Plastic windows have become widespread in the past 15 years. They are not too expensive, have good sound and heat insulation characteristics, do not emit harmful and toxic substances. Manufacturers of such products offer a wide assortment, it is not too easy for an inexperienced consumer to understand the varieties.
In this article, you will learn about a number of basic parameters that a construction of the highest quality should have, and we will also tell you about the best profiles for plastic windows. When we consider each position in the rating, we will definitely indicate its key performance characteristics, analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the product.
How to choose the right profile for plastic windows?
The profile is a key element of the window structure, since it allows not only to determine the aesthetic perception of the window itself, but also its strength indicators, service life, and so on. It is imperative to pay attention to the thickness of the outer walls. The profile itself is a closed-type hollow system, inside which there are partitions that provide it with a certain strength. The price of the structure, the duration of use depends on this indicator. Each product has inner and outer walls.
Depending on the thickness of the PVC layer, all products are divided into three classes. The "A" standard includes models with an outer wall thickness of 2.8-3 mm, and an inner wall thickness of about 2.5 mm. This is in full compliance with Russian and international standards. Such models are characterized by an increased level of strength, good sound and heat resistance.
Class "B" is distinguished by the thickness of the outer walls not less than 2.5 mm, and the inner ones - approximately 2 mm. This type retains heat worse, but it is less subject to deformation due to constant and dynamic physical exertion, it does not detain street noise very well. Type "C" is not regulated by regulatory documents, therefore, windows are made from such profiles, mainly for non-residential premises, often you can find structures from this type of profile for apartments, but they are cheaper than all the others.
Windows are also divided into groups by temperature zones depending on climatic conditions. Lightweight models are designed for warm climates where the average annual temperature does not drop below zero. Such products are able to withstand short-term temperature drops of up to -5 degrees.
Standard profiles are designed for a temperate climate, in which the temperature can periodically drop to -20 degrees, but they are able to withstand -45 degrees, but also for a certain period. Frost-resistant tolerates well down to -55 degrees. In our country, mainly standard and frost-resistant products are produced.
Window profiles must withstand severe mechanical stress. This parameter allows you to determine how correctly the internal partitions are located, how polyvinyl chloride reacts to temperature changes, because this material can become fragile in severe frosts.
When we chose products to be included in the rating of the best profiles for plastic windows, we were guided by all these factors. In addition, the price-performance ratio of the products was taken into account, as well as user feedback. We hope that after a careful study of this review, you will be able to choose a window profile for yourself that will serve you well for a long time.
Rating of window profiles 2021
"What are the best window profiles?" - a question that is asked by everyone who wants to finally install energy-saving windows in their home. However, despite the external similarity of all structures, inside all the profiles are completely different, some of which do not correspond at all to SNiP RF and are not recommended for installation in residential premises. First of all, when choosing a window system, it is necessary to pay attention to the number of cameras and the thermal resistance coefficient (the higher the better). The next important parameter of PVC windows is the provided possibility of reinforcement - this increases the load-bearing characteristic of the structure, contributes to an increase in the service life of the system and its resistance to plastic deformation. To make it easier for the buyer to decide on the choice of a high-quality window system, this rating was collected. So, TOP 10 best firms and models of PVC window profiles:
Manufacturer
Products from different manufacturers are presented on the Russian market. Which profiles will be the best? What to choose - Veka or Rehau windows? Let's try to rank the most famous brands:
- Veka. This German brand is well known all over the world. You can easily choose the Veka profile with the required installation width, chamber size and other characteristics. In terms of price, Veka products are comparable to Rehau products of the same class.
- Rehau. The products of this brand are one of the most popular on the Russian market. Rehau is well known as a manufacturer of reliable systems. The assortment includes profiles suitable for different climatic conditions. At the same time, Rehau products are distinguished by an affordable price and belong to the middle class.
- Trocal. The profiles of this brand are distinguished by a wide range of colors, the use of Greenline technology in production. 70mm frames provide good thermal insulation.
- KBE. Popular German brand. The main feature of KBE windows is environmental friendliness, they are recommended for glazing in children's and medical institutions. The assortment includes inexpensive options and expensive premium products.
- Salamander. Another German brand, less popular than KBE or VEKA, but of high quality. Since all products are manufactured only in Germany, they are distinguished by a rather high price.
- Proplex. A young Russian brand whose products are designed taking into account the climatic conditions of Russia. The product range includes products with assembly widths from standard 58 to 127 mm.
- Novotex. Russian brand of inexpensive four-chamber systems manufactured using KBE technologies. In the budget segment, it can be considered the best choice, distinguished by its low price and quite decent quality. The only drawback is the small selection of profiles.
Related article: Technology of installation of plastic windows in a wooden house
This is an insignificant part of manufacturing firms offering their products on the Russian market. They all offer quality products with good performance. What is the best profile for a plastic window? The one that will have the optimal ratio of characteristics and correspond to the climatic conditions of the area.
Reviews for PVC windows
For the period of 2021, the popular site "Otzovik" collected 51 (93%) positive reviews out of 65 left by Rehau users, while Deceuninck windows - only 9 (76%) out of 13. Of course, the history of companies also affects the indicators. in the Russian market, where Rehau has significant advantages. In addition, good recommendations in favor of a German manufacturer are also justified by a high level of quality and reliability, which guarantees a long service life.
Specifications
The first thing you need to pay attention to when choosing plastic windows is the technical characteristics of the profile:
- Thermal conductivity. The level of thermal protection depends on this indicator. High thermal conductivity will lead to the cold coming from the window in winter. GOST 30673-99 defines the average resistance to heat transfer as follows: Three-chamber 0.6-0.69 m² • ° С / W;
- Four-chamber 0.7-0.79 m² • ° С / W;
- Five-chamber 0.81 m² • ° С / W.
aluPlast
Aluplast opens the quality rating of window profiles. The company provides a good range of technical solutions for window systems. The latest developments in energy efficiency are embodied in the AluPlast energeto series. The Energeto 8000 model has excellent thermal resistance values when installing a triple glass unit - 1.27 m2 * C / W. According to the manufacturer, if the structure is not reinforced with steel (this reduces the bearing capacity), its thermal conductivity is significantly reduced, reaching a thermal resistance coefficient of up to 1.67 m2 * C / W.
Comparison of window systems: which profile is better?
To make it easier for you to understand the profile systems, we made a comparison of the profiles offered by our company with the profiles of other window companies, in terms of installation width, glass unit thickness, number of chambers and thermal protection. The higher the value, the better the thermal and acoustic insulation of the window.
Profile
128 (frame) 71 (sash)
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Other window companies
| Mounting profile width, mm | Max. glass unit thickness, mm | Number of cameras in a profile | Reduced resistance to heat transfer, m2 ⁰C / W | |
| Deceuninck Waiz Eco 60 | 60 | 32 | 4 | 0.68 |
| Deceuninck Bautec Neo | 71 | 40 | 5 | 0.78 |
| Deceuninck Favorit Space | 76 | 42 | 6 | 0.87 |
| Rehau blitz | 60 | 32 | 3 | 0.70 |
| Rehau grazio | 70 | 40 | 5 | 0.85 |
| Rehau Intelio | 80 | 40 | 6 | 0.98 |
| 47 | 5 | 0.78 | ||
| VEKA Euroline | 58 | 32 | 3 | 0.64 |
| VEKA Proline | 70 | 42 | 4 | 0.75 |
| VEKA Softline | 70 | 42 | 5 | 0.78 |
| VEKA Swingline | 70 | 42 | 5 | 0.77 |
| VEKA Softline 82 | 82 | 52 | 7 | 1.03 |
| VEKA Alphaline | 90 | 50 | 6 | 0.94 |
| KBE Engine | 58 | 32 | 0.70 | |
| KBE Expert | 70 | 40 | 5 | 0.88 |
| KBE 88 | 88 | 48 | 6 | 1.15 |
Mounting width Is the width at which the window profile is installed. This parameter greatly affects the rigidity of the entire window structure, which is especially important for large openings. The larger the mounting width of the profile, the longer and better your plastic window will serve.
Maximum thickness of a glass unit - this is a parameter that shows how thick a glass unit can be installed in a given profile. The larger this value, the more opportunities to improve the heat and sound insulating properties of a plastic window.
Number of cameras in a profile - this is the number of air chambers in the profile of a plastic window (do not confuse with the number of chambers in a double-glazed window). The more of them, the better the thermal insulation.
Reduced resistance to heat transfer Is the most important parameter. It shows the ratio of the temperature difference between the inner and outer surfaces of the window to the density of the heat flux through it. The larger this coefficient, the less heat loss, and therefore, the warmer it is in the room.
Design
What are the best window profiles? Those whose characteristics and design correspond to the climatic features of the area. All types of profile systems on the market can be divided into several groups according to the climate:
- For temperate climates, simple, three-chamber structures with a standard installation width are suitable. These are the most affordable options.
- For a harsh continental climate with hot summers and frosty winters, it is better to opt for five-chamber frames with increased mounting width and U-shaped reinforcement.
- For harsh climates characterized by strong winds and sudden temperature changes, multi-chamber structures with continuous reinforcement and maximum installation width are suitable.
The frame must have two sealing circuits. Otherwise, the dew point will be below it, which will lead to problems such as condensation, drafts. It is not worth buying products with a single seal, no matter how attractive the price for them may seem.
Energeto 4000 (Energeto 4000)
This 6-chamber system with an installation depth of 70 mm has a second class of burglary resistance. Energeto 4000 profiles are compatible with ventilation devices and aluminum trims. Due to the absence of steel inserts and the foaming of the inner chambers, this system is superior in energy efficiency to the 6-chamber IDEAL profiles with an installation depth of 70 and 85 mm.
IDEAL 4000 Elegant
Windows from a 3-chamber standard-class system have sufficient thermal insulation to be used in regions with a temperate climate for glazing residential and commercial buildings. The IDEAL 4000 Elegant system has an installation depth of 70 mm and 2 tightness circuits. Structures assembled from it will help create comfortable conditions in winter, but you should not count on tangible energy savings with such windows.
IDEAL 7000 Excite
The Ideal 7000 profiles are equipped with foam inside technology, which makes the system even warmer with an installation depth of 85 mm. IDEAL 7000 Excite windows are reinforced with glass fiber reinforced, which replaces the traditional steel liners. The use of this technology made it possible to lighten the 6-chamber designs and further increase their energy efficiency. Although the windows assembled from the 7000 series have only 2 sealing circuits, their tightness is not satisfactory. These systems are compatible with aluminum strips and allow for the gluing of insulating glass units.
VEKA
This company has been operating in the European market since 1968. Today the factories of the company are located in many countries: Germany, Russia, India, Poland, Singapore, France, Brazil, USA and Canada, as well as China. This indicates the demand for the windows of the Century all over the world. Traditionally good quality, low prices, an individual approach, a varied color spectrum of a profile, solutions to issues of original glazing - all this ensures leading positions among manufacturers of plastic windows all over the world.
Advantages:
- attractive design. They can be painted in various colors and are distinguished by graceful lines;
- functionality. These profiles have a high level of sound and noise insulation, are resistant to negative environmental influences
- practicality. The design is unpretentious in care and is able to maintain an attractive appearance for many years.
IDEAL 4000 Hybrid
The profiles of this series have an installation depth of 85 mm and are used for the assembly of premium-class quiet and warm windows. The Hybrid system is compatible with ventilation devices and aluminum trims. The installation depth increased by 15 mm allowed the addition of a sixth chamber, making IDEAL 4000 Hybrid windows the highest energy efficiency among the models assembled from the 4000 series profiles.
IDEAL 5000 (Ideal 5000)
This system has 5 chambers and a 70mm mounting depth. It differs from the closest analogue IDEAL 4000 Exzellent by the presence of a third gray sealing contour. Windows assembled from Ideal 5000 profiles have a 3rd class of burglary resistance. They are recommended for use in temperate climates and allow you to save on heating, as they reduce heat leakage to a minimum.
Montblanc
Montblanc (read MONBLAN) is the leader in the 2021 plastic window profile in terms of price-performance ratio. Mont Blanc is an Austrian company that has been producing low-cost high-quality profiles for translucent structures for over 15 years. Due to the opening of the Mont Blanc industrial plant in the Moscow region in 2001, the company gained wide popularity in Russia. The company produces several lines of window systems: Montblanc, Reachmont, Goodwin and ECP.All products have a guaranteed service life of 40 to 60 years and an installation width of 58 to 70 mm, except for the eighty millimeter Montblanc Grand with six air compartments. A four-chamber system Montblanc Quadro with a thermal resistance coefficient of 0.8 C / W per m2 is recommended for installation - this is a high indicator that meets the requirements of GOST and Building codes and regulations in many regions of the Russian Federation.
The main differences between Rehau and Deckenink
The main differences between Deceuninck and Rehau profiles can be observed in the price: the latter are cheaper and more adapted to the standard requirements of consumers.
In addition, the Rehau compactor outperforms Deceuninck and all other competitors. Even at extremely low temperatures, there will be no ice on the windows. In addition, the company produces 3 color options for the sealing gum - white, series and black. Perhaps for some it is a trifle, but for some it is a nice bonus in the design of PVC structures.
Dequeninck profiles allow the installation of a wide glass unit, which has a positive effect on the thermal insulation of the window. At Rehau, this is easily compensated by the increased number of air chambers.
These are the three main differences between Rehau and Deceuninck to consider when choosing.
Kaleva
The seventh place in the rating of pvc window profiles is taken by the Kaleva brand. The firm produces a dozen different models, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. The most inexpensive option with everything you need is Kaleva Standart - this is a four-chamber profile with the possibility of steel reinforcement and a built-in double glass unit filled with an inert gas argon, which has a very low thermal conductivity. The five-chamber window system Kaleva Titan Plus is the most heat-saving and sound-suppressing design of the company. Feature of Titan Plus: in addition to the main two-chamber 40mm step-glass unit filled with argon, blinds and one more external glass are built into the system - thus this model provides an incomparable degree of insulation, thanks to a step-glass unit with three independent air partitions, two of which are filled with argon.
Proplex
The Russian company Proplex ranks 8th in the rating of window profiles in 2021. All Proplex products are manufactured in Russia, so the prices for finished products from this profile are much lower than imported counterparts. Proplex produces 5 different window systems: 2,3,4,5-chamber. For installation in summer cottages, loggias and non-residential premises, a two-chamber Proplex Outline is recommended - the cheapest design with a heat resistance coefficient of only 55 m2 * C / W. A more reliable system recommended for installation in apartments and residential premises is the four-chamber Proplex Comfort with a thermal resistance of 0.8 m2 * С / В, which fully meets the requirements of SNiP RF.
IDEAL 8000 (Ideal 8000)
The 8000 series profiles have the same wall thickness, installation depth and number of chambers as the IDEAL 7000 Excite system. The main difference between the 2 premium products is the presence of a 3rd sealing circuit, which increases the burglar resistance class of structures and divides the space between the frame and the active sash into 2 separate chambers. IDEAL 8000 profiles are also reinforced with conventional steel inserts. However, the use of the classic Aluplast window reinforcement technology, reviews of which convinced many buyers to choose this model, did not negatively affect their energy efficiency. IDEAL 8000 is the warmest and most reliable system in the entire Ideal collection.
Deceuninck
Deceuninck is on the 9th place in the rating of pvc profiles. The Belgian company has been manufacturing PVC window blanks for about 40 years at production facilities located in Europe, Asia and North America. The flagship of all Deceuninck lines is the 84mm Eforte model. This system is recommended for installation even in the northern latitudes of Russia due to the high coefficient of thermal resistance - 1.1 m2 * C / W. The service life of "Eforte" is 30-40 years, subject to the temperature range from -60 to +75 degrees Celsius.
