Installation

Weatherproofing of windows

At corners of the outer frame where the aluminium reveal fins do not meet up, the corners are to be factory tape sealed (waterproof tape) to protect the timber reveals. Failure to do so may result in reveals being wet at the corners if water runs down the reveal fin of the window.

Flashings

Most reports of leaking windows can often be attributed to poor installation of the window and/or no proper application of flashing around the window.

For most installations of windows into residential housing the research & development group recommends that flashings always be used at the jambs and sill of the window frame.

Head flashing is also recommended.

• Where there are no eaves at the head of the window.

• Where brickwork is above the head of the window (two storey houses or at gable ends).

• Where there are weatherboards above the head of the window.

Failure to use head flashings will allow any water that enters the cavity above to wet the window reveal at the head.

Windows installed into concrete blockwork or brickwork

Aluminium windows must not be installed in any moist environment which is in contact with bricks or mortar. This includes brickwork or concrete block construction.

The moist environment may be caused by constant damp brickwork or even garden sprinklers constantly wetting the aluminium frame and the adjoining brick wall. Also aluminium doors located close to swimming pools may risk potential corrosion problems.

Potential corrosion reaction

When aluminium windows have close contact between bricks or concrete there is a risk of a corrosion reaction to the aluminium. Long term exposure to moisture in this environment will increase the rate of corrosion. Powdercoating of the aluminium does not significantly reduce the resistance to this corrosion.

This type of corrosion is known as crevice corrosion which is due to high levels of chlorine, moisture and crevice sites into which oxygen can diffuse only slowly.

Ensure that construction techniques minimise or eliminate contact between aluminium and bricks or mortar. Concrete should be sealed to maintain a dry perimeter around the window frame. A flashing membrane could be used to isolate the aluminium frame from the brickwork. Use of a bitumen based coating around the opening would be sufficient to keep the aluminium from remaining damp.

Use sealants to fill gaps, and to reduce the exposure of the aluminium metal to moisture. Take measures to reduce the amount of chlorine available in the environment.

Windows into Hardiplank clad buildings

Reports of leaking windows can often be attributed to poor installation methods or sealing around the window frame. Each type of building construction will have its particular installation and sealing methods to achieve a satisfactory weatherproof installation of the window.

Evidence of an unsatisfactory installation may show up as damp or wet timber reveals around the perimeter of the window.

At the corners of the outer frame where the aluminium reveal fins do not meet up the corners of the reveal fins are to be tape sealed (waterproof tape) to protect the timber reveals.

As with all installations the frames are to be square, jambs plumb and sills to be level. The recommended installation clearances are to be maintained around the perimeter of the window frame. Window to be installed and fixed into the opening prior to the wall being clad.

The window must be flashed at the head. This can be a head capping that sits over the outside face of the head and returns back to the reveal fin and runs up past the reveal fin to the timber frame member above the window.

Sill flashing is recommended and should be fitted between the reveal fin and the timber reveal. All flashings to extend beyond the width of the window.

Once the wall has been clad the full perimeter of the window frame must be sealed between the window frame and the cladding. Any potential for water leakage will be at the window corners and care needs to be taken that these areas are properly sealed.