PVC windows: what are they, types, pros and cons

If PVC windows used to be considered a luxury, now they are more popular than wooden structures. Plastic windows are easy to care for - it is enough to wipe with a rag. They do not need to be painted, the frames do not deteriorate, in wet weather the sashes of PVC windows do not swell.

Types of PVC windows

Plastic windows differ in several ways. Type of construction:

• Triple casement windows - only the middle segment opens.
• Double casement windows - one half of the window opens, the other does not.
• Single casement windows - consists of one sash. Depending on the design, it opens or not.

The way of opening depending on the type of mechanism:

• The pivoting mechanism of the window is a classic option. When the window sash swings open. The inconvenience is that it opens a large area, and in winter it is not comfortable.
• Tilt-and-turn mechanism of the window - sash is opened or tilted along the vertical axis in the ventilation mode. In ventilation mode, the gap is formed at the top of the window. The flow of air enters gradually. The most popular type of mechanism.
• The sliding mechanism of the window - sash moves on a horizontal axis parallel to the window. This type of opening is convenient for small windows in small rooms to save space.

Designs of windows with hidden hinges look neater. Sashes of windows adjoin to a skeleton more hermetically, isolation against noise and cold increases. PVC windows with hidden hinges have the same functionality as conventional windows: you can open them and turn them upside down for ventilation. They are good for the first floors, because remove sash at these windows is more difficult.

Types of double-glazed windows

The following types of double-glazed windows are installed in PVC frames:

• Single-chamber windows - two panes with an air chamber between them. Minus - low noise insulation and thermal insulation.
• Two-chamber windows consist of two blocks of glass with air chambers. Sound insulation and thermal insulation is better than that of single chamber windows.
• Three-chamber windows consist of four panes and three air chambers. Such double-glazed windows provide high insulation against cold and noise.

Double-glazed windows can be with energy-saving coating. A special film on glass helps to keep your room cool in summer and warm in winter. The transparency of the windows is not affected by this coating. PVC windows are also differentiated by the number of sealing loops. The more of them - the higher the insulation.

Pros and cons of PVC windows

Pros:

Due to the special chemical properties of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the polymer from which window frames are made, has these properties:

• Robust when subjected to mechanical action;
• non-combustible;
• withstands chemical attack;
• water-resistant;
• resistant to low temperatures.

PVC windows made of quality components do not emit any harmful substances. It is a durable material, so products made of it are rarely replaced. Plastic windows last up to 40 years. Polyvinyl chloride can be recycled.

Cons:

• PVC material becomes less flexible and durable with prolonged exposure to the sun. However, in the manufacture of plastic windows, the material is coated with a composition with light-stabilizing components. This protects the product from the damaging effects of ultraviolet light.
• PVC is heavier than wood because of the higher density of the material. To make plastic frames weigh less, they are made hollow with partitions inside. They form chambers filled with air. Metal reinforcing inserts reinforce the structure.
• When loaded, PVC can deform. However, plastic windows usually do not receive loads that could deform them.

The main thing is to find high-quality PVC windows. It is worth knowing the composition of the material, choose a suitable design, read reviews about the manufacturer and the company that will perform installation.