned the championship due to the maintenance of an unsurpassed level of the basic qualities of window profiles. These include 50-year durability, increased heat and sound insulation performance, as well as environmental friendliness due to the introduction of zinc and calcium compounds into the PVC formulation.

As a serious competitor to KBE, the Veka brand is ranked second. In the list of its advantages, the technology of manufacturing "light" profiles, which at the same time ensure the preservation of heat and acoustic comfort.

3. Rehau

Rehau is also one of the three leaders. The quality of the profiles of this manufacturer is achieved by introducing lead compounds. As a result, the structures acquire high strength and stability in operation.

The following positions can be taken by many plastic profiles for PVC windows. Which is the best among them should be determined by the same parameters. The Salamander and Deceuninck systems should be added to the top three. Although plastic profiles for windows of these brands are not so popular, their physical and technical qualities are maintained at a high level. They are also distinguished by ergonomics and thoughtful configuration, which facilitates installation and further use of window systems.

When installing a window block, a profile system is selected. Although the profile occupies no more than 20% of the product area, this is the main component on which the reliability and durability of windows depends. Outwardly, all the profiles do not differ much from each other, but the difference is hidden in the structure of the structure and the material of manufacture.

Peculiarities

The window structure includes 3 parts - profile, glass and fittings. The window profile is a stable support that holds the glass unit. Frames and window sashes are made from it, which bear the load of the entire structure.

The profile has the following characteristics:

The material of manufacture must be with a low coefficient of thermal conductivity so that the frame does not freeze.
The level of thermal expansion should correspond to the coefficient of thermal linear expansion of the glass. It is 0.000009 m / m ° C. The difference in the expansion of the profile and the glass should be minimal so that there is no stress when the materials are stretched. This leads to premature wear of the seal.
High modulus of elasticity. Various weather conditions can lead to deformation of the structure. The higher the elasticity of the profile, the greater the stress force the material can withstand.

Profile structures are made of various structures. Profiles can be solid and hollow. Corpulent ones are made from solid material, usually wood. Hollow structures are separated by partitions to form chambers. The bridges between the chambers serve as stiffeners, increasing the strength of the profile.

The chamber adjacent to the street serves as a drain for condensate formed from temperature differences. The central large cavity bears the main load on the body. The chamber adjacent to the room is intended for the installation of window fittings. Each chamber filled with air or other heat-insulating material performs heat-insulating functions.

Additional chambers are needed to improve sound and heat insulation characteristics.

Views

The window profile differs in the type of material from which it is made. There are profile systems of the following types:

wooden;
aluminum;
fiberglass;
polyvinyl chloride.

Different types of trees are a classic proven material for the manufacture of window frames. For the assembly of profiles, glued beams are taken from cedar, pine, larch, oak, alder. The tree meets all the characteristics required for a window profile. The coefficient of thermal conductivity is on average 0.2 W / m * K, the modulus of elasticity is 9-10 GPa. When heated, it does not expand, but it can catch fire when exposed to high temperatures.

When installing wooden profiles, the following advantages can be distinguished:

comfortable indoor climate due to natural air exchange up to 2.7 m3 per day;
wood does not attract dust, as there is no electrostatics;
aesthetic appeal;
the strength of the structure determines the density of the tree - 0.5-0.6 t / m3;
the ability to repair surface defects;
depending on the type of wood, the service life is from 30 to 90 years.

Wood structures keep heat well and are environmentally friendly.

To get a quality product, you need to take into account the peculiarities when working with the material. Additional drying, treatment with antiseptic and fire-retardant primers leads to an increase in the cost of wooden windows. The negative side is considered to be its swelling at high humidity. If the temperature and humidity environment in the room changes, condensation may occur. The accumulation of moisture causes stains on the wood.

Aluminum profiles are lightweight and durable and consist of two or three chambers. The main plus when using them is fire safety. A metal window has a high thermal conductivity - 140-190 W / m * K, which makes it unsuitable for operation in harsh northern conditions.

To increase the heat capacity, a polyamide thermal insert is included in the design of aluminum profiles, which leads to the massiveness and rise in the price of the product. The high coefficient of elasticity (up to 70 GPa) allows it to be used for glazing of commercial premises, public buildings, balconies.

The fiberglass profile is made of PVC and fiberglass, which gives it special structural strength, corrosion resistance and chemical inertness. A glass composite with a thermal conductivity of 0.3 W / m * K has a thermal expansion coefficient of 5-14 * 10-6 m / m * C, which corresponds to the level of glass. The coefficient of elasticity of 20-40 GPa allows good resistance to stress during deformation of the profile structure.

The fiberglass profile was not widely used due to its high cost. It is one third higher than the popular plastic counterparts. Also, the production of glass composite windows is complex. The lack of flexibility of the material does not allow it to be used for the manufacture of one-piece arched elements.

Polyvinyl chloride profile structures can be completely made of polyvinyl chloride or reinforced with a metal liner. Profiles with reinforcement are often called metal-plastic. For the insert, galvanized steel with a thickness of 1.5-2 mm is used. The metal gives strength to the profile structure, levels the expansion of polyvinyl chloride when heated, increases the elasticity and resistance to stress and deformation.

The type of reinforcement is determined by the size and weight of the entire window. Structures with a profile length of less than two meters can be equipped with an open-loop liner, where two or three walls are reinforced. For a massive window, a closed-loop metal insert is installed. There is no reinforcement for profiles less than 60-70 cm in size.

The following technical characteristics are distinguished from PVC profiles:

Low thermal conductivity values of 0.15-0.16 W / m * K allow it to be a leader among all materials.
The density is more than 2 times higher than that of wood - 1.4 t / m3.
The high coefficient of linear expansion 60-70 10-6 m / m * C and the low elastic modulus of 2.8 GPa are compensated by the profile reinforcement.
Chemical resistance to alkalis and fats. Relative resistance to solvents and acids.
The number of chambers is from 3 to 8. Chamberness affects the heat-insulating and noise-absorbing qualities, strength and rigidity of the structure.
The filling width determines the type of glass unit to be installed. The depth of the seat from 15 mm inward allows you not to fog up and not to freeze the glass.
Operating temperature - from -60 to +75 degrees.
The flexibility of the material allows you to give any geometric shape, even a circle.

The PVC profile can be painted in different colors. The standard is one-color painting in white in bulk. Also, color change is possible when laminating with films of different shades. The color will adhere more firmly to the surface when the color film is applied by the coextrusion method.

According to GOST 30674-99, for window blocks made of PVC profiles, the thickness of the inner and outer walls differs by classes:

Class A with outer walls - more than 2.8 mm, thickness of inner walls - more than 2.5 mm;
Class B has a wall thickness of more than 2.5 mm and 2.0 mm, respectively;
Class C does not have strict standards for the thickness of the case.

The outer walls form the profile body, they are visible from the side of the room and the street. One inner wall adjoins the mounting wall, the other is located inside the structure and serves as a support base for the glass unit.

Plastic profiles stand out for their positive qualities:

resistance to high humidity;
anti-corrosion qualities of the material;
do not fade from sunlight;
environmentally friendly, do not emit harmful substances for human health;
service life up to 40 years;
they are easy to care for and wash.

Among the negative sides, there is a complete tightness of the structure, which prevents air circulation in the room and contributes to the formation of condensation on the double-glazed windows.

Frequent ventilation of the room will help to remove the deficiency, if additional ventilation is not installed. Also, plastic cannot be repaired, scratches cannot be masked.

Dimensions (edit)

The width of the profile system, called the installation depth, can vary from 58 to 124 mm.

The following profile sizes are distinguished:

58 mm - the classic version that meets the standards;
70-80 mm - extended modification for high-rise glazing with improved thermal insulation characteristics;
90 mm - an energy-saving profile with 5-6 chambers and the ability to install a double-glazed window up to 5 cm.

In a three-chamber profile, the width is 58-60 mm. More cameras require frame thicknesses over 70mm. With a narrow profile, the size of the installed glass unit cannot be more than 32 mm. With an increase in the installation depth, the thickness of the glazing expands, increasing the thermal insulation of the window.

A large profile width does not always correspond to multi-chamber. The capacious design with 3-4 chambers retains heat better because the air volume is greater.

How to choose?

When choosing a window profile, you first need to decide on the material of manufacture. If an aesthetically pleasing appearance and high environmental safety standards are important, then it is better not to choose a wooden profile. Modern fiberglass and aluminum windows are suitable for progressive interior design. An acceptable solution may be a polyvinyl chloride profile system.

The choice is made according to the following criteria:

Profile size. It is characterized by the installation width and is determined by the installation site and operating conditions.
Available budget.
Number of cameras.
Products have a certificate.
Depth and width of the glass unit seat, profile class.
The presence of reinforcement.
Appearance and color.

The most important indicator for keeping warm in the house is the profile width.

It depends on the atmospheric conditions of the local climate. In the southern regions, you can put a narrow profile with a depth of 58-60 mm. In temperate climates, systems with a width of 70-84 mm are suitable. In harsh northern conditions, it is preferable to install an energy-saving profile with a width of 90 mm or more.

You also need to take into account the location of the profile system. For an unheated balcony or loggia, a narrow profile of 58 mm or less is suitable. On high-rise floors, a 70 mm profile is installed. A profile with a depth of 58-70 mm is suitable for public and commercial buildings. For suburban individual construction, 70-90 mm systems are used.

For many consumers, the main criterion for choosing a window profile is its price. Therefore, when choosing well-known brands of a profile produced abroad, the cost may not coincide with the planned budget. In such a situation, the best solution would be a profile that meets all the characteristics, produced in Russia.

Depending on the price category, there are several classes of profiles:

economy;
standard;
exclusive;
elites.

Economy-class profile structures are the most budgetary ones with low quality and thermal insulation characteristics, no more than 58 mm wide and class B or C walls thick. Class Standard corresponds to GOST and European standards, three-chamber, with a width of 58-60 mm. The most correct decision in terms of quality and price.

Elite profiles with an installation depth of 70-80 mm allow you to mark 40 mm glass, class A walls, 5 chambers. Thermal insulation is 15-20% higher than that of Standard profiles. The exclusive profile system is 2 times warmer than the elite one. The most expensive choice, emphasizing the status of the owner. Width 86-90 mm, 6-7 chambers and double-glazed windows up to 5 cm. The number of chambers corresponds to the profile width. A 58mm profile cannot contain more than three cameras. The depth of 70 mm can accommodate 3 to 5 air chambers. The 90 mm profile has 6-7 chambers. The same profile width, containing a different number of chambers, insignificantly affects the thermal insulation characteristics of the entire block.

Quality window profiles are RAL certified. A certified product is a guarantee of long-term operation and compliance with all manufacturing cycles. The factories where the products are manufactured also receive a certificate of quality management ISO9001: 2000. The thickness of the glass unit, which is installed in the seat, is associated with the dimensions of the profile. Its depth should be more than 1.8 cm, with increasing depth it increases. The most optimal in terms of characteristics is a double glazing.

The durability of the profile structure depends on the class of the wall thickness of the profile. Grade A profiles provide strong welds and a solid structure. Class B is able to provide the necessary reliability for small window units. Although class C is widely used for low-cost construction, its strength is low, fillet joints are thin, and the tendency to deformations and distortions reduces the service life.

Reinforcement increases strength characteristics and load on the profile. This is especially important for massive heavy structures. It is imperative to make sure that the profile is reinforced.

The appearance can be used to characterize the quality of the plastic. It is smooth to the touch, without chips or scratches. It should have visible streaks and color uniformity. The choice of color depends on the interior of the room. Many manufacturers offer a variety of colors.

Manufacturers and reviews

The leading position in the market of plastic windows is occupied by imported brands of the profile system. This number includes German brands Rehau, Schuco, Salamander, KBE, Veka, Korean LG, Belgian Deceuninck. There are incomparably fewer Russian manufacturers, but they benefit from a lower price policy. Profiles presented by Novotex, Montblanc, Proplex, Exprof.

Famous company Rehau has been creating polymer structures since 1948. The brand has established itself in the production of high-quality profile window systems focused on different market segments. The company controls the quality of certified products by selling profiles to equipped window assembly plants.

The system is available for different consumers "Blitz New" with a width of 60 mm and three chambers. It is widely used in object and individual construction. With decorative lamination and similar characteristics, the Euro-Design profile is produced.
Insulated window block "Sib-Design" specially designed for harsh climatic conditions. The installation depth of 70 mm allows the installation of a glass unit up to 41 mm. Three expanded chambers increase thermal insulation properties. Five-chamber profile with a width of 70 mm for the "Delight Design" system. A distinctive feature is narrower dimensions, which allow to increase the light flux by 10%.
Premium profile system "Brilliant-Design" with a depth of 70-80 mm, it has 5-6 chambers. High soundproofing qualities of the "Intelio" profile are provided by 6 chambers and an assembly width of 80-86 mm. The Geneo window system with a depth of 86 mm is particularly durable. Maximum sound insulation and full reinforcement allows their use in high-rise construction.

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The German company KBE has high quality and world production experience. It manufactures environmentally friendly products with calcium-zinc compounds with a service life of up to 50 years, recommended for installation in children's and medical centers. Profile systems with an assembly width of 58 mm and three chambers are produced by the KBE Etalon, KBE Engine, KBE Gut series. For KBE Bau, KBE Master, KBE Energy, KBE Expert, profiles with an assembly depth of 70 mm are produced. From 3 to 5 chambers and a glass unit size of up to 42 mm can improve thermal insulation by 20%. The 13 mm hardware groove provides burglary protection.

The best sound and heat insulation qualities are provided by a 76 mm wide profile with two and three sealing contours. The KVE 88 seven-chamber system has energy-efficient indicators. It is 2 times warmer than standard blocks with a width of 58 mm.

The Salamander brand is famous for its production in Germany and high European quality. It produces profile blocks from 60 to 76 mm in depth. Overpriced prices do not add to the popularity in the Russian market.

A class A profile is produced by the world leader in the production of profile systems, the Veka company. A subsidiary company with its own production facilities was opened in Russia. A large assortment allows you to choose the right profile for any need. For the glazing of balconies and loggias, the "Sunline" system with a width of 58 mm with three cameras is designed. The available modification is the "Euroline" profile block, which belongs to the economy class.

Standard windows with increased thermal insulation are created using a 70 mm wide Proline profile and a four-chamber structure. The five-chamber system "Softline" is made with improved sound insulation and an installation depth of 70 mm. The premium profile "Artline" is specially designed for greater light transmission. 82mm wide and six chambers keep you warm and noise-free.

Germany's oldest manufacturer supplies environmentally friendly Trocal profile systems produced in the Russian territory. All units can be equipped with color lamination and aluminum overlays. The range includes series for different budgets. "Trocal Balance" and "Trocal InnoWave" with 5 chambers and 70 mm wide, five-chamber "Trocal InnoNova" with a depth of 70 mm and a glass unit width from 40 to 58 mm.

The German company Schuco is engaged in the production of elite metal-plastic and aluminum profiles. The high prices are justified by the high quality characteristics of the products.

Three-chamber profiles are intended for object construction "Schuco Corona AS 60".
With an assembly width of 70 mm and different designs, brand profiles are produced "Schuco Corona CT 70".
High quality energy saving profiles "Schuco Corona SI 82" with six chambers and a width of 82 mm have anti-burglary protection. The sturdy reinforced frame reduces floor space by up to 30%, allowing more light to pass through than standard windows.

LG supplies the Russian market with plastic profiles of four types, specially adapted to our climate. Standard features for LG L-600, manufactured in 60mm width with 3-4 cameras. Improved protection against cold and sounds for the LG L-700 system. The installation depth is 70 mm, it is possible to design with three and five chambers.

The Deceuninck group of companies with an office in Belgium founded a production in the Moscow region. Produces profile systems "Forward", "Favorit", "Eforte". Narrow (60 mm wide) and three chambers "Forward" block belongs to class B. Width 71 mm and 5 air chambers at "Favorite" provide the ability to install double-glazed windows up to 47 mm. The Eforte profile has a depth of 84 mm and 6 chambers, which provide a decent level of insulation.

Since 1999, a large Russian manufacturer Proplex has been producing profile blocks of four modifications.

The two-chamber profile "Proplex Outline" with a width of 46 mm is intended for use in industrial and non-residential buildings, non-insulated loggias and balconies.
The budget option is "Proplex Optima" with a depth of 58 mm.
With a width of 70 mm "Proplex Comfort" with 4 chambers, warmer, it is possible to install a glass unit of 12-42 mm in it.
"Proplex Premium" is suitable for use in harsh climates, consists of 5 chambers with a width of 70 mm.
The depth of 127 mm for "Proplex Lux" allows you to increase the heat-shielding characteristics.

The Narodny Plastics company produces profile systems of the Novotex brand.

The four-chamber profile "Novotex Classic" with an assembly width of 58 mm, the height of the glass unit seat is 20 mm.
Cheaper three-chamber unit - "Novotex Light".
"Novotex Termo" with a width of 70 mm and five chambers possesses increased thermal insulation properties, it allows to accommodate a glass unit up to 42 mm.
A three-circuit sealing system, an installation depth of 82 mm and 6 chambers give the Novotex Nordic profile a premium performance and quality.
Also in the line there are A-class profile systems - "Ecoline Pro" with a depth of 70 mm and "Ecoline Balance" with a width of 58 mm.
The company produces low-cost profile systems under the Techno brand.

Since 2001, the production of profiles under the Montblanc brand has been launched. The product line includes 5 series: Eco, Termo, Nord, Grand, Quadro. They differ in different thermal characteristics due to installation widths from 60 mm to 80 mm. The company also manufactures Reachmont Goodwin and ECP profile systems.

The ExProf company is engaged in the production of Exprof profile structures.

Low-cost profiles are represented by the XS358 Prowin and S571 Profecta series with class B walls, 58 mm and 70 mm wide, respectively.
Modification "S358 Practica" belongs to class A with a depth of 58 mm.
The S670 Experta series is characterized by 6 chambers, 70 mm wide and class A.
"S570 Suprema" with 25 mm glass unit deepening, 5 chambers.

Each series has a profile version with an extended installation depth of up to 101 mm, in which an air supply system is integrated. This enhances thermal insulation, prevents condensation and freezing.

The Kaleva plant produces 4-5-chamber profiles with a width of 70 mm in seven modifications- "Vario", "Space", "Deco", "Design Plus", "Design Standart". Two models with a depth of 79 mm - "Titan" and "Titan Plus". The "Vario" series is distinguished by its unusual design thanks to the aluminum trims. Kaleva Space is memorable for its black and white outdoor performance. Deco series with 5 chambers and 3 sealing circuits.

Highly soundproofed "Design Plus" profile.

The "Vita" model with a low height provides increased light transmission.
The "Standart" series is an energy-saving solution for the Russian climate.
The titan profile system with aluminum trim increases strength and energy efficiency.
The "Titan Plus" package includes a glass sash with built-in blinds on a mechanical drive.

The most positive reviews have European manufacturers Rehau, Veka KBE. Placing its production facilities in Russia, the products comply with GOST and the European quality certificate. The best profile for Salamander, produced in Europe.

Comparison of profiles from different manufacturers allows you to make a rating:

Rehau, Veka, KBE, Scohuco.
Novotech, Trocal, Deceuninck, LG.
Proplex, Montblanc, Exprof.

It has been empirically verified that the best in terms of price-quality ratio will be a metal-plastic system. In addition to choosing high-quality products, you need to take care of the wizard who will install the window unit, because 70% of successful operation depends on correct installation. An important characteristic is the seal in the profile. For Russian climatic conditions, there should be 2-3 sealing circuits, this is the only way to maintain high thermal insulation performance in severe frosts.

The rubber seal between the profile and the glass unit will last longer than the polyurethane sealant.

To maintain the temperature and humidity microclimate in the room, ventilation dampers and slots can be installed on the profile. Special grooves and grooves are laid in the profile, with the help of which the fittings are fastened with self-tapping screws. Thanks to them, the self-tapping screw does not move during installation, fixing itself in the adjacent chamber.

Since reinforcement is a prerequisite for giving strength to polyvinyl chloride, you need to check its presence during installation. A magnet will help with this. If the walls are not magnetized, then there is no metal inside.

Quality certified profile structures are marked. It can be found on the inside of the profile. The marking contains the manufacturer's name, production date and other information. The brand will help determine the authenticity of the product.

Human nature is indestructible: some are looking for a "freebie", others are trying, under the guise of candy, to slip a beautiful candy wrapper with "slag" inside. Our portal has already described ways to deceive consumers when ordering stretch ceilings. It turned out that this is possible when installing plastic windows. It may seem to an unenlightened customer that this is impossible - all windows consist of glass and profiles. At the same time, plastic profiles from all manufacturers are made of the same material - polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and the assembled windows look almost the same.

The difference begins to appear after a few years (sometimes within a year), when the frame and sashes are deformed - it is difficult to open and close them, blows out from the street, condensation appears between the glasses, and then black mold.

Therefore, it is very important to know the criteria to avoid counterfeiting when choosing a profile for plastic windows.

Types of profiles and their classification

The main structural element of the sash and frame is the profile. It determines not only the aesthetic perception of the window, but also its strength characteristics and service life. European standard EN 12608 SR and GOST 30673-99 PVC profiles are classified according to several parameters.

1. External wall thickness. The profile is a closed hollow structure with a baffle system inside. All the main consumer properties of the window depend on the thickness of the walls that form the structure: cost, strength and durability.

Eurostandard highlights the inner and outer walls of the plastic profile. All external walls of a profile in an already installed window are considered internal. It logically follows from the first definition that the outer (outer) walls are front at the window and are visible both from inside the room and from the street (see photo).

Depending on the thickness of the polyvinyl chloride in the outer and inner walls, there are three classes of profiles (in this regard, the Russian standard is more stringent):

"A"- thickness of external walls> = 2.8 mm, internal> = 2.5 mm according to European standard (minimum 3.0 mm at the external wall according to GOST), which ensures a high level of strength of windows, the best heat and sound insulation;
"V"- at the outer walls, the thickness is from 2.5 mm, the inner ones - from 2.0 mm (coincides with GOST). The profile of this class retains heat by 10-15% worse, is less resistant to various kinds of deformation by 12-17%, and stops street noises by 10-20% worse;
"WITH"- European standard and GOST do not impose certain requirements on this profile class. It is used mainly for windows for non-industrial objects. A number of companies, meeting the requirements of one of the parameters of class B, which is important, make economy class windows for the population (in general, this is a class C profile).

Unscrupulous window installers, emphasizing a low price, persuade customers to install an "object" profile (class C, not a single parameter corresponds to classes A and B), intended for non-residential premises (in fact, the price is almost twice as high as the real one, but significantly lower than the cost profile B).

Such windows do not keep warm and quickly deform. It is visually difficult to distinguish such a profile from a standard one (class B or A) - measurements with a caliper are needed. They can also help to determine the quality of the proposed profile of the inscription on the protective film "object".

Attention: only if both parameters meet the requirements of the standard, the profile belongs to a certain class, which must be confirmed by the corresponding certificate. It is better to refuse the deal without presenting documents confirming the quality.

It is easier for consumers who understand the profile classes to decide which plastic to choose for their windows.

2. By temperature zones. In Europe and Asia, there are countries with very hot climates, temperate and cold. Window manufacturers took into account the current situation and made their own product line for each zone. In Europe, it is tied to the hottest month of the year, in Russia - to January.

Depending on the average temperature in January, the produced profiles can be:

light version - for countries with hot climates, where the average temperature of the coldest month remains positive (must withstand a short-term drop in temperature to –5 degrees Celsius);
standard design - for a temperate climate zone with an average temperature of -20 o С in January (the maximum permissible negative temperature is –45 degrees Celsius);
frost-resistant - for the Far North, where the temperature drops to minus 55 degrees Celsius.

The last two types are mass-produced in Russia. Lightweight windows are produced only by the Russian company "Krauss" (Krasnodar) - it covers the entire south of Russia.

3. In terms of impact resistance, the profile is divided into I and II class. Class I PVC must withstand the fall of a special striker weighing 1.0 kg from a height of 1.0 m at a plastic temperature of minus 10 degrees Celsius. For class II, the drop height was increased to 1.5 m.

This classification makes it possible to determine how correctly the internal partitions are located (they resist the deflection of the external walls inside the structure during mechanical stress) and how the plastic reacts to a decrease in temperature (everyone knows the property of plastics to become brittle during severe frosts).

Consumer properties of profiles that you need to pay attention to

How to choose a profile for PVC windows so that it is warm, quiet, airtight, inaccessible for burglary and, at the same time, not to contact scammers? The main characteristics will help with this.

System width

The first indicator that you should pay attention to is the width of the profile structure. It depends on her how warm and comfortable it will be in an apartment or a wooden house. For consumers who are first faced with plastic windows, it is difficult to understand how the width of the frame and sash affects the comfort in the room. Let's try to explain.

A double-glazed window is placed in the sash of the window, which is a few glasses fixed around the perimeter with a frame made of PVC profile. Air pockets between glass panes are called chambers. In standard windows, there is simple air in them, in the "Premium" segment inert gas is pumped into the chambers to improve all the characteristics of the glass unit.

From school physics lessons it is known that air is a poor conductor of heat, and glass with an air pocket is a bad conductor of sound. Therefore, the more chambers in a glass unit and, consequently, the number of glasses, the more comfortable it is to stay in the room. Window manufacturers offer mainly the classic version of the profile width - 58 mm, allowing the installation of single-chamber windows. A minimum of 70 mm is required for two chambers.

For regions of the Far North with their extreme temperatures, windows with three or even four cameras are offered. But this requires a corresponding profile width: 90 mm for 3 chambers, 110-120 mm for 4. This type of product belongs to the "Premium" class. Due to their heavy weight, such windows are not recommended to be installed on balconies and loggias.

Number of profile cameras

There are two camera assemblies in the window structure. One is a double-glazed window, which is discussed above. The second is the profile itself. The profile is hollow. There are partitions inside the profile to create the strength of the structure, fix the fittings and increase the level of heat and sound insulation. The hollow volumes created by them are called chambers. The more there are, the better the performance of the window. The location of the jumpers is calculated mathematically - each of them performs a specific function.

On sale you can find 3-chambered profiles (this is the minimum possible number of chambers) and 7-chambered. The most popular are 5-chambered. It is in them that price and quality are most optimally combined.

It is difficult to check the quality of the samples offered by the installer, but you can pay attention to the little things that say a lot:

The company logo, date and place of manufacture, printed on the protective tape, will confirm the origin of the product with a 90% probability;

The surface texture will also help: for high-quality windows, the plastic surface should be perfectly smooth. The graininess speaks of the Chinese origin of the goods or Russian handicraft production;
The applied paint must be of a uniform color and free from streaks.

Profile manufacturers rating

Which profile is better for plastic windows, the rating of manufacturers will help to understand. In this case, the rating can be made according to the popularity of the product, its cost, levels of heat and sound protection, strength, etc.

The commercial factor is also mixed in here. Some manufacturers buy out places in their overall ratings from websites, which is difficult to do when ranking products according to one indicator. Therefore, so that the editors of the portal are not suspected of a commercial approach to ranking windows, we will compose two types of rating: for global brands and Russian manufacturers.

Rating of the world's best manufacturers of plastic windows

Various specialized sites put KBE, Rehau, Century, Salamander, Mont Blanc in the first place. It all depends on the indicators that were taken as a basis. But these manufacturers differ in nuances, and it may turn out that the leading Rehau is just not suitable for a specific buyer. Therefore, we will consider the products of these companies without determining a specific place in the rating - they all deserve to be in the first place.

In terms of popularity in the Russian market, it is inferior to all the companies listed in the rating, since there is no factory in Russia. In terms of technical indicators, it is not inferior to any manufacturer.

Produces profiles with a width of 60-76 mm:

Design 2D - 60 mm, number of cameras 3.5 (4);
Design 3D - 76 mm, number of cameras 4.5 (5);
Streamline - 76mm, 5 chambers.

Advantages:

excellent design;
Euro quality control;
control of points of sale (dealers) throughout Europe.

The main and only drawback is the high cost (compared to Veka and Rehau, it is 35-40% higher).

KBE

The famous German company with factories in Russia (the cities of Voskresensk and Khabarovsk). Experts did not find any differences in the quality of windows from the products of competing firms, with the exception of some nuances.

Attention: the company has come up with an excellent marketing move - it issues the "Official Partner Certificate" to the best window assemblers, which does not give any guarantees to the customer regarding the quality of the windows.

The factories offer the customer a rather impressive line of profiles, with a width of 58 to 127 mm:

"Engin" and "Etalon" - 58 mm, 3 cameras;
KVE-Expert - 70 mm, 5 chambers;
KVE-88 - 88 mm, 6 cameras;
"KVE-Expert +" - 127 mm with 5 cameras in the frame and sash and 4 in the impost.

Among the pluses it should be noted:

democratic price - products are available to the mass consumer;
high quality;
launch of the greenline technological line.

Neither consumer reviews nor the expert community have found any drawbacks.

Montblanc

Austrian manufacturer of low-cost, high-quality products. After the construction of the plant in the Moscow region (Elektrostal), it became well known to the Russian consumer.

Produces a line of 7 types of profiles with widths from 58 to 120 mm:

"Logic" - 58 mm, 3-chamber;
"Tempo 60" - 60 mm, 5-chamber;
"Nord 70" - 70 mm, 5-chamber;
City 120 - 120 mm, 5-chamber.

Among the advantages:

budget price;
long period of operation without loss of consumer properties;
a wide range of manufactured profiles.

Among the minuses, one can note the flaw in the marketing department - for 15 years the company has not made any attempts to obtain an ISO certificate for the products of the Russian plant.

VEKA

The German company with half a century of experience is one of the sales leaders. Built the VEKA Rus plant in the Moscow region. Produces a white and colored profile with a width of 58 to 90 mm, which does not yellow when exposed to UV rays.

The line of profiles consists of a number of models with a width of 58-90 mm:

"Euroline" - 58 mm, 3-chambered;
"Proline" - 70 mm, 4-chamber;
Swigline - 82 mm, 5-chamber;
Alphline - 90 mm, 6-chamber;
Softline 82 - 82 mm with 7 chambers.

Product advantages:

consistently high quality;
large lineup.

A significant disadvantage of the products is that the consumer significantly overpays for the brand - Russian-made products practically do not differ in price from the profile produced in Germany.

REHAU

Another German company with vast experience in the production of plastic windows. The company was created for the production of middle-class products. Currently, this line has been erased - at a price you can find products for every taste. He adheres to an interesting tactic: the market keeps the price level of its main competitor - the Veka firm.

In 2002 the company launched its own plant in Gzhel (Russia). Profiles are available in widths of 60 mm, 70 mm, 80 mm and 86 mm:

"Blitz" (economy class products) - 60 mm, 3 chambers;
"Brillant-Design" - 70 and 80 mm, 5 and 6 chambers;
"Geneo" - 86 mm, 6 chambers.

The pros and cons of the manufacturer completely repeat the advantages and disadvantages of a competitor - the Veka company (see above).

Rating of the best Russian manufacturers of plastic windows

Enterprises with a purely Russian origin have a short history, but have managed to compete with Western manufacturers - the volume of sales of Russian windows is increasing every year. Among the best:

Kaleva

The Russian company with a Finnish name is the only one in the country that operates on a full cycle: from the production of a profile to the installation of windows for the customer. This is both a plus for the company and a minus at the same time.

Plus: by releasing and installing a very high quality profile on their own, the manufacturer significantly reduces the prices for the finished window.
Minus: in the regions they are not ready to work at the level of the parent enterprise - most of the installed windows do not withstand the warranty period, and they have to be reinstalled again. The company is not yet eager to somehow influence the work of its regional centers, leaving customers face to face with dealers.

PANORAMA

The company from St. Petersburg has 20 years of experience. According to experts and consumers, the product quality is one of the best - it can easily compete with German brands. The profiles have an ideal balance of rigidity, good noise and heat insulation, and a pleasant design.

However, the legacy of the Soviet past is evident - the management of the company does not work well with consumers and pays little attention to advertising. In terms of potential, the company is able to become a leader in PVC windows in Russia.

PROPLEX

Proplex is a young Russian company that is rapidly conquering the market from old-timers. The windows specially designed for Russian conditions (the model range consists of a profile with a width of 58-127 mm) have affordable prices and high consumer characteristics.

Further expansion in the Russian market and entry into the international level are constrained by two unpleasant moments:

backward profile design;
lack of international ISO quality certificate.

Selecting the StroyGuru portal

When choosing a leader among world brands, the editorial staff of the portal unanimously voted for Rehau. Our choice is simply explained: thanks to this company, the production of windows is on the verge of revolutionary changes - an innovative material "Rau-fipro" has been patented.

Employees of the portal would personally install windows only from two companies: Mont Blanc and Panorama - why pay for a brand if the quality of the above companies is not worse. At the same time, the votes were equally divided.

Conclusion

Polyvinyl chloride profiles presented on the Russian construction market are able to meet consumer needs in all key parameters: cost, strength, durability, design, level of heat and sound protection. The only thing you need to be careful not to fall into the hands of swindlers.