Windows are a very important part of any building. They are primarily intended to fulfil their function, but also to fit in perfectly with the overall design. Buying windows may seem simple, especially given the wide range available on the market. However, it is quite an important and costly investment, so it must be well thought out. So how do you choose the right window frames and what should you look out for when buying them? It is not an easy task, so it is worth first learning about the most important aspects that should influence the choice of good window frames for your house or flat.
Good window frames are those that fulfil their purpose. The primary function of window frames is, of course, to let daylight into the interior. However, when choosing the right window for our home, we should also consider several other important parameters of window frames.
Energy efficiency . Windows provide very good thermal insulation. Thanks to energy-saving windows, we can minimise heat loss, especially during the heating season, and thus also reduce heating costs. Therefore, when choosing a window, pay attention to its heat transfer coefficient, marked Uw. The lower the value, the better the thermal insulation, which means less heat loss. The degree of tightness is determined using a 4-point scale, where 4 is the best class and the highest protection against heat loss. The best in terms of tightness will be wrap-around fittings, which press the frame evenly against the door frame, and synthetic rubber seals.
Sound barrier. Everyone appreciates peace and quiet, especially when it comes to the private sphere of our home or flat. That is why it is so important to choose window frames with the right level of soundproofing. It is determined by the sound insulation index (Rw) expressed in decibels, i.e. the level of noise that a window is able to muffle. The higher it is, the better the window will soundproof. This is a very important parameter, especially for those who live in very noisy and busy areas.
Watertightness and wind resistance. Good window frames must be resistant to strong winds and heavy rainfall. Water should not get inside even in strong winds. The watertightness level is determined on a scale from 1A to 9A, where the highest means that water will not get inside even at a wind speed of 100 km/h. In turn, resistance to wind load and the degree to which the frame will bend under its influence is determined on a scale from A1 to C5, where the letter indicates the amount of frame deflection and the number indicates the pressure acting on the window. Therefore, windows in class C5 will be the best in terms of wind resistance.
Choosing the right window for our needs can be a bit more difficult than it seems. The decision to buy window frames must be reasonable and well thought out. In order for the purchase to be a good one, there are a few things to consider before deciding on a particular window model. Material. One of the most important criteria. In this respect, we distinguish between 3 types of windows: PVC, wooden and aluminium. The most popular are PVC windows, which can be used practically anywhere – in private homes, apartment buildings or company buildings. They have high thermal insulation and the additional advantage is that they are available in different colours. Wooden windows are mainly used in the renovation of historical buildings and in traditional style buildings. They are very durable but require regular impregnation (at least once every 5 years). Aluminium windows , on the other hand, are ideal for modern-style buildings or company buildings. They are light and durable, and recommended for very large glazing areas. Price. Although the price does not always reflect the quality of the window frames, most buyers are mainly guided by this criterion. It is best to choose windows from reliable manufacturers and check whether the properties they have will meet your needs before purchasing. Heat transfer coefficient. One of the most important properties of a window, which determines its tightness and the level of heat retained inside. This coefficient is denoted by U and the lower it is, the more airtight the window is. According to the standards, it cannot exceed 1.1. The number of chambers in the frame and the glass packages have the greatest impact on the coefficient. The more chambers and glass packages, the lower the heat transfer coefficient.
Aesthetics. In addition to the functions a window should fulfil, its appearance is certainly important to everyone. Therefore, when choosing window joinery, it is worth paying attention to whether it will match the colour of our facade. In the case of PVC and aluminium windows, the possibilities are endless, as manufacturers offer us a wide range of colours. When it comes to wooden windows, it depends on the natural colour of the wood or the varnish used. Additional security features Windows can also provide additional protection against possible break-ins. If it is important to you, you should choose windows with additional security features such as burglar-proof film. This is stuck to the outer pane of glass, making it impossible to break. Some windows also have special bolts and rollers, which make the locks clamp even tighter if someone tries to lever the window open. In terms of interior security, windows with special key or push-button handles are worth considering, as they are particularly practical for homes with small children.
Read also:The perfect window: what does that mean?
What should I look out for when buying a window?
