plastic window design

The absolute majority of modern metal-plastic windows are arranged according to the same scheme. Knowing what components a plastic window consists of, you can take a more responsible approach to choosing components taking into account real needs.

Profile

The basis of the window design is a frame made of a plastic profile, inside of which there is steel reinforcement. It is the reinforced profile that is responsible for strength and resistance to deformation, as well as for thermal performance. In addition, the profile is the most noticeable part of the structure, therefore it performs a design function.

The main material for the production of the profile is PVC. The internal space of the profile is divided into separate segments — cameras. The multi—chamber structure provides additional strength and also reduces thermal conductivity - each chamber acts as a separate air layer.

The reinforced plastic profile is made of:

• Window frames.
• Sashes are movable parts of a window.
• Imposts are lintels that divide a single window opening into several parts.

Pay attention! Imposts can be both vertical and horizontal.

Elements for pressing a double—glazed window to a frame or sash - beads - are also made from a special shape profile. In non—post structures, a special shtulp profile is installed on one of the flaps - it is called a "false impost".

The simplest designs are made of a white profile, when adding pigment to the composition of polyvinyl chloride, a profile is obtained, colored in mass. To make a decorative window, a polymer film is glued to the profile — such structures are called laminated.

Metal profile reinforcement

Despite the multi-chamber structure, the plastic profile itself cannot effectively cope with operational and weight deformations. Therefore, the structure is additionally reinforced with steel reinforcement:

• The main material is steel with a coating that protects against corrosion.
• The thickness of the metal is at least 1.5 mm according to DSTU. Reinforced reinforcement with a thickness of up to 2 mm is used for the manufacture of heavy large-sized structures.
• Stiffeners give the reinforcing profile additional resistance to deformation under load. The most reliable is closed reinforcement — square or rectangular. For less loaded parts, a U-shaped or L-shaped shape of metal inserts is allowed.

Glazing

Most often, double-glazed windows are used to fill the frames or sashes of a plastic window. The double-glazed window consists of two or three glasses hermetically connected to each other. The space between the glasses is called a camera, because a single—chamber double-glazed window is considered to be made of 2 glasses, and a two-chamber one is made of 3.

The standard filling of the chambers is purified dry air. To reduce the thermal conductivity, argon or another inert gas is used instead of air.

The remote frame that holds the glasses is made of plastic, aluminum or composite. Inside the frame there is a substance that dehumidifies the air inside the double-glazed window, absorbing excess moisture.

An important characteristic of a double—glazed window is its tightness. The perimeter of the structure is treated with polymer sealants, which can retain elasticity for decades.

Glass with additional functions

In addition to the usual transparent glass, glass with additional functions can be used in double-glazed windows:

• Energy—saving - a thin layer of metal oxides on the glass surface reflects IR waves into the room and does not release most of the heat outside.
• Sunscreen — due to the mirror effect or tinting prevents heat energy from entering the room.
• Multifunctional — combines the characteristics of sunscreen and energy-saving glasses, preventing overheating in the heat, while reducing heat loss in autumn and winter.
• Safe — tempered (heat-strengthened) or armored with a film. Due to its high strength, such glass is much more difficult to break.

Pay attention! A kind of safety glass is triplex. These are two layers of glass connected by a polymer film with high strength. The triplex is almost impossible to break, and when broken, the film reliably holds almost all the fragments.

It is worth mentioning separately:

• Soundproof double—glazed windows - with a thicker front glass or different distances (in a two-chamber version). They are much worse at letting sound through, providing acoustic comfort.
• Decorative double—glazed windows - with tinted, mass-painted, matte or structural glass, as well as with sandblasting or other decorative elements.

The hardware mechanism of the plastic window

The hardware mechanism is responsible for fixing the sash in the closed position, pressing the sash against the frame, as well as for opening the window in different modes. It consists of:

• The hinges by which the sash is attached to the frame.
• The locking mechanism itself is the binding of the sash.
• Matching bars on the frame, which serve to fix the locking elements.

The most common configuration options are swivel and swivel—folding accessories. In the first case, the sash only rotates on hinges, in the second — it can additionally recline for ventilation. Small doors can only be opened by folding — this is what transoms do.

A separate category of hardware systems is sliding. Sliding type constructions are becoming more and more in demand today, not least due to the availability of sliding fittings with good clamping and tightness indicators.

Additional equipment

Additional fittings allow you to expand the functionality of the window. As a rule, components of this type are installed during the manufacture of the structure — but if necessary, they can be mounted later:

• To expand the ventilation possibilities, a stepped ventilation or micro-ventilation is installed on the window.
• Intensive ventilation in the rotary position will be more convenient with a latch or a stop for turning the sash.
• To protect against unauthorized opening of the window by children, there are child safety locks.
• The microlift lifts the sash, making it easier to open and close.
• An erroneous action blocker is usually placed on the balcony sashes — so the sash rarely hangs on one loop when an unsuccessful attempt is made to open from the "airing" position.

Anti—burglar elements - mushroom-shaped trunnions, H-shaped counter slats, plates that prevent drilling — are placed if there is a risk of breaking the window. Anti-burglar fittings are completed with structures on the first, second and last floors of buildings, as well as windows of private houses and commercial facilities.

The plastic window is arranged according to a complex, but quite logical scheme. Knowing what elements the structure consists of, you will be able to choose the optimal configuration taking into account your needs for energy saving, comfort and safety. 

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