10 Advantages of Plastic Windows You Should Know

1. Heat Insulation and Energy Savings

Windows made from PVC profiles have excellent thermal insulation properties, which are orders of magnitude higher than those of simple wooden windows, not to mention ordinary, «cold» aluminum. Plastic is a poor conductor of heat, and constructions made from it have high dimensional stability and ensure proper sealing.

Of course, the profile is not the only important factor; the transparent filling also matters – the glass unit. Useful bonuses in the form of low-E glass with silver atoms and inert gas (argon, krypton) inside the glass unit further reduce heat loss. Experience with PVC windows shows that replacing old constructions with them can reduce heating costs by about one-third.

2. Sound Insulation

Plastic windows outperform ordinary wooden ones in terms of sound insulation: PVC constructions reduce external noise levels by up to 40 decibels. Those whose windows face busy streets or highways can opt for plastic windows with additional soundproofing properties: inert gas inside the glass unit, increased glass thickness, and especially glass units with asymmetric formulas help reduce noise.

3. Comfortable Microclimate

Wooden window manufacturers often claim their products can «breathe» better than plastic constructions. In reality, if a window is airtight, it won't «breathe» regardless of the material it's made from. Many modern PVC windows come with ventilation valves that allow fresh air into the home without compromising their protection from noise and dust. However, it should be noted that these valves require careful use in freezing conditions – they can freeze. A safer approach is to ventilate rooms regularly.

Modern hardware also allows efficient control of ventilation mode – for example, through the «winter ventilation» option.

4. Eco-friendliness

PVC window profiles are made from environmentally clean and completely safe materials. Plastic windows are used in the glazing of children's and medical institutions and present no direct or indirect danger.

Previously, ecologists said that PVC windows were harmful to the environment because nothing could be done with them after their service life ended. But today, effective recycling technologies for old plastic windows have been developed, so they do not pose any danger to nature.

5. Sealing

This property of PVC constructions is particularly relevant in large cities. Maximum sealing for plastic glass units is achieved with high-quality seals and rigid profiles with high dimensional stability. Thanks to them, rooms can be protected from dust, poplar fluff, pollen, unpleasant odors from the street, and exhaust fumes.

6. Longevity

A quality PVC window made from tested materials, installed according to all standards and regulations, can last its owners for up to 40–50 years or even more. The installation of plastic windows must strictly follow GOST standards. The quality of design, manufacturing, and installation of plastic windows are decisive factors affecting their longevity.

7. Aesthetics

A properly installed plastic window with even sills looks very aesthetically pleasing and neat. The classic shade for PVC constructions is pure white, and the shape is rectangular. But if desired, you can buy plastic windows in various shapes, colors, and designs. More than 50 different colors are available in the profile range of manufacturers; additionally, many window companies today use special overlays to give windows the desired color.

8. Resistance to External Conditions

PVC profiles are immune to corrosion, rotting, atmospheric precipitation, cold (down to -50 °C) and heat (up to +50 °C). They do not allow moisture to penetrate, do not freeze, and do not accumulate aggressive impurities or salts from the external environment. Protection from unexpected impacts is provided by multi-layer glass – triplex – with an additional protective film.

9. Practicality and Cost-effectiveness

PVC windows do not require winter taping or additional painting. They are simple to maintain and operate. Plastic profiles and sills are easy to clean and wash. However, abrasive and aggressive cleaning agents with chlorine or alcohol should not be used as they can damage the metal-plastic structure.

10. Safety

Safety is one of the most important consumer benefits of plastic windows. Modern quality PVC window frames can meet various safety classes, reliably protecting your home or apartment from unwelcome guests. Enhanced security is achieved through the use of special devices in window construction: primarily hardware.

If you are installing plastic windows in ground-floor rooms, the need for grilles that are not entirely safe is eliminated.

Expert Opinion: Choosing Plastic Windows Requires Attention

Are there hidden pitfalls in choosing plastic windows? Yes, and it's important to know about them! We asked specialists what they think is crucial when buying plastic windows and received an interesting comment.

All the advantages listed above for plastic windows do indeed exist, but only under one condition – if the windows are made from truly high-quality materials and installed properly. For example, the same profile can be of different quality grades, and if the grade is low, the window will not have proper dimensional stability, meaning you won't experience any of these 10 features.