We figure out which windows are the warmest according to their characteristics

Cottage windows - a choice for 50 years?

If a cottage is being built for oneself and for a long time, so that later it can be handed over to children and grandchildren, then only high-quality materials, including windows, are chosen for construction.

Beyond the choice high-quality window constructions, it is important to choose the right set of windows for suburban life.

About 90% of the options required by the owner of the cottage, including heat saving, anti-burglary, design (external and internal), are not included in the standard window equipment, even from well-known brands. If you compare buying a window with buying a car, you may find yourself in a situation where instead of buying a Mercedes class C, you will buy a Mercedes Smart.

Photo: Cars of a famous brand, but of a different class visually differ from each other. Windows of a well-known brand, but with different configurations and with different characteristics, are outwardly indistinguishable. It's easier to understand cars, since the design and size of the models are visually different. It is difficult to understand the difference in the windows: in each of them the buyer will see only white plastic and glass. But there is a lot of seemingly imperceptible "filling" here.

Photo: The properties of windows largely depend on the components that were used in the manufacture: 60 mm, 70 mm or 80 mm profile; regular, i-glass or multifunctional glass; 1-chamber or 2-chamber double-glazed unit, with or without argon

Hurrying to buy and thinking that all windows are the same, you can get a technically outdated window of dubious quality, which means that instead of a comfortable life, heat the street and pay high heating bills. To make the right choice, we will consider the options that can be included in the package of plastic windows in the cottage, and we will create a buyer's memo so as not to forget anything important.

What to look for when choosing PVC windows

The correct filling of window openings must be taken care of at the design stage when it comes to new construction. If you plan to replace windows during major repairs or reconstruction of a country house, you must try to take into account the main factors.

• Bearing wall material. Timber structures shrink for many years, so the window opening must be framed with a special structure.
• The quality of the metal-plastic profile, its constructive solution and thickness. Trust the best known manufacturers and brands without being tempted by the cheapness of unscrupulous manufacturers.
• The design of the glass unit, the thickness of the glass and the number of canvases.
• Technical capabilities and quality indicators of fittings.
• Availability of the necessary options for more convenient operation of window units.

And one more important point. It is necessary to order the production of plastic windows and their installation in one company. In the event of any controversial issues, it will be easier to resolve them. And then about everything in more detail.

Profile type and plastic

Window profiles come in different thicknesses and can consist of 2, 3, 4 or 5 chambers. The most popular are three- and five-chamber. In section, the profile is a complex spatial structure in which voids are interspersed with partitions.

The number of voids determines the name of the product. To strengthen the structure, it is reinforced with metal plates.

Manufacturers who are not too concerned about their own reputation use recycled plastics for the manufacture of window frames. Such products have a matte appearance of a grayish tint.They can be used for outbuildings, but it is better to put plastic windows made of high-quality PVC with a glossy surface in the cottage.

With regard to the thickness of the profile, it must be said that where it is warm and quiet all year round, you should not overpay and install five-chamber window blocks. Three-chambered are quite suitable, they will serve with dignity for many years. But in cold climates, with strong winds, on a noisy street or near highways, it is better to equip your house with reinforced profiles.

Thermal insulation of windows in a cottage

Preservation of heat and savings on heating are the main tasks of windows in a cottage in the context of constantly rising energy prices. The area of ​​the house is usually 2-3 times larger than the apartment (on average, about 200 sq. M.), And the payment for heating completely falls on the shoulders of the consumer. The owner of the house pays 100% of the actual energy consumption, there are no established standards, as in apartment buildings.

In the zone of greatest risk are those owners who do not have main gas. Heating a cottage with diesel or electricity is expensive. The happy owners of cheap Russian energy resources (gas) should not relax either - gas prices on the domestic market can rise at any time if the RF budget does not receive incomes from the export of energy resources. When glazing a cottage, it is worth considering in advance all the risks of buying standard non-energy efficient windows with narrow profile systems and glass without selective coating. Another important aspect in home glazing is the fashion for large windows. In this case, the windows must be warmer than the walls, otherwise the operation of such a house will ruin the owner after the first heating season. Another item of savings when installing energy efficient windows is the cost of heating equipment. The better the thermal insulation of the house, the cheaper the heating boiler and chimney to it will cost. Taking into account the difference in the price of heating equipment of different power, it may generally turn out that the difference in the cost of windows will be more than compensated for by the cheaper heating equipment.

Let us consider the influence of profile characteristics on the thermal insulation of windows using the REHAU profile as an example. The manufacturer's assortment includes the entire line of systems from economy to premium.

Resistance to heat transfer using the example of a wide range of REHAU windows *

The higher the indicator, the higher the heat saving of the window. It is imperative to consider the thermal performance of the window system. in combination with a glass unit.

It is possible to reduce the heating costs of the cottage by 50% by choosing a wide profile system of 80-86 mm with an energy-efficient double-glazed unit (where 2 glasses will be with selective coatings, and the air chambers are filled with argon). A window in this configuration is warmer than a concrete or brick wall with a thickness of more than 1 meter (!) In terms of heat saving, which means that energy losses through the glazing will be minimal. Heating bills for homes with energy efficient windows will be half that of neighbors who have not studied the issue so deeply.

A warm window for a cottage should be made of a profile of 80-86 mm 6 chambers, with a 2-chamber double-glazed unit with 2 energy-saving glasses and argon.

Recommendation: For windows to serve for 50 years, when choosing windows, choose the original EPDM seal and reinforcement recommended by the system provider from 1.5 mm.

Window profiles

When choosing a profile, attention is paid to its appearance, giving preference to glossy surfaces, since they are made of more technologically advanced plastic, the pores of which are not clogged with dust and, accordingly, the window requires minimal temporary, physical effort when cleaning it. In addition, it is more durable, weather resistant

Based on the design of the room, the optimal color scheme of the profile is selected, and lamination can be done both from the inside and from the outside.

The design of the plastic window is selected taking into account the overall design of the entire room

There are stands with profile cuts in the dealer's office. With the basic knowledge presented below, consumers will be able to independently determine its reliability in the field of sound insulation and thermal insulation.

So what's important:

1. Number of air chambers. Determined by counting the cavities separated by vertical bridges (horizontal ones are not taken into account). Profiles with three or five chambers are the most demanded for the arrangement in residential buildings. Three-chambers - usually 58 - 60 mm wide - are suitable for regions with a mild climate, since a given number of chambers are not able to retain heat inside a room at long-term subzero temperatures. However, due to the relative cheapness, windows with such a profile are installed on the walls located on the south side, or the loggias are glazed. Five-chamber - from 70 mm wide - ideal for a harsh climate, as it significantly reduces heat loss;
2. The thickness of the outer walls of the profile. According to the standards, 3 mm and higher is the optimal value that provides rigidity and durability of the entire structure;
3. The presence of reinforcing elements is provided by the standards for products longer than 800 mm, and for profiles that have a non-white coating. However, most manufacturers reinforce all profiles with a reinforcing insert to give them rigidity, resistance to deformation under the influence of the weight of the glass unit and temperature drops.

In addition, if there are financial possibilities, preference should be given to a profile that has a closed type of insert, which is considered the most reliable in relation to the loads being tested.

A profile with a closed type of insert is the most resistant to loads

It is necessary to study the market of manufacturers, based on the information posted on official sites, the experience of friends, feedback on the forums and after reading the relevant documents confirming compliance with GOST R.

Panoramic glazing - a new level of comfort

Glass walls are becoming more and more fashionable in modern country houses. A floor-to-ceiling window or a huge sliding glass door will transform any property. The cost of such structures is high, but the sensations that they give are indescribable. In a room with panoramic glazing, there is always more light, the space visually expands. The price of real estate with panoramic windows is several times higher.

Sliding panoramic doors - this is the best way to organize access to the terrace, glazed pool or lounge area.

The construction material can be anything: warm plastic, for example, REHAU HST GENEO, versatile aluminum or plush wood.

Recommendation: The main thing is not to forget about anti-burglar fittings and safe double-glazed windows with laminated glass.

The maximum dimensions of panoramic doors largely depend on the selected fittings.

Tilt-and-slide (PSK) doors from any REHAU profile system reach a width of up to 4 meters, and lift-and-slide doors REHAU GENEO HST can be up to 10 meters wide with a height of up to 3 meters.

The cost of PSK doors starts from 200,000 rubles, and HS doors from 400,000 rubles.

Where are Thermo Glass heating windows used?

Such structures can be used not only as an accompanying source of heating. They can also be used as the main heating device (of course, if the glazing area is sufficient). Warm windows are suitable for balconies, verandas, conservatories, private cottages, city apartments, as well as public buildings. You can choose from large panoramic structures or more compact solutions.Examples of completed projects are presented in the gallery on our website.

If you have any questions, our specialists will advise you by phone. They will tell you which window is warmer (plastic, wood, aluminum) and help you choose the best option.

Colored or white windows in a cottage

Windows are the eyes of the house. The choice of the color of plastic windows should be approached carefully. Saving on colored windows will ruin the architectural appearance of the house. It is difficult and expensive to fix the situation in the installed windows, so it is better to decide on the color of the windows right away.

The external and internal shades of the windows may differ at the request of the customer. For example, the white color of the plastic will remain on the inside, and on the outside, the color will be of a different shade using one-sided lamination. In this way, you can save on the color of the windows, the price will increase by only 10% per product.

Recommendations for choosing the color of the windows in the cottage. Usually, the external color of windows for a house is matched to the color of the roof and basement (especially if the basement is high). Another way to match the color is to match the windows with the color of the spotlights and roof gables. Choosing different colors of the roof and facade, you can place accents, and the look of the house will be interesting and not boring.

Examples of color matching at home:

• burgundy roof, plinth, windows and light brown facade
• green facade, white windows, spotlights, gables and burgundy roof.

Window structure

Before deciding what to choose, you need to understand what kind of windows you need. How many flaps will there be, which ones are opening, and which ones are “deaf”?

Opening option for ventilation

Swivel doors are those that open wide open either to the inside of the room, or to the outside. The classic version, in other words.

But folding ones are often used under the vents. This is when the window opens in such a way that the top of the sash moves away from the frame by 10 centimeters, and at the bottom it fits snugly against the frame. This type of opening even has a specific name - "ventilation mode".

Swivel - folding option. The most convenient, combined way of opening windows. It opens wide open and for airing. This option will be a little more expensive due to the fact that the accessories will need to be taken not simple. And the installation of metal-plastic windows of this type will not cause difficulties.

Well, the simplest and cheapest are "blind" sashes. Measure all the openings, draw for yourself on a piece of paper what you would like to see, and what and where will be more convenient.

So, with the structure, deciding which windows are better for us to install, we figured it out, we move on to the main factors.

Window design

There are many window design options today.

The plastic profile can be covered with a reliable laminating film with a 3D effect and imitation of natural wood, aluminum, leather or stone.

For the design of double-glazed windows in cottage windows, stained-glass windows (real, paint and varnish or imitation with colored films), sandblasting (matte patterns), glass illumination are very popular.

Layouts in double-glazed windows are a thing of the past. Colored windows of cold shades (gray, anthracite), large sizes without lintels in the glass, come into fashion. Nothing should block the view and violate the unity with nature.

The look of the stylish designer window is completed by handles and hinges, selected for the specific style of the house and interior decoration. Laconic, stylish stainless steel handles have been the most popular lately - they look great on a window of any color.

Recommendations for the selection of the color of handles and hinges. The color of the handles and hinges can be the same or different from the color of the window (if the color is dark, the handle and the hinges are light and vice versa), but should be combined in shade - warm or cold.

Photo: Gray window and steel handle and hinges. Dark brown window and gold handle and hinges. White window and steel handle and hinges. In private housing construction it is possible to use windows of non-standard shapes: arched, round, trapezoidal.It is worth remembering that the technology for the production of such windows is more complicated; if the process is disrupted later, there may be problems with such a window.

Burglar resistance of windows in a cottage

Protect the house from the penetration of uninvited guests should not only the front door, but also the windows. According to the statistics of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, penetration into private property through the windows of the first floors ranks first in popularity.

The windows in the basic configuration can be opened for a couple of seconds. The safe window must be equipped with anti-burglar fittings and double-glazed windows with triplex.

Basic windows can be opened in a couple of seconds using a simple crowbar and a screwdriver, so the windows of at least the first floor in a cottage must have a special anti-burglar equipment. Installation of anti-burglar fittings and triplex double-glazed windows increases the break-in time up to 20 minutes, depending on the configuration. This time will be enough for the robber to change his mind.

The cost of burglar-resistant windows with resistance to burglary for 10 minutes from 15,000 rubles.

Soundproofing windows in the cottage

The opinion that good sound insulation is not required in a cottage community is sometimes mistaken. No one is safe from the fact that neighbors start a noisy party or a grandiose construction with heavy equipment at the wrong time. Even running the lawn mower can be annoying and disturb the baby's sleep. It also happens that noise from flying airplanes or cars from the nearest roads reaches the house.

The norm for the noise level inside residential premises is 40 dB during the day, 30 dB at night.

Photo: noise level in different rooms and from different sources laminated glass (triplex) in double-glazed windows. At a constantly high noise level (near a busy highway or airport), a special acoustic triplex with a layer of a special film between the glass is recommended.

Acoustic triplex in a double-glazed window will create a comfortable environment in the house, even if neighbors from morning till night will tidy up their lawn or ride snowmobiles. An additional bonus will be the anti-vandalism of the glass unit.

The cost of double-glazed windows with acoustic triplex is from 1,000 rubles / m².

Thermo Glass heating windows: how does it work?

Double-glazed windows with electric heating are an innovative development created using a patented Russian technology. The role of the heating element in such designs is played by a continuous conductive coating of metal oxides, which is applied to the glass surface. This transparent thin layer has practically no effect on light transmission. And the window itself looks the same as the standard design. At the same time, in terms of operational characteristics, it is many times superior to standard products. Thermo Glass heating windows are distinguished by their reliability, relatively easy installation and convenience in choosing the desired temperature regime. Creating an optimal indoor climate is easier than ever: just select the right temperature on the control panel.

Sun protection of windows in the cottage

Increasing the size of the windows in the house lets in a lot of sunlight, and with it, heat. In the summer months, the right air conditioning system will help to reduce the cost of air conditioning. sun glass... The most effective type of glass for sun protection is multifunctional.

Photo: windows with sun protection This glass reflects up to 50% of thermal solar energy, so the temperature in the room will always be lower than outside by 4-5 degrees without air conditioning. The main thing is that strong overheating will not be created inside. The room is always protected from excessive solar radiation. The good news is that the cost of such glass is only 200 rubles / m² more expensive than usual, and the benefits from it are obvious.

How many chambers does a warm glass unit have?

To find out which glass bags are the warmest, you need to look at the chamberiness of the product. Two hermetically sealed glasses make up the chamber of the glass package. There is an air gap between the glass sheets, a spacer. The width of the chamber affects the heat and sound insulation of the glazing. The larger it is, the warmer the window. When buying, specify the thickness of the glass. Even in one chamber there can be glasses of different thickness - 4, 6, 8 mm.

A two-chamber system is usually able to provide warmth and silence in the house, provided that a high-quality profile and competent installation are used. For greater noise protection, the outer chamber should be made wider than the inner one. The three-chamber glass bag is much warmer. But it weighs more, needs reinforcement of the base, a wide opening. Its installation is justified in regions where the outside temperature in winter reaches minus 45 degrees. Thus, for maximum thermal protection, it is better to install three-chamber double-glazed windows, if the base for them is strong enough.

double-glazed window

Glass

air chamber

spacer

Privacy of windows in the cottage

Privacy is what suburban real estate is especially valued for. Protection from prying eyes will be especially relevant for owners of townhouses, where the distance from windows to sidewalks is minimal. Special types of glass can replace boring curtains and blinds:

Frosted glass - suitable for a bathroom, storage room, technical room. Glass transmits light in sufficient quantities, and it will not be possible to see what is happening inside even from a close distance.

Mirror glass - in the daytime does an excellent job. When the lighting is turned on in the evening, privacy disappears, and other options for protection from prying eyes need to be provided. Mirror glass is suitable for entrance doors or panoramic glazing. With a double-glazed window size of 1.5 x 1.5 meters, glass with a thickness of at least 6 mm must be used.

The cost of mirror glass will add to the cost of the window from 650 rubles / m².

Photo: windows with adjustable transparency effectively solve problems with the privacy of home Smart glass with adjustable transparency is a good option for opponents of dusty curtains. Double-glazed windows with smart glass are connected to the power supply network and can be controlled from a button or remote control.

The cost of smart glass is 40,000 - 80,000 rubles / m², depending on the type of smart glass (film or electrochromic glass).

Ventilation

Modern windows are almost completely sealed, so there will be no drafts in the house, but to ensure the flow of clean air and reduce the humidity of the window, you will have to regularly open the windows, which will cause drafts, and sound insulation will decrease. If we are talking about summer residents, then they do not use their houses for permanent residence. It is unpleasant even after a week's absence to enter the house with stale air. And leaving the windows open in the country is unwise and risky. Supply valves can be the solution to the problem. In addition to automatic ventilation of the room, they allow you to solve other problems - to completely abandon the use of mosquito nets and thereby improve light transmission, as well as protect the house from illegal entry, since the windows simply do not need to be opened. Structurally, the supply valves of the ventilation system can be built into a window profile, for example, REHAU Aerovent, into a glass unit or installed on top of a window.

The price depends on the required performance and sound insulation requirements (with installation from 5 to 50 thousand rubles for each window).

Which manufacturer of plastic windows is the best?

Competition and strict controls in the window market have supplanted outright flaws. But experts are unanimously leaning towards large manufacturers.They have equipment that is not available to smaller companies, so the products are of higher quality. Experts have learned to cope with unwanted linear expansion of PVC, low coefficient of elasticity, improve resistance to temperature extremes. Additives and stabilizers for these purposes are strictly controlled and are not harmful to health.

Which company should you choose?

A list of the best window profile manufacturers based on ratings and reviews.

Veka

Leading in terms of the number of sales, in all ratings in the top three. The technical base allowed the company to finally stop the production of low-grade products, only A-class profiles are produced. Window models are diverse, durable, known for their reliable noise and heat insulation, tightness, and are equipped with a frost-resistant rubber seal. The disadvantage is that they are expensive.

KBE

The company uses environmentally friendly plastic, the windows are durable, with good noise and heat insulation, they cope with temperature changes in the range from -50 to +50 ° C, they do not fog up. Disadvantages: high price, over time the plastic develops a yellowish tint.

Rehau

The products are distinguished by environmental friendliness, wide assortment, durability, sound and heat insulation meeting the requirements of the time, frost resistance. Disadvantages: reduced sash height, higher than other brands, cost.

We recommend paying attention to the Rehau windows made of the BLITZ New profile with an installation depth of 60 mm. It is an energy saving, affordable and high quality solution. Three-chamber profile, with the possibility of installing a double-glazed window up to 32 mm. Retains 30 times more heat than Soviet wooden frames. Reduction of noise up to 40 Rw dB and great appearance.

SALAMANDER

High-strength, sealed profiles for all climatic conditions made of perfect white plastic. All load-bearing walls are made according to RAL class A, the declared service life is up to 45 years. The company's factories are located in Germany, Poland and Belarus.

Proplex

The windows are made according to Austrian technology, adapted to the Russian climate, and are designed for long-term operation. They are inexpensive, the plastic is durable and does not turn yellow. Disadvantages: there is no international certification, design solutions of some models are below the level of recognized brands.

USEFUL INFORMATION: The better to finish the slopes of plastic windows: 4 options, expert opinion

Montblanc

Windows of different types, attractive, inexpensive. Durable, adapted to Russian weather. Disadvantages: no quality management certificate, weak fittings, a chemical smell emanates from the seal.

LG Chem

Combination of decent heat and sound insulation performance and professional design. Glossy plastic, reasonable price / quality ratio. A relative disadvantage is the recent entry into the market of the central part of the country, which affects its popularity.

Trocal

The windows have a deformation-resistant construction, design findings and a large selection of reliable and sealed models attract buyers. Disadvantages: heavy profile, built-in blinds break after several years of operation.

Russian windows

Russian plastic windows are cheaper than foreign ones. But this does not mean low quality. Usually, domestic manufacturers use German technology. The cost is more affordable due to cheap energy resources and labor. This also needs to be remembered when choosing.

For example, the Russian company Kaleva works according to a full cycle scheme: from the moment of designing a window to installation in place. This is not a common case. For more than 20 years it has been operating in the market of plastic windows from St. Petersburg. Its PVC profiles are distinguished by quality, the right balance of rigidity, reliable insulation, and aesthetic appearance.

What profile for plastic windows have you chosen?

Instruction to the buyer - the correct assembly of windows in the cottage

There are no trifles when creating a window for a comfortable life. You can choose your own set of windows for a cottage using the window buyer's memo. Each window in the house can have its own unique composition; they do not have to be the same at all. Before purchasing windows, go through the checklist and mark all the necessary items for your peaceful life. Send the table with everything you need to window companies for calculation. The table will allow you to compare prices for the same configuration and not be mistaken with the choice of a window company.

Complete set of windows in the cottage - checklist

How to choose plastic windows for a private house

Choose glazing according to the following criteria:

• Material... A classic for a cottage - wooden profile systems. They look beautiful, insulate heat well. But timber profiles need to be serviced annually. They must be covered with protective compounds. They do not always save from street noise, they are expensive. Warm aluminum systems are very expensive, and cold ones are not suitable for living rooms. PVC glazing is reliable and practical. Warm and quiet plastic windows can additionally protect the room from burglary, intense solar radiation.
• Mounting depth and chamberness of the profile... Systems with a thicker installation and a larger number of chambers are more sealed. But this does not mean that it is better to mount a 5-chamber profile instead of a 3-chamber one. Do not overpay if the cottage is located in a warm and quiet place. But if there is a railway nearby, a four-chamber profile system is optimal. When choosing a profile, you should give preference to A-class plastic with an outer profile wall thickness of 2.8-3 mm.

• Profile surface... Matte plastic gets dirty quickly and is difficult to clean. It is better to choose a glossy PVC profile for glazing a cottage.It is stronger, looks more attractive, and gets dirty less.
• The presence of micro-crevice ventilation... To prevent condensation from accumulating on the windows, it is better to install a profile system with supply valves and a micro-ventilation mechanism. They will provide continuous micro-circulation of air and prevent windows from fogging up.
• Filling with optional profile... For maximum comfort and safety, glaze the cottage with double-glazed windows with increased heat, noise and burglary protection. A special coating will help make the glazing more reliable and save on energy resources.
• Quality fittings... Best performance for Roto or Siegenia fasteners. It is durable and easy to use, resistant to wear and tear and corrosion.
• Colored coating... Laminating film helps to give the initially white profile the desired color. It performs a decorative and protective function, it is applied to PVC inside and / or outside. Lamination allows you to design openings to match the interior, facade, protects plastic from scratches and moisture. With its help, you can decorate a profile for wood, metal. Highest quality RENOLIT films. Some of their series additionally reflect infrared radiation, preventing overheating of the plastic. Double-glazed windows can also be covered with tinted or stained glass film. Applied to glass when it is necessary to protect the room from prying eyes, sunlight.

It is more practical to make windows in a private house from plastic. They can be covered with lamination to match the interior, facade, wood look, filled with optional glass bags, decorated with spros. Not sure which windows to choose for your cottage? Lost in the varied series of profiles? Difficult to choose the options? Call our consultants by phone on the website, and they will help you choose materials, tell you which windows to install in a private house, and calculate an approximate estimate. For an accurate calculation of the order, call a free measurer.