Frequently asked questions about plastic windows

In the early 90s in Russia is literally "broke" new materials and technologies that have turned our understanding of the construction and repair. Among the most notable new products are energy efficient PVC windows. By the time they have for decades been actively used worldwide as a highly effective way to reduce heat loss in buildings. New windows and loved by Russians, tired of the old cracked frames, which need regular paint and seal up for winter. But, in practice, we still believe a lot of misconceptions about plastic windows. Our fellow citizens are poorly informed about what is a modern window systems and what are their advantages. We decided to gather the most frequently asked questions about plastic windows and asked to respond to these experts in the manufacture and installation of translucent structures. What is PVC and why it is used for windows? "Polyvinyl chloride - a polymeric organic material, a variety of plastics, - said Vladimir Serbin, head of the laboratory" KrasNIIproekt. " - For the first PVC was synthesized as early as 1872 by German chemist Eigen Bauman, but only with the mid-twentieth century, it began to be used for mass production of pipes, window and door profiles, floor coverings, films, cable insulation and many other products. " Such popularity is simple: this material is characterized by low prices, safety and durability. Unlike wood or metal, he is not afraid of moisture, does not warp, rust or rot. In addition, window design, collected from the PVC profiles in a highly heat-properties. Because of this, since the energy crisis in Europe in 70 years of the twentieth century, new windows are widespread. Indeed, they can significantly reduce installation costs for space heating. Safe to PVC? "Questions about the safety of PVC given consumers quite often, as many are suspicious to any" chemistry ". But in this case, for fear there's no reason - said Yuri Stoyan, Director of ANO "Красноярскстройсертификация." - In European countries with great care to include environmental building materials, plastic windows are approved for use in children's, educational and medical institutions. This fact alone speaks volumes! In addition, PVC is used in the manufacture of medical systems, blood transfusion and blood storage. " In our country, every manufacturer of PVC window profiles must confirm the quality of its products, having received the certificate of conformity GOST 30673-99. In addition, the required sanitary and epidemiological expertise, confirming the lack of separation of hazardous substances and material safety for human health. Is it true that PVC profile contains lead, and how it affects your health? "Indeed, the production of PVC additives are used, known as heat stabilizer. It is composed of lead compounds. In the ready profile contains about 0.4% of the salts of this metal. However, all the lead is in the plastic in the bound state and cause no harm to health can not - explains Yuri Stoyan. - It is not just an allegation. " Manufacturers of a profile in this case result in a case in point: in almost every family has a crystal, but it is nothing like glass with lead, and to a much greater extent than in plastic. However, none of us considers it dangerous to health. Generally, in Europe, study of the effect of lead stabilizers lasted for more than 40 years. In particular, the long-term observations have confirmed the safety of PVC pipes for water supply. This is confirmed by official records of the many reputable organizations. Among them - the Royal Inspectorate Drinking Water UK, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, the Norwegian Federation of pipe, Astriysky Institute of Polymers, etc. What color are the windows? "The standard color of the window frame - white. This is the most versatile color. It fits well with almost any decor - says Nelly Kutukova, CEO of "Your Window" (Abakan). - However, according to customer request, produced profiles of brown or shades that mimic various types of textures - such as wood. " Than PVC window design differ from traditional windows? The modern plastic window consists of several elements: the frame, movable wings, glass and furniture. One of the main differences - is the presence of a sealed insulating glass consisting of two or three glasses and the air chamber between them. This design retains heat better than traditional single glass. In addition, between the frame and sash provides for two or three loop of rubber seals that prevent leaking and blowing. Finally, modern furniture provides much more convenience to users. For example, casement windows can be opened in several ways - not just swing open, and recline. How to choose a plastic window so that it retained the heat? "There are several parameters that affect the heat-saving properties of windows, - said Vladimir Serbin, head of the laboratory" KrasNIIproekt. " - First and foremost, we must pay attention to how many cameras in the window profile. The more cameras the better the insulation of the finished window. As a rule, the Russian climatic conditions, only three chambers. However, in the coldest regions of Siberia and the Arctic is to use four or five chambers and design. " In addition, important and mounting width: what it is thicker, the window will be warmer. If enough of the Kuban 55-58 mm, then the central part of Russia will approach the system with a minimum width of 70 mm. Since most of the window area has still not on a plastic frame, and the translucent part, you need to pay attention to the heat-saving properties of glass. Better still, it will be bicameral, that is, three glasses. To make the glass more "warmer," one of the glass in it should be energy efficient (so-called k-or i-Glass). Save The window is made of PVC from street noise? "The more massive the window design, the better it insulates against unwanted street noise - said Rafiq Alekperov, head of customer service PROPLEKS TD (the sole supplier of the Russian PVC window profile, produced by Austrian technologies). - Due to the fact that the plastic profile included reinforcing steel inserts, windows, heavy enough to dampen possible vibrations. If you install additional double-glass with multilayer laminated structure that soundproofing is not less than 35-40 dB. It can be recommended for apartments, overlooking the bustling urban highway. " How do I calculate the cost of windows? Olga Aristov, director of "This is such a window" (Samara), explains that the price of the window depends on many factors. "Preliminary costing can be done in any company engaged in the manufacture of windows. This takes into account size (height and width) designs, profile type, number of chambers in the pane, as well as the configuration of the window - the number of wings, opening the way (hinged or swing), etc. The more moving parts in a box, and the more complex its configuration, the more expensive it will "- said the expert. In addition, the cost of the order depends on whether you will install the window sill, reveals, sills and some additional items - mosquito nets, window blinds. Now very popular online calculators on the websites of manufacturers of windows. There can be independently enter all required parameters and get the approximate cost of the window. But the final payment is made only after zamerschik visit the apartment and make all necessary measurements. How long does the installation? An experienced team of installers dismantle the old and install new window in just 3-5 hours. Usually the list of works also includes the installation of the sill, trim window openings, installation of slope and flow, control fitting and removal of sections of the protective film. Suitability of PVC windows for glazing balconies or loggias? According to Rafiq Alekperov, the glazing of balconies and loggias and verandas of private houses is better to use specially developed for this system. For example, PROPLEX-BALCONY, based on a two-chamber profile with a width of 46 mm frame, costs about 10% cheaper than the standard plastic structures. Due to weather and wear-resistant sealing it better wood and aluminum analogues provides sealing, retains heat and protects against blowing and dust. How to prevent fogging of the windows? According to Dmitry Loenko, chief of department on work with individuals of Far Eastern window of "Home Master", the problem of condensation on windows occurs in those homes where there are no active ventilation, and because high humidity. Plastic windows in the closed state is practically not leak air, so you should regularly ventilate the room. In addition, to provide fresh air to help special vents. They allow you to ventilate the room even when the sash windows are closed. Need a plastic box in a special care? Caring for PVC windows is quite simple. Need to periodically clean the sash and frame with a soft cloth or with conventional detergents. "It should be avoided on the basis of the compositions of the abrasive particles, acids, acetone and other solvents that may damage the plastic or leave scratches on it, - underlines Dmitry Loenko. - In addition, all movable parts and locking mechanisms accessories recommended at least twice a year, lubricate the pH-neutral materials - petroleum jelly or oil specifications. " By the way, now in stores you can find special kits to care for plastic windows. They usually include detergent, grease fittings, and sometimes even a pencil to clean the rubber seals.