When choosing and buying PVC windows, the modern consumer first of all pays attention to the functional features and performance - this is the level of heat and sound insulation, appearance. But the buyer is least interested in the quality of fittings for plastic windows, and, as practice calls, in vain.
Professionals involved in plastic window systems believe that 50% of how a window will work depends entirely on fittings. It depends on the fittings whether the window construction will be airtight, reliable and protected from breaking. It is known that accessories account for about 15% of the price of the entire window, which means you need to know what is the best fittings for plastic windows, how to choose a reliable manufacturer and how not to buy what the manager is trying so hard to sell.
What is meant by fittings for windowPVC systems?
Window hardware is a set of accessories that support the frame, make it possible to open or close the window. Also, with the help of fittings, a closer fit of the frame to the profile is ensured.
In general, accessories are various handles, sealing elements, locks, locks and much more. People who are far from everything related to window solutions also include ventilation parts, mosquito nets, and sometimes window sills as fittings. Naturally, these details are not fittings. However, when purchasing windows, you also need to pay attention to them.
Types of fittings for plastic windows
Depending on how the window sashes are opened, there are several types of fittings. So, we can distinguish rotary systems, as well as tilt-and-turn systems - such solutions are most often used together with windows and balcony doors, which can be opened using the usual swing method or by tilting. There are also parallel-sliding fittings - it is used only on sliding window and door structures.
Some are sure that there is a separate window fittings for windows made of wood, plastic or aluminum. In fact, this is not the case and dividing components in this way is not entirely correct.
PVC Window Handles
There are a lot of variants of these details. They vary in colors and materials. However, first of all, these components are divided among themselves by functionality.
Standard window handle is the mostcommon and accessible item. There are no additional features in these components. With such a handle, you can open the window frame only by swing or tilt-and-turn method.
These simplest accessories for plastic windows consist of a wrapper, which is fixed on a plastic frame through a decorative overlay, under which fasteners are hidden - self-tapping screws, as well as from a handle.
These parts can be made in a variety of materials and colors. The most affordable are plastic handles. Then there are the aluminum ones. The most expensive products that are offered with luxury windows are made of brass, copper or wood.
There are also special anti-burglary handles. In appearance, they are no different from ordinary ones, but they are structurally designed in such a way that they do not allow intruders to open the window from the side of the street. Using a special mechanism, any hacking attempts are blocked.
Removable handles are purchased in cases where there are small children in the family. There are many cases when children fall out of windows. These accessories for plastic windows will help to avoid these tragic situations. Also, these solutions are relevant if the window does not open very often. This item has a simple design. First, a special socket is fixed, and a handle is already inserted into it. The socket is always on the frame, but the handle should only be used when you need to open the window.
Lockable window handles are also a trendy solution for families with children. To open the framecompletely, first you need to remove the handle lock - for this there is a keyhole on the case. To tilt the sash, the key is not needed - here the handle simply turns and then you should pull it a little, as in any window.
Handles with security buttons are also anti-burglary fittings for plastic windows. To open a window equipped with such a system, you must first press the button. These solutions seem convenient, because there is no key to lose. But on the other hand, it is not safe - the child can easily click on the button that is interesting for him.
The curved handle is perfect for those windows that will only open outwards. It differs from the ordinary one only in a higher level of comfort. In the process of opening the window, the edge of the handle will not touch the window frame.
Double-sided handle is recommended for installation on balcony doors. This increases the ease of use - the part can be used both from the inside and outside. These models are also available with lock or button.
The balcony hook is also distinguished - this part is installed on the door block from the side of the balcony, and an ordinary handle is installed inside.
Window seals
These parts are also fittings and they perform very important functions in the design. It depends on them whether the window will close hermetically and whether it will be warm in the room. These products vary in materials.
Foam seals are usedonly with wooden windows. The foam itself is very fragile, and also perfectly absorbs moisture. That is why in our climate such a sealant will last less than a year. These materials are produced in various thicknesses - from 2-3 mm to several centimeters.
Polyethylene seals, like foam rubber, are used mainly with wooden windows. They are made in the form of self-adhesive products or without an adhesive layer. These seals are slightly better than foam rubber - they do not absorb moisture, and also retain their shape much better. Such products will last much longer.
Brush sealing products are a special base, which is planted on a profile, as well as from a brush. Most often, most manufacturers use fabric materials as the basis. To make the fabric tough and durable, it is covered with a polypropylene layer. The brush is the bristles. In order to increase moisture resistance, they are coated with silicone. Such details differ in colors - black, white, gray and other colors are widely represented.
PVC seals are made of plastic. The quality of this product is very poor. In the summer, the material becomes soft. In winter, on the contrary, it becomes very fragile. These products are not durable.
The most popular rubber seals. This will be confirmed by managers, it is enough to visit any hardware store for plastic windows and doors. Among the advantages of rubber-based products are high strength and heat resistance. In addition, rubber seals are veryelastic and flexible - due to this, any deformation is completely excluded.
There are several types of rubber seals. Products made from silicone are the best in their class. They are made of environmentally friendly material, are not afraid of moisture, nor exposure to aggressive environments. The silicone seal is available in white or grey. Thermoplastic products are significantly inferior to silicone ones. Ethylene propylene products have a long service life.
Window hinges
This fitting differs in the type of installation. All types of hinges are applicable for any type of window structures.
So, a consignment note or a standard hinge is suitable for both wooden and metal and PVC windows. The product consists of two metal cards. There are detachable and one-piece hinges, swivel or swivel with the possibility of tilting structures for a plastic window. Often, after installation, the loop is closed with a decorative overlay.
The screw loop is screwed directly to the frame with special threaded pins. In this case, up to 6 pins can be on one loop. The more of them, the more reliable the design will be. Previously, such screw-in hinges were used exclusively with wooden window structures. Today they are also made for PVC window products.
The hidden loop is used for constructions of any type. But hinges for wooden and plastic windows are fundamentally different. Among the advantages of these products is not only their hidden installation. These solutions have a long service life and allow you to open the frame to a larger angle. In addition, with these loops, it is difficult for an attacker to enter the room through the window. And one more advantage - these hinges do not get drafts.
Anti-burglary loop is 100% secure. Included are special anti-burglary plates that exclude the possibility of penetration if the window is closed.
Castles
Locks are most often supplied with a handle. Distinguish between single and multi-lock locks. According to the method of closing, a multi-point lock can be bolted or without a bolt.
Trunnion
This is a slight constipation that looks like a fungus. This is one of the parts of the locking mechanism. Under the action of the locking mechanism, the pins can turn and catch other parts. They contribute to a tighter closure of the sash.
Planck
Those who have never professionally de alt with plastic windows do not know what kind of fittings for plastic windows can be, except for standard well-known elements. But there are many more different parts in the kit.
The bar allows the sash to fit more closely to the profile. Often the bar can also provide additional protection against burglary. Most manufacturers often use only two slats per window, however the more the better.
For those who do not know what is the best fittings for plastic windows, there are reciprocal scarves that are responsible for protection against burglary, as well as tilt-and-turn. In addition to the main tasks, the bar is also the pivot point for the turn-and-tilt sash.
Corner switches
These elements actuate the locking mechanism of the window system through the corner. Structurally, it is a set of plates made of elastic grades of steel that work together. These parts can also be burglar-proof.
Scissors
These elements are used for tilt-and-turn structures. They are designed to hold the sash in the open position. In addition, the scissors make the work of the locking mechanism easier.
Constipation
This component of window hardware is designed to open, close, and tilt the window sash. The mechanism is driven by the rotation of the handle, which sets in motion a special lever. Already from this lever the entire locking system is actuated. There are basic constipation, as well as additional and medium.
Medium locks can be found at the bottom of the window profile and on the side of the hinges. Its main function is to press the frame to the profile. The part can be connected with tilt and turn locks, scissors and other mechanisms.
Additional locks are called locks, and the main locks come in various designs. So, there are tilt-and-turn locks, rotary or shtulp.
Bestwindow hardware manufacturers
Inexperienced in choosing plastic windows, people often ask the same question on various forums and social networks - what is the best fittings for plastic windows? Managers-consultants praise what they sell, but very often buyers are faced with frankly low-quality components. Let's try to figure out which products are considered the best and which manufacturers can be trusted.
If you need high-quality fittings for plastic windows, reviews can report quality. For example, judging by the analysis of opinions, it is not recommended to buy a window with domestic or Turkish or Chinese fittings.
Roto – products with true German quality
The products of this manufacturer meet all the necessary standards, and also have a high level of reliability and durability. In addition, Roto is the only company on the market that guarantees the quality of window components for 10 years. The product differs from existing analogues by a flat tongue of the locking mechanism.
This fitting has some advantages - in the process of closing it is practically not necessary to make efforts, and the force itself on the parts of the locking mechanism is distributed over the entire surface.
All parts are made from quality materials and have a long service life without the need for adjustments.
Maco
Mako fittings for plastic windows are made in Austria. The products of this brand also have the maximumquality level and is considered the best on the market. The company is known for producing concealed mechanisms for tilt-and-turn and tilt-and-turn window structures. In addition, the company's products significantly improve the appearance of the window structure. The company's catalogs contain elements that can be used for external opening.
In assortment - anti-burglary fittings "Mako" for plastic windows. It reliably protects against break-ins and penetrations with additional trunnions that improve locking. Available with six security elements.
GU
It is also a German manufacturer that supplies the market with high-quality window fittings, manufactured using high-precision equipment and the most modern technologies.
GU fittings for plastic windows are multifunctional solutions for tilt-and-turn sliding, folding, lifting-sliding and any other types of windows. The manufacturer provides a factory warranty of up to 10 years for the entire product line. This is a reliable choice for any windows with real German quality. All fittings are easy to use and install.
CV
The rating of fittings for plastic windows shows that German brands are in the first places. When managers try to sell a window with domestic fittings and promise high quality, you should not believe them - literally in six months such a window will need to be adjusted. Do not trust consultants. Now it’s clear what is the best fittings for plastic windowsand no one else will deceive the average buyer.