A beautiful view from HS or PSK?

Traditional 3+1 balcony enclosure sharply divides a beautiful panorama behind the window and takes valuable space when opened. Sooner or later, everybody who thinks about a modern living space faces the dilemma: ‘HS or PSK?’ and looks for an answer. Below, we provided some solid information.

Both HS and PSK/SKB systems are not in fact windows, but constructions designed to allow for a sliding motion of these windows. It is recommended to check whether the given sliding system is compatible with our PVC windows of choice. Otherwise, out windows and doors may be different from one another in terms of design, profile or veneer colour that may be similar, but not identical. The popular ‘golden oaks’ from different manufacturers have a slightly different shade and structure. There is usually no such problem with wooden windows.

What instead of a balcony?

PSK, sometimes called SKB, that is the pull and slide system is a great alternative to a typical balcony. It is also much cheaper than the HS system. It is a good choice for somebody who wants to install a sliding door in a more economical version. And - instead of a few ‘balcony’ windows, one can have two large ones - including one wing that will be the exit to the terrace or the garden. PSK differs from HS in terms of the manner of opening. In SKB (PSK) windows are aligned in a straight line when closed. To open a window, one must turn the handle into the vertical position and then pull the entire wing to move it from the subframe onto special rollers that are then used to move the wing to the side. Moreover, PSK system allows for both windows to be sliding and, for example, overlap the walls when opened to provide a beautiful, panoramic view.

HS is a ‘lift and slide’ system, the windows are slightly overlapping one another. It is not an exactly straight line the PSK system allows for. They are unlocked by turning the handle and then simply sliding the window to the side. In HS system one of the windows is always fixed and the other sliding. Thus, it provides half the open space of PSK with its two sliding wings that can overlap a wall and a moving post. HS is much easier to open, requires less strength, and the system is more adapted to larger - wider and taller - constructions. It is easier to just slide the wing than to pull it out of the frame and then slide it to the side so it overlaps the other wing or a wall (PSK). Especially if the windows of choice are very large, e.g. we have a wing that higher than 2 meters and weights 200 kg. While PSK can include an automatic or semiautomatic opening system, this is an additional option requiring additional fee, while the system is generally dedicated to more economical and smaller constructions. 

Advantages of the pull and slide system - on the example of Veranda SKB:

• Cheaper than analogical HS of the same dimensions - a great alternative to a typical balcony
• Fits most types of windows, even those with more economical profiles
• wings can overlap the walls and form a larger entrance to the terrace than HS system with the same dimensions could allow.

Advantages of the lift and slide system on the example of Panorama Slide:

• premium class system, dedicated also to A class passive windows
• simpler and easier to open than HS system with the same dimensions.
• sloping, low and warm Thermostep threshold allows the balcony door to be easily passed with - for example - a stroller - PSK/SKB requires one to step ‘over’ a taller threshold.
• recommended for larger constructions: even 2,7 m of height and 6,5 m of width of the entire system + PSK-SKB does not reach such dimensions