Profile of plastic windows: types and features, which is better to choose

The window profile is the basis for the frame and sash, where the glass is inserted. Although profiles for windows are made not only of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), but also of wood or aluminum. Plastic is the most popular material because of its low cost and high strength and durability. This material does not require painting or varnishing and retains its attractive appearance for years.

Inside the PVC profile there are metal inserts for strength and air chambers for thermal insulation. The most common colors of the material are white or brown. Profiles vary in design, which affects the strength and insulating properties.

Types and features of PVC window profiles

Plastic profile for windows comes in three types:

• Class A - the thickness of the outer walls from 2.88 mm, the inner walls are 2.50 mm thick. Such profile has high strength and thermal insulation.
• Class B - thickness of external walls of 2.50 mm, the inner walls of 2 mm. In such a profile by 15% lower resistance to deformation, it transmits the cold more.
• Class C - profiles with a combination of different wall thickness. Performance is lower than that of class A products without strict requirements. Such profiles are less strong and their insulation from the cold is not high.

One of the essential parameters is the width of the profile. On it depends on the thermal insulation, the strength of the window. Standard width of the budget profile - 68 mm, 70 mm wide frames are installed in high-rise buildings and in areas with a harsh climate. Profile width of 90 mm is considered to be a premium class. It is the most durable and well insulates from the cold, however, it is expensive.

What plastic profile for windows is better to choose

There are several characteristics by which you can determine the quality profile for windows:

• The surface of plastic is smooth and uniform, without streaks.
• In a plastic profile, which has quality insulation, at least 3 air chambers, the maximum number - 6 chambers. The more there are, the higher the thermal insulation of the window. There are profiles with two chambers. They have low strength, they poorly protect from the cold, more susceptible to deformation.
• There should be two seals for the frame to prevent condensation and fungus from settling under the frame.
• The minimum thickness of reinforcement is 1.5 mm, with colored profile - 2 mm. This affects the strength of the window base. Do not install profiles without metal inserts. They are necessary for the structure to withstand the weight of the sash with glass and not to deform. Then the tightness of the windows is preserved.
• Depth of installation of double-glazed windows in window profile must be not less than 20 mm. Then the probability of occurrence of condensation on perimeter of glasses is essentially lower.
• On the inner wall of the window box is printed the name of the company-manufacturer, the date of manufacture and number of shift and equipment for the production of windows.
• The window profile must be certified. This is a guarantee that it is made of materials that are safe for health.

To ensure that the window insulated from the cold and was strong, choose a profile from the middle class and above. Check the tightness of the insulating rubber, the quality of the connecting seams. Also a wider profile with more chambers has high insulation from street noise. It is installed in homes along roads with heavy traffic and near entertainment centers.