Why check plastic windows with a magnet: what's the trick

11.11.2023 03:20

In winter, heat losses from private or commercial buildings risk being quite serious – sometimes they can reach several tens of percent if old “breathing” window systems made of wood are used.

You can reduce heat loss by choosing full-fledged plastic windows for your home, which are distinguished by both their beautiful appearance and durability in terms of operation.

Choosing the right profile

When choosing PVC windows, anyone needs to focus on the profile.

Expensive solutions often have a plastic profile thickness of up to 3 mm, cheaper ones – up to 2.5 mm, while cheap analogues can be equipped with profiles up to 2 mm thick, but the latter are most often used for outbuildings.

Why is a magnet needed when choosing plastic windows?

Sometimes cheap versions of plastic windows may not have a supporting structure in the form of a steel profile, which will give high rigidity to the entire window system.

Windows
Photo: © Belnovosti

For places where strong winds prevail, choosing plastic ones with additional steel reinforcement will be the best solution - they will definitely remain intact.

But in those regions where there is exposure to relatively weak winds, windows made of plastic profiles without steel reinforcement are also considered a good choice - they are much cheaper and last quite a long time!

Single or double glazed windows?

Most budget solutions up to 58 mm wide have a lightweight design, that is, they contain no more than 2 rows of glass and such systems are usually called single-chamber, which are ideal for regions located in the Middle Belt.

For regions of the Far North, it is more profitable to order windows with a profile width of up to 70 mm. They accommodate up to 3 rows of glass and such systems are usually called double-chamber glass units, which a priori are distinguished by increased indicators in terms of thermal insulation.

Accessories

When selecting plastic windows, it is impossible to ignore the fittings, which include the following elements: lock blockers, folding scissors, hinges, locks, handles, child locks and micro-ventilation.

All offered fittings must a priori be of the highest quality. Otherwise, after a year of operation, the profiles may be torn off "with the flesh" as a result of strong wind exposure, and very expensive repairs will have to be carried out.

In any case, purchasing and installing plastic windows is considered the best solution for the private or commercial sector - they are distinguished by a high level of aesthetics, durability and, even with minimal maintenance, can last for decades.

Igor Zur Author: Igor Zur Internet resource editor


Content
  1. Choosing the right profile
  2. Why is a magnet needed when choosing plastic windows?
  3. Single or double glazed windows?
  4. Accessories