How to make ventilation for plastic windows. Options and Features

Are plastic windows sealed windows?

One of the main reasons for choosing plastic windows as a replacement for old ones is the fact that they do not blow. Calling them airtight, however, is incorrect. According to certification tests, air also penetrates through plastic windows.

Volumetric air permeability of VEKA plastic windows, m3/m2h

Plastic windows with ventilation - installation and operation

It is better to install ventilation on a plastic window during the ordering process. Then the installation will be done professionally, and the device itself will have a manufacturer’s warranty.

It is possible to install a supply valve on an existing plastic window. As a rule, installation is done by specialists. The installed valve is secured with latches and can be easily removed if necessary. The standard warranty for air supply devices for plastic windows is 2 years.

Air quality and microclimate

Ventilation

- the process of replacing air to maintain its optimal quality for a comfortable microclimate.

Microclimate -

the composition of air in a room, in which, with prolonged and systematic exposure to a person, a comfortable (optimal) state of the human body is ensured. It is determined by air temperature, humidity and mobility.

Air replacement

(a consequence of ventilation) is a process that ensures acceptable values ​​of carbon dioxide content in a room, acceptable humidity and temperature.

Ventilation and plastic: compatible or not?

Why haven’t they yet come up with a way to effectively ventilate windows in the modern world? Here we need to be more aware of the issue of ventilation in houses. Here everything was based on the presence of a hood in the kitchen and bathroom, as well as ventilation through the door and window slits. This technique was invented a long time ago and has already met the expectations of the inventors.

And now you can look at this invention from the perspective of arranging new plastic windows. When the structure goes through the installation process, all cracks and gaps are sealed, thereby creating humidity in the room. This disrupts natural air exchange due to air not entering the room. The indoors of a house or apartment becomes stuffy, humid and discomfort begins. Here a process can begin, which will consist of the following: all the air will not leave the room, but will remain there constantly, and also all the smells from the neighboring apartments will be felt completely by you.

Here we can highlight other problems that arise during operation. Due to the constant closing of windows, condensation may form inside the structure, which will prevent the normal use of materials. It is best to keep the windows on the micro-ventilation function to prevent the glass from fogging up.

Plastic window ventilation mode

Of course, you can get rid of such problems with simple ventilation using several built-in modes. Also, when purchasing, you should consider the number of cameras. If there is a cold temperature, it is better to buy multi-chamber windows, which will retain heat much better. Of course, you will have to overpay for quality, but the result will not keep you waiting

Requirements for air replacement (ventilation)

In the Sanitary and Epidemiological Requirements for Residential Buildings and Premises, as well as Construction Standards (SanPiN 2.1.2.1002-00, SNiP 2.04.05-91, SNiP 2.08.02-89, SNiP 31-01-2003, etc.), as well as European standards (for example, DIN 1946-2, DIN 1947-6) establish air exchange requirements.

Air exchange standardized for various types of premises

According to SNiP 2.08.02-89, SNiP 31-01-2003

Ventilation helps to normalize the level of carbon dioxide and other impurities in the indoor air by replacing it with fresh air. One of the main requirements for properly functioning ventilation is the serviceability of the house air removal system (house ventilation shaft).

Attic and basement ventilation without dormer windows

When building a private house, the issue of ventilation is very important. The less heat loss from open windows, the less energy required for heating. When adding piping to the project to supply air to all rooms, we must not forget about the space under the roof and the basement. Ventilation windows are needed in the attic, even if it is cold and well insulated. It will not allow the rafters to rot, the insulation to become damp and mold to appear.

Free space in the basement or attic can be used to install recovery and air exchange systems and lay pipes throughout the house. Fence grilles can be installed on the gables. Then the ventilation of the attic or basement will take place without dormer windows.

Attic ventilation

Normal humidity level in residential areas

According to SanPiN 2.1.2.1002-00, a relative humidity level of 30-65% at a temperature of 18-28 degrees is considered acceptable for residential premises. Celsius.

According to the building rules - SP 50.13330.2012 “Thermal protection of buildings” - the normal room humidity will be:

Possible installation options

Forced ventilation in a window can be implemented in three ways, which vary greatly in complexity.

The most difficult method is adjusting the size of the opening

The most labor-intensive and costly method involves installing the above-mentioned overhead elements. They are mounted as follows:

• The existing glass unit is removed.
• The opening is expanded by the amount of the lining.
• The glass unit is installed back.
• An overlay is installed into the resulting gap.
• The cracks are covered with cement mortar (or something similar).

The technique looks deadly labor-intensive and unreasonable. Therefore, no one does the work in this order, because it is fraught with cosmic expenditures of effort, time and money. It is necessary to take care of additional ventilation in advance, that is, before installing the double-glazed window.

Related article: Shutters for windows

The most thoughtful people, when ordering PVC windows, immediately plan to install additional air flow. To do this, the opening is made a little wider than the glass unit requires. This technique is the most effective, and most importantly rational.

Installation instructions for Aereco models

However, what to do if the double-glazed window is already in place? Models from Aereco are installed using a simpler method. It consists of the following:

• A location for installing the channel is selected. If possible, this should be the least visible area.

Please note: additional window fittings should not interfere with installation. Take this fact into account when choosing a location.

• Then marking is done.
• We screw the bar to the selected location using special self-tapping screws for PVC structures.
• We mark the location of the technological grooves on the vestibule.
• We remove the bar. Using a drill and an electric jigsaw, we cut holes in the sash and the frame itself.
• Setting the bar again.
• We secure the valve using special latches.

This procedure is relatively labor-intensive. In addition, it requires special tools, which almost everyone has. Another factor is that a person without proper experience will not be able to do the job accurately. Conclusion - it is better to entrust the installation of such a device to a specialist.

Air-box - installation without problems

There is another technique that anyone can handle. The air-box manufacturer has created a model that can be installed without the use of tools. The kit includes a special seal and PVC screws. The work is carried out in the following sequence:

• Select the intended installation location.
• We cut off the standard seal in this place (which is located on the sash).
• Insert a new one (from the kit).
• Remove the protective film from the valve.
• We secure it in the place where the new seal is installed using special latches.
• Close the flaps and make a mark on the frame along the length of the valve.
• We cut off the existing seal in this place and install a new one in its place (the same one from the kit).

If something is unclear to you, you can watch a video from the manufacturer himself. It will allow you to clearly understand everything.

Natural and mechanical ventilation

Ventilation can be, according to SNiP 31-01-2003:

• natural - with natural inflow and removal of air;
• mechanical - with mechanical stimulation of air inflow and removal;
• combined - with natural inflow and removal of air with partial use of mechanical stimulation.

The optimal combination in combination with installed plastic windows is, according to technicians from Window Company Business-M, a forced ventilation system and air recovery.

However, the high cost of individual recovery devices makes the segment of these products inaccessible to a large number of private customers, and in the multi-apartment residential sector only a few multi-storey business class buildings can boast of having such devices.

Obviously, the buyer of plastic windows faces a serious dilemma: which ventilation device to choose at an affordable price to ensure normal ventilation? Or is it easier and more practical to ventilate the room the “old-fashioned way”?

Other solutions for ventilation of a room with a PVC window

The easiest way to ventilate your living space is to open a window. It is not necessary to open it completely; you can simply set the micro-ventilation mode. But this option has several disadvantages:

• Dust gets into the room.
• There is no way to precisely adjust the volume of incoming air.
• Housing becomes insufficiently safe, especially on the first floors.
• Strong gusts of wind can swing the door open, and with regular exposure, it can loosen some elements of the locking hardware.

However, opening the sash is a solution that does not require financial costs or damage to the integrity of the window structure.

You can also organize ventilation of a room with a plastic window using the so-called “comb”. You also open the sash slightly, but if you have this part, you have the opportunity to fix it in the selected position.

Comb for plastic windows

Note! Some manufacturers offer PVC structures, the locking fittings of which already include a similar element. The lock is visible only when the window is open.

An effective solution to the problem of ventilation in residential premises is supply wall valves. The principle of their operation is similar to products mounted on windows, but the performance is higher. The device can be equipped with:

• air-injecting fans;
• heating elements;
• nozzles that determine the direction of air flow;
• various sensors.

All of them turn the supply valve into a climate control device for ventilation.

However, its installation is quite expensive. And the installation itself is labor-intensive, because it is necessary to make a through hole in the wall with a diameter of at least 10 cm. It is better to carry out this work before the room is finished.

Basic parts of a simple wall valve

Ventilation in the window sill of plastic windows allows you to organize high-quality air exchange in the room. It consists of several through holes that are covered with a decorative grille. Hot air from the heating radiator rises through it unhindered.

Ventilation grille on the windowsill

Comparison of ventilation devices for PVC windows

A visual comparison of affordable ventilation devices is shown in the table.

Why is it needed?

Plastic windows with industrial glass units appeared in Europe in the mid-50s. At first they were completely unpopular, because wooden ones seemed more familiar and understandable. In the 70s, to minimize heat losses in heated buildings, the demand for plastic double-glazed windows began to increase. The advantage of structures made of plastic profiles is their tightness . But sometimes it negatively affects the indoor microclimate. Because of this, mold and mildew occur. To prevent mold from infecting the window profile itself and moving to the walls and ceiling, ventilation is necessary. The supply of fresh air from outside and control of its influx allows you to ventilate rooms around the clock and effectively combat condensation - the main cause of fungus and mold. Attention: You need to order windows from a trusted supplier and invite specialists for installation who can carry out the installation in accordance with GOST. This will guarantee that natural air exchange will be established between the room and the street, then the amount of condensation will be significantly reduced. For air exchange, the windows are equipped with a tilt-and-turn system. This method of opening is optimal for ventilation in both cold and hot weather.

To maintain a comfortable indoor microclimate, additional ventilation devices have also been developed:

1. Comb.
2. Microventilator.
3. Supply ventilation valves (read separately about arranging supply ventilation with your own hands).

Types of ventilation valves

A ventilation valve is the best way to provide your home with fresh air!!

The ventilation system is provided with automatic adjustment, since a sensor is built into the window that determines the degree of humidity in the apartment, the number of people and other elements, creating an optimal ventilation mode.

Types of climate control ventilation valves:

1. rebated – installed without dismantling windows, maintains sound insulation. Air enters through certain openings in the vestibule. The most budget-friendly method;
2. slotted windows - also do not require dismantling PVC windows; they are considered a fairly high-quality option. Air enters through holes covered with an adjustable block;
3. overhead - the most modern option, is considered the best in terms of air passage, but has a complex installation system. If they are not installed initially, this will become impossible in the future, that is, when ordering windows, overhead valves are immediately ordered, which are adjusted to the dimensions of the PVC windows;
4. mechanical - installed in a system of plastic windows with your own hands and allows you to provide and control the air flow yourself, manually changing the position of the valve;
5. automatic – window ventilators have an automatic hygrometer that regulates the air flow around the clock at any time of the year.

How to choose a window valve

The choice of window valve depends on its future location on the window. You can install the system in the gap between the sash and the frame, directly on the window sash, in the window ledge, on top of the window in the mounting seam, in the frame profile and through the seals. A consultant will help you choose a suitable model, who will tell you in detail about the pros and cons of a particular installation for different types and materials of the profile. Additionally, when deciding on the installation location, keep in mind that you will be the one using the system, which means you need to have direct access to it, uncomplicated by additional movements. In addition, many valves are large enough to disrupt the lighting in the room. Correctly positioning the ventilation device on the profile will help not reduce the light levels in the apartment. In conclusion, we note that if you have purchased an apartment in which double-glazed windows with valves are already installed, do not dismantle the devices under any circumstances. It was no coincidence that the developers installed just such windows. Valves are also needed to prevent the windows in the room from fogging up and dampness from forming. If you are not satisfied with the air exchange, it is better to completely replace all glazing. If the apartment has windows without valves, they can be ordered from the company. Professional installers will perform the work based on the design features and recommendations of the manufacturers.

Negative consequences of installing plastic windows

The use of plastic windows ensures tightness and heat retention, but leads to the fact that humidity begins to accumulate in the room, leading to the formation of dampness and mold.

Problems that arise after installing PVC windows

Lack of ventilation of plastic windows contributes to:

• increasing humidity in the structure;
• the formation of stuffiness and air stagnation;
• a feeling of lack of oxygen in the room;
• fogging of windows.

All this leads to deterioration of health, decreased performance and sleep disturbances in the residents. The lack of air mass flow into the room leads to the opposite result. Often, a reverse air flow effect occurs when an air mass enters the apartment from other neighboring apartments.

Forced ventilation in an apartment with plastic windows can eliminate existing shortcomings.