Factors affecting the thermal insulation of PVC windows
A window separates the outside and inside of a home. Thermal transmittance indicates how much cold or heat passes through the window. It is measured in W/m²K: the lower the value, the greater the insulating capacity.
Frame depth and number of chambers
PVC is a material with very low thermal conductivity, so it does not need a thermal break. Here, frame and sash depth are important: the greater the depth and the number of chambers, the stronger the barrier against temperature transfer.
Reinforcements with thermal break
PVC profiles incorporate reinforcements to give the window rigidity. Removing or replacing them with thermal-break solutions improves transmittance even further, achieving very high insulation levels.
Insulating foams
When reinforcements are modified, the resulting cavities can be filled with insulating foams that strengthen the barrier against cold and heat. This solution depends on the system, dimensions and sash configuration.