ᐅ Sealing of Floor-to-Ceiling Windows on the Exterior Side

Created on: 7 Jan 2020 12:13
G
Golfi90
Hello everyone.

According to the builder, our floor-to-ceiling windows have been properly sealed from the INSIDE.

The exterior sealing is supposedly our responsibility...

How would you go about doing this?

There will be a fully covered terrace in front of all the windows... but I still think everything should be sealed correctly.

Or am I worrying unnecessarily?

Open front door during construction with foundation and insulation at the building corner.
Golfi907 Jan 2020 13:11
Which RAL standard should I bring to the attention of our builder? Or how can I explain it to them in a way that I can also understand myself...
H
hegi___
7 Jan 2020 13:23
Why wasn't the concrete slab sealed with waterproofing membranes?
Golfi907 Jan 2020 13:31
I don’t know. I’m not sure what exactly the screed installers have laid.
Dr Hix7 Jan 2020 13:56
There is no such thing as a "RAL standard" or "RAL installation." RAL is an institute that awards certifications based on certain criteria, and in the field of window installation, these criteria represent the recognized rules of technology (a.R.d.T.). However, this has nothing to do with your base sealing.

Take a look at "The Forgotten Connection" by Wetzel, as suggested by @Domski. It refers to DIN 18195-4 [1] (or DIN 18533), which describes your situation. You could refer your building authority to this.
D
Domski
7 Jan 2020 14:00
@Dr. Hix, is the lower edge (at floor-to-ceiling units at the base) not part of the RAL-compliant installation of window/door units?
Dr Hix7 Jan 2020 14:17
I am also just an amateur and don’t know the guideline by heart, but as far as I can tell, it remains silent on this issue. It only emphasizes the importance of coordinated planning across trades and selecting waterproofing materials according to the specific requirements.

I would interpret this to mean that the window installer should at least apply an EPDM tape at the bottom (using spray foam open to the outside is always a bad idea because it absorbs water). However, that alone does not constitute proper base waterproofing. Ideally, there should be a connection point provided to which the window installer can tie in. Unfortunately, that is not the case here.