Types of Windows. What Types of Windows Exist

Choose windows wisely!

Not all windows are the same. Yes, most of them have a similar design — white matte frame and sparkling glass unit. But if you look at the root, under the same shell, completely different products may be hidden.

Types of Windows by Opening Method

By opening method, windows are divided into:

Fixed windows

Installation of plastic windows of this type can only be done in rooms where air exchange is ensured by their own air conditioning system. A big disadvantage is the difficulty of cleaning the window from the outside. The advantage is the reliability of the structure. They can be used in trading and entertainment buildings, industrial facilities, as well as in stairwells and technical rooms.

Traditional construction

Traditional window construction allows opening it outward. It can be additionally equipped with the ability to open the window inward into the room. Simple in cleaning and durable.

Sliding windows

Sliding windows allow leaving the window in a ventilating mode. However, if this is the only function of the window hardware, it will also be problematic to clean it.

Hinge windows

Hinge window system is one of the most functional ones.

Sliding windows

Installing sliding windows allows saving useful area in small rooms, and also perfectly complements the design of any room.

Figure 1 — Types of Windows by Opening Method

Types of Windows by Construction

Single-glazed windows.
Double-glazed windows are also divided into windows with paired and separate frames.

This characteristic will significantly affect the sound insulation properties of the window system.

Types of Windows by Raw Material

Wooden windows. An eternal classic that has received a second life thanks to eco-friendly construction brands. Manufacturers: Wicknorm (Germany), Schöb Fenster (Germany), KNEER (Germany).
PVC — plastic windows. Installing euro-windows today is associated with PVC profiles, but "euro-window" refers to an improved window system that provides better sound, heat and moisture insulation thanks to modern technologies and materials. Manufacturers: VEKA (Germany), REHAU (Germany), DECCO (Poland).
Aluminum window installation is performed in most public buildings and industrial facilities. Manufacturers: ANTON WETZEL (Germany), TUR-PLAST (Poland).
Aluminum-plastic windows. Often this material is confused with simple PVC windows. However, there is a difference — the construction of an aluminum-plastic window is stronger due to the reinforcing reinforcement placed in the PVC profile. Manufacturers: Baufen (Bulgaria), KBE (Russia, Germany).

Types of Windows by Purpose

soundproof;

impact-resistant;

tinted;

energy-saving;

semi-mirrored.

It is worth noting separately about energy-saving windows. It is implied that these windows will be coated with a silver atom coating on the inside, which creates a reflecting effect and helps retain heat in the room.

However, when you are trying to sell a window by attaching a thousand features to the offered product, be cautious: what sellers call an "energy-saving" window may not actually be made using energy-saving technologies and may not even have anything in common with them.

Photo 1 — Window Manufacturing

The same applies to fire-resistant windows. Not every window is highly resistant to flame exposure. Fire-resistant glass and frames also have their own characteristics — fire resistance rating (SWS 15-60), requirements for glass unit thickness (16-38 mm), weight norms (38-76 kg/m²) and others.

Diagram 1 — Fire-Resistant Window Block

If you are genuinely interested in purchasing a fire-resistant window, pay attention to the catalogs of certified products from Schuco, ZAO "Bavarian House" and CORAL.

If you have somewhat clarified the types of facade windows, there was no mention at all about attic windows (especially about choosing a dormer window). First of all, this is a separate type of window product with many more requirements: since the construction of a dormer window becomes part of the roof, it should at least have Class III safety and come with a full set of materials for installation. Here, without unnecessary savings, you should only trust well-known brands like FAKRO, ROTO or VELUX.

Window Installation Services: Full Package of Services and Nothing Else!

It is risky to let the purchase, or even the installation of windows, proceed on its own. If you do not have relevant experience, it is easy to make a mistake with measurements or glass unit selection.

If you decide to seek help from specialists, keep in mind that you have the right to demand that all stages of work be performed:

Window measurement.

Delivery.

Window installation.

Trim finishing.

Service.

Guarantee.

If you encounter a company providing only part of the services, it is better to look for another contractor: for example, selling windows without installation is unprofitable for you since you would have to find workers yourself at minimum. Moreover, manufacturing and installation of windows must comply with GOST standards, and in most cases, only certified companies can guarantee you quality manufacturing and installation according to all rules. Otherwise, how would you know if everything was done in accordance with the norms.

Read the detailed article about proper installation of plastic windows according to GOST

Moreover, before starting the work, you should clearly know what you will get as a result: clarify with workers what is included in the basic service package for window installation, and what needs to be paid separately.

Figure 2 — Ventilation Valve in Cross-Section

Additional features may also be offered during order processing at the company's office. Never refuse such offers: for example, a good glass unit should not fog up, but an additional safety measure can be the installation of valves on windows (special ventilation systems) or, for example, an additional option for better control over the ventilation function is the installation of a comb on the window profile.

Purchase will be worth it if you approach real representatives of well-known trade brands — REHAU, VEKA (facade windows) or VELUX (attic windows) and others.

All of them — VEKA, VELUX, REHAU, and any other respected manufacturer — provide a list of offices and representatives in a particular city on the company's official website. Therefore, you can be sure that manufacturing and installation of euro-windows for your apartment was indeed entrusted to professionals.

Materials for Window Installation

It is important not only who provides the installation services but also what tools are used for the job. If you are dealing with window installation for the first time, do not trust your own choice of materials for mounting work.

Remember! Manufacturing and installation of windows is a professional job.

Even if it's about purchasing mounting foam or sealant, you shouldn't go to a construction market with just a list of products without specifying the characteristics of each item. Moreover, most manufacturers with global names are happy to provide their customers with a full set of materials, making the purchase significantly easier or recommending firms whose profile is window mounting and installation.

Installation of Window Units: What You Need to Have on Hand

Installation of window units is impossible without:

mounting foam;
silicone;
plastic anchors;
anchor plates;
screws;
plaster.

Continuing the topic, we provide an example. All necessary materials for window installation can be found in catalogs of many manufacturers, but one of the companies providing materials and accessories for window installation in full is Bauset: mounting foam, silicones, cleaners and guns for them, mounting tape, sills, window sills, trim systems, window chemistry, auxiliary materials for installation — all the way down to mosquito nets and thresholds can be found in the manufacturer's catalog.

Figure 3 — Product Catalog for Window Installation from Bauset

Among auxiliary but very practical tools — a thermal screen for comfortable installation in cold weather. A blow-up screen for mounting is attached to the supports in the window opening from the outside after removing the old window frame, thus closing off the room from cold air penetration.

Final Window Installation: All Strictly According to Contract!

In practice, few people complain about the quality of windows, but many do about window system installation. Errors in installation can lead to at least fogging of window glass, and at worst — damage to the glass unit (e.g., cracking of glass due to misalignment of the frame).

To avoid unpleasant situations and losses, removal and installation of windows must be performed strictly according to the contract, guaranteeing quality installation.

Let's turn to the most common type of window installation.

Photo 2 — Using Thermal Screen During Installation in Cold Weather

Warm Window Installation

A warm window installation contract should include:

GOSTs, requirements and basic technical standards that the team will follow during installation work. Having these technical requirements at hand makes the window installation process clear to you, and errors of craftsmen become noticeable. When trying to control the installation process, do not hesitate to ask questions: sometimes a timely comment can correct an error.

The contract must contain a detailed construction drawing. Complaints about final window installation will be justified and easily proven by directly pointing out the mismatch between the actual result and the previously planned one. For example, on the drawing, among others, the depth and height of installation, assumed mounting clearances, dew point, and connection points of windows to walls should be indicated, as well as the installation method — on or without a quarter (the latter requires additional work).

It must clearly state the date and time of window and trim installation.

The contract must contain guarantee obligations from the executing company for mounting work, not just the manufacturer's window system warranty.

Since you probably won't be able to fully check the installation of a window, the installation and repair of windows can be controlled by a company. If such a clause is in the contract, a controller may visit the site to document the installation of plastic windows: video or photos from the site will be excellent evidence if you need an expert review of the performed work.

The contract also includes a description of the cost of all main and additional works (removal of old window and disposal of waste), requirements for mounting materials and their list, and may also include requirements for the room (e.g., temperature on site).