Installation of window carpentry is simply a process requiring precision, method cognition and cognition of applicable standards. In addition to correct deposition and mechanical attachment utilizing anchors, it is equally crucial to decently fill the mounting slot and to effectively seal the connection between the window and the construction of the building.
The subject of filling the assembly slack seems comparatively simple and apparent – the most common usage is polyurethane foam or extended multi-functional tape. However, it is essential to begin by determining the appropriate width of the assembly spaces themselves, which depend on the kind and size of the assembled joinery.
– Depending on the material from which the joinery is made, the assembly space will vary. This is due to different parameters of linear expansion and dimensions of elements. It can be assumed that the smallest looseness concerns wood joinery, somewhat larger – aluminum, and the largest – PVC joinery. Therefore, peculiar attention should be paid to the information provided by window strategy suppliers on this parameter," explains Michał Michałowicz from Knelsen.
According to Aluplast, the marketplace leader in PVC systems, the minimum clearances for white and coloured joinery are, depending on the dimension of the components:
- The dimension of the item – Up to 1,5 mDo 2,5 mDo 3,5 mDo 4.5 m
- Carpenter colour; Minimum width of mounting slot – White10 mm15 mm20 mm25 mm, Colour15 mm20 mm25 mm30 mm
As you can see, the minimum width of the mounting slot can be up to 30 mm for a colorful woodwork with large sizes.
Maximum slit widths
The recommendations of strategy providers find the minimum width of the assembly slot – what about its maximum width?
In this respect, the documentation of the manufacturers of the slit filling materials should be based. According to Soudal – maker of polyurethane foams – a single foam layer should not exceed 30 mm, and a possible further layer can be applied only after the first layer has been completely hardened. In turn, multi-functional expansion belts can be utilized in slits up to 60 mm, but in specified cases they require additional sealing to guarantee opposition to water and wind penetration.
– According to ISO-Chemie data, this tape can be utilized as a self-sealing in 45 mm maximum width slots. It is worth remembering that the higher the tape compression, the better the watertight and windtight parameters. Dynamic changes are taking place in specified solutions – shortly all tapes will should be equipped with additional membranes – says Michał Michałowicz from Knelsen.
The size of the mounting slots is rather precise and should not be determined freely. It is mostly accepted that the material filling the mounting slot should be permanently flexible and have the best possible thermal parameters.
Sealing requirements – fresh and applicable regulations
The filled gap should be further protected against moisture, rainwater and air penetration. The existing provisions of the method Conditions require the complete leak of the connection of windows to the construction of the building.
“The Ministry’s fresh proposal involves clarifying the values of air infiltration for these connections – but the 0.3 ml/(mh·daPa2/ł) value, which appeared in it, raises serious concerns. specified large acceptable leaks completely contradict the thought of building objects with low energy demand. It is precisely the tightness of the building that is simply a key parameter, which must be ensured in energy-saving projects. For years, renowned European institutes, specified as IFT and PHI, have defined this value at 0.1 m3/(mh·daPa2/ł), and the PHI Passive home Institute has identified it as a maximum value – explains Michał Michałowicz from Knelsen.
Available sealing solutions
Importantly, the materials available on the marketplace for sealing besides meet this strict parameter – 0.1 ml/(mh·daPa) – which means that it is technically possible to accomplish it. The choice of solutions is wide: from the aforementioned multi-functional belts, window films and EPDM membranes to liquid seals. Each of these solutions has its advantages and limitations – their selection should always be dependent on a circumstantial assembly situation.
– Window (material) belts are most commonly utilized in fresh construction – they supply uniform and effective sealing throughout the woodwork circuit. Sealing masses in liquid form are excellent erstwhile replacing woodwork, especially erstwhile it is hard to get equal surfaces around the window – the condition essential for assembly of tapes. The EPDM membrany works perfectly as an external seal of the lower parts of the windows and doors reaching to the floor, especially in terraces and buildings with ventilated facades – says Michał Michałowicz from Knelsen.
Principles of correct sealing
Regardless of the solution chosen, the seal must be made throughout the woodwork. It should besides be remembered that the materials utilized should let the moisture to be discharged outside the building.
– The parameter liable for this function is the value of Sd – the bigger, the more effective the barrier to moisture, so we usage materials with a advanced Sd origin from the inside. On the another hand, materials with a origin of little than 1, referred to as highly permeable, most effective, let the removal of possible moisture – therefore, they are intended for external use. At the same time, the outer seal must be watertight to prevent rainwater penetration into the gap between the joinery and the wall. – completed by an expert from Knelsen.
Installation as a plan component – let's not leave it to chance
As you can see, installation of a window joinery is not as simple as it might seem. According to the provisions of the method Conditions, it should be designed at the phase of the building concept – taking into account all aspects affecting the quality and correctness of the performance. It is so worth entrusting this task to a proven team, who has the right cognition and experience. This will guarantee that it is decently implemented.
