Until quite recently, metal-plastic windows were considered a sign of prosperity, and were inaccessible to most citizens. Today, PVC profile windows are no longer a curiosity - many are in a hurry to replace old wooden frames with them, and during construction, almost everyone installs metal-plastic. But this pleasure continues to be expensive. Buying metal-plastic windows, everyone hopes to get a high-quality and durable thing. Therefore, many, if not all, are wondering what is the service life of plastic windows, how many years will they please the owners? This is also of interest to those who are just going to purchase prestigious windows. Marketers promise that plastic windows will last at least 30-40 years.
How long will plastic window components last
Different parts of the metal-plastic window have different service life. The window consists of a profile (e.g. Winbau, WDS, Aluplast), double glazing andfittings.
The most durable window element is the profile. Manufacturers give a guarantee for it that is not very big - from 5 to 10 years, but at the same time they promise that it will last much longer. The PVC profile really retains its properties and color for 35-40 years. But scientists continue to work on improving the quality of chemical additives, and the profiles produced today by Winbau, WDS, Aluplast promise to last up to half a century! The guarantee for double-glazed windows is usually up to 3 years, and according to the installers, it lasts from 15 to 20 years.
10-12 years of life are promised to fittings, the warranty period of this component is up to 5 years. But all these are promises, the actual service life of windows will depend on which components to choose and whether they will be used correctly.
What determines the life expectancy of a metal-plastic window
There are four main factors:
- The right choice of fittings and seals.
- Care for fittings and seals, their timely replacement.
- Quality of product components.
- Correct hardware setup.
The less often you open, the longer it will last
How long a metal-plastic window will last, how long it will open and close, depends primarily on the quality of the fittings. And its service life is measured in the number of cycles. But even knowing this figure, it is problematic to answer the question of how long the window will last. Why? After all, some owners will open and close the window30 times a day, while others - only 2. For example, if the number of cycles is 15,000, and windows are opened 20 times a day, then they will cease to operate with such fittings after 3 years!
Therefore, it is very inconvenient to measure the service life of plastic windows in cycles. Yes, and it is not necessary. You just need to be ready to replace the fittings as the need arises, because it is the most vulnerable part of the plastic window: it is the fittings, which ensure the functionality of the windows, take on significant operational loads.
How to choose the right fittings
Different fittings are put on the same profile, and the service life of metal-plastic windows to a large extent depends on which one the buyer chooses, how many times they can open and close.
It is better to give preference to the accessories that are covered with a film of polymer material. You need to buy accessories from well-known manufacturers, such as Maco, GU, Roto. There are benefits to each of these brands.
Experts recommend going to manufacturers' websites, getting acquainted with the production technologies of this window component and telling the installer which brand of hardware you prefer to supply. It is also important to adjust the fittings so that the window opens and closes smoothly. And you also need to regularly treat it with universal lubricants (lithol or automotive WD-40).
How to prolong the life of seals
The service life of plastic windows largely depends on the quality of the seals. Rolesealing material in the manufacture of the window block is extremely important. Without it, all the positive qualities of metal-plastic windows simply fade. After all, the protection of the premises from dust, noise, wind and moisture is provided precisely by the sealant. Windows are usually made of rubber for good sealing and tightness.
And, as you know, it quickly becomes unusable under the influence of acid rain. In order for the sealing gum for plastic windows to have a longer service life, it is better to choose seals that have the color of natural rubber - black. In order to give it a gray or white tint, manufacturers add modifiers to the rubber, which significantly reduce the performance of the seal. There are few profile types of this component - only up to four. But there are a huge number of fakes.
So that the service life of seals on plastic windows does not disappoint, you need to be very careful when choosing them to take only original sealing gum. Also, to maintain elasticity, it is necessary to periodically cover them with a rubber lubricant, which should not contain either glycerin or silicone.
How long will the foam last?
When installing metal-plastic windows, polyurethane foam is required. It fills the voids around the profile to protect the apartment or house from moisture and heat loss. What is the service life of mounting foam in plastic windows? This material is based on polyurethane,which can last for quite a long time - decades. However, under the influence of the sun, the foam can dry out, and as a result of rains, it can become waterlogged and crack and crumble during subsequent frosts.
The service life of a foam that is not sufficiently protected may not even reach 3-4 years. And if you isolate it from ultraviolet radiation, waterlogging, minimize the temperature difference, then its service life can be extended to 20 or even 30 years.
Are there GOSTs for the installation of plastic windows?
In order for the buyer to have a guarantee that plastic windows will last long enough, they must be installed in accordance with the necessary quality standards, strictly according to the standard. Is the service life of plastic windows observed in accordance with GOST?
There are many of them, the main ones are two: GOST 30971-2002 and GOST R 52749-2007. But the installation of metal-plastic windows according to GOST is not strictly mandatory, they are only advisory in nature. And this is often used by unscrupulous installers. State regulation according to GOSTs is really tough only in matters that relate to security. When installing windows, it is advisable to hire a company that adheres to generally accepted standards, and it is better if this is reflected in the appropriate clause of the contract.
So, it is impossible to name a single lifetime of metal-plastic windows. In each case, it can only be calculated approximately. And dependThis figure will depend on many factors. We hope that this article will help the reader make the right choice.
