How much does a square meter of glass cost? Each window is priced individually, according to its dimensions and configuration. The type of thermal-pane window and its configuration significantly influence the price. A number of factors — the number of openings, the profile color, protection mechanisms, sills, insect screens — can multiply the price of the window several times over. We can, of course, calculate the cost per square meter for a given window, but this figure will tell you very little about whether the window is expensive or cheap.
A thermal-pane unit can have one, two, or three panes of glass. The two-chamber unit, or "triple glazing," is a thermal pane containing three sheets of glass. It's important to remember that the number of chambers doesn't necessarily guarantee the desired effect. For example, a 32mm-thick triple-glazed unit has practically the same thermal insulation characteristics as a single-chamber unit of the same width. Thermal insulation depends more on the thickness of the glass unit than on the number of chambers. It's recommended that triple glazing be at least 38mm thick. Otherwise, the additional cost won't be recovered through energy savings. For unheated balconies, a single pane of glass is recommended — preferably 6 or 8mm — which costs less but provides better sound insulation than a double-pane unit with two 4mm sheets.
Choosing a profile based on the number of chambers is more a matter of marketing than of technical merit. The main factor determining thermal insulation performance isn't the number of chambers, but the depth of the profile (the thickness of the window frame). This usually ranges between 60-70mm. 60mm profiles (3-chamber) typically have a heat transfer coefficient of 1.3-1.6. 70mm profiles (5-chamber) retain heat in the room better, with a heat transfer coefficient between 1.0-1.4. A four-chamber profile with a 60mm depth has thermal insulation properties similar to a three-chamber profile. If you want even better protection from outside cold, you can opt for profiles with a depth greater than 80mm. These usually have 6-7 chambers.
PVC products sold on the market are required to undergo the necessary chemical testing and hold safety certification. It is prohibited to manufacture PVC windows containing heavy metals in unbound form. On the other hand, products containing heavy metals in bound form are completely harmless, and are even used in manufacturing the cables used in medical infusion equipment.
PVC products used in window manufacturing are not biodegradable, but they can be recycled. On the other hand, PVC windows retain heat better, considerably reducing harmful gas emissions into the atmosphere. The introduction of PVC windows has saved millions of hectares of forest that would otherwise have been used to produce traditional wooden windows. Numerous European energy-efficiency programs have been approved that partially offset the costs of installing PVC windows.
Usually, the first problems that appear during the life of a window are related to its hardware. When standard windows are installed, almost all types of hardware can be adjusted correctly. The difference between a quality system and a poor-quality one can only be observed after a year or even longer. It's advisable to choose a hardware manufacturer with considerable experience in the field.
Many people avoid ordering windows in winter. Installation is possible in conditions down to minus ten degrees. The only downside is that the room cools down during installation. One advantage of installing windows in winter is the ability to immediately spot any installation or manufacturing defects.
It's important to remember that the lifespan of windows depends on how well they're maintained. At least once every three years it's worth cleaning and lubricating the weatherstripping seals. After ten years, they can be replaced to preserve their thermal insulation qualities. In extreme cases, don't hesitate to contact the manufacturer to request thermal-pane repair services.
The service life of PVC windows depends largely on the profile system manufacturer. It's also important that no mistakes are made during manufacturing or installation that could deform the PVC profile. A quality profile system can have a service life of over 50 years. Poor-quality ones deform over time and change color.
VEKA windows have a number of advantages: they are durable over time they resist external factors: sun, wind, rain, snow; they are airtight: they will protect you from dust, water and noise; they have additional fire resistance.
On average, a window can be installed within two hours, including the time needed to remove the old window.
You can easily check whether a thermal-pane unit is Low-E by holding a lighter or match flame close to the outside of the glass. You'll notice several reflections of the light on the glass, one of which should be a different color, with a reddish tint.
Purchasing PVC windows is an important decision. When made correctly, the cost can become an investment, bringing savings in both money and time. First, the window frame (casing) is installed. Its depth is determined jointly with the owner. The position is set using a level. If there are other windows already installed or to be installed, a laser distance meter is needed to determine their horizontal alignment. Fixing elements — screws or anchors — are fastened to the casing at a maximum distance of 70cm apart. It's important to remember that the gap between the casing and the wall must not exceed 3cm. If a larger gap was created during removal of the old window, it must be filled with material other than polyurethane foam. After the casing is fixed, the sashes, glass panes, and interior and exterior sills are installed. It's important that the windows include a profile for fixing the sills. If the exterior sill is fixed directly to the casing, there's a risk that water will seep under the casing and easily penetrate the room. Applying quality silicone sealant can only reduce the amount of water that seeps through — it can't prevent this process entirely.
Condensation is a natural process that occurs when humidity in the room exceeds the dew point. When we cook, take a bath, or even breathe, a certain amount of water vapor is released into the air. A person releases about a liter of water per day through skin and lungs. Even flowers on a windowsill constantly release water. If the room isn't ventilated, humidity will keep rising until it exceeds the dew point. Old wooden windows had "natural" ventilation through the many gaps that formed over time. New windows, whether PVC or wood treated with sealants and resins, are airtight. To avoid condensation forming on the glass, it's recommended to ventilate the room periodically — at least 20 minutes a day. Still, there are many cases where humidity is at an acceptable level, yet condensation still appears on the window. Inadequate room heating It's important for warm air to circulate freely, following the principle of convection: warm air rises, cold air sinks. That's why windows are installed above radiators. The interior windowsill shouldn't cover more than half of the radiator, so warm air can circulate unobstructed. If the sills are already installed, holes can be made in them. The glass unit is too thin or of poor quality Single-chamber glass units retain heat in the room less effectively, which is why the inner pane's surface is colder than with double-chamber units. On days when the outside temperature drops significantly, condensation may form on the inner pane.