What exactly is plastic material?
Plastic materials are totally new materials, but they are nevertheless copied from nature, with very valuable technical properties. From the first plastic materials – the hard rubber made from rubber – through those for everyday consumption, numerous highly specialized plastic materials have been developed to date, which allow solving exceptional problems.
What exactly is PVC?
Polyvinyl chloride – or PVC – is a thermoplastic material, produced from natural raw materials, salt and petroleum. Powdered PVC is obtained after several transformation phases. PVC is one of the most adaptable, cheapest and most widespread plastic materials, with very high resistance.
PVC is very hard by nature, but it is not resistant. Thanks to the modification of the molecular construction, PVC is given rough the ideal impact resistance for window profiles.
In what fields of construction is PVC used?
Many products made of PVC are authorized as construction materials and are trusted by architects. PVC is commonly used in pipes, gutters, exterior cladding, roofs, curtain walls, interior partitions, cable tubes and panels, as well as for windows, blinds and shutters. Its durability and the economic and ecological nature of its use are convincing reasons.
How does PVC contribute to environmental protection?
PVC has obvious ecological advantages. First of all, because it is composed of natural raw materials. On the other hand, as it does not require highly polluting products for its maintenance (such as paints or strong detergents), it becomes a material clean.
On a functional level, PVC windows help reduce noise and heating needs in rooms, thus reducing the load of pollutants on the environment.
Finally, PVC is a long-lasting material whose ingredients – petroleum and rock salt – are preserve as such, they can be recovered and, from here, reused to manufacture new PVC products. At Eurowindows, for more than 15 years, profile production cuts have been recovered and reintroduced into the extrusion cycle.
Today, advances in chemical and industrial engineering make it possible to completely recycle dismantled PVC window profiles. The new profiles, produced with a recycled PVC mixture, do not differ in any way from others that do not have this mixture. Its quality, both from an aesthetic and technical point of view, is equal to or even superior to the standards currently in force in the industry.
Modern plastic material has largely prevailed in ancient constructions. Isn't this a contradiction?
No. PVC windows offer ideal qualities for older buildings. Old windows are often deficient. It is clear that its owners turn to modern material before others. The most modern construction technique is introduced into the most sensitive part of the house, isolating noise and reducing heating and maintenance costs. A technology of highly variable systems makes practically any shape of window possible in all its details, maintaining the image of the house. Thanks to the thermoplasticity of PVC profiles, all types of arches can be manufactured at economically unbeatable prices.
Are there PVC windows all over the world?
There is no doubt that Germany is the center of greatest consumption of PVC windows. Progress started from there. Windows were soon tested in extreme climatic zones in other countries as well as special resistance tests. Nowadays the idea of PVC windows has gone around the world.
How does Eurowindows guarantee quality?
A simple tour of its manufacturing, research and quality control processes shows it: at Eurowindows there are more testing procedures than production procedures. Testing is carried out at all stages – from the supply of raw materials to the windows installed in extreme climatic zones. Examinations carried out regularly by independent testing institutes attest to the high quality standards of all Eurowindows products.
Why do we hear the expression “high impact resistance” so much?
According to DIN 7748, PVC brands are classified into normal impact resistance and high impact resistance. Impact resistance determines the quality of the window and its behavior in the face of heat and cold (the resistance of the corners, for example, directly depends on it). Eurowindows' own formulation exceeds the values required for the highest category.
Regarding the resistance of the windows, it must be taken into account that Eurowindows PVC profiles are reinforced with large internal metal profiles. The allowable static load meets the most severe requirements relating to tall buildings. Even in the worst storms, the windows remain air and watertight, meeting the strictest national and international building standards. Another advantage is the extreme resistance of the corners. The PVC of the Eurowindows profiles, highly resistant to impacts, is also thermally welded, without glue. The union, very homogeneous, seems to be made of one piece, offering the best mechanical and aesthetic solution.
Are there industry standards for windows?
Yes, and with this the requirements for high-value products are met, from the profiles, through the windows, to the professional installation.
Windows manufactured with Eurowindows systems not only comply with these standards but also exceed many of the technical requirements reflected in EU standards.
What is the smartest way to ventilate rooms during the heating season?
Diagonal ventilation for about 10 minutes is best. During this time the elements of the installation do not cool down completely. The quantities of air necessary to achieve healthy room hygiene are not achieved through non-tight joints. Continuous ventilation leads to large energy losses for a small air change.
What about the thermal insulation properties of different window materials?
PVC and wood are good materials for thermal insulation, as they have extremely low thermal conductivity. On the other hand, the thermal conductivity of aluminum is 1000 times higher. Generally, thermal bridges tend to be broken in this case with plastic cores. Apart from the construction of the profiles, the type of glass mounted in the window is very important.
In winter, a lot of water condensation often forms on old windows. What about the new windows?
On single-glazed windows, water and frost condensation often form, when the glass is too cold – the humidity in the room air condenses. Thanks to the high thermal insulation power of modern window profiles, combined with normal insulating glass, water condensation is practically prevented.
How are the necessary acoustic insulation values for a window determined?
Because of the difference between exterior noise and the level of interior silence. With special glass for acoustic insulation, Eurowindows window systems allow maximum values of 60 dB to be reached, which would be equivalent to the volume of a normal conversation. The factors that fundamentally influence acoustic insulation, in addition to watertightness, are: the construction of the profiles, the thickness of the glass, the distance between panes and the general construction.
Can different levels of sound insulation be treated individually in construction even if the windows look the same?
Yes, this is a special advantage of system technology. Depending on the level of outside noise, you can choose between different acoustic insulation constructions that nevertheless maintain the same external appearance. The function of the room also plays an important role. It is not necessary to protect office premises in the same way as a bedroom. Furthermore, the best acoustic insulation is not the one that completely separates us from the outside world. One could easily have the feeling of being imprisoned. The window manufacturer will be happy to expand the adaptation capabilities of the Eurowindows systems.
What can Eurowindows window systems contribute to home renovation?
A lot. Mainly, because the installation of windows made with Eurowindows systems increases the quality and therefore the value of the house. Well-cared for renovation achieves physical revaluations of the construction, improves the image and allows for practical and substantial modifications in the use of space.
In what colors can Eurowindows window profiles be available?
The natural white finish of the Eurowindows PVC profiles is easily combinable with any architectural style, requiring no external treatments so that its appearance remains impeccable over time.
However, color is an everyday constant that is also reflected in architecture, both traditional and the most modern. Windows, as a substantial element of the facades, cannot escape this trend. Eurowindows responds to these demands by introducing color into the profiles using lacquer and foil. The latter allows for plain colors and wood imitations.
What maintenance does a window made with the Eurowindows system need?
This is where the expression ease of maintenance makes all its sense. The perfect surface of a satin matte accepts less dry, moisture or aggressive dirt than a cracked finish. Normally it is enough to use a mild detergent for regular cleaning.
How can you make a window with protection against theft?
Eurowindows' highly resistant profiles offer the best conditions. Special hardware and glass, quality manufacturing and installation carried out by experts, give sales the seal. anti theft protectioneither.