Category: Blog

Knowing these eight reasons why you should prefer plastic windows will make choosing your new windows easier and help put your plan into action faster!

1. Reliability

Plastic (PVC) windows have been around in Estonia for over 25 years. Half of all window buyers prefer windows made from plastic materials.

2. Thermal performance

Customers are increasingly looking for windows that would enable them to cut down heating costs. Plastic windows are known for their excellent heat- and sound-insulating properties. The chambered design and advanced seals of the framing make plastic windows warm and airtight.

3. Long service life

The durability of plastic windows is an established fact: the material is both UV- and weatherproof, as well as highly resistant to cold, sunlight, and rain. Plastic lasts many years!

4. Excellent price-to-quality ratio

Plastic is also more affordable than other types of materials used in windows. The exact specifications of the windows will depend on the environment the building is in. In the case of thermal and sound insulation requirements, plastic windows can be had for a very reasonable price. Compared to other window materials, the price difference is noticeable.

Options with high thermal and sound insulation are available, too. And even these will cost you less than windows made from other materials.

5. Wide range of options

Plastic windows can be selected on the basis of their environment, as they can be manufactured according to the customer’s measurements and imagination. They can be standard rectangular windows, triangular, round, or arched, or even used in balcony, exterior, or sliding doors. The range of surface colour options is wide and the framing can also be decorated with wood patterns.

6. High safety and security

Plastic windows are safe to operate for adults and children alike. To avoid injuries from impacts and falls and keep out intruders, you can also have the windows fitted with safety glass and child safety locks.

7. Ease of care

Plastic windows are low-maintenance. They do not need overpainting, will not fade, are resistant to moisture and sunlight, and require little care. For regular maintenance, it is enough to wash the framing and glazing, lubricate the seals with silicone oil, and, occasionally, clean and lubricate the fittings.

8. Convenience

We have been installing plastic windows since 1993 and can assure you that new windows will both make your life more comfortable and save energy. Our experts will help determine your needs, bring your windows to life, and install them exactly according to your specifications!

View Klaasmerk’s selection of windows here!

If you find condensation on your new windows, the reason is simple: the new windows are more airtight and are hindering ventilation in the room. How can you avoid sweaty windows?

The problem lies in the indoor climate

If you have had your windows replaced and the new windows are sweating, the problem is generally not the window, but the changed indoor climate. The likely source of the issue is that natural ventilation through the windows is obstructed, which causes excessive moisture in the air to condense on colder surfaces – in residential buildings these are generally the windows. Thus, the formation of condensation should not be taken as a definite sign that there is something wrong with the window, but rather as an indication of problems with the indoor climate.

This can be resolved through heating and regular ventilation of the rooms via the windows or forced ventilation. In other words, sweaty windows can be avoided by maintaining an appropriate level of humidity in the indoor air and keeping your rooms warm, including the surface of the glass. Instead of blocking air movement with thick curtains, allow air to circulate near the windows.

Air humidity is affected by the people in the room, in particular their breathing and activities, such as cooking, as well as the presence of indoor plants, etc.

Heat and ventilate!

The solution, therefore, is simple: heat and ventilate! If the building is not equipped with an appropriate and functional supply and exhaust ventilation system to maintain an acceptable indoor air quality, you will inevitably need to open the windows once or twice a day to air the rooms. Alternatively, you can try fitting the window sash or frame with ventilation flaps.

As condensation is a physical phenomenon that occurs when the temperature drops below the dew point, sweaty windows are particularly common in the autumn and spring, especially with modern windows that have excellent thermal insulation. This is also one of the possible causes of fog on the outer pane of the window.

Condensation forms on the outer pane when air humidity is high and the air is cool. Since this is in part also caused by the warm indoor air not being able to reach the outer pane, condensation on the outside of the window is simply a sign of proper thermal insulation. Hence, fog on your windows means that the windows are truly of high quality and energy-efficient.

Frost is not a threat

However, if it is cold outside, the room should still be heated, because colder temperatures will cause the barriers to cool, which means more energy will need to be expended to keep the room warm.

Sweating is less of an issue with triple-glazed units, as the surface of the inner pane is relatively warm in these, which lowers the risk of condensation.

Sliding doors are becoming increasingly popular in modern interior design. And it is not surprising: they are convenient, stylish, and suitable for use as both wardrobe and closet doors as well as room dividers.

1. Space-saving – sliding doors can be opened without the need for additional floor space. They can be installed throughout the height and width of the room. Sliding doors can be designed with heights of up to 3.2 metres and widths of up to 1.8 metres. This means they can be used virtually anywhere where there is not enough room for a regular door. Sliding doors also come in more shapes than just rectangular. Door construction technology enables sliding doors to be used even under sloped ceilings – they can be installed either parallel or perpendicular to the ceiling.
2. Customizable – sliding doors can be tailored to the customer’s wishes and needs. They can be made with various types of glass, textile, plastic, high-pressure laminate, or wood. Each side of the door can be covered with a different material (e.g., glass on one side, mirror on the other). Depending on the required level of opacity, sliding doors can be ordered with frosted, regular, or patterned decorative glass.
3. Easy to operate – sliding doors move on special rollers in the lower rail, which makes operating the doors easy and convenient. There are different mechanisms available – some are bottom-rolling (rollers on the floor), while others are top-hung (suspended). Top-hung doors leave the floor below free; lateral movement is prevented with the help of a special concealed stay at the bottom of the door. Roller- and rail-mounted sliding doors are easy to open and close, and they will never get in your way as you go about your business in the room, regardless of the position they are in.
4. Efficient and practical – opening sliding doors does not require any extra space, which makes them ideal for locations where floor area is at a premium: antechambers, hallways, small rooms. Using sliding doors in front of a wardrobe or storage compartment protects your clothes and other items from dust and fading. Plus, they can offer privacy by hiding the contents of your wardrobe from prying eyes. Sliding doors can also be used for dividing a room into different areas, allowing you to create, for example, a separate workspace in your living room. While this can also be achieved with partition walls, sliding doors provide a more open and flexible solution.
5. Pleasing to the eye – in most cases, a sliding door is considerably more attractive than a regular door, and enables you to highlight various design solutions in the room. There is no lack of design options for sliding doors, and all you have to do to find a suitable solution is let your imagination fly. This means that you can furnish your home or office exactly as you imagined it.

By ordering your sliding doors from Klaasmerk, you can be sure that they are manufactured precisely according to your needs and are a perfect fit for your home or office. Submit dimensions here or, even better, call in our specialist to take the measurements and install your sliding doors once they are ready.

Read also: Should you choose a lift & slide door or a tilt & slide door?

 

If you are thinking about replacing your windows, you will want to keep an ear out for any and all advice. We have compiled these 7 tips to help you make the best decision.

1. Start by considering the building from the outside

First, try to picture the windows you want, consider the openability, colour, and glazing of the windows. Think about the wind and sound levels in the area, as well as the orientation of the windows. Assess the compatibility of the new windows with the rest of the building and any neighbouring buildings, because you might need permission from the housing cooperative and in some cases even the National Heritage Board.

2. Determine the required characteristics for the new windows

Think about the purpose of the rooms where the windows are to be installed, and how often the rooms will be occupied, because modern windows are airtight. Before replacing your old windows, give some thought to how ventilation would be provided going forward and whether it is energy-efficient. Adequate ventilation is essential for the health of the occupants of the room.

How much sound insulation should the new windows provide?

If you would like the new windows to bring down your heating costs, you should consider windows with lower thermal transmittance, i.e. consider the U-values of the windows. Double-pane insulating glass units are becoming obsolete – the future of window design is triple glazing.

3. Find out what the installation service includes

Window replacement is a dirty and extensive job, which is why you should know exactly what the installation service does and does not include. Does it include additional work, such as repairing and finishing the reveals, installing internal and external windowsills, etc.? Which of these are included in the price of the replacement of the windows and what is not? Perhaps replacing the windows in your building requires specific additional work?

4. Consider the maintenance requirements and operation particularities

When replacing windows, it is also important to consider the ease of maintenance and operation of the new windows. Can they be opened? How? What kind of care do they need? Considering the maintenance requirements of the windows in the early stages will help you avoid issues such as the effects of intense sunlight on south-facing windows, etc. later on.

5. Examine the warranty terms

Check the warranty period and whether there are any exclusions, whether you are buying the windows from the manufacturer or a distributor, and think about whether the vendor is likely to still be able to assume liability for its products in five years’ time. A window is a construction product and as such must be CE-marked and come with a user manual (including instructions for the installation and maintenance of the window). Windows are regulated by the European standard EN 14351-1.

6. Establish the best time for replacing the windows

The preferred time for replacing windows is generally from late spring to early autumn, but modern installation foams enable windows to be fitted even in bitterly cold weather down to -10 °C. As the season is no longer a major factor in window replacement, you might wish to find out what your options are for replacing the windows at other times. You may find it more suitable for both you and your wallet.

And don’t forget to ask your window fitter how long the replacement will take, as this can vary between companies.

7. Ask for advice from experts

This also comes recommended by the Estonian Association of Construction Material Producers (EETL) who have compiled a set of guidelines for window replacement. Do not hesitate to ask for or consult the manufacturer’s installation guides. Get multiple quotes from different companies for comparison and provide all the details you can when submitting your request for a quote. Do some research on the provider. A competent vendor will be able to inform you of the relevant options and risks. Before making your decision, see if you can take a look at previously installed windows.

Pay attention to how the provider communicates with you and consider the overall impression you get from them. The more informed you are about window replacement, the easier it will be to get a clear picture of the expertise of the company’s employees and make the final decision.

Klaasmerk windows are made from high-quality German PVC profiles, strictly adhering to stringent German window manufacturing processes. Quality is further bolstered by our highly qualified and experienced workforce. This combination ensures that the doors and windows we manufacture are of high quality and meet modern standards and requirements.

Klaasmerk windows are made using modern production technology.

In Estonia, doors and windows are primarily fitted with profile systems designed and manufactured in Germany. Windows from Polish and Turkish manufacturers are also available, and while they are generally cheaper, their level of product development and quality is low and technical capabilities limited.

In window manufacturing, AS Klaasmerk follows a fixed set of rules developed by the system manufacturers. These include fixed combinations of frames and sashes, permitted minimum and maximum dimensions, structure statics, etc. Window manufacturing rules are compiled by each system manufacturer and they can be found in the corresponding catalogues.

We are constantly seeking better solutions

The fields of window system design and window material production are constantly evolving. Klaasmerk is always at the forefront of the deployment of innovative window manufacturing materials and solutions. We design windows and offer solutions on the basis of the load requirements at the site. The rigidity and stability of our PVC profiles is ensured through the use of galvanised steel profiles. Klaasmerk uses high-quality window fitting systems (handles, locks, hinges) from Austrian and German manufacturers. Cheaper Polish- or Turkish-made fittings are also sometimes used in Estonia.

Every window must have an insulating glass unit. AS Klaasmerk manufactures its own units for windows, but also buys them from reliable manufacturers in Latvia and Lithuania.

Most manufacturers use largely the same production processes, the only difference is the level of automation of the production lines. AS Klaasmerk keeps a keen eye on the constant developments in the window market and is always looking for the best technical solutions and technological advances.

Klaasmerk is a leading manufacturer of plastic windows

For pre-production design and work drawing generation, we use dedicated software that is linked with our production planning and equipment.

All window manufacturing stages are completed by qualified specialists using special equipment.

AS Klaasmerk owes its success to continuous research and development, through which we aim to provide our customers with PVC doors and windows of the highest possible quality. Today, we are one of the leading manufacturers of plastic windows in all of Estonia and the Baltics. AS Klaasmerk’s outstanding work is founded on modern technology, a stable team, reliable partners, and high-quality products.

Today, window buyers have many window manufacturers to choose from. Some companies work to a high standard, others less so. It is easy for buyers to get confused, and advice on how to make the right choice can be invaluable. Choosing a window manufacturer can sometimes be as difficult as choosing new windows. That is why we have compiled these 6 tips for choosing the right window manufacturer.

1. Time in business. When choosing a window manufacturer, find out how long they have been operating in the country. This tells you how much production experience they have, and can give you more confidence in your choice. If the manufacturer has been in business for more than 20 years, that is a definite point in their favour. It is a clear sign of quality work that cannot be achieved with just one-time customers, especially in a country as small as Estonia. Repeat customers can only be earned through good work, and it shows that the company is trusted.
2. In Estonia, to narrow down the selection, consider whether the manufacturer is a member of the Association of Construction Material Producers of Estonia (EETL), and see what certificates they hold. A list of EETL members can be found here.
3. Professional communication. Everyone likes to be listened to and to have even what may seem like the dumbest questions answered properly – several times, if necessary, and always with a smile. The more you feel like your concerns are being considered when communicating with your window manufacturer, the more prepared you may even be to forgive minor delays in production, should they arise. Communication is a powerful tool!
4. The dependability of the workman. The working methods of the workman that is sent to measure your windows should inspire confidence. He (or she) should be wearing proper working clothes, preferably with the company’s logo, be able to answer any questions you have, and, if necessary, explain what he is doing clearly and conversationally.
5. Prefer local manufacturers. Choosing a local manufacturer will make solving any warranty and maintenance issues much easier. The nearer the company, the higher the chance that someone you know knows someone in the company, and acquaintances can always rely on quality work.
6. Ask for recommendations from your friends and family. Someone you know is sure to have had their windows replaced at some point and will know how to advise you. Listening to their advice will enable you to repeat their successes or learn from their mistakes.

Read also: 8 reasons why you should prefer plastic windows

Proper window care pays dividends through beautiful lighting and by extending the service life of the windows. In other words, it ensures that the windows fulfill their purpose.

While most people wash their windows maybe once or twice a year, even this infrequent care should always include thoroughly cleaning the framing and seals. For washing, use a neutral detergent and water, and dry with a soft cloth. Never use rough granular cleaning products. Even when it seems like they would make the job go faster.

Gypsum, plaster, and render residue should be removed from windows using a wooden or plastic putty knife, but only if washing fails entirely.

What not to do

Under no circumstances should windows be cleaned using sharp tools, such as knives, metal putty knives, steel wool, sandpaper, etc., because these may damage the surface of the window. Meanwhile, aggressive cleaners, like nitro solvent, nail polish remover, etc., can cause irreversible damage to the surface of window profiles.

It is also recommended to keep excessive water away from internal windowsills, as this may lead to swelling. To avoid static charge, use an anti-static agent.

Technical inspection of windows

Aside from regular cleaning, plastic windows should also be inspected once a year to ensure their extended and flawless functioning. Clean the drainage slots of the windows, use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and dirt from inside the frame, and clear any clogged slots using a wooden or plastic rod. Seals should be lubricated with petroleum jelly or a special grease stick. This helps retain the elasticity of the seals and prevents them from sticking.

Take care of your fittings

Window fittings require special care. Windows may be equipped with either fibre or metal fittings – to identify the fittings, consult the purchasing documents or carry out a visual inspection of the window. For information on fitting maintenance and how to properly open and close the window, consult the user and maintenance guide for the fittings.

How to clean PVC windows

PVC profiles may be cleaned with a cloth soaked in a non-abrasive detergent, and then dried. In the case of heavy soiling, we recommend using a special PVC window cleaner. PVC profiles should never be cleaned using window cleaning agents, because these may charge window profiles with static electricity and cause the window to attract dust.

Regular window care (cleaning, lubrication) is generally easy enough to handle independently, but adjusting the windows, replacing the seals, and other work related to the performance of the windows is best left to qualified specialists.

Order your window maintenance services from Klaasmerk!

Taking measurements for ordering a window is a breeze. All you need is a tape measure, a piece of paper, and to follow a few simple tips.

Before we get started, a word of caution: the following instructions only apply to requests for quotes, for which it is only necessary to know the approximate heights and widths of the windows.

Outer dimensions of the frame

Requests for quotes must include the outer dimensions of the window frame. If your measurements are slightly off and you will be ordering the windows together with installation, there is no need to worry, because the manufacturer’s expert will come and measure your windows in person before production.

Width, height, and depth of the window aperture

Whether the windows will be installed in a new or old building, i.e. a masonry wall or a wooden wall, is not important. The width of the aperture should be measured from the outside from one jamb to the other or from one side of the rendered wall to the other.

The height should be measured from the outside from the external sill to the header above the window, because the location of the external sill cannot be changed. This will give you the approximate width and height of the window. If the window is divided into sections, you should also measure the distance from the jamb to the middle of the section. Additionally, it helps to send in a photo of the old window to be replaced.

To find the depth of the internal sill, measure from the outer edge of the old window to the inner edge of the current sill, and to find the size of the external sill, add 20 mm to the depth of the current external sill.

Sections and openability

When submitting a request for a quote, it is also important to specify the openability of the windows as well as whether and how they should be divided into sections. Do not forget to include details such as colour, profile, insulating glass unit, and any desired extras, e.g., internal and external sills. Check the company’s website for any additional information that may be required, or consult Klaasmerk’s experts.

And finally, indicate whether you would also like to order installation, finishing, and disposal from the vendor.

After the vendor has re-measured the windows on site, you will be provided a new, updated quote with the corrected measurements, and only then will the order be sent to production using these measurements. In this case, subsequent liability for the accuracy of the measurements rests with the vendor.

However, if the ordered windows are installed by third-party builders, your friends or acquaintances, or someone else with window-fitting experience, you will be personally responsible for the accuracy of the measurements. That is to say, verifying the accuracy of the measurements is the duty of the window installer.

Read also: 7 things you should know before replacing your windows

The choice of a lift & slide door versus a tilt & slide door largely depends on the size of the doorway, desired ease of use, visual compatibility, and your budget.

If you are having trouble choosing a sliding door, Klaasmerk is always happy to help. Klaasmerk offers high-quality plastic profile sliding doors primarily designed for building envelopes, balconies, and terraces.

The choice of a lift & slide versus a tilt & slide system with a ventilation position for your sliding doors depends on at least three factors.

The first thing to consider is the desired view. If your preferred design is an all-glass wall with a low threshold, Klaasmerk’s experts recommend choosing a Thermoslide lift & slide door with a large aperture. White versions of these large-pane sliding doors can be used for covering up to 6.5 metre wide apertures with a height of up to 2.8 metres. Coloured versions come in slightly smaller sizes, with maximum widths of up to 4.5 and heights of up to 2.5 metres.

Lift & slide doors

Lift & slide doors are the better and more economical choice for new buildings. They offer more customization options, and while their installation process is rather specific, it can be taken into account already by the design stage. However, Klaasmerk’s specialists are equipped to handle their installation in renovated buildings as well – ultimately, it all depends on the customer’s wishes and budget.

While the wide views offered by Thermoslide lift & slide doors are more expensive, you can be sure of their high quality. And quality is essential when it comes to large glazed surfaces. Thermoslide doors feature a highly reliable design. They are safe to open and close, and even more importantly: convenient for daily use.

Tilt & slide doors

Tilt & slide doors are suitable for smaller apertures, as they come in widths of up to 4.5 metres and heights of up to 2.5 metres. Their advantage, however, is a convenient ventilation position as well as a lower price.

Tilt & slide doors use a high threshold. But if this is not an issue, then this type of sliding door has a wide range of applications.

Maintenance

The initial lubrication and cleaning the glass are easy enough to do independently for both types of sliding doors. However, since both systems are relatively complex, any more specific maintenance work should be left to an expert.

It is safe to say that the more expensive lift & slide doors are more robust and thus easier to open and close. If you need help adjusting the fittings of your sliding doors, Klaasmerk is here to help.

Click here to request a quote from Klaasmerk. Choose Klaasmerk for long-lasting windows and expert help at just a phone call away!

Read also: 5 benefits of sliding doors

To ensure that your new windows fully meet your expectations, you should carefully consider what you want out of them. Fixing mistakes later on can be very difficult, if not impossible – not to mention expensive.

Compatibility with the building

The first thing to do before ordering windows is to consider their compatibility with the building as well as any neighbouring buildings, because the windows must also be acceptable to the housing cooperative, and in some cases it may even be necessary to obtain permission from the National Heritage Board. Think about the wind load and sound level in the area, the orientation of the windows, and whether they should open inwards or outwards. Consider colour options and their compatibility with the building and the neighbourhood. Give some thought to the purpose of the rooms where the windows are to be installed, and how often the rooms will be occupied, because modern windows are airtight. Analyse the future ventilation solution in the room and whether it is energy-efficient. Adequate ventilation is essential for the health of the occupants of the room.

Framing material

One of the most important choices when purchasing windows is that of the framing material, although the framing only accounts for about 10–12% of the surface of the window. As such, the role of the framing in thermal insulation is relatively modest, because most of the window is glazed and the glazing has a much greater effect on thermal insulation. The framing should be selected based on the type of the building, i.e. whether it is an apartment building or a detached house. Of course, it is always worth considering the price as well, as plastic framing is generally more affordable.

Double or triple glazing?

Window buyers can often choose between double- and triple-glazed windows. In this respect, keep in mind that there is not much point in installing a highly insulating window in an uninsulated wall. Neither is it effective in rooms with inadequate ventilation. However, with a double-glazed insulating glass unit, the risk of “sweating”, i.e. condensation on the windows is higher.

Triple-glazed windows are heavier than double-glazed windows, but much warmer. Of course, they are also slightly more expensive.

Windows as a barrier against noise and excessive sunlight

Window buyers often want their new windows to be soundproof. The easiest and most affordable way to achieve this is with insulating glass units with panes of different thicknesses. Another option is using specialty glass, though this comes at a steeper price. In a first-floor apartment, window security can also be an important consideration. There are a number of insulating glass unit solutions and systems of fittings available for that purpose. Meanwhile, excessive sunlight can be kept out with the help of special solar control glass.

Post-installation maintenance and warranty

Before making the final choice, you may also want to consider the maintenance requirements of the windows. Wiping off dust and dirt is elementary, but window sealsalso require care and lubrication, as do the fittings. Regular maintenance (cleaning, lubrication) is generally easy enough to handle independently, but adjusting the windows, replacing the seals, and other work related to the performance of the windows is best left to qualified specialists. The condition of the windows should be continuously monitored. Users should also carefully read any user and maintenances guides and warranty terms.

Note the warranty period and any exclusions, whether you are buying from the manufacturer or a distributor, as well as whether the vendor is likely to still be able to assume liability for its products in five years’ time. A window is a construction product and as such must be CE-marked and come with a user manual (including instructions for the installation and maintenance of the window). Windows are regulated by the European standard EN 14351-1.

Consult experts for advice, take a look at the manufacturers’ installation instructions, and see if you can check out any previously installed windows. Compare quotes from multiple vendors. When choosing windows, it is best to follow the old window fitters’ adage of measure twice and install once.

Read also: 8 reasons why you should prefer plastic windows