Plastic windows have long and successfully superseded classic wooden frames, providing more efficient climate control. Modern designs are distinguished by reliability, ergonomics and energy saving. However, manufacturers regularly introduce new options into their systems that expand the operational capabilities of windows. So, a multifunctional double-glazed window, the photo of which is presented below, is becoming more widespread. If the first models of PVC plastic windows were oriented mainly on heat preservation and sound insulation, then the new generation of double-glazed windows also takes into account user comfort in terms of cooling.
Device features
The main difference between such systems is the special structure of the glass coatings. Technologists have developed the concept of multi-layer spraying, due to which effective protection against sunlight is provided. This is the general direction of protection that a multifunctional double-glazed window provides. What is this from the point of view of operation - the main question of consumers, to answer which should consider the tasks of protective coatings. The lower and upper spraying provides specularity and light transmission of glass. In some models, the shade of a double-glazed window also depends on the characteristics of the outer layer, by the way, manufacturers have been offering color windows for years.
The main functional layer is formed by silver plating, and it is thanks to this material that the structure protects the room from thermal radiation. The upper protective coating, which is provided with a multifunctional double-glazed window, also absorbs and reflects solar heat, but this is not its main task. Rather, it is intended to protect the glass itself from chemical and mechanical influences.
Warm frame in a double-glazed window design
For more effective heat retention in some models of multifunctional double-glazed windows a special strip is used. It is located at the bottom of the structure and is a combination of polypropylene, a foil sheath and an absorbent material. In this configuration, a multifunctional double-glazed window provides low thermal conductivity, preventing radiation from increasing the temperature in the room. In addition, the presence of a warm strip in the window structure prevents the risk of condensation. The complex of these functions determines the operational differences between these systems and traditional double-glazed windows, in which aluminum forms the basis of the frames with a high degree of thermal conductivity - the metal remains cold, as it transmits solar radiation to the room.
What does a double-glazed window protect from?
Despite the desire of manufacturers to segment the line of double-glazed windows by function, most of them already in the basic equipment can be considered as a universal barrier. Plastic windows protect against cold, noise, and also become an obstacle to a flame. The multifunctional double-glazed window is endowed with the same operational capabilities, but at the same time it helps to preserve the cold in hot weather. That is, if the classic metal-plastic construction is energy-saving due to heat preservation, then multifunctional windows also allow saving energy on the air conditioner. Of course, sound insulation is also preserved, which is partially increased by coatings in the form of additional sputtering.
Guardian System Reviews
A successful combination of protective functions at any time of the year is demonstrated by Guardian ClimaGuard Solar double-glazed windows. This product is highly appreciated by users who live in regions with hot summers and cold winters. In particular, the owners note a weak heating of the window itself, but at the same time maintaining the optimal microclimate in the warm season. In winter, the multifunctional double-glazed window ClimaGuard Solar provides reliable protection against the cold. The manufacturer himself indicates that in frost the window demonstrates energy efficiency that is 80% higher than conventional plastic windows. Perhaps this value is exceeded, but there is practically no serious criticism among users regarding the operation of such systems in the winter.
Reviews about double-glazed windows ClimaTeck
Another variation in the multi-function window segment. ClimaTeck developers also offer technology that minimizes the penetration of heat rays into the room and at the same time reduces the impact of ultraviolet radiation. Users of such systems note the absence of a common problem with such structures - window haze. Still, additional spraying reduces the coefficient of light transmission and at the same time affects the quality of visibility. In turn, the multifunctional double-glazed window of the ClimaTeck brand is transparent and has no obstacles for viewing. True, some owners indicate a specular coating, due to the use of metallized spraying.
How much do multi-function windows cost?
Oddly enough, such systems practically do not outperform conventional plastic structures in price. Only in rare cases, models that have a warm bar are more expensive than conventional double-glazed windows. On average, prices range from 2 to 2.5 thousand rubles. for 1 m 2 . The specific cost depends on the configuration in which the multifunctional double-glazed window is purchased. Reviews of budget options note that the quality of protection from the infrared spectrum is not so high, therefore, for a better barrier against sunlight, it is advisable to choose models with thick glasses.
Conclusion
Conventional windows made of polyvinyl chloride today are practically not considered as a separate integral group of systems. This is perhaps the dominant way of equipping window openings, and the only question is which design to prefer. A high-quality multifunctional double-glazed window is suitable for those users who expect to optimize microclimate indicators using windows not only in winter, but also in warm weather. The minimum penetration of thermal radiation makes it possible to save on cooling equipment - this is the main advantage of such systems. Otherwise, in terms of functionality, they are fully consistent with traditional models based on polyvinyl chloride. True, there are some aesthetic disadvantages in the form of a decrease in transparency and a mirror effect on the outside.