An important condition for creating a comfortable microclimate in a residential area is the installation of metal-plastic windows (MPO). The market is represented by a large selection of materials, different types of double-glazed windows, among which metal-plastic products are popular.
What is a plastic window
Such windows consist of a profile based on polyvinyl chloride, reinforced with a metal frame. Products made of ordinary plastic can change geometry due to heat changes.
From the transition of the cold season to the warm expansion or narrowing of the window profile made of non-reinforced plastic, it reaches 1 cm, depending on the size, which leads to a loose fit of the sash to the frame, as well as to sagging and the appearance of cracks.
The reinforcement of the metal profile gives additional rigidity to the structure. Deformation is prevented, the likelihood of sagging of the sash and the possibility of closing the window profile is reduced.
Varieties of MPO by:
Type of glazing (one, two, three, four chamber).
- Glass properties (heat-preserving, impact-resistant, tinted, noise-insulating).
- Sash varieties.
Windows are one, two, three and four chamber. The first option is considered the simplest, consisting of two sheets of glass and a void - a cavity between them 14-32 mm thick. This type is obsolete, so it is rarely used in residential areas.
When a window structure consists of two chambers, this means the presence of three glasses, two air chambers between them. The mounting depth is 30-58 mm, which greatly reduces the level of external noise. Double-glazed windows are sufficient for the local climate with thermal insulation characteristics.
Three-chamber double-glazed windows are less commonly used due to their cost and large mass. This option is suitable for installation in particularly noisy, industrial areas or near railway crossings, stations. Also, this glazing option will better retain heat indoors in cold climates, for example, for residents of the North.
The design of glasses from four chambers and above is not often used, because according to the main criteria, heat and noise absorption do not differ from three-chamber counterparts. According to the properties of glass, windows are: heat-retaining, tinted, shock-resistant, noise-insulating.
Heat-saving, keeping heat in the room are based on metallized spraying. It conducts visible rays but blocks infrared radiation. With good transparency through such glazing, heat does not leave the apartment in winter, and also does not come from the street in summer.
Glass tinting is the addition of pigments at the production stage, which makes it possible to obtain different shades of a double-glazed window. Shock-resistant are made of tempered glass (triplex) on the basis of several interconnected sheets. These products are durable and safe. When damaged, the fragments do not crumble, but linger, stick to a special polymer film.
To ensure a high degree of sound insulation, the distance between the chamber glasses is different. This characteristic dampens vibrational waves, and also reduces resonance. Other technological solutions are used - the chambers are filled with inert gases, the glass is covered with a film.
Sashes are deaf, folding, rotary or tilt-and-turn. A blind fixed structure in a living room is mounted along with opening doors. The folding version is used for glazing attic, veranda or for the purpose of safe ventilation with a panoramic version of the balcony. The hinged sash opens more often inward, less often outward, provides a large air flow, and is easy to clean. The tilt-and-turn version combines the advantages of the two types of sashes, therefore it is considered the optimal, more convenient design.
In addition to the basic parameters, metal-plastic windows come in different colors and shapes. In addition to standard rectangular, square, round, trapezoidal, triangular and other shapes are ordered. Different shades are chosen, and it can also be laminated with a durable film, for example, under the texture of wood. Fans of originality and everything unusual can order stained-glass windows, with the help of images of which real works of art arise.
Construction of a metal-plastic window
The design is standard, the sealed element is a double-glazed window consisting of several glasses, the distance between which is filled with air or an inert gas. The fixed part is the frame - this is a frame mounted in the window opening of the room. The sash is the opening part. Windows are glued along the perimeter by the manufacturer with special silicone inserts that perform a noise-absorbing function. Locks, hinges, handles determine the functionality of the window structure and opening system.
Manufacturers of metal-plastic windows
With the increase in demand for residential glazing, the number of manufacturers has increased dramatically. But not all organizations comply with the conditions, so window structures can function differently.
A metal-plastic window frame is a prefabricated structure, determined by the quality of the components from which the window is assembled.
It is better to choose a manufacturer who does not seek to earn money, but works conscientiously, values his reputation. Manufacturers known all over the world, as well as functioning for decades, are a guarantee of quality.
Metal-plastic window: checking windows before installation
The client during the delivery of windows to installation work must make a visual inspection of each product. Attention is paid to the appearance - the integrity of the window, as well as the correspondence and uniformity of color. Chips, dents, scratches are unacceptable. The seams must be clean, stripped. It also swings double glazing. There must be no moisture or condensation effect in the middle of the double-glazed window. The presence of screws indicates reinforcement.
Installation quality control
After installation, the client checks the reliability of the frame fasteners. The opening window should not dangle, deviate or vibrate. The sash must fit evenly across the width of the frame, without deviations. Otherwise, drafts cannot be avoided, even if the other test criteria have been met.
It is important to check the operation of the fittings. To do this, open or close the window several times, checking the softness. If you have any comments, you need to ask the master to adjust or repair.
Caring for a metal-plastic window
Like any product, the window needs constant, delicate care. Twice a year, the fittings need to be lubricated; for washing, use soapy solutions or special products. Powdered products violate the structure of the plastic, injure the surface. While washing windows, rubber gaskets - heaters are gently wiped.
What to be guided by when choosing metal-plastic windows?
The market is replete with a large selection of manufacturers, but for the right choice, a number of factors are taken into account. For example, the features of the room, location are taken into account. Single-chamber double-glazed windows are suitable for similar, warehouse or cold balcony glazing. For apartments, houses and other residential premises, two, three-chamber windows are suitable.
For location on the first floors, protection is installed on the fittings, as well as impact-resistant glass. It is possible to install glasses with a special sun protection coating if the room is located on a high floor, not blocked by a neighboring building to block sunlight. When there is high humidity in the building, it is desirable to install built-in ventilation valves in double-glazed windows.
What is the basis for design choice?
The prefabricated structure represents each element separately. For example, ferrous metal is most susceptible to rust, corrosion and is used in cheap versions. A quality product consists of a galvanized frame that is resistant to moisture.
The sash with frame must be reinforced throughout the frame for rigidity, and not in places. The more glass, the better the properties of heat retention in the room and sound insulation. The quality of the fittings (hinges, closing locks or devices affect the properties and duration of use).
What PVC windows are by design?
A metal-plastic profile is reinforced PVC, from which a supporting frame is created - a frame and sashes. The main characteristics of the profile: heat transfer, profile width, number of chambers. The last variety is a partition inside the profile, each chamber has its own purpose.
Types of double-glazed windows:
- energy saving. The inner glass is coated with silver atoms to reduce heat loss.
- tinted.
- impact resistant.
A popular profile is three-section. One part gives rigidity, the other produces an outflow of condensate, and the third is needed to fasten the fittings. There are 4 and 6 chamber sections. Their number affects the thermal conductivity of the frame. A double-glazed window is called several glasses, united among themselves by chambers from the air. Glasses can also have different thicknesses. The thicker the glass, the better the insulation. Firms: Rehau, Veka, KBE, as well as Siegenia-Aubi fittings.
Rehau in Russia has its own production, which allows to reduce the cost of goods. We offer customers a wide range of profiles, double-glazed models. Each option is distinguished by high technical parameters, quality, but prices may be higher than those of competitors.
The next well-known company in the whole world is Veka - Veka. The metal-plastic profile is focused on maintaining a comfortable temperature in the apartment. Products of this manufacturer are distinguished by high strength, reliability, and the high cost justifies the quality.
A responsible, conscientious company must have a certificate that is updated annually. A passport is issued for each window, as well as a warranty card.
The main parameters of popular window profiles
For the correct choice of profile, technical parameters are compared. During the installation of Rehau windows, the profile width is important - 60-150mm. The wider the profile, the warmer it is. The thickness of the double-glazed window, the number of cameras directly affects the main functions. Veka windows offer the consumer profiles with a width of 58-104 mm.
Choice according to the characteristics of the premises
When ordering windows from a specialized company, the client pays attention to the use of high-quality materials, details, to observe the technique of connection, seams, and the level of skill of the installers must be high.
Main selection factors:
- Decent production capacity of the company.
- Activity certification.
- Positive reviews.
- Long period of warranty service.
When ordering, they are determined with the type, size of sections, depending on the glazing area, purpose. The number and location of the tilt-and-turn sashes should provide access to all external surfaces of adjacent blind sections.
Double-glazed windows must be multi-chamber - at least three chambers for residential premises. The locking protection must work clearly. It is important to choose a conscientious, honest manufacturer. Don't skimp on supplies or parts. The high cost of the purchase will pay off in the future with cost savings.
Inventor of PVC material
The history of PVC windows is not so old, but they managed to enter our daily life thoroughly. Now we see metal-plastic windows everywhere and in luxury cottages, and in shopping centers, and in ordinary apartment buildings. Because they are of excellent quality, practical and durable at a low cost.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) from which modern metal-plastic structures are made was obtained by the chemist Regnald in the 19th century. But only a whole century later, in the 50s of the last century, mass production of metal-plastic windows was established and launched. In the 60s, metal profiles began to be added to the design, for greater reliability.
The first who began the production and installation of such metal-plastic structures were the Germans. For the Germans, this was a forced measure, after the war, in the absence of a large turnover of funds, it was necessary to restore the destroyed state. They were looking for cheap building materials, and then PVC came to their aid. At first, the first consumers were wary of this new product, but high strength, good sound insulation and resistance to changes in weather conditions, quickly and reliably strengthened this technology not only in the German market, but also spread around the world.
How to choose plastic windows
The choice of a metal-plastic window must be approached very responsibly. A properly selected window will serve you for a long time and reliably, besides, it will save your money. Malok knows that by installing a metal-plastic window, the temperature in the room automatically rises by 3 degrees. This is mainly due to the tightness of the window. 
When choosing, consider:
- The room where the window will be.
- Characteristics of the PVC profile.
- Double glazing.
- Accessories.
- Additional details.
- The room where the window will be
This item is more focused on saving money. For example, when installing a small window in an unheated garage, we do not need a thick PVC profile with good reinforcement, expensive fittings and double-glazed windows. While in a residential area, all these characteristics are best observed to create a dense isolation of the room from the external environment. Also pay special attention when choosing windows for the balcony. 
Consider whether it will be just glazing, or if you took the battery out to the balcony and want to keep it warm. If this is just glazing, then it assumes that there will be another window between the balcony and the room. In this case, the balcony-room window should not have super strong characteristics, like the usual one that opens directly onto the street, because between them there will be an additional air cushion, the width of the balcony.
Characteristics of PVC profile
PVC profile - provides thermal insulation, noise insulation, reliability, strength and durability of the metal-plastic construction. At first glance, all profiles are the same. This is not true! The difference can be seen by cutting the profile and looking inside. Or feel after several months of use, when the structures begin to repaint, lose their geometry and cracks begin to form in them.
There are three quality classes for profiles:
- CLASS A; The outer wall is more than 2.8 mm. inner walls more than 2.5 mm. Such configurations for frames are considered optimal and are recommended for installation in residential premises.
- CLASS B; The outer wall is more than 2.5 mm. internal more than 2.0 mm. These configurations of PVC window frames retain heat much worse and, according to studies, are 15% more fragile than class 1 frames.
- CLASS C; Any metal-plastic structures that do not fit the characteristics of class A and B.
*there is also a so-called "objective" profile, outwardly such a window is no different from the usual one. The only difference you can see upon purchase is the "object" sticker on the window frame. Such frames do not retain heat and are very easily deformed; they are installed only in non-residential premises. Some unscrupulous sellers sell such frames under the guise of ordinary ones, so be careful.
Profile uniformity
The evenness, smoothness and uniformity of the plastic speaks of its quality. By the way, in order not to be deceived, and not to buy a fake at the price of branded windows. Pay attention to the markings on the inside of the window frames. There should be a trademark stamp and a bunch of numbers indicating the month, date, year of production, work team.
Profile width
There are 3 options for choosing a profile in width:
Wall thickness
There are many wall thickness configurations available from different vendors. Optimal for residential premises is the thickness of the outer wall from 2.5 to 3.0 mm.
Number of cameras
Here there is a correlation from the width of the profile. Profile 58 mm wide. can have a maximum of 3 cameras. 70mm can have three, four or even five air chambers. But in reality, when jumping into one chamber, for example, between a three or four chamber frame, you will not feel the difference. And 90 mm. The norm for such a PVC window frame is 6 air chambers. 
double glazing
In fact, there are two types of double-glazed windows:
- single-chamber - 2 glasses between them air space;
- two-chamber - 3 panes, air spaces between the first and second, second and third panes.
If there is one glass, then it will no longer be called a double-glazed window. More than three glasses in one double-glazed window is inappropriate to use from the point of view of physics, optics and mechanics.
There are double-glazed windows with a thickness of 14 to 44 mm. and even more. Also, it is possible to drive gases (argon or krypton) into the chambers between the windows to increase the energy-saving properties of double-glazed windows, (sulfur hexafluoride) to increase noise-insulating properties. Also interesting is the fact of the ideal distance between the panes. It has already been calculated and ranges from 10 to 16mm. It is this distance that is most effective for the thermal insulation properties of double-glazed windows, with the lowest rate of convective heat transfer. 
accessories
This item does not limit you in choosing according to clear criteria for your premises. Everything depends only on the amount of finance that you agree to spend on fittings. We recommend that you buy high-quality and expensive accessories, as they will last for decades. You do not have to spend additional money and time on troubleshooting. To buy such fittings, we recommend contacting large construction or specialized stores, and purchasing fittings from well-known brands.
Additional details
Additional details are a window sill and a mesh on the window (if necessary). There are no exact criteria according to which it is necessary to be guided by the choice. And we mentioned this point only so that you do not forget about these little things and do not spend extra time on a second visit to the store.
Additional element - closer
PVC windows dimensions
In order to roughly calculate the cost of metal-plastic windows, you need to correctly measure the dimensions of the window (including the balcony), you need to measure the width of the opening, then fix the height from the window sill to the upper slope, then select the preliminary shape of the window (i.e. determine: single-leaf, double-leaf, tricuspid, T-shaped, etc.). Determine the opening (in one direction, in two and the presence of the function of opening for ventilation) and the type of double-glazed window. Do not be sad if your calculation of PVC windows turns out to be inaccurate as a result, because you are not an expert in measuring windows correctly! Write down all your measurements and notes on paper, for greater accuracy, it is best to draw a drawing of each window with its dimensions. When framing, you need to consider whether you have external slopes so that the frame and glass package do not sink so that you begin to see the slope cement. It is necessary to take into account the internal dimension and the external dimension in order to understand what gaps are formed between the frame and the wall.
How to calculate a metal-plastic window:
1. Width of the window opening
2. Left wall
3. Right wall
4. Distance from window to pipe
5. Distance from ceiling to window
6. Window height
7. Window sill height
8. Departure of the window sill
Metal-plastic windows installation or installation
Self-installation of metal-plastic windows is not difficult. To do this, we need: mounting foam, wooden blocks (for fixing the window in the window opening), a hammer, level, spatula, putty.
First, we pull out the old window from the window opening, insert a new PVC frame there without a double-glazed window. We fix it with the help of pre-prepared blocks and align it according to the level, then we insert a double-glazed window into the opening, again we measure the level, whether it has gone astray. After making all the measurements, the gap between the PVC and the window opening can be filled with mounting foam. Be careful with mounting foam, if it gets on any unwanted surfaces, it is very difficult to erase and wash off. If, nevertheless, the foam got outside the opening, then it should be wiped off immediately before it hardens. After the foam dries, and this is about a day. We take out wooden blocks, fill the cracks that have formed with foam, wait for complete drying. We cut off the protrusion of the foam with a clerical knife flush with the window. Using putty, we hide the ugly appearance of the foam.
The window sill, if you also purchased it, can also be planted on the foam on the old one already installed. When doing this, do not forget to measure the level.
Window wiping
Over time, the window sashes are lowered, and the friction of the frame begins when opening and closing. There are two ways to solve this problem. Both are solved with a set of hexagons.
Option 1
With the window open, find the adjusting screw, classically it is located at the top of the sash. Turn it in the right direction with a hexagon, clockwise, raises the window, counterclockwise, lowers it. If that doesn't work, move on to the second option.
Option 2
Remove the plastic protection from the bottom hinge, using a hexagon, turning the screw clockwise or counterclockwise, adjust the window. 
Plastic windows blow. A clear draft near the window
This phenomenon occurs due to loose pressing of the window to the window frame. At the end of each opening window, there are so-called "eccentrics". "Eccentric" is a bolt that is capable of movement and regulates the density of pressing the window. Turn this element to the left / right, each time checking the density of pressing, in this way you will find the best pressing option. For example, in the summer you can make a weak pressing of the window to the window frame, to get more air into the room during your absence, with the windows closed.
Crackling and other strange noises in the handle
A sign of a future breakdown for the handle, unfortunately, for the most part, the handles cannot be repaired. And if it fails, the only way out is a replacement.
Reading 6 min.
Modern high-quality windows are one of the conditions for creating a comfortable microclimate in a house or apartment. There are many varieties of double-glazed windows on the market, among which metal-plastic products are becoming increasingly popular.
What it is
Metal-plastic windows are windows made of PVC profile reinforced with a metal frame. Products from a conventional plastic profile can change their geometry as a result of thermal changes. When the seasons change, the expansion and subsequent narrowing of a non-reinforced plastic window can reach 1 cm, depending on the overall dimensions, which leads to a loose fit of the sash to the frame and sagging, the appearance of cracks.
Reinforcement with a metal profile gives additional rigidity to the structure, prevents deformation and significantly reduces the likelihood that the sash will sag and stop closing.
Reinforcing U - shaped profile for rigidityThe metal-plastic window has a standard general design:
- double-glazed window - a sealed element consisting of several glasses, the distance between which is filled with air or inert gases;
- frame - a fixed part mounted in a window opening;
- sash - opening part;
- - silicone gaskets that perform soundproofing functions; installed along the edges of the double-glazed window;
- (locks, hinges, handles) - determines the functionality of the window structure and the opening system.
Types of metal-plastic windows
By type of double-glazed windows:
Glass properties:
By type of shutters:
- Deaf. Fixed structure, it is advisable to install in residential premises in combination with opening doors.
- Folding. They are used for skylights or safe ventilation with panoramic balcony glazing.
- Swivel. It opens inwards (rarely - outwards), provides a powerful flow of air into the room, makes it possible to easily wash the outer surface of this and neighboring doors.
- Swing-out. Combines the advantages of swing and flap doors and is the most convenient design.
In addition to the main parameters, metal-plastic windows differ in shape and color. In addition to the usual rectangular ones, round, trapezoidal, triangular and other exotic shapes can be made to order.
Instead of the standard white color, the profile is painted in more than 10 colors or laminated with a durable film that imitates wood textures. 
An original design technique is stained glass, with which you can create a real work of art in a window opening.
Choice factors
The market offers the widest range. To make the right choice, you need to consider several factors.
Room Features
Appointment. Single-chamber double-glazed windows do not retain heat well and are suitable for utility and storage rooms, cold balconies. For residential premises in Russian climatic conditions, 2-3-chamber double-glazed windows are required.
Location.
For apartments on the first floors, it is recommended to immediately install protective locking fittings and impact-resistant glass. Especially strong armored products are produced for offices and shops. 
The degree of illumination. If the window is located on the sunny side and on a high floor, not obstructed by neighboring buildings, it is advisable to provide glass with a special sun protection coating or film.
Humidity.
In case of poor ventilation of the premises, double-glazed windows with built-in valves are installed, which will allow maintaining an optimal microclimate without frequently opening windows. 
Which metal-plastic double-glazed windows are better
Metal-plastic window- a prefabricated structure, each element of which affects the overall quality level of the entire product:
- Type of reinforcing metal. Ferrous metal is highly susceptible to corrosion and is used in budget models. In high-quality products, a galvanized frame resistant to moisture is used.
- reinforcement quality. It is important that the sash and frame are reinforced around the entire perimeter, and not in places - then the structure will receive a uniform improved rigidity.
- The number of glasses. The more of them, the better the heat and sound insulation properties of the window.
- Hardware quality. Hinges and locking devices directly affect the consumer properties and service life of a metal-plastic window. Trusted brands (Maco, Roto, Vorne) should be preferred.
How to choose
In the production of metal-plastic windows, in addition to using high-quality materials and parts, it is equally important to observe the technology of joints and seams, and the qualifications of installers must be at a high level. Therefore, when choosing windows, you should definitely pay attention to the presence of:
- decent production capacity at the manufacturer;
- quality certificates for components (profile, fittings);
- positive reputation of the dealer-seller;
- long warranty period.
When ordering you need:
- Decide on the type and size of sections, depending on the area of glazing and the purpose of the room. The number and location of the tilt-and-turn doors should be such as to provide convenient access to all external surfaces of adjacent blind sections.
- Choose double-glazed windows with the optimal number of chambers - the degree of thermal insulation of the room will depend on this.
- Provide locking and protective fittings.
The advantages of metal-plastic windows are obvious. Some of their important characteristics (for example, the presence and type of a reinforcing frame) cannot be verified upon purchase, so it is important to choose a trusted and conscientious manufacturer. You should not save on the quality of components and parts - a more expensive purchase will pay off in the future and save owners from additional hassle and costs.
There are several ways to open metal-plastic windows, and each of them has its drawbacks. Pivot windows can be very inconvenient to use on balconies and loggias due to the fact that the frames take up a lot of space when open. Hinged frames are better in this parameter, but you can’t put only hinged windows in the loggias - with them the loggia will be almost completely closed. Here, the best option is to use sliding windows, the metal-plastic structures of which appeared not so long ago.
Sliding windows are indispensable on balconies, in small areas or in narrow and long rooms, such windows are also used for glazing gazebos and terraces. For windows of this type, the same PVC profile is used as for ordinary traditional windows. Double-glazed windows of the usual design are placed in sliding windows. Sliding windows for terraces and arbors differ from traditional ones only in the opening mechanism.
The mechanism of operation of tilt-and-turn windows is much more complicated than sliding ones, so sliding systems are much more reliable, they break very rarely. Therefore, their service life is longer.
When installing metal-plastic sliding windows, the number of sashes depends on the window area. The sashes can be movable, which move along the guides, and static - motionless. When choosing the design of such a window, it is necessary to ensure that with the doors open, access to all the others is free. This is the basis for choosing a sliding window design. There are no problems with cleaning windows. In sliding windows, the sashes can not be fully opened - there is a mechanism for fixing the sashes.
Do not think that if the window is easily moved from the inside, it is just as easy to move it from the outside. Metal-plastic sliding windows are equipped with a burglary protection mechanism. Usually these are complex locking systems that prevent attempts to enter from the outside.
Sliding systems have appeared relatively recently, but there are already more modern designs that combine sliding and folding doors. This is a complex mechanism that many buyers may like. It is called a metal-plastic portal.
Sliding systems can be used not only as windows, but also as doors. Especially they are now popular as interior doors. Such doors, unlike traditional ones, save a lot of space and create space. This is a good choice for cramped and small apartments. But even in large houses, such doors are very popular. An apartment or house with such doors inside looks very modern and stylish.
As for mosquito nets, they are installed on sliding windows as easily as on any others. In these windows, grids can be moved to any place in the structure.
Metal-plastic sliding structures have many advantages. For this reason, they have appealed to many buyers and are steadily conquering the window market.
Modern window manufacturers offer customers a wide range of translucent structures with different characteristics, operating parameters and external design features. Buyers are often lost in a variety of options, not knowing by what criteria to compare models, evaluate their advantages and disadvantages. Windows from are the most popular today, but not all customers know that there are two categories of these structures, each of which has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.
What is the difference between plastic and metal-plastic windows
Ordinary plastic windows are structures, the frame and sashes of which are made of PVC profile without the addition of additional reinforcing elements. This type of windows has average strength and durability, but is beneficial for the budget due to the ease of manufacture and the relatively low cost of the finished product.Metal-plastic windows do not outwardly differ from simple PVC products, however, if you look at such a profile in a section, the presence of an important additional detail will open to your eyes - an internal metal liner -. The internal metal framework increases durability and reliability of a design. It is made of steel with an anti-corrosion coating, placed inside the frame and sash chambers around the entire perimeter. The reinforcing frame can be closed - with a sectional shape in the form of a quadrangle or open - with a section resembling the shape of the letters G or P. The thickness of the steel plate, as a rule, is 1.2 -1.5 mm and depends on what load the structure must withstand . The main requirements for the quality of the material and the method of installing the frame are set out in GOST 30674-99, which is valid throughout the Russian Federation.
Advantages and disadvantages of plastic and metal-plastic windows
plastic windows
The advantages of plastic windows include their low cost (compared to reinforced counterparts) and low weight. These window systems are available to most consumers and perform their functions well for a certain period of time. The light weight of non-reinforced profile windows allows them to be installed on balconies, producing minimal reinforcement of the parapet.However, as mentioned above, plastic windows without a reinforcing metal frame are less durable. Most manufacturing plants guarantee 20-30 years of serviceability of such structures when used under normal conditions. A heavy load is constantly placed on the profile: in addition to its own weight, it holds a heavy double-glazed window that can weigh up to 80 kg.
It is worth noting that even the highest quality plastic can be deformed by sharp temperature fluctuations and prolonged exposure to sunlight. For this reason, the service life of plastic windows in regions with an unstable or hot climate will be shorter.
Metal-plastic windows
Reinforcement gives PVC windows additional strength, prolonging their life and increasing their ability to withstand diverse loads. Metal-plastic windows are not afraid of strong winds, temperature extremes, their sashes rarely sag under the weight of a double-glazed window and work even in a super-intensive mode. The average service life of metal-plastic windows is 40-50 years. The metal reinforcement of the profile allows manufacturers to create structures of various shapes and not worry about their possible deformation.Metal-plastic windows also have certain disadvantages that should be considered when buying:
- The appearance of "cold bridges". Metal elements, compared to plastic, have a higher thermal conductivity and reduce the thermal insulation characteristics of the entire structure. To minimize the influence of this factor, manufacturers have come up with the following: they reduce the contact area of the frame with plastic by installing vertical ribs inside that hold the metal in the desired position.
- High price. Any windows made of reinforced profile (naturally, we are talking about high-quality products) are more expensive than similar models made of ordinary plastic. Galvanized steel is a rather expensive material, and therefore the price of structures increases in proportion to the amount of metal used.
Applications
Having studied the main characteristics, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of plastic and metal-plastic windows, you can begin to choose the most suitable option for your premises. Each case is individual, but there are a number of general recommendations of experts that you should listen to:- For rooms on the upper floors of "skyscrapers", as well as for installation in houses located in open space (with the maximum likelihood of regular exposure to strong winds), it is worth choosing metal-plastic windows.
- Apartments in standard high-rise buildings in large cities located in central Russia (and other regions with a temperate climate) can be equipped with simple plastic windows.
- Ordinary plastic windows are a worthy option for buyers with a limited budget.
- For installation in buildings with large window openings or it is recommended to use only metal-plastic windows.
- Windows designed according to individual projects, structures of non-standard shape, original models for designer interiors are made mainly of PVC profiles with reinforcement.
- Glazing of structures that cannot withstand a significant load, for example, balconies with a fragile fence, should be performed with plastic profile products without a steel liner - they have less weight and minimize the likelihood of damage or destruction.
