Guide

Do passive and energy efficient houses need special windows?

A passive house should be as energy-efficient as possible and therefore, above all, properly designed. The energy balance of the building must be included in the design, which is closely linked to the use of the right materials and the application of the right construction technologies for such buildings...

Windows are a very important element. The investor and the window supplier must know in advance what the project requirements are and what the window installation should look like, as this affects both the pricing and the work plan of the installation team.
In KM PLAST we offer special windows for passive and energy-efficient houses, which have appropriate certificates. These are windows with so-called warm glazing. Remember, however, that glazing will only contribute to the energy efficiency of a building if the windows are installed correctly.

The size of the windows in a passive house can vary, but more energy-efficient windows are the large ones, in which a higher percentage of the surface area is taken up by the glazing and not by the "colder" window profiles.

Airtight windows - how to air your home properly?

If we have good, airtight windows, there is a problem with ventilation, especially in rooms where people are present. Air inlets are a good solution – thanks to them windows can be completely mechanically closed, they are still storm and burglary proof and the rooms will still be ventilated. This is important in our climate, especially in winter...

It is best to order windows with air inlets right away, which will be installed between the upper edge of the glass unit and the profile. Then we can be sure that everything will work properly. But what if we have windows without air inlets and we decide that we need them in our flat? Can they be fitted? Yes. There are two solutions. The first is the installation of the air inlet in the sash profile or in the frame. Installation of air inlets consists in milling holes in the window profile (as recommended by the manufacturer), screwing the device and attaching covers.

Why do window panes sometimes fog up on the inside? Sometimes steam appears also between the panes. What can be done about it?

Condensation on windows from the flat side is caused by an imbalance between room heating and ventilation. This in turn is related to the tightness of modern windows made of PVC profiles.
However, to be sure that this balance between heating and ventilation needs to be ensured, you must first check for manufacturing defects in the windows and installation errors. Therefore, in the event of excessive condensation, it is advisable to consult a window professional...

If there are no defects in the windows, then, depending on the weather conditions, it is necessary to determine by trial and error how to use the windows in such a way as to prevent excessive humidity on walls, furniture, carpets, etc.
It is therefore necessary to start by finding a heating and ventilation intensity that creates a comfortable indoor environment for the residents. Ventilation is particularly important, e.g. by using air inlets in the windows or unsealing the windows in various ways.

The possible appearance of moisture inside of the glazing unit generally indicates a defect in the glazing. Glass units must be perfectly airtight, as the space between the panes is often filled with noble gas already at the production stage to achieve the best thermal properties. And the steam between the panes unfortunately does not indicate airtightness. Such a defect cannot be repaired – the glazing unit must be replaced with a new one.

Condensation appears on the outside of the glass – is this a defect in the windows?

This phenomenon is quite common with "warm glazing" and does not indicate a defect in the windows. This situation occurs when warmer humid air comes into contact with cooler surfaces. As the air cools on the cold glass surface, it enters a saturated state and as a result, excess moisture condenses on the glass. Why are windows so cold that water condenses on them?

This is the result of high technology of window production. Glass units have very good thermal insulation, so the heat from home only penetrates slightly to the outside and does not unnecessarily heat the outer pane of glass. Therefore, the appearance of steam on the outside of the glazing is in no way a defect of the windows, but a sign of the good thermal properties of the glazing installed in the windows, and this phenomenon cannot be eliminated.

Child-safe windows.

Every window, even on the ground floor, should be secured against being opened by small children. Modern windows have a tilt function, which is great for child safety. Therefore, you should either completely secure your windows against opening, or use solutions that only allow you to tilt the window...

A special handle with a key can be easily fitted on a ready-installed window. This ensures that only the person holding the key can open it. Such handles are also available with a button instead of a key, which also prevents children from opening the window.
However, it is best to consider installing special fittings and accessories already at the stage of ordering a window so that you do not have to worry about children opening the window by themselves. For example, using a Winkhaus TBT handle is the ideal solution. With this handle, the sequence of functions is reversed – before you open the window, you first tilt it (TBT – tilt before turn). Such fittings are used in schools, kindergartens, but also in private homes to prevent children from opening the windows in a dangerous situation.

Another solution also offered by Winkhaus is the FSV window lock mounted in the window hinge. Thanks to it, the window can only be tilted. The window can be fully opened only with a key.

Safety is also provided by the OBV opening limiter (Winkhaus), which allows windows to be opened by only 5 cm. The window can only be opened completely when the lock is released, which is very difficult for children.
That is why when ordering windows in KM PLAST you should think about installing these safe fittings, which in combination with high quality windows will give you and your family the comfort of safe use.

Is it possible to replace a broken pane in a PVC window on your own?

In modern windows with glass units it is better not to try to replace broken glass on your own. We strongly recommend contracting this service to the technical department of KM PLAST. On the first visit, the team will measure the pane precisely, and on the next visit they will replace the glass on site...

There is no need to remove the window sash. It is enough to remove the glazing slats, remove the broken pane and insert a new one. Then the professionals will wedge the sash on the glazing backing and install the glazing slats. We encourage you to have this work done by a window service technician, as glazing replacement can be a dangerous operation due to the possibility of breaking the glass. If the window sash is not properly wedged, the window may not function properly and may fail.

How to maintain PVC windows?

Especially before winter, it is important to secure window elements against low temperatures, snow and moisture. It is best to carry out such work at least once a year – this way the window will last longer without the need for repair. In addition to the usual window cleaning, profiles, gaskets and fitting elements need to be maintained...

If necessary, you can adjust the sash pressure yourself by changing the position of the rollers or catches in the fittings. Gaskets should be lubricated – with special gasket silicones, fittings should be oiled. In addition to the agents recommended and available in KM PLAST, there are others available on the market. It is important to ensure that none of these agents contain solvent derivatives as they could damage the profiles.

Mosquito-free flat thanks to mosquito nets.

In summer, the nicest and warmest evenings can be spoiled by mosquitoes. To avoid their invasion in the evening, it is advisable to protect the windows with mosquito nets during the day to prevent them from entering the flat or house.
Such mosquito nets can be fitted at any time. They do not interfere with the window structure, do not affect the proper functioning of the window profiles...

The simplest solution is a frame mosquito net. This is the most popular form of protection against insects. It is made of aluminium frame with stretched net. It is attached non-invasively, for example by means of rotating hooks, which makes its installation and removal very simple and quick. It does not restrict window functionality or visibility.
Another solution is a roller mosquito net to be installed in a window recess. It has a spring mechanism that improves operating comfort. It is equipped with guides and a spring mechanism that allows the net to be quickly unrolled and rolled into the cassette, creating a tight system to stop insects. A chain located on one side of the net may be used for operation. The chain makes it easy to operate a wide mosquito net.

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Guide

Do passive and energy efficient houses need special windows?

Airtight windows - how to air your home properly?

Why do window panes sometimes fog up on the inside? Sometimes steam appears also between the panes. What can be done about it?

Condensation appears on the outside of the glass – is this a defect in the windows?

Child-safe windows.

Is it possible to replace a broken pane in a PVC window on your own?

How to maintain PVC windows?

Mosquito-free flat thanks to mosquito nets.

Bring quality into your home Contact us!

Bring quality into your home Contact us!

Contact

Bring quality into your home
Contact us!

Bring quality into your home
Contact us!