"Cheap" windows for a gazebo or veranda: how to save money and what to look for

Manufacturers say: “If you want to close a veranda, terrace or gazebo from rain and wind, it is not necessary to use classic glazing. Buy soft windows. They are much cheaper."

Soft windows are a great business idea where you can make great money. But is it such a cheap and universal solution, as sellers tell us? Let's figure it out.

What are we talking about?

If you have not come across such know-how before, I will briefly explain what soft windows are.

They take a transparent film (I deliberately do not write PVC - we will deal with this later). Cut to the shape of a window. Make a fringing from awning fabric. This whole structure is pulled into the window opening - they are usually attached to the eyelets. It turns out a "film window". Cheap and cheerful (at first glance).

Is it really that cheap?

Sometimes flexible windows are positioned as a cheap alternative to glass.

The cost of flexible windows in different companies can vary significantly. It seems that the price depends only on the ability of the marketer to sell his product. There are, however, several important features - we will deal with them a little later.

If we take the upper market value of flexible windows, it turns out to be not much lower than the price of classic glazing. At the same time, consider how long the glass will last and how many times during this time you will have to change the film to a new one. As a result, it's not that cheap.

In the best scenario, the film lasts about 10 years. But it is not exactly. I have never come across such a warranty period.

It is true that flexible windows have their own scope. If conventional glazing cannot be installed, the film is a good alternative.

I googled current ads in Moscow. There are companies where the film is more expensive than conventional glazing.

What should you ask the seller about?

The cost of products is strongly influenced by the price of the material.

For me, as a layman, and for you, it is probably difficult to visually distinguish a film by thickness, density, wear resistance, etc. The arguments that “we have German / French / Chinese materials” I have not trust. In every country you can do something good or wretched.

Be sure to ask: they sell you PVC or polyurethane film. This is really important.

• PVC is a less frost-resistant material. At low temperatures it becomes brittle. If such a film is rolled up in winter, it can burst the first time. Or maybe not from the first - depends on the quality. But it will definitely fall into disrepair faster. But it is very cheap.
• Polyurethane - has high frost resistance. It can be crushed as you like in the cold. Remains flexible and durable. But the price "bites".

You can tell polyurethane from PVC by touch. It's hard to describe it in words. If you feel different samples, you will understand exactly where which one is.

Be sure to specify how much the guarantee is given and what it covers. Otherwise, they can write "a 20-year guarantee for installation, and the film is a consumable."

How to save money without sacrificing quality?

Polyurethane is better than PVC - that's for sure. But if polyurethane is used for all “glazing”, this will lead to a strong rise in price.

From polyurethane, you definitely need to make a soft door to the veranda or to the gazebo. She will last a long time. It will be possible to use such a door in winter and summer without the risk of damaging the material.

But on the windows, I think, you can save. PVC film is much cheaper. If it is not twisted in the cold, it will also last a long time. Vibration from gusts of wind withstands well even at low temperatures. PVC film is justified on the windows, but you can’t twist it in the cold!

That's all for me. Learn from the mistakes of others and make as few of your own as possible. If the article was useful, put "thumbs up" 👍 and subscribe to the channel.