Metal-plastic windows have been successfully replacing classic wooden frames for a long time, providing more effective regulation of the microclimate. Modern designs are distinguished by reliability, ergonomics and energy saving. However, manufacturers regularly add new options to their systems that expand the operational capabilities of windows. So, a multifunctional double-glazed window is becoming more widespread, the photo of which is presented below. If the first models of PVC plastic windows focused mainly on heat retention and sound insulation, then the new generation of double-glazed windows also takes into account user comfort in terms of cooling.
Device Features
The main difference between such systems lies in the special structure of glass coatings. Technologists have developed the concept of multi-layer spraying, which provides effective protection from sunlight. This is the general direction of protection provided bymultifunctional glazing. What is it from the point of view of operation is the main question of consumers, for the answer to which it is necessary to consider the tasks of protective coatings. The lower and upper spraying provides the mirror and light transmission of the glass. In some models, the shade of the double-glazed window also depends on the characteristics of the outer layer, by the way, manufacturers have been offering colored windows for several years already.
The main functional layer is formed by silver sputtering, and it is precisely thanks to this material that the design protects the room from thermal radiation. The upper protective coating, which is provided with a multifunctional double-glazed window, also absorbs and reflects solar heat, but this is not its main task. Rather, it is intended to protect the glass itself from chemical and mechanical influences.
Warm frame in double glazing design
For more effective heat retention in some models of multifunctional double-glazed windows, a special bar is used. It is located at the bottom of the structure and is a combination of polypropylene, foil shell and absorbent. In this configuration, the multifunctional double-glazed window provides low thermal conductivity, preventing radiation from raising the temperature in the room. In addition, the presence of a warm strip in the window design prevents the risk of condensation. The complex of these functions determines the overrun operational differences of such systems from traditional double-glazed windows, in which the frames areforms aluminum with a high degree of thermal conductivity - the metal remains cold, as it transmits solar radiation to the room.
What does double-glazed window protect from?
Despite the desire of manufacturers to segment the lines of double-glazed windows by function, most of them already in the basic equipment can be considered as a universal barrier. Metal-plastic windows protect from cold, noise, and also become a barrier to fire. The same operational capabilities are endowed with a multifunctional double-glazed window, but at the same time it helps to maintain cold in hot weather. That is, if the classic metal-plastic construction is energy-saving due to the preservation of heat, then multifunctional windows also allow you to save on the energy of the air conditioner. Of course, sound insulation is also preserved, which is partly increased by coatings in the form of additional coatings.
Guardian systems reviews
A successful combination of protective functions for any season is demonstrated by ClimaGuard Solar double-glazed windows from Guardian. This product is highly appreciated by users who live in regions with hot summers and cold winters. In particular, the owners note the weak heating of the window itself, but at the same time maintaining the optimal microclimate in the warm season. In winter, the ClimaGuard Solar multifunctional double-glazed window provides reliable protection from the cold. The manufacturer himself indicates that in frostthe window demonstrates an energy efficiency that is 80% higher than that of conventional plastic windows. Perhaps this value is exceeded, but there is practically no serious criticism among users regarding the operation of such systems in the winter.
Reviews on double-glazed windows ClimaTeck
Another variation in the segment of multifunctional windows. The developers of ClimaTeck also offer a technology that minimizes the penetration of heat rays into the room and at the same time reduces the impact of ultraviolet radiation. Users of such systems note the absence of a common problem of such structures - haze of windows. Still, additional sputtering reduces the light transmission coefficient and at the same time affects the quality of visibility. In turn, the ClimaTeck Solar multifunctional double-glazed window is transparent and has no obstructions to view. True, some owners point to the specularity of the coating, which is due to the use of metallized spraying.
How much do multifunctional windows cost?
Oddly enough, such systems practically do not exceed the price of conventional plastic structures. Only in rare cases, models that provide for the presence of a warm bar are more expensive than the usual double-glazed windows. On average, prices vary from 2 to 2.5 thousand rubles. for 1 m2. The specific cost depends on the configuration in which the multifunctional double-glazed window is purchased. Reviews of budget options note that the quality of protection from the infrared spectrumthey are not so high, so for a better barrier from sunlight, it is advisable to choose models with thick glasses.
Conclusion
Ordinary PVC windows today are practically not considered as a separate integral group of systems. This is perhaps the dominant way of equipping window openings, and the only question is which design to prefer. A high-quality multifunctional double-glazed window will suit those users who expect to use windows to optimize the microclimate not only in winter, but also in warm weather. The minimum penetration of thermal radiation makes it possible to save on cooling equipment - this is the main advantage of such systems. Otherwise, in terms of functionality, they are fully consistent with traditional models based on polyvinyl chloride. True, there are some aesthetic drawbacks in the form of reduced transparency and a mirror effect on the outside.
