PVC windows are an investment you will use for many years. From profile class to glazing unit, from hardware to installation, we list in plain language the 10 points you should always check when comparing quotes.
A PVC window is an investment expected to last at least twenty to thirty years in a home, affecting everything from energy bills and acoustic comfort to security and appearance. Even so, windows are often chosen purely on price per square metre. Yet two windows that look the same can differ greatly in profile quality, glazing unit, hardware and installation. In this article we list ten points to watch when getting and comparing quotes.
1. Profile Class and Wall Thickness
PVC profiles are divided into classes A, B and C under the TS EN 12608 standard according to the thickness of their outer walls. Class A profiles have the thickest outer walls and provide stronger corner joints and better screw retention. Choosing a Class A profile for residential use is an important guarantee of a long service life. Ask for the profile class to be clearly stated in the quote.
2. Number of Chambers and Profile Depth
The air chambers in the profile cross-section contribute to thermal insulation. Today, homes generally use systems with 5 or 6 chambers and a depth of 70 mm or more. The number of chambers is not everything on its own, but considered together with profile depth it gives a good idea of insulation performance.
3. Steel Reinforcement
Inside the PVC profile there is galvanised steel reinforcement that prevents the sash and frame from bending. The thickness and cross-section of the reinforcement are critical, especially for large windows and doors. Windows without reinforcement, or with insufficient reinforcement, sag over time, the sash starts to rub against the frame and the seal deteriorates.
4. Glazing Unit
Glass makes up most of a window’s surface area, so a large share of heat loss also occurs through the glass. Instead of standard 4+16+4 double glazing, a Low-E coated and, if possible, argon-filled unit significantly improves energy performance. Solar control coatings should be considered for sunny facades and laminated glass for noisy areas.
5. Spacer Bar (Warm Edge)
The spacer bar that separates the two panes of a double-glazed unit can create a thermal bridge at the edge of the glass. Warm-edge spacers used instead of aluminium spacers reduce condensation at the glass edge and improve the window’s overall U-value. For homes that experience misting at the glass edges in winter, this detail makes a difference.
6. Hardware and Opening Type
Hardware determines how comfortable a window is to use every day. Tilt and turn hardware, which opens both sideways and in the tilt position, is the most popular solution for safe ventilation. Ask about features such as perimeter locking points, mushroom-head locking pins and mis-operation protection. In homes near the coast, corrosion-resistant hardware should be chosen.
7. Gasket Quality
A window’s air- and watertightness depends on its gaskets. Gasket materials such as EPDM or TPE, which retain their flexibility for a long time, are more resistant to sun and temperature changes. Double gasket systems (on the frame and the sash) also reduce dust and noise ingress on windy facades.
8. Colour and Finish
Colours other than white are usually achieved with foil lamination. On facades heavily exposed to the sun, the surface temperature of dark profiles rises; for this reason, heat-resistant foil and suitable reinforcement should be used for dark colours. In regions with very hot summers such as Ortaca, colour choice must be assessed not only aesthetically but also technically.
9. Installation Quality
Even the best window cannot deliver the expected performance if it is installed incorrectly. The frame must be set level and plumb, fixed with suitable anchors and screws, the gap between the frame and the wall must be filled with insulating foam, and waterproofing must be applied on the outside. Sill and drip details prevent rainwater from getting in.
10. After-Sales Service
Over the years a window may need adjustment, gasket replacement or hardware maintenance. Find out whether the company provides survey, installation and subsequent service, and whether spare parts are available. A locally based team means quick help when you need it.
It is also important that user instructions and simple maintenance advice are shared at handover. Lubricating the hardware once a year, wiping the gaskets with a silicone-based care product and keeping the drainage slots clean keep the window working like new.
| Checkpoint | Question to ask |
|---|---|
| Profile | What is its class (A/B), number of chambers and depth? |
| Reinforcement | Is there galvanised steel reinforcement, and how thick is it? |
| Glass | Does it have Low-E, argon and warm edge? |
| Hardware | Is it tilt and turn, and how many locking points are there? |
| Installation | Are foam, anchors and waterproofing included in the price? |
Conclusion
When choosing PVC windows, profile class, reinforcement, glazing unit, spacer bar, hardware, gaskets, colour, installation and after-sales service should all be considered together. These ten points give you not only a more accurate price comparison but also a window you will use trouble-free for years. During a free site survey our team examines the facade, sun and wind conditions of your home and recommends the most suitable window solution.
