What windows to use in different types of new buildings

Are you designing a new family home, apartment building, commercial property, or another new construction? In this article, we will look at what types of windows are suitable for different types of new buildings. In some cases, it is worth investing in aluminum windows, in others wood is the clear choice, and in most cases, reliable plastic windows are the way to go. Let's take a look at the specifics of different types of windows.

For family homes, plastic windows are most common

Plastic windows offer the best price/quality ratio. Nowadays, high-quality plastic windows are manufactured in various decors and colors, so they fit into virtually any family home. Compared to aluminum and wooden windows, plastic windows are more economical while offering comparable properties – both sound and thermal insulation. Additionally, they are very low maintenance.

When it comes to specific window properties (thermal and sound insulation, security, etc.), the material is less important than the choice of profile and its installation depth, the type of glazing, and the seals used.

• Installation depth is essentially the thickness of the window profile measured from the interior to the exterior. The basic is a five-chamber window profile with an installation depth of at least 70 mm. Customers who are willing to invest in quality opt for six-chamber profiles with a minimum installation depth of 80 mm. The number of chambers affects the stiffness and strength of the structure.
• The basic standard today is the use of double glazing. However, due to rising energy costs, customers are increasingly requesting triple glazing, which has lower thermal transmittance and can reduce heat losses by more than 30%.
• The number of seals is also important; frames with double sealing may suffer from frequent condensation.

What are the classes of plastic profiles?

The class of plastic profiles according to ČSN EN 12608 distinguishes categories A, B, C. The classification is based on the thickness of the visible wall of the plastic profile. Class A has the widest outer wall (3 mm), class B has an outer wall thickness of 2.7 mm, and class C has 2.5 mm. This parameter determines the stability and long lifespan of the windows.

Wooden windows for log cabins and timber houses

Wooden windows require more maintenance. They need to be repainted occasionally and are not suitable for areas with high humidity and fluctuating temperatures. If you want a truly natural material that looks beautiful, wooden windows can be used in virtually all family homes. It is almost a must to use wooden euro windows or double-hung windows in traditional wooden buildings (such as log cabins or timber houses). If the owner doesn't mind, in other wooden buildings, plastic windows in wood decor can also be used, which are cheaper and require minimal maintenance time.

Aluminum windows not just for commercial and administrative buildings

Aluminum windows are the most expensive but highest quality. Even after many years, they still look like new when regularly adjusted, and you can't tell they've been in place for over 10 years. They look elegant, withstand even harsh weather conditions excellently, and have an extremely long lifespan. Aluminum windows are also best suited for large glazed areas and can be ordered in unconventional shapes. They are used in new constructions of commercial properties, administrative buildings, and in recent years more frequently in family homes. Their maintenance is low, and again, you can get them in various color finishes.

No matter what type of windows you choose, you should know that they must comply with the implementation standard ČSN 74 6077 Windows and external doors – Requirements for installation. The standard defines requirements for the functional and durable installation of windows and doors, including rules for window installation, connection joints, installation accuracy, anchoring, and mounting materials. All developers constructing new homes must adhere to this standard.