The quality of the devices that open and close the sashes, ensuring tightness, should be worried in advance. We have collected information about popular manufacturers and compiled a rating of the best of the best. They also told what accessories happen and what to look for when choosing it.
How window fittings are arranged
The standard set consists of 3 nodes:
- loop group;
- locking structure;
- mechanism for turning the sash.
It is also distinguished by the method of opening:
- Swivel - equipped with a vertical suspension, opens the window.
- Folding - changes the position of the sash up or down.
- Tilt and turn - the position of the sash is adjusted by turning the handle: in one mode it opens in the usual way, in the other it leans back.
- Mid-hung with horizontal hinge - allows you to open the sash by 180°. Such a model is needed for openings of a non-standard configuration (oval, round).
- Transom - the mechanism is more complicated than the previous ones. There are 3 ways of opening: due to a locking central lock and an internal opening limiter, a lever system, installing an electric drive for remote control.
On a note: swivel fittings are good for balcony doors, folding fittings - in attic window openings, tilt-and-turn fittings - in rooms.
Components
Equipment of PVC windows consists of many parts combined into complex mechanisms. Consider its main types.
Turn limiter
Needed to fix the sash in the extreme open position.
Latch
Keeps the window from swinging open in windy or strong drafts. Latches are mortise, overhead, mechanical, magnetic angle, roller.
Decorative overlays
They are placed on the visible parts of the fittings for decoration.
Sagging sash lifting element
Reduces stress when open and takes pressure off window hinges when closed.
Folding scissors
Helps to set the tilt-and-turn sashes in the position given by the position of the window handle. The mechanism increases comfort, but it is impossible to turn the handles with the sash open: this is a serious test for the mechanism.
children's castle
Prevents preschoolers from accessing the window opening. It is placed inside the window handle or attached to the sash, frame.
Turn blocker
Keeps the window from swinging open more than necessary. The functions are similar to the tasks that a child lock performs.
Multipoint lock
Usually consists of several constipations. It is used as a crossbar type, and a variant with a latch.
Traditional latches, pins, hooks are also locking fittings.
Pen
The standard set includes a wrap with a fastener, an overlay and the handle itself. The material is plastic, metal, wood. In addition to stationary, manufacturers produce removable handles. Some are equipped with a lock. There are anti-burglary handles in which a mechanism is built in that blocks the window when trying to get inside from the street.
Seals
They save heat and provide the sash with reliable contact with the window profile. Well resist deformations, elastic, have different colors and sections. Made from modified plastic, rubber, rubber.
For more information on seals, see this article.
In sliding windows, brush seals are popular, combining a polypropylene-coated woven backing with silicone-treated bristles.
loops
They have several variations:
- Overhead are detachable and one-piece, as well as swivel or tilt-and-turn.
- There are anti-burglary with special plates that cannot be disassembled when the sash is closed.
- There are screw loops on threaded pins.
- Inconspicuous loop designs are appreciated by lovers of stylish interiors.The elements of such hinges are not visible from the front side of the window. Invisible loops seriously improve thermal protection.
Pins and slats
They are small constipation, serve as a component of the locking mechanism. Their task is to grip parts when turning the handle, ensuring normal contact between the sash and the window frame.
corner switch
Participates in locking the window sash from the corners, transferring it to the tilt-and-turn position. The material is highly durable steel. Anti-vandal corner switches reliably protect against burglary.
constipation
Their task is to open, close, tilt the sashes. There are basic, intermediate and additional.
Rollers
Needed for smooth movement of sliding window sashes, they consist of wheels with fasteners. They are made of nylon, metal, plastic, but rubber ones that do not make noise are more convenient.
Stops
Mounted on the window sill or handle, so as not to damage the sash when opening. There are metal with rubber lining, plastic, equipped with a magnet, permanent and temporary.
Vent valves
These are ventilators that remove stagnant air. The supply valve prevents the formation of condensate.
Note: the cost of reliable equipment reaches 15% of the price of a window unit.
How not to make a mistake in choosing
Fittings of mediocre quality will not last long, because PVC windows are intensively used, they are opened and closed many times daily. What you need to do so that you do not regret the purchase later:
- Decide for yourself which way of opening the sashes in a particular case will be optimal.
- Measure the parameters of the window and stop at a set of fittings corresponding to the dimensions obtained.
- Buy products branded by a firm with a good reputation.
- Select components from quality materials. Do not be seduced by cheap plastic parts: their service life is short. It is better to stay on metal kits.
- Make sure that there are no burrs on the parts, the metal parts must be perfectly smooth and even.
- Make sure that the parts have at least 2 mounting holes.
On a note: a wide variety of decorative overlays with a limited choice of the accessories themselves should alert: it is likely that the product has flaws that need to be masked.
The best fittings for plastic windows: manufacturer rating
Sophisticated buyers opt for products from manufacturers with a good reputation. Although their goods are more expensive, but in the future it will cost much less than expensive repairs. The well-known phrase about the miser who pays twice is relevant to this day.
Roto, Maco, Siegenia-Aubi, Winkhaus, Gu, Vhs are in the first lines of the rating of companies producing high-quality fittings.
Note: you can find the name of the brand by slightly opening the sash: usually the marking is applied to the steel parts of the equipment.
Roto
The German brand Roto produces a wide range of reliable fittings. There is the possibility of not only complete, but also partial configuration: someone needs an alarm or anti-burglary devices, and someone is interested in blocks for the safety of children.
Advantages of Roto products:
- 10-year warranty service;
- reinforced coating against corrosion;
- noteworthy is the reversal block, which helps to wash windows without problems.
Minus: some models are only designed for windows weighing no more than 80 kg.
Reviews
Denis K.: “Indeed, the quality is real – German. Disadvantages - this is not about Roto. I have comparison experience. 5 years ago they were seduced by the low price, a year later everything had to be changed, the purchase turned out to be from China. After its replacement, Roto equipment has been serving in the country for 4 years already, the same one was installed in the apartment.
Honey22: “Rotov products are installed on all windows. Of course, it is more expensive, but it works perfectly: not hard and not too soft.It has been working in the kitchen for three years without comment, in the bedroom for five years already.
Maco
The accessories of this Austrian manufacturer are in constant demand for the following reasons:
- elegant look;
- 6 levels of protection against hacking;
- variability of the positions of the window frame when moving;
- protection of windows from accidental damage due to careless handling;
- 10 years warranty;
- smooth operation of all mechanisms;
- obligatory presence of a microlift;
- the wax included in the external coating reliably protects against corrosion processes.
Reviews
Valery: “Better than Mako, they haven’t come up with anything yet, this fitting only works poorly when its armless installers installed it. And fakes must beware, in particular Turkish ones. Good luck to all!"
Vadim Vladimirovich: "Miser pays twice. To prevent this from happening, I recommend the Maco brand.”
Siegenia-Aubi
The brand is known for quality products that are used for windows in luxury homes. The respectable company Veka, one of the recognized manufacturers of PVC windows, equips them with fittings of this particular company. Each element is made in Germany.
Main advantages:
- the ability to change the height of the sash, turn it in any direction;
- 7, not 5, as usual, pressure points make the window completely airtight;
- the maximum load reaches 1.5 tons - this is an eloquent confirmation of the highest defensive ability against the actions of intruders;
- compatible with non-standard configuration windows.
Minuses:
- high price;
- the need for service every six months.
Reviews
Alexander: “Good in every way. The only problem is that a special key is needed for adjustment.
Elena: “We have an unusual window profile: 86 mm wide, 6 chambers, double-glazed windows… Naturally, the sash is very heavy, but so far everything is fine. The kids are always trying to open the windows completely. Silly, they don’t understand that there are special locks, the doors only recline. So the kids are safe and sound, they don’t fall out of the windows!”
Winkhaus
The company has production sites in 30 countries, including Russia, and full quality control is established everywhere. Its products are classified as elite, but the range is designed for buyers with different budgets.
Advantages of accessories brand Winkhaus:
- fittings are equipped with 5 levels of protection against burglary;
- universal modular designs reliably serve even with minimal maintenance;
- load uniformity ensures a long service life;
- has high moisture resistance;
- suitable for replacing old equipment in old PVC windows;
- a fairly cheap item.
Minuses:
- the main drawback is that the fittings of this brand are focused on automatic installation, but usually you have to install it manually;
- there are no stiffening ribs, which, if not carefully installed, will become a possible cause of noisy, hard running of the wings;
- the basic set does not include a blocker-lifter;
- full lubrication will become a problem over time.
Reviews
Alexander: “When I decided to do a major overhaul, I followed the advice of a friend and chose Winkhaus fittings for windows. Thanks for the advice. It was a year and a half ago, during this time no troubles followed: there are no backlashes, the doors fit tightly, do not sag, open smoothly, do not warp. The handles also work without play, softly, without any extra effort. In short, everything works conveniently and reliably. So I don’t think that I overpaid when buying: the quality and reliability justify the money spent.”
Natalia: “Winkhaus fittings have been with us for 11 years. There are no problems. That it needs to be lubricated, I found out only now, reading the reviews.
G.U. (Gretsch-Unitas)
Another German manufacturer supplying products obtained on high-precision equipment. Characteristic features of GU fittings made of galvanized steel with a protective anti-corrosion coating:
- maximum security;
- microlift, which does not allow the sash to sag;
- function of blocking erroneous opening;
- micro-ventilation system;
- long service life.
The brand has a long-term impeccable reputation. The most popular GU brand was Corvus ("Corvus").
Reviews
Inna: “When I installed the windows, Renau chose the profile, and GU advised the fittings. 9 years have already passed - nothing has broken, does not creak, does not cling, does not see through.
Alexei: “I propose to stop the discussion, the name of the brand is enough - Gretsch-Unitas.”
VHS (Vhs)
Decent Turkish fittings, designed for middle-income consumers.
Main advantages:
- modular system;
- strong constipation;
- anti-burglary corner elements made of alloyed steel.
Note: the company gives a ten-year warranty on its fittings. True, it is not extended to assembly, the combination of VHS equipment with equipment from other brands, the consequences of improper installation.
Reviews
Dmitriy: “Real fittings are cheaper than Siegenia. Only on the balcony latches there are some complaints.
Opossum: “We trade in such accessories. Everything is great.”
The range of fittings on the market of plastic windows is wide and varied. There are also high-quality products, so with a serious approach to choosing a product, a successful purchase is almost guaranteed.
