Window Installation
Today’s windows are increasingly more technologically advanced and are continuing to evolve as the drive for energy conservation continues. Modern windows require advanced sealing solutions to insulate the joint and so maintain their overall efficiency, whilst preventing energy losses and avoiding thermal bridging around the frames.
illbruck have a comprehensive range of products and offer advice on installation and sealing options. Our range of joint sealants for windows and facades is fully integrated and offers solutions for the complete building envelope on both new-build and renovation projects.
Check Reveal
A ‘check reveal’ is a detail that is particularly common in Scotland and Central Europe and involves an opening being formed in the external masonry skin where the external structural opening is smaller than the window frame and consequently the external face of the window frame when installed butts up against the back of the external skin. In this scenario the primary weather seal is formed between the front face of the window and the opening rather than the outer perimeter of the window and a conventional ‘flush’ reveal. The check reveal undoubtedly therefore produces a more protected joint and impregnated foam tapes are ideal for providing an external weather seal in such details. It is important however not to overlook the potential for thermal bridging between the window frame and the structure and appropriate insulation should be incorporated in this joint which again can be provided by impregnated foam tapes.
MORE INFORMATIONExternal Insulated Facade System/Solid Wall
Renders of various types represent a popular choice for the external finish to buildings. The render may have to be applied in several layers, usually on an insulation backing, with reinforcing coats and meshes incorporated in the build-up of the wall. Reinforcements may also be required at interfaces, such as around window openings, in order to control cracking of the render due to differential movements. The substrate to which the insulation/render is attached may be a solid masonry construction, or a framed wall (e.g. SFS) with sheathing/carrier boards attached to provide a level surface. Solid backing walls will generally have less movement and therefore the render is less prone to cracking, unless a cavity is incorporated behind the insulation, when greater movement can be expected. Similarly, with framed backing walls, movement may be greater and this must be taken into account during the design of the render system. Retention of the insulation may depend solely on adhesives or mechanical fixings may be used.
MORE INFORMATIONTimber Frame
Whilst timber frame construction is the most common type of construction for one-and two-storey houses in North America and Scandinavia, in Central Europe it has become more common with the increase of prefabricated homes and multi-storey commercial buildings in wood panel construction. A number of advantages have made this type of build more acceptable as timber frame structures can be built quickly and inexpensively. Above all, thanks to excellent insulation properties and low energy consumption, this type of construction is ideal for low-energy houses and it is now widely used for larger scale commercial residential buildings. It is estimated that 75% of self-build homes in UK are manufactured from timber frame. Furthermore, structural timber has the lowest embedded CO² of any building material.
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