How to Choose Plastic Windows Correctly

Replacing physically and morally outdated wooden window frames with plastic ones equipped with double-glazed units has long become a routine task. These frames are no longer associated with luxury and are now accessible to almost any consumer.

However, when choosing, people often focus mainly on short-term savings offered by a particular company, forgetting that the lifespan of a plastic window can reach up to 40 years. Indeed, a 1,000-ruble saving is insignificant over such a long period and not worth the potential problems that may arise during operation of a low-quality unit.

We can minimize risks during selection and installation by understanding the installation process and the structure of the window itself. It’s essential to learn before, not after, installation. This article aims to provide a comprehensive answer to the question: How to choose plastic windows correctly?

What Makes a Good Plastic Window

The simple and elegant appearance of a plastic window is deceptive. In reality, it’s a highly advanced product, and its long-term performance depends on multiple factors:

• Accurate measurement.
• High-quality installation.
• Good-quality components (frame profile, seals, glazing unit, hardware, sills, linings).
• Equipment used during assembly.

Resistance to wind, cold, noise, and dust, as well as long-lasting performance, depends equally on all these factors. But upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that the most critical factor is the company (firm, organization) supplying the window and installation services.

Choosing the Right Company

Focusing on promotional campaigns, seasonal or holiday discounts when selecting a truly reliable (honest) company is a losing strategy (we’ve already discussed the folly of short-term savings). So far, nothing has proven more effective than word-of-mouth in choosing a supplier and plastic windows themselves, and common sense confirms this. We now summarize all accumulated experience into a simple algorithm.

• Consult relatives, friends, neighbors, acquaintances, and build your own list of trusted companies. Don’t forget the internet: reviews about suppliers on independent forums and other resources provide invaluable information, help narrow down your choices, and simplify further work.
• Make calls. Be thorough: if they don’t answer, respond rudely, can’t explain details clearly, or just don’t feel right — they don’t deserve your attention. Note: the product is custom-made, so all prices you hear during calls are estimates. Exact pricing comes only after measurements.
• Measurements. Don’t limit yourself to one company — invite several measurers. Pay attention to their communication style, willingness to answer questions, and suggested design options. Mark your top choices and wait for written cost estimates.

Just three steps, but a full marketing study if done properly. Now, choose the option most suitable for you, review product certifications, and sign a contract with the chosen company.

How to Choose Components for a Plastic Window

The most important factor when selecting all parts is climate. Models designed for Spain, Italy, or sunny California are not suitable for our conditions. The product you buy must be adapted to our cold climate with frequent and significant temperature fluctuations.

Also, many manufacturers in Russia produce components using imported technologies, but the quality often differs significantly from original — and not for the better. This isn’t due to lack of skill in copying, but because of a desire to cut costs everywhere — competition on this market is too high.

Therefore, if you have the financial means, it’s best to choose products made abroad. This is especially true for the frame profile.

Choosing the Window Profile

The profile of a plastic window is defined by several key parameters:

• Quality and type of plastic surface.
• Presence and characteristics of reinforcing elements.
• Number of air chambers.

It’s best to choose a profile with a glossy finish. Matte plastic tends to absorb dirt and makes window maintenance difficult.

Strength and resistance to deformation under temperature changes are ensured by reinforcement: a continuous steel insert (at least 1.5 mm thick) must be present in all parts of the window.

Regarding air chambers (up to 5–6), more chambers improve thermal performance. However, more chambers also make the frame bulkier, which may negatively affect the overall aesthetic appearance.

Apply the principle of 'enough and not more.' For most climate zones in our country, a 2-chamber (2-pane) or 3-chamber (3-pane) configuration is ideal.

Glazing Unit

Single-chamber (two panes) or double-chamber (three panes) — which to choose? If noise is a major concern, it’s better not to save money and order a double-chamber unit. But there’s a nuance: for better sound insulation, the distance between panes should differ. The ideal option is when the inner pane is thinner than the outer ones.

No definitive research has been conducted on which gas is best to fill the chambers with. Even if studies were done, don’t believe manufacturers’ claims about filling the spaces between panes with exotic inert gases. The situation is similar to water supplied to office coolers: you’ve paid, but can’t verify anything.

However, consider special coatings that block thermal radiation and protect against excessive sunlight. Modern technology allows for coatings that don’t significantly affect glass transparency.

Hardware

These are the mechanisms ensuring full functionality during use. Window handles are just the tip of the iceberg. Inside, you’ll find hinges, various pressure devices, latches, and more. It’s the hardware that ensures even pressure and prevents frame misalignment when opening or closing.

Remember: cheap hardware combined with a heavy double-glazed unit guarantees future problems. Even adjustability won’t help for long. Therefore, when choosing hardware for your plastic windows, forget about saving money!

Think About the Details

Everyone knows a window sill is needed, but people often overlook other elements. Without exterior sills, rain and snow will hit walls and insulation foam, damaging both. Without proper plastic linings, condensation will form on glass and mold may grow. A low-quality seal will harden and leak in cold weather, and mosquitoes, flies, and other insects will remind you of the missing mosquito net you didn’t order.

In conclusion: choosing a plastic window correctly involves much more than just selection. In future articles, we’ll explain how to install it properly, ensure good ventilation, and more.