Hello everyone,
Four years ago, I had new anthracite-colored PVC windows (manufacturer: Aldra) installed.
At one window (1.70 meters wide x 1.40 meters high (5 ft 7 in x 4 ft 7 in), double casement), located on the sunny/weather-exposed side, I happened to notice after installing an external roller shutter (by the window installer) that the frame is concavely warped by about 12-15 millimeters (0.5-0.6 inches).
Is this acceptable, or could the window eventually become drafty or have other issues?
What experiences have you had?
I am grateful for any advice.
Four years ago, I had new anthracite-colored PVC windows (manufacturer: Aldra) installed.
At one window (1.70 meters wide x 1.40 meters high (5 ft 7 in x 4 ft 7 in), double casement), located on the sunny/weather-exposed side, I happened to notice after installing an external roller shutter (by the window installer) that the frame is concavely warped by about 12-15 millimeters (0.5-0.6 inches).
Is this acceptable, or could the window eventually become drafty or have other issues?
What experiences have you had?
I am grateful for any advice.
F
Frauke18724 Nov 2024 21:22Well, black or dark gray plastic surfaces can behave quite problematically when exposed to direct sunlight, especially in summer. So, the warping doesn’t surprise me. The window is also relatively large in size.
The plastic becomes soft and deforms.
Since you have now installed exterior roller shutters, this issue probably won’t occur as much next summer, because you will keep the shutters closed on the weather- or sun-facing side.
My large floor-to-ceiling windows on the west side, which receive sunlight from around 2:00 PM until evening, sometimes get so hot that you can’t even touch the frames. However, I have white frames and Schüco windows.
I also have aluminum shutters in dark green, which get extremely hot on the outside, too. But there are no problems with them. Those with cheaper plastic slats in dark colors often experience problems in this regard.
The plastic becomes soft and deforms.
Since you have now installed exterior roller shutters, this issue probably won’t occur as much next summer, because you will keep the shutters closed on the weather- or sun-facing side.
My large floor-to-ceiling windows on the west side, which receive sunlight from around 2:00 PM until evening, sometimes get so hot that you can’t even touch the frames. However, I have white frames and Schüco windows.
I also have aluminum shutters in dark green, which get extremely hot on the outside, too. But there are no problems with them. Those with cheaper plastic slats in dark colors often experience problems in this regard.
N
nordanney24 Nov 2024 22:31From an expert’s report (though it is a few years old):
"There are no established standards for the warping of PVC windows. Expert opinions typically refer to the climate classes for wooden entrance doors, which allow warping of up to 4.0 mm (0.16 inches) along the ‘door length’. For fixed glazing, warping can sometimes be slightly greater, but always with the limitation that airtightness, closing force, and resistance to driving rain must be maintained.
When working in roof and terrace areas with liquid waterproofing, the maximum expansion values for liquid membranes generally apply, which are usually limited to 3 mm (0.12 inches)."
Are the windows correctly manufactured and installed?
- appropriate reinforcing steel
- size limitations observed (at least for extreme dimensions)
- installation brackets
- reinforcement for widening
etc.
In my opinion, given the size, there is a defect. With this amount of warping, the glass unit will soon no longer be properly covered by the frame.
P.S. Is the warping per side or overall? Asking due to potential consequential damage.
"There are no established standards for the warping of PVC windows. Expert opinions typically refer to the climate classes for wooden entrance doors, which allow warping of up to 4.0 mm (0.16 inches) along the ‘door length’. For fixed glazing, warping can sometimes be slightly greater, but always with the limitation that airtightness, closing force, and resistance to driving rain must be maintained.
When working in roof and terrace areas with liquid waterproofing, the maximum expansion values for liquid membranes generally apply, which are usually limited to 3 mm (0.12 inches)."
Are the windows correctly manufactured and installed?
- appropriate reinforcing steel
- size limitations observed (at least for extreme dimensions)
- installation brackets
- reinforcement for widening
etc.
In my opinion, given the size, there is a defect. With this amount of warping, the glass unit will soon no longer be properly covered by the frame.
P.S. Is the warping per side or overall? Asking due to potential consequential damage.
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