The formation of polyvinyl chloride windows into a full-fledged segment has long been completed in the domestic market. Technological and functional frames have confidently replaced wooden counterparts, providing the consumer with reliable and ergonomic glazing. However, plastic profiles for PVC windows also cause ambiguous opinions from users, due to the variety of models and quality parameters of these products. Often the manufacturer's brand becomes a decisive selection criterion - certified windows are more likely to be endowed with the qualities and characteristics declared by the company. It remains only to figure out which brand guarantees the best profile properties.
What is a PVC profile?
A metal-plastic profile is a frame that can include up to eight cameras, but models with two or three compartments are more common. Actually, the technical properties of the window as a whole depend on their parameters. It is logical that options for a larger area are weaker in insulating and soundproofing functions than plastic profiles for small windows. In order to increase thermal insulation, manufacturers use polyurethane foam, which fillschamber space. Also common fiberglass coating with stiffeners. The list of the main distinguishing features of the profiles includes the thickness of the walls and the installation width. The rigidity of the structure and, consequently, the reliability of the valves depend on these indicators.
Foreign profile manufacturers
For the most part, imported PVC windows are represented on the market by German products. The technologies of European companies have gone far ahead and today dominate this niche. The list of companies numbers dozens, and the leading positions in terms of quality and sales are occupied by the brands KBE, Rehau, Veka, Trocal, Deceuninck, etc. It is noteworthy that the windows of most German companies are manufactured in Russia under special licenses. Accordingly, many plastic profiles for PVC windows, whose names are of German origin, are produced in our country. Domestic manufacturers of brands such as Rehau and KBE strive to ensure proper quality by completely recreating the original technological process.
Russian profile manufacturers
Despite the wide representation of foreign window products, Russian manufacturing technologies are also being improved. Proplex is one of the oldest domestic manufacturers of metal-plastic profiles. Having initially mastered Austrian technology, the company strives to offer a wide range of glazing products.
Not without the help of Austrian specialists and the formation of the Montblanc brand. At this momentplastic profiles for windows with a maximum width of 120 cm are available to the company's customers - this is a system that includes five cameras.
Novotex, which has production facilities in the Moscow region, can perhaps be unconditionally called Russian. Engineers and technologists are constantly working to improve plastic structures, focusing on local climatic conditions. It is the latter factor, combined with a low price, that allows the Novotex brand to maintain competition.
Class A profiles
Although the quality of profiles is determined by general criteria, there is a division into classes, according to which comparison of premium models and representatives of budget series is unjustified. The former obviously win in terms of performance and durability, while the price becomes the advantage of the latter.
So, luxury plastic window profiles are positioned on the market as A-class. Such systems are distinguished by wall thickness (3 mm), reliable connections in the corners, as well as protection from external influences. The technical features of A-class profiles are not felt during use, which, however, indicates the reliability of the structures. It is very problematic to dismantle them without a special tool, an optimal microclimate is created in the room, and the aesthetic beauty with the possibility of tinting frames makes premium systems the best choice. Representatives of the A-class include profiles KBE, Rehau, Veka, etc.
Class profilesB
It is not necessary to count on impeccable technical and physical parameters in the windows of this group, but due to the relatively low cost, this product also deserves attention.
The outer wall thickness of B-class constructions is 2.5mm. For this reason, plastic profiles for class B PVC windows are less resistant to physical impact. There is also an opinion about the unsatisfactory environmental performance of the profiles of this group, but this is not true. Non-toxicity is a general condition for the certification of plastic constructions.
Category Profiles
In general, modern C-class profiles fully meet the needs of the consumer both in terms of sound and heat insulation, and in decorative properties. Another thing is that premium competitors have raised the level of technical qualities quite high.
C category representatives include profiles of brands such as Vektor, LG Hausys, AGF, as well as almost all domestic products, including Novotex. As a rule, they are used in providing non-residential premises, but there are also lines focused on installation in apartments and private houses.
Ranking of the best profiles
Against the background of the development of technological methods for the manufacture of profiles and fierce competition, it is not easy to identify the best plastic profiles for PVC windows. The rating is formed by the combination of qualities and the introduction of fundamentally new properties. In this regard, the arrangement of leaders can bepresented like this:
1. KBE
This brand has earned the championship thanks to maintaining an unsurpassed level of the main qualities of window profiles. Among them are 50-year durability, increased heat and noise insulation performance, as well as environmental friendliness due to the addition of zinc and calcium compounds to the PVC formulation.
2. Veka
Being a serious competitor to KBE, the Veka brand takes the second place. The list of its advantages includes the manufacturing technology of "light" profiles, which at the same time ensure the preservation of heat and acoustic comfort.
3. Rehau
Rehau is rightfully in the top three. The quality of the profiles of this manufacturer is achieved by adding lead compounds. As a result, structures acquire high strength and stability in operation.
The following positions can be occupied by many plastic profiles for PVC windows. Which one is better among them should be determined by the same parameters. The Salamander and Deceuninck systems should be added to the top three. Although plastic profiles for windows of these brands are not so popular, their physical and technical qualities maintain a high level. They are also distinguished by ergonomics and thoughtful configuration, which facilitates the installation and further use of window systems.
Profile Reviews
PVC models rightfully occupy a leading position in the market for glazing structures. User experience with this product is generally positive - especially among consumers,who passed to them from wooden structures. Almost no complaints branded plastic profiles for PVC windows. Reviews of German models of the Veka and Rehau level pay attention not only to the protective function and provision of climatic comfort, but also to the quality of the fittings.
Economy profiles don't have such a favorable reputation due to adjustment problems, reliable mechanisms and a smaller range of colors. And yet this applies to rare cases when a defective kit is purchased. Budget manufacturers are also striving to recapture their market share, which necessitates the need to improve the technical characteristics of profiles.
PVC profile development
There are two directions in which PVC window structures are developing. So, adherents of one approach aim to improve the basic qualities that plastic profiles for windows have (insulation, acoustics, reliability). The latter are actively working on innovative solutions, offering systems with extended functionality. On the example of German profiles, one can see how much technology has advanced in both directions. In particular, the Rehau GENEO profile has become revolutionary in terms of energy efficiency and burglary resistance.
Domestic companies also develop the performance of profiles. For example, the Novotex-Termo system is characterized by increased weather protection and provides optimal light transmission. The firm also usesthe latest means of tinting and laminating, enabling the consumer to improve the decorative qualities of the premises.
