The most important parameters of PVC windows
Today, more and more people are choosing to replace their old windows with new, energy-efficient models made of PVC. However, choosing the right windows is extremely important, as they affect the comfort of your home, as well as the amount of your heating bills. Therefore, in this article we present the most important parameters of PVC windows, which are worth considering when buying them. We invite you to read on.
Heat transfer coefficient (Uw)
One of the key parameters of PVC windows is the heat transfer coefficient, denoted as Uw. The value of this parameter tells us how well the window insulates heat. The lower its value, the better the thermal insulation of the window.
Good quality PVC windows from Wiśniowski or other reputable brands should have a Uw coefficient below 0.8 W/m2K. However, it is worth noting that the value of this parameter is calculated for the entire window, not just the glass.
Type and number of chambers in the profile
Another important parameter is the number of chambers in the window profile and their arrangement. The more chambers, the better thermal and acoustic insulation. Although PVC windows can have from 3 to even 9 chambers, the most popular are 5-chamber models, which provide good insulation at a reasonable price. It is also worth paying attention to the layout of the chambers - the best are those with a symmetrical arrangement, which provide even insulation.
Glass thickness
The thickness of the glass also affects the insulation of PVC windows. The thicker the glass, the better it insulates heat and sound. Standard PVC windows have double-glazed packages with a thickness of 24 mm, but triple-glazed models with a thickness of 36 mm or more are increasingly common . It is worth noting that the space between the panes is filled with a noble gas, such as argon, which further improves the insulation of the window.
Sound transmission coefficient (Rw)
If you care about good soundproofing of your apartment, it is also worth paying attention to the sound transmission coefficient, denoted as Rw. The higher the value of this parameter, the better the acoustic insulation of the window. Good quality PVC windows should have an Rw of at least 30 dB. For apartments in noisy neighborhoods, it is worth investing in windows with even better acoustic parameters.