Rating of plastic windows: windows of the best companies in terms of the quality of profiles and fittings

Plastic windows are gradually replacing the usual windows with wooden frames. This is not surprising, because they are more durable and have a high level of heat and noise insulation. Also on the modern market there are windows with various fittings, opening method, any shape and profile color that can fit into a different design. It remains only to get acquainted with the rating of plastic windows and their manufacturers, so as not to be mistaken with the quality.

Profile characteristics

The plastic profile is a fundamental factor in the quality and durability of the windows themselves. What to look for when choosing it, what characteristics should it have?

Certificate

The first thing you need to pay attention to in the rating of manufacturers is the presence of a certificate. The RAL certificate provides data not only on the product itself, but also on the place of its manufacture. So, the profile of the same company, but manufactured at other enterprises, may not have such a certificate. The certificate has only those subsidiaries, whose work is noted taking into account all technological, environmental and economic requirements.

Profile width

When choosing a profile, you need to pay attention to its width. To date, firms engaged in the production of profiles offer the following options for its width:

• Classic ─ 58 mm. This width in the ranking of orders is the most requested, as it corresponds to the width of standard wooden frames. Suitable for any type of premises, if it is necessary to replace obsolete wooden frames without changing the configuration of the window opening.
• 70 mm. This width is optimal for the northern regions, as it has high thermal insulation properties.
• Premium ─ 90 mm. This width appeared on the market of plastic windows not so long ago. A profile having this width has the highest degree of energy saving. This width allows you to insert a double-glazed window up to 5 cm.

When choosing a width, first of all, you need to focus on climatic conditions and the installation location.

Number of cameras

The next thing to pay attention to is the number of cameras. The standard profile has three chambers:

• the first is needed to remove condensate;
• the second to give strength;
• the third is to create an additional layer and fasteners for fittings.

The 70mm profile is usually equipped with four chambers, while the premium class has up to six chambers.

It should be taken into account that the increase in the number of chambers should be proportional to the width of the profile. To increase energy savings, a wider profile should be ordered, rather than a standard one with a large number of baffles.

double glazing

What number of glasses is optimal when installing plastic windows? Given the requests and feedback from consumers, the most popular are double packages. Windows with a single-glazed window are ordered mainly for summer-type premises: an outbuilding, a country house, a veranda.

Triple pane windows are good in northern regions and for those who are interested in more heat retention. Plastic windows with three panes are not much more expensive, and their heat and noise insulation is an order of magnitude higher.

Profile classes

Manufacturers divide types of profiles into three classes:

• Class "A", wall thickness not less than 3 mm. A profile of this class must necessarily have a RAL certificate.
• Class "B" has a thickness of 2.5 mm. It is a lightweight version with a thinner outer wall.
• Class "C" with non-standardized profile thickness.

Customer reviews and sales ratings suggest that you should not pursue the economical option (class "B" profiles), as they have a thin outer wall and weak corner joints, which significantly reduces the service life and can further deform the structure.

accessories

We will not describe all the available fittings on plastic windows. Let us dwell only on the one, the presence of which is responsible for the ease of use and durability of the window itself.

1. Turn limiter. It is necessary to fix the window in the open position.
2. Latch. Keeps the window from slamming shut in drafts and strong winds.
3. Turn blocker. This type of fitting prevents spontaneous opening of the window and is especially necessary for safety purposes where there are small children.
4. Plastic pads. This is a decorative type of fittings that allows the plastic window to fit into the interior design. Customer reviews indicate that manufacturers often try to hide flaws with the help of decorative elements. Manufacturers of high-quality fittings supply such linings in one package in accordance with the number of open parts.
5. An element that lifts a sagging sash. Over time, the sash may sag under the weight, but this does not mean that poor-quality fittings were installed. When installing, pay attention to the fact that this element is. It allows you to reduce the load on the sash, extending the life of the fittings.

Reinforcement

Reinforcement is used to give the profile strength and rigidity. It is made of galvanized steel to prevent deformation of the profile under the influence of adverse conditions.

Manufacturers offer three types of reinforcement:

• L-shaped.
• U-shaped.
• closed.

For large areas of the window frame, it is better to order a profile with closed reinforcement.

Manufacturer rating

Taking into account consumer feedback, positions on demand on the Internet and sales statistics, a rating was made of those manufacturing companies that have gained confidence in the high quality of plastic windows.

The leaders in the rating of plastic windows are branches of German companies: REHAU, SCHUCO, KBE, VEKA, SALAMANDER, KOMMERLING. Also positive feedback was left by such companies as: LG CHEM (South Korea), INTERNOVA (Slovakia), DECEUNINCK (Belgium) and PROPLEX (Russia).

VEKA

VEKA windows are represented by a wide variety of profile systems, which allows their installation in any climatic conditions and with any architectural solutions. All VEKA products have quality certificates and a high rating among consumers. The company has its branches in many countries of the world. Given the great demand, the leaders decided to open the production of profiles in Russia. The plant was opened near the city of Troitsk, the products manufactured there are sold to more than 100 Russian enterprises.

REHAU

REHAU windows are distinguished by a higher price compared to windows from other manufacturers, but the quality of products has been tested by time. The company occupies a leading position in the sales ranking due to constant development and innovation in its products. So, one of the latest developments was the use of a special fibrous material Rau-Fipro instead of galvanized steel to give strength to the profile.

The following options are presented on the Russian market:

• Rehau 60.
• Rehau Brillant.
• Rexau Ecosol.
• Rehau Geneo.

KBE

• KBE Etalon (three-dimensional).
• KBE Expert (consisting of 5 cameras).

The profile has not only high German quality, but also a high degree of environmental friendliness. The company's engineers have developed a new profile material that does not contain lead. All products are certified, which is important when choosing it.

SCHUKO

• classic.
• Rondo.
• cava.

Due to the replacement of lead with a calcium-zinc compound, the profiles have a high degree of environmental friendliness and wear resistance. The fittings have a high degree of resistance to corrosion.

DECEUNINCK

The company has six divisions on the Russian market. Products are represented by five types of profile. The product range is represented by both economy class and premium models.

LG Chem

The Korean company LG Chem has developed a line of window profiles taking into account the Russian climate. All products comply with Russian quality standards, and unlike the Korean version, the Russian one has four chambers, which provides windows with good thermal insulation even in the northern regions of the country. For Russian consumers, the company produces a standard glossy finish.

Proplex

This Russian brand was created on the basis of Austrian technologies and is distinguished by high quality and affordable prices. Products are available in three options:

• Optimum (three-chamber).
• Comfort (four-chamber.
• Premium (five-chamber).