The characteristics of the window structure depend on the properties of materials, on the device of the glass unit, the type of glass and other factors. Selecting a window is not an easy task.
Varieties of windows for a private house
The structure performs the following functions:
- provides the required level of illumination - for this it is important to choose the size and degree of transparency;
- prevents heat loss;
- provides air exchange and moisture removal;
- special features - silver coated glass, for example, reflects some of the heat radiation.
All types of windows in a private house meet the requirements. However, for certain conditions, different designs turn out to be optimal.
Wooden
Wooden windows are often called traditional. However, the material of modern designs is different. Now for the manufacture they take only well-dried wood of a certain category and treated with antiseptics, antifungal compounds and fire retardants.
The tree has a lot of advantages:
- wood perfectly retains heat and does not allow sounds to pass through;
- the material combines strength and light weight;
- the tree is very beautiful;
- it tolerates the effects of frost well, fade poorly in the sun;
- a wooden model is easier to repair.
The cons are as follows:
- the tree is subject to mold and decay, the frame must be protected;
- the tree dries up under the bright sun;
- it is a combustible material;
- a high-quality wooden window costs more than a metal-plastic one.
The wood in the window frame retains the ability to absorb excess moisture in the room and bring it out. Therefore, rooms with wooden windows rarely need additional ventilation.
Plastic
Options where only a plastic profile is taken for the frame are extremely rare, since they are short-lived and fragile.
The combination of metal and plastic provides many benefits:
- Steel tube provides structural strength. It is difficult to deform the frame.
- Plastic provides high thermal insulation properties.
- The metal-plastic construction is sealed. All elements are tightly joined, and the material does not allow air and moisture to pass through.
- Plastic is undemanding to care for.
- The types of plastic windows for a private house are very diverse. The technology makes it possible to obtain a frame of any complex shape.
There are also disadvantages:
- Repairs are difficult and expensive.
- High tightness often turns into a disadvantage: the frame does not allow vapors to pass out and moisture condenses on the walls. Therefore, you can only buy models with a micro-ventilation function.
- Functionality largely depends not only on the conscientiousness of the manufacturer, but also of the installer.
The intrinsic color of the plastic is white or gray. Often it is covered with decorative foil to make it look like a tree.
Aluminum
"Cold" windows. Aluminum, like other metal, conducts heat very well, so the frame and glass of the structure allow cold to pass through. Usually, aluminum models are installed in unheated rooms: loggias, closed balconies, summer terraces.
The pros are as follows:
- unlimited durability;
- aluminum does not corrode, is not afraid of water, sun, temperature changes;
- simple repair;
- aluminum windows can have very complex shapes.
Minuses:
- does not retain heat in the room;
- the price of the aluminum model is 2-3 times higher than that of the plastic one.
Aluminum frames are rarely painted, as the intrinsic color and luster of the metal remains attractive for decades.
Combined
Combined models include metal-plastic and wood-aluminum. In the latter case, it is the tree that acts as the base - maple, pine, larch, and the aluminum sheathing is placed outside and protects against moisture and the sun. Aluminum is attached to the clamps, a technical gap is left between the metal and the wood for ventilation.
Rules for the selection of window structures
To choose windows for your home, you need to take into account a number of parameters:
- Purpose - for an unheated loggia, they buy aluminum structures, for residential apartments, wooden or metal-plastic ones are suitable.
- Dimensions and shape - with a large glazed surface, aluminum or metal-plastic models are preferable.
- The number and type of sashes - blind windows in a private house are not allowed. A medium-sized structure should include at least 1 swing-out sash.
- Opening type - in addition to swivel, they also offer folding and sliding systems.
- Glass unit type - 2,3, 4 glasses. The larger the glass unit, the higher the thermal insulation properties.
- Glass type - plain glass allows heat to pass through. Materials with special coatings are capable of reflecting heat inward or outward.
- Price - metal-plastic is the best combination of quality and cost.
An important selection criterion is decorativeness. It is important to match the color and style to the design of the room.
Best window manufacturers
When choosing which windows to install in a residential private house, they pay attention to the manufacturer. A good reputation and a long service life are a guarantee of quality and the ability to repair the product.
The most famous manufacturers of metal-plastic structures on the Russian market include VEKA, Rehau, KBE, Trocal. VEKA, KBE is a German brand that produces windows in Russia. Rehau is a German manufacturer that is considered to be the leader in the European market as well. This company most often delivers new items and improvements.
The Finnish company Tiivi is recognized as the leader in the timber window market. She also offers wood-aluminum models. Popular SSC Joinex is a Swedish company that supplies both traditional and special windows.
The most famous manufacturer of aluminum systems is the Swedish-Norwegian company Sapa Building System. The Siberian SIAL, which produces windows and translucent and "smart" facades, is slightly inferior.
Features of the choice of a roof window
The roof window is not positioned vertically, it is fixed to the roof structure, which entails a number of features:
- The minimum distance from the floor to the window opening in the attic should be 120 cm. This determines the dimensions of the structure.
- The smaller the angle of inclination of the roof, the greater the height of the opening.
- The number of windows is selected from the ratio of the glazing area to the floor area as 1:10.
- To open such a sash, a special mechanism is needed. They offer a mid-pivot version, a window with a raised pivot axis, with a combined system.
- Installation requires special flashing. They are chosen by the type of roof.
To regulate the light flux, blinds are mounted.
Profile selection rules
When choosing a metal-plastic model, attention is paid to the glass unit and the profile. Selection options:
- The number of chambers is from 3 to 6. The more of them, the higher the thermal insulation qualities of the frame.
- Wall Thickness - 2.8mm wall provides better deformation resistance.
- Width - 58 mm is installed in the southern regions. In harsh climates, frames with a 90 mm profile will be required.
- Pay attention to the uniformity and smoothness of the plastic. Roughness and thickening indicate poor quality.
In a private house, windows of any type are installed. The choice depends on the purpose of the building, climatic conditions, building style, requirements for heat and sound insulation, and more.
