Assessment of the Negative Temperatures Influence on the PVC Windows Air Permeability

Abstract

Abstract The analysis of negative temperatures influence on air permeability of modern PVC windows was made. For this purpose, complex tests of several types of PVC windows with different profile thicknesses were performed in the laboratory. The determination of the windows air permeability was made under standard conditions (+20 °C) and negative outside temperatures (-5°C, -15°C, -25°C, -35°C, -45°C). For the windows air permeability determination at negative outdoor temperatures was created the special test stand. It was found that at negative temperatures there is a significant decrease in the windows air permeability is observed. However, this process occurs differently for PVC windows with different profiles thickness, this process also depends on the outdoor temperature. The research results are proposed to be used to calculate the buildings heat balance. This will increase the calculations accuracy, since this will use the windows air permeability data, determined not under standard conditions (as it is now), but under real winter conditions. The further research directions of the issue are given.