Innovative technology, energy savings, and an attractive appearance in plastic windows

Plastic windows are the ideal option in terms of acquisition costs. However, while price logically significantly dominates in contracts, it should not be the only decisive criterion when selecting a supplier. A profile with high rigidity and structural strength, the necessary construction depth for sufficient thermal insulation, and central sealing that prevents the intrusion of rainwater or drafts obviously cannot compete price-wise with cheap "compromised" alternatives. It is necessary to inform oneself and turn to manufacturers who process quality profiles, produce on modern automatic lines, and base their offer primarily on honest products and installation, not on low prices.

Innovations in plastic windows, doors, and sliding systems are aimed at better thermal insulation, safety, comfortable operation, attractive surface finishes, and minimal maintenance requirements. “By replacing old windows with energy-efficient windows from the Corona SI 82 profile, you can save up to 29% of your current energy consumption. However, you will not only save on heating fuel; you will also ease the environment by thousands of kilograms of CO2 emissions,” notes Vojtěch Marton, managing director of WELL OKNA, the largest processor of Schüco profiles in the Plzeň region. The Corona window profile with a construction depth of 82 mm has a base of six closed air chambers, two rebate seals, and one central seal. WELL OKNA additionally offers three security locks and corrosion-resistant fittings as standard. With such a window (with Uf = 1.1 W/m2K and Uw = 1.2 to 0.8 W/m2K depending on the type of glazing), the temperature on the inner side of the frame does not significantly drop below room temperature even on the coldest winter days. The central seal reliably prevents water from entering the profile during heavy precipitation and also protects against wind.

Design and Surface Finishes - Give Your Home an Attractive Look
“Up to 80% of our projects are realized from decorated profiles; customers have the option to choose from three types of surface finishes. Using decorative foils, we create traditional solid colors and wood decors. A very attractive option is the new Schüco AutomotiveFinish technology with metallic shades developed in collaboration with the automotive industry. Again, this is a foil applied during the profile production. The surface in metallic colors and selected RAL shades is color-consistent, resistant to abrasion, weather conditions, and chemicals,” explains Vojtěch Marton. Thirdly, the window profile can be equipped with an aluminum cover strip Schüco Corona TopAlu on the outside. This achieves the elegant appearance of an aluminum window while maintaining the thermal insulation and sealing standard of plastic profiles.

Passive Standard
If you are building an energy-efficient house, it is advisable to use the passive profile construction Schüco Alu Inside with 7 chambers and without steel reinforcement. The system with a construction depth of 82 mm is based on patented technology of extruded aluminum strips into the plastic profile. The absence of steel reinforcement significantly improves the thermal insulation parameters of the profiles and has a considerable effect on the weight of the window sash. The profile maintains its stability and required static properties. The optimal distribution of chambers, reduction of air flow in the sash rabbet, and additional large-volume insulation zones allow achieving excellent heat transfer values through the frame Uf up to 0.76 W/m2K. The managing director of WELL OKNA adds: “We supply Alu Inside profiles in three variants of thermal insulation, either without internal insulation or with polystyrene insulation in the middle part of the profile, which can be further expanded with a rebate insert that reduces air flow between the sash and the frame. The Schüco Alu Inside window system is certified by Passivhaus Institute in Darmstadt, Germany, which confirms its suitability for passive houses.” Even with a construction without steel reinforcements, the Alu Inside profile retains a slim frame and thus brings more daylight into the interior. You can also choose one of the surface finishes introduced above for this profile.

To ensure window safety it is not only important to have quality workmanship of the profile but also to choose the right hardware and locking technology. According to Vojtěch Marton, it also depends on where in the profiles the hardware is installed. Schüco window profiles have their hardware secured deep on the inner side of the frame, which practically makes it impossible to pry open the window. While in the market you will commonly encounter windows with one security lock, a quality processor will offer you three security locks as standard.

The Importance of Ventilation
If you are installing thermally insulated plastic windows in an old damp house, it is important to ventilate regularly or use automatic ventilation units integrated directly into the window profile, e.g., the Schüco VentoTherm system. Potential mold formation is usually not a problem of the window itself; it is caused by not adhering to proper technological procedures during installation or the aforementioned excessive moisture in the building and incorrect ventilation. The integrated Schüco VentoTherm window recuperation unit represents a convenient and effective way of ventilation, protecting against noise, preventing mold formation, and thermal losses, all while the window is closed.

Large Formats
Most family housing projects cannot avoid sliding systems. Large-scale glazed units seamlessly connect the interior with the exterior and vice versa. There are various opening options to choose from. “From our portfolio, I would like to highlight the user-friendly and highly thermally insulated lifting sliding system Schüco ThermoSlide at the level of passive standards. An alternative choice can be the Patio PS system, which combines both sliding and ventilation functions. The sash does not lift, but is displaced parallelly and slides to the side. When closing, it self-presses against the frame with minimal force. This is an economical option to the more elegant lifting sliding wall,” explains Vojtěch Marton. With the ThermoSlide system having a construction depth of 219 mm, a wall can be realized up to a maximum height of 2.6 m and can be composed of up to four sashes with a central opening section. The lifting sliding doors open with a simple side shift or from the center, most often manually using one hand.

For more information on Schüco systems for plastic windows, doors, and sliding walls, visit www.schueco.cz or the website of the Plzeň processor www.wellokna.cz.