Main features of PVC systems

PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a colorless, transparent plastic, a thermoplastic polymer of vinyl chloride It is characterized by chemical resistance to alkalis, mineral oils, many acids, and solvents It is resistant to sunlight, fire, moisture, insects, and microorganisms.

The main properties and structure of PVC profiles

PVC profiles have a complex structure. They contain several air chambers. A metal reinforcement is installed in the middle chamber to provide rigidity to the frame. Ventilation holes are drilled on top of the windows to remove any condensation that may form.

The frame

The main load-bearing stationary part around the perimeter of the window, assembled from a plastic multi-chambered profile. It is manufactured precisely to the dimensions of the specific window because the quality of thermal insulation and soundproofing depends on it. That's why it's so important to have a professional measurement of your window. The frame supports the weight of the sashes with the glazing units, so high demands are placed on its rigidity. Rigidity is ensured by a closed or P-shaped reinforcing profile (2), located inside the plastic profile.
The sash

The movable part of the window, which is attached to the frame and also consists of plastic profile. It is needed to provide opening parts for the window Modern windows can have several opening options: casement, tilt, tilt and turn, fixed. Tilt and turn is the most common type of opening for plastic windows. The sash opens inwards. Special mechanisms are used to fix the angle of opening of the sash, which can be adjusted according to your preferences.
Mounting depth

Directly affects the thermal performance of plastic structures. This characteristic demonstrates the deep distance allocated to the frame in the plate. The most common mounting depth sizes are 58-60, 70, and 76-82 mm.

The air chamber

The air chamber is the space between the stiffness ribs within the window frame itself. These spaces are isolated from each other, thereby maintaining a separate temperature for each chamber. The more chambers there are, the warmer the profile is considered Framex offers 4, 6, and 7-chamber profile systems in its range.
Reinforcement

This is a steel element installed in the middle chamber of the profile to increase its strength. Reinforcement provides conditions to resist operational loads, hardware fastening, and construction installation.
The thickness of the outer walls

The parameter that distinguishes high-quality plastic windows Depending on the thickness of the outer walls, profiles for the production of plastic windows are classified into quality classes: A, B, C.
Seal

This is a rubber layer with a relief or sponge structure, fixed in special grooves in window profiles. The main characteristics of a good sealant are resistance to temperature fluctuations and moisture, as well as high thermal insulation properties. There are the following types of sealing materials: a) for fixing glass in the frame - the sealant is installed between the sash and the glass and between the glazing bead and the glass; b) sealing, fixing window elements - for fixation purposes, frame sealing of the sash and sash sealing are installed.

Window quality classes: A, B, C

Class «A» – according to RAL-GZ 716/1, the thickness of the outer walls of PVC profiles should not be less than 28 mm, and the inner walls should be no less than 25 mm. At the same time, according to GOST 30673-99, the minimum thickness of the outer walls should be 3 mm, and the rest of the ribs should be 25 mm. This type of profile ensures the durability and reliability of the construction, as well as high thermal and sound insulation properties.
Class «B» – here the requirements of RAL-GZ 716/1 and GOST 30673-99 are identical: the minimum thickness of the outer walls is 25 mm, and the inner walls are 2 mm. It can be used for glazing objects where there are no high demands on strength, durability, thermal, and sound insulation It has 25% less strength than. Class A PVC profile and significantly lower dimensional stability and resistance to mechanical loads.
Class «C» – there are no strict requirements for Class C plastic profile, but its parameters are lower compared to Class A and B profiles Class C profile has low strength and insulation properties, so it can only be used for temporary and technical constructions, such as garages and warehouses.

The installation depth parameter is also worth paying attention to, as it is directly related to the thermal insulation characteristics of the window.

58-60 mm. Profiles with minimal installation depth are predominantly used for assembling economy-class windows. Such constructions are mainly ordered for installation in summer cottages, production workshops, trailers, summer trade pavilions, warehouses, or for cold glazing of balconies and loggias. For equipping residential and office premises, 58-millimeter systems can only be used in southern regions. However, it should be noted that even there they are not suitable for installation in noisy areas.
70 mm. Thanks to the optimal balance between price and quality, these systems have become universal for many buyers in our country. They are used for glazing the majority of residential, commercial, and municipal buildings. Windows made from 70-millimeter profiles, provided they are equipped with suitable insulating glass units, effectively retain sound and heat.
76-82 mm. Systems with increased installation depth are chosen by those who seek enhanced comfort or live in regions with harsh climatic conditions. They are also recommended for installation in homes facing highways. Furthermore, these profiles are chosen by those who want to make significant savings on heating. The increased width of the profile minimizes heat loss around the frame area and allows for the installation of the thickest energy-efficient insulated glass units.

The use of PVC profiles in both exterior and interior applications

A PVC profile system is a multi-chambered window and door system characterized by high reliability, quality, and thermal insulation technologies. Plastic profiles look perfect: smooth, uniform surfaces, high light transmission characteristics. Modern plastic windows make rooms brighter, which adds additional benefits to the comfort parameter of staying indoors.

Plastic window and door systems are widely used to create various constructions

PVC eliminates the need for further window or door maintenance because it does not require annual treatment, varnishing, or painting.

Plastic constructions are used not only in residential homes and offices but also in places where safety and environmental friendliness are of utmost importance: hospitals, daycare centers, schools. PVC doors can be used as interior or entrance doors.

The main advantages of PVC are:

High energy efficiency.The high-quality plastic used in window frames provides better insulation characteristics compared to aluminum or wood PVC profiles minimize energy consumption, leading to reduced heating costs. Due to the tightness of plastic windows, the indoor temperature remains consistent even in cold weather.
Durability, reliability, and strength. PVC windows have a very long service life. They maintain their functionality for at least half a century Moreover, plastic is not affected by any weather conditions, unlike wooden structures.
Safety and burglary resistance. The basic equipment of high-quality hardware and the option to install window handles with locks provide sufficient resistance to break-ins and prevent the opening of sashes from the outside or by children from inside the room. The steel reinforcement of PVC windows ensures the operational rigidity of the profile, the reliability of hardware attachment, and high protection against burglary. To increase burglary resistance, impact-resistant glass is used, and window hardware is equipped with anti-burglary locking elements, significantly impeding unauthorized opening.
Sound insulation.The tight seals of PVC window sashes and the option to install special double-glazed units with solid panes provide a level of sound insulation that significantly exceeds the capabilities of old wooden windows. To achieve acoustic comfort in areas with high noise levels, laminated multi-layered glass is used in double-glazed units.
Design variations. For both homes and offices, you can find windows with unique designs. Decoration can be applied to both the profile (you can choose the profile color according to your preferences) and the glass itself (you can select the color or texture of the double-glazed units, apply tinting, stained glass, etc). The hardware also plays an important role. Variations in its elements (surface-mounted handles, inserts within the double-glazed units) will give the window an exclusive and elegant appearance.

main drawbacks of PVC include:

The increased coefficient of expansion of plastic during temperature fluctuations leads to a relatively rapid wear of the sealing elements.
The absolute tightness that prevents proper air exchange in the room, but this drawback can be eliminated by initially ordering a structure with ventilation;
Repairing these structures is difficult, and often they are unsuitable for repair In a damaged wooden frame, a part can be replaced, whereas even repairing a dent on plastic can be quite challenging.

PVC compared to aluminum

	Aluminium	PVC
The average coefficient of thermal resistance of systems	0,62 W/m²×°C	0,79–1,08 W/m²×°C
Resistance to low temperatures	Below -60°C	Below -60°C
Resistance to high temperatures	Does not lose rigidity when heated	Withstands temperatures up to +70°C
Sound insulation level	Medium , up to 47 dB	High, up to 55 dB
Maximum area of active sashes	Up to 6 m²	Up to 2,6 m²
Load on load-bearing structures	Medium / high	Low
Maximum service life	Reaches 80 years	On average, 50 years
Fire safety	Medium / high	Low
Decoration methods	Painting according to RAL scale, lamination	Mass painting and lamination, decorative aluminum overlays

Framex recommends

Have you decided to use PVC constructions in your project? For the construction of commercial or residential premises, terraces, balconies, etc, Framex recommends using the following range of profiles:

Reference materials

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Our specialist will contact you shortly and answer all questions regarding Framex.

Main features of PVC systems

The main properties and structure of PVC profiles

The frame

The sash

Mounting depth

The air chamber

Reinforcement

The thickness of the outer walls

Seal

Window quality classes: A, B, C

The use of PVC profiles in both exterior and interior applications

Plastic window and door systems are widely used to create various constructions

The main advantages of PVC are:

main drawbacks of PVC include:

PVC compared to aluminum

Framex recommends

Framex 80

Framex 71

Framex 58

Reference materials

TM Framex Joins a Major Industry Project

Trademark Framex Quality

Thermally Insulated Profiles

The certification of the TM Framex

State Construction Norms

Lock cylinders

Cylinder guards

Mosquito net

Layouts of supporting and remote substrates during

Do you have any further questions?