Manufacturers of PVC windows offer a large number of products, which are difficult for consumers to understand. From this article you will find out what parameters a high-quality window profile should have and what profiles for plastic windows should be used.
What parameters of window profiles you need to know for the right choice
A window frame is formed from a profile - a frame, where a double-glazed window is inserted. The quality of the profile affects the overall tightness of the window, the strength of the fit in the opening, the ability to withstand wind loads, the amount of heat loss in the room and the level of street noise entering the house.
Depending on the ability of the PVC profile to solve these problems, it is divided into classes.
The main parameters by which profile systems are divided into classes are as follows:
- Heat transfer resistance - the ability to retain heat in the room without releasing it outside.
- Air and water resistant - an indicator of how much pressure needs to be exerted so that the window unit can pass air and water.
- Soundproofing - a parameter showing how much the system dampens noise coming from the street.
- Light transmittance. The amount of luminous flux that a window transmits compared to an empty opening.
- Resistance to wind load. Shows the ability of the product to withstand wind pressure.
- Rigidity. Profile strength under compressive and compressive loads.
Each manufacturer has several series of window profile systems, including products with different technical parameters.
Heat transfer resistance
The ability of a window profile system to retain heat and prevent it from leaving the room is one of the most important technical characteristics. The level of heat resistance is indicated by the Ro indicator, measured in m²С / W, shows how much heat is released through a unit area in a certain amount of time.
The higher the Ro index, the more heat the window structure holds. According to the level of thermal resistance, PVC window systems are divided into 10 classes, which are indicated by letters from A1 to D2. The best indicator is A1 with a resistance coefficient of 0.8 (for some newer models - more than 1), the worst is D2 with parameters of 0.35.
Classes of profiles depending on heat transfer resistance
| Profile Class | Indicator Ro pr |
|---|---|
| A1 | 0.80 and more |
| A2 | 0,75–0,79 |
| B1 | 0,70–0,74 |
| B2 | 0,65–0,69 |
| IN 1 | 0,60–0,64 |
| AT 2 | 0,55–0,59 |
| G1 | 0,50–0,54 |
| G2 | 0,45–0,49 |
| D1 | 0,40–0,44 |
| D 2 | 0,35–0,39 |
Air and water resistant
According to air and water resistance, window profiles are divided into five classes, which are designated from A (highest) to D (lowest). The higher this parameter, the greater should be the pressure at which the window will begin to let in air and water.
Classes of profiles in terms of air and water resistance
| Profile Class | Volumetric air permeability at P = 100 Pa, m2/ (h-m2) | Water tightness limit, (Pa), not less |
|---|---|---|
| BUT | 3 | 600 |
| B | 9 | 500 |
| IN | 17 | 400 |
| G | 27 | 300 |
| D | 50 | 150 |
Soundproofing
One of the most important parameters, especially if the room in which the unit is installed, overlooks the noisy city highway. According to the level of sound insulation, the PVC window profile is divided into five classes from A to D: the former reduce noise above 36 dBA, the latter - 25 dBA.
Soundproofing Classes
| Profile Class | Products with airborne noise reduction, dBA |
|---|---|
| BUT | more than 36 |
| B | 34 - 36 |
| IN | 31 - 33 |
| G | 28 - 30 |
| D | 25 - 27 |
Light transmission
It is indicated by the coefficient by which the products are divided into 5 classes.Products of the highest class A have a light transmittance with a coefficient of 0.5, lower D - 0.3.
Classes of profiles in terms of total light transmittance
| Profile Class | Total light transmittance |
|---|---|
| BUT | 0.50 and more |
| B | 0,45 - ,049 |
| IN | 0,40 - 0,44 |
| G | 0,35 - 0,39 |
| D | 0,30 - 0,34 |
Wind load resistance
Resistance to wind load is provided not only by the strength of the window fastening in the opening, but also by the profile itself. This parameter shows how much pressure the window block can withstand. According to this ability, the products are divided into 5 groups - the best belong to class A, withstanding more than 1000 Pa. The simplest window blocks of class D are able to withstand pressure in the range of 200-400 Pa.
Wind load resistance product classes
| Profile Class | Resistance to wind load, Pa |
|---|---|
| BUT | 1000 and more |
| B | 800 - 999 |
| IN | 600 - 799 |
| G | 400 - 599 |
| D | 200 - 399 |
Profile stiffness
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), from which window profile systems are made, is itself a fairly ductile material. To increase the rigidity of the window frame, manufacturers reinforce PVC profiles with metal inserts - steel or aluminum. The stiffer the profile, the more you can increase the window size without losing strength.
Metal reinforcement of PVC profile.
Rigidity is achieved due to two indicators - the composition of the PVC material from which the profile is made, and the presence of reinforcing metal inserts inside. To strengthen the stiffness of PVC, stabilizers, modifying additives and diverse fillers are added to the raw materials.
Metal inserts inside the block solve the following problems simultaneously:
- give increased rigidity to the window block;
- allow you to make large windows from the profile;
- provide structural stability when heated from sunlight - the frame does not deform;
- when opening / closing the sash, it does not sag over time.
The stiffness of the window profile also depends on the thickness of the PVC profile itself. The German RAL standard requires that the outer wall of the profile have a thickness of 3 mm with a maximum tolerance of not more than 0.2 mm. The thickness of the internal partitions is not standardized.
1. The front (outer) wall of the profile. 2. Not the front (inner) wall of the profile.
Profile classes depending on the thickness of the external walls of the profile
| Profile Class | The thickness of the front wall of the profile, mm | The thickness of the non-front wall of the profile, mm |
|---|---|---|
| BUT | 3,0 | 2,5 |
| B | 2,5 | 2,0 |
| C | not standardized | not standardized |
Number of Air Chambers
PVC profiles are made by extrusion, i.e. extruding molten polyvinyl chloride through molds having a specific configuration. Changing the configuration of factory forms, manufacturers receive a different number of air chambers in the profile - from one to eight.
It is believed that the more there are, the higher the ability of the profile system to retain heat. The presence of three to five profile cameras is considered optimal. An increase in the number of air cavities in products is not always justified - this increases the overall weight of the structure and increases the price.
Three-chamber profile.
Five-chamber profile.
Profile uniformity
High-quality plastic is characterized by a homogeneous structure, smooth surface, lack of impregnation and a persistent white color. The fake produced by the artisanal method has an uneven structure, graininess, inclusions on the surface and turns yellow with time.
Profile Width (Mounting Depth)
The width of the profile system is one of the main numerical parameters that the user should pay attention to when choosing. The standard width of the window profile is 58 mm, such windows are suitable for most houses and apartments, they can have 1-3 air chambers. Window systems with a width of 70 are even warmer with more than four air chambers. Wider samples 82 and 90 are distinguished by excellent heat-preserving and sound-insulating properties, therefore they belong to premium products.
Rating profiles for plastic windows
After getting acquainted with the technical parameters of PVC profiles, another question arises - which profile for plastic windows is better to use when ordering windows? There are many manufacturers of PVC profiles on the market, but we will consider the products of those manufacturers that have long established themselves on the positive side. Each of the considered manufacturers produces several series of window systems in different price segments, each of which solves certain problems.
Veka Profiles
Veka window profiles (Germany) are characterized by quality that meets international standards and Russian GOST. At the same time, the cost of German products is not overstated by customs duties, since the production of products is established in Russia by a subsidiary of VEKA Rus. Veka products are well sealed, retain heat well, serve for a long time, do not allow noise, dust from the street. In the catalog of Veka PVC profiles, a large number of diverse series.
Euroline profile.
Classic 3-chamber profile with a standard width of 58 mm. It can be used for windows, balcony doors, equipped with a single-chamber or two-chamber double-glazed window.
Sunline profile.
Lightweight 3-chamber system with a width of 58 mm with reinforcement. Although the Class B series is less energy efficient, lightweight frames are ideal for glazing balconies and loggias.
Artline profile.
A model with improved thermal insulation characteristics due to a 6-chamber profile 82 mm wide and a triple seal circuit. Designers designed this system in such a way that after installation the frame is practically not visible - the entire window area is occupied by a translucent double-glazed window.
Softline 82 profile.
Aesthetically improved profile shape - rounded. The width is indicated in the name of the model - 82 mm, the maximum wall thickness. The design of 7 air chambers, which ensures the preservation of heat and silence in the house.
Swingline Profile.
In this series, the corners are also neatly rounded. There are 5 air chambers, width - 70, there are two sealing circuits. This is the best option in the price / quality ratio - there are many cameras with a small thickness, weight and price of the window construction.
Evolution Profile.
5-chamber profile with a mounting width of 70 mm. It has many design options due to the use of lamination for various types of wood. The profile contains two sealing loops.
Profile Proline.
4-chamber profile with an assembly width of 70 mm, has only a white version. It has a beautiful contour, and the width of the combination of the sash frame in the light opening is 112 mm.
VEKASLIDE profile.
It can have 5 or 7 cameras and an installation width of 70 mm. The main purpose of this profile is the manufacture of sliding and sliding doors.
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Salamander Profiles
The window profile Salamander is a German development, distinguished by good quality and reliability, its production is established in Russia. Under this brand, only premium class products are produced. Products are manufactured in strict accordance with European and Russian quality standards and undergo strict control. Among the minuses of the brand is a rather high price, although the high quality of Salamander systems justifies the buyer's costs for their purchase.
Design 2D profile.
Budget series of profiles with strict geometric shapes, with a small radius rounding at the corners. The mounting width is small - 60 mm, the number of air chambers - 3, there are two contour seals made of high-quality EPDM rubber.
Design 3D profile.
Model made of modified hard PVC with metal reinforcement that does not come in contact with the walls of the chamber. A profile with a mounting width of 76 contains 5 air chambers, there are three sealing circuits. It is an energy-efficient series specially designed for harsh climates. Protects from severe frosts and extreme heat, absorbs noise well.
Streamline profile.
3 mm thick rigid PVC profile, mounting width 76 mm. 5 air cavities, but sealing circuits 2. Energy-efficient, beautiful design with rounded lines, not heavy in weight.
BluEvolution 92 profile.
This system with an installation width of 92 mm, 6 chambers and a triple insulation loop has the best heat-insulating and sound-absorbing properties. Due to structural rigidity, it is possible to make large window frames from it more than 120 cm high.
KBE Profiles
KBE is a German brand whose products are manufactured both in Germany and since 1995 in Russia. KBE window profiles are distinguished by their excellent appearance, structural strength, heat efficiency, and good sound absorption. The products comply with international quality standards, Russian GOST 23166-99 and serve more than 40 years. This is an environmentally friendly, lead-free profile - all KBE products are indicated by the green Greenline icon. The manufacturer produces several series of products, in the name of which the size of the mounting depth is indicated for the convenience of customers.
KBE_58 mm systems.
Reference classic samples with a width of 58 mm, three cameras - practical, lightweight, relatively inexpensive.
KBE_70 systems.
These are three-chamber or five-chamber window profiles, with a good internal seal, which will retain even more heat and silence in the house.
Systems KBE_76.
5-chamber, additional seals are installed inside. The heat transfer resistance coefficient is increased - 0.93 m²S / W.
KBE_88 systems.
6-chamber profile with the best level of heat resistance: coefficient of 1 m²С / W compared to 0.8 m²С / W for the best models of other brands.
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Rehau Profiles
Window products of the German company Rehau are certified in accordance with international and Russian standards. High heat-saving profile indicators make Rehau windows energy-efficient and frost-resistant. The excellent strength characteristics of the profile systems make it easy to mount windows on the site. The service life of products exceeds 50 years.
Profile REHAU BLITZ New.
A series of 3-chamber profiles with a mounting depth of 60 mm. The advantages of the series are classic design, standard equipment, low cost, good consumer qualities.
THERMO-Design profile.
4-chamber budget series with a system width of 60 mm. This is an inexpensive warm profile with good sound absorbing characteristics.
GRAZIO profile.
A model with 5 air cavities, 70 mm wide, is suitable for arranging houses / apartments in temperate and cold climates.
Profile DELIGHT-Design.
Also includes 5 chambers, profile width 70, inside two sealing contours. This series has an advanced design.
Profile INTELIO.
Six-chamber model with a mounting depth of 80 or 86 mm. Energy efficiency is combined with a good level of noise isolation, a high degree of burglar resistance.
GENEO profile.
Six-chamber series with a mounting depth of 86 mm and two sealing circuits. It is characterized by increased thermal and sound-reducing characteristics.
Profile GENEO RAU FIPRO X.
The depth of the five-chamber system is 86. The difference in this category is in increased structural strength - for the manufacture of the profile, the patented RAU-FIPRO fiber is added to the polyvinyl chloride, by whose name the series is named.
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Montblanc Profiles
Montblanc systems - development of an Austrian company. It is resistant to deformation, practical, light in weight and at the same time warm window profiles. The service life set by the manufacturer is 60 years - a long enough period even for high-quality plastic windows. Since 2001, production has been established in Russia, and in 2017, the plant was modernized, production capacities were increased, and the latest equipment was installed.
Profile MB Termo.
A unique series with an increased number of cameras - 5 with a small mounting depth of 60 mm. The thickness of the profile is in class A, and the heat resistance at a shallow depth is high - 0.78 m²S / W.
Profile Quadro MB.
4 cameras with an installation depth of 70mm. Profile class for thickness B, but there is reinforcement.
MB Nord profile.
Five-chamber profile with a width of 70 mm by type A. Energy-efficient version of the window with a fairly small installation depth.
Profile MB Grand.
6 chambers, 80 mm installation thickness - this series with excellent heat-preserving characteristics is designed for installation in houses of the northern regions.
MB Eco Profile.
Lightweight, practical, inexpensive three-chamber version of 60 mm.It is made of environmentally friendly plastic especially for mass installation in private apartments, public buildings.
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Deceuninck Profiles
Deceuninck is a Belgian concern that has production bases in 19 countries, including Russia. Deceuninck products comply with international standards, are energy efficient and environmentally friendly.
Eforte profile.
This is a frost-resistant six-chamber version with a system depth of 84 mm. The designers modified the sealing contours in this series, so condensation does not form on the leaf. The manufacturer's declared service life of 40 years, window sealing gaskets - 30 years.
Favorite Space profile.
6 cameras, mounting width 76 mm. The series is suitable for operation in the middle and northern stripes of Russia, it will last at least 60 years, and high-grade rubber gaskets last more than 20 years.
Favorite profile.
71 mm, 5 cameras. It keeps heat well with a small thickness. The Favorit profile system will last 40 years, sealing - 30 years.
Profile Favorite Crystal.
71 mm, 5 cameras. The rigidity of the structure was strengthened, so the product was called Crystal. The strength class is first in accordance with GOST 30673-99.
Profile Favorite Arctic.
71 mm, 5 cameras. The series got its name not only because of its ability to withstand arctic cold, but also because of the use of white seals - the window will always be snow-white.
Profile of Bautek Neo.
As in the previous system, there are 5 air chambers with a total width of 71 mm. Warm, quiet option with an ergonomic solution.
Profile Forward.
Shallow depth of 60 mm, 3 air chambers. Budget option, suitable for mass installation.
Eco profile.
4 cameras, installation width 60 mm, there are two sealing circuits. The system is able to keep heat and silence in the house at a low cost. The service life of the Eco series is 40 years, the sealant is 20 years.
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Proplex Profiles
Proplex PVC profile was developed by an Austrian company. This is an environmentally friendly product - the absence of harmful fumes is officially confirmed by the EcoMaterial Green certificate. The manufacturer gives a 60 year warranty on their products. Products are adapted to the conditions of Russian winters, characterized by high quality workmanship, aesthetics, environmental friendliness and good heat saving at an affordable price.
Basis profile.
In this profile with a small width of 58 mm 3 air chambers. This is a democratic version of a PVC system with a coefficient of thermal resistance slightly above the average of 0.66 m²S / W.
Optima Profile.
The three-chamber profile system with a thickness of 58 mm is reinforced with gaskets and liners, so the heat-saving coefficient is increased to 0.7 m²S / W.
Comfort profile.
There are 4 cameras in the system, the installation depth is 70 mm. The series lives up to its name by keeping comfortable heat in the house - the coefficient of thermal resistance in class A is 0.8 m²S / W.
Premium profile.
The product has 5 cameras, installation depth 70 mm. It is an energy-efficient, ergonomic, compact profile system.
Hit profile.
Five-chamber profile 70 mm wide. A practical, frost-resistant, warm profile system that can be installed in the northern zone.
Profile OUT-DOOR.
In this series 3 air chambers and 58 mm depth. Budget products for glazing loggias, balconies, creating standard windows and doors.
OUTLINE profile.
Very thin and lightweight design - it has only 2 air chambers with a thickness of 46 mm. A series with a low heat resistance class - 0.46 m²S / W. Suitable for customers who need to glaze a cold balcony or loggia without spending extra money.
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Which window profile is best to choose, the buyer decides for himself. All well-known manufacturers produce a wide range of products, including products of different classes that meet specific needs. Knowing the types, features, and technical characteristics of window profiles, it will be easier for you to choose the option you need for your home, apartment or office.
