Right choice of a plastic window is very important, because its operation life is about 35-40 years. of the same quality are twice or even more expensive, so people usually choose plastic ones. And it is important to know, which criteria to use while selecting a window. Windows will not only separate your flat from the outside world, but also keep the room warm and protect it from the noise and sun beams. It is recommended to think about it beforehand.
Profile of plastic window
Metal-plastic window profiles of German producers (Proplex, KBE, Trocal, Rehau, Profine GmbH, Veka) have a good reputation. It is important that the base of the window is made of galvanized steel, otherwise outlet for moisture removal will become rusty. Such criteria as quantity of air-chambers, maximum width, thermal and sound protection should also be considered. Modern technologies allow windows to withstand large loads and different temperatures.
Quantity of air-chambers in profile
Plastic window profiles differ by the quantity of air-chambers. The optimum variant is a 3 air-chamber profile, but there are constructions with more chambers. But don’t confuse the quantity of chambers in the profile with their quantity in pane unit. One of the widespread variants is 3 chamber profile system with double-pane unit. Such profiles are usually used in the apartment houses. Solid constructions are used for the larger windows.
Accessories
Accessories are all those mechanisms necessary for proper work of the window (handles, latches and others). The best accessories are considered to be German ones.
Pane unit
Pane unit is a complex of two or more connected panes with chambers between them. Chambers are filled with air, rare gas or visa versa with vacuum. Such construction allows to save warmth and besides there won’t be any dirt between panes. The use of rare gas is the best variant to heighten thermal protection and protection from the outside noises. Between the panes there is a frame, inside of which there is a substance that absorbs the moisture.
Different panes can be used to preserve thermal and sound protection.
For the better thermal protection, the pane is covered by special substance (soft or firm), that doesn’t let through infrared radiation. It allows to maintain cool air in summer and warm air in winter. Transparency is on the level of usual panes, because the substance is almost invisible. Firm covering is more popular, because of its high moisture immunity, though thermal protection is lower. Multi-chamber pane units can also be used for additional thermal protection. Of course you should know that the window width will increase.
Panes with mirror coverage, made by sputtering of metal oxide, are used for sun protection. Another way of sun protection is use of colored panes.
Metal net, which prevents the breakage even in fire, makes the pane refractory.
Triplex is a multi-layer pane, covered with special pellicle. Such pane is very safe, because it doesn’t break after using force. It can stay safe even after a shoot. Besides triplex has a higher sound protection and it doesn’t let through the ultraviolet.
The choice of the window pane with necessary qualities will depend on your wishes.
Window mounting
You should take the window mounting seriously. At first, you should measure the window opening, inside and outside. It is important that external sizes are not larger then the sizes of window frame, otherwise it can fall out. It is necessary to correct all surface imperfections of window opening. Then prepare the room for mounting – workers will leave a lot of dust. Cover the floor and try to protect the furniture.
At first the old frame is dismantled. Vertical adjusting tool should be used for proper mounting. Of course, leafs and pane units are dismantled before the mounting and after the fixing of a frame in the window opening they are put on their place. Pay attention on the outlet for moisture removal, it should be higher than the edges of window opening. Don’t forget that all the chinks between the wall and the window should be filled up with special foam, so that there won’t be any draughts in the flat. Window sill is put in the end.
It is important that the same firm, which sold you the window, would mount it. Otherwise, if something goes wrong, it would be more difficult to defend your rights.
Don’t try to save money on the window purchase, because even plastic can crack, if it isn’t qualitative. Choose only well known firm. And then you’ll be able to create comfortable and cosy interior.
Have a good purchase!