Specifile Spotlight Aug 2021 - Windows and Doors

SPOTLIGHT

AUG 2021

Windows & Doors

AN EFFORTLESS UPGRADE MAKES ANY DOOR ACCESSIBLE TO ALL UPVC WINDOWS— WHY YOU NEED THEM FOR YOUR HOME & BUSINESS

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AN EFFORTLESS UPGRADE MAKES ANY DOOR ACCESSIBLE TO ALL

UPVC WINDOWS— WHY YOU NEED THEM FOR YOUR HOME & BUSINESS

12 THE BONDED WINDOW IS A HIGH TECH ELEMENT

14 A BUYER’S GUIDE FOR WINDOWS

18 VA N A C H T D O O R S

20 SEALING BAND FOR WINDOWS

AN EFFORTLESS UPGRADE MAKES ANY DOOR ACCESSIBLE TO ALL A DOOR SHOULD BE AN OPENING, NOT A BARRIER. BUT THE REALITY FOR THE ELDERLY, YOUNG AND LESS ABLED, IS THAT INAPPROPRIATE DOORS OFTEN SHUT THEM OUT. UPGRADING TO THE RIGHT DOOR CLOSER CAN GUARANTEE YOUR PREMISES WELCOME EVERYONE, NO MATTER THEIR AGE OR DEXTERITY.

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rchitecture and building design are all about creating spaces to enrich lives, yet they can be disconnected from the people most directly impacted. Users may face situations that are uncomfortable and even unusable.

National and supranational regulations often require an accessibility ethos in new-build or retrofit projects, in order to avoid such situations. These increasingly require “inclusive building design”, which should be people-centric and create spaces that respond to every user’s needs. These users — whether employees, visitors or customers — will notice the difference.

According to Clint Willemse – Head of Architectural Specifications: “Inclusive design is the responsibility of everyone who works in the built environment: planners, those who commission new buildings and places, access consultants, designers, architects, engineers, surveyors, property owners and facilities managers.”

Doors play a vital part in our lives. They are the portals between our different worlds. For inclusive building access, the comfortable operation of exterior and interior doors is essential.

Doors that require significant force to push or pull open are one major and recurring problem for inclusive access. At almost any of these — and fire doors especially — installing the correct closer will make use safe and effortless, and users more comfortable.

“A properly closed door has advantages beyond inclusion. It creates a thermal seal to prevent energy waste, contributing to Nearly Zero Energy Building targets for new and

existing properties. Fully closed doors are better soundproofed, too. ”Clint Willemse, Head of Architectural Specifications.

“For security and facility managers, tasked with keeping everyone safe, doors must close securely to work with a building’s access control system. Even the most sophisticated security system will not secure an open door,” explains Clint Willemse, Head of Architectural Specifications. “And, of course, secure closing is required by fire regulations almost everywhere.”

“Yet not all door closers are created equal,” he continues. “Doors fitted with a premium mechanical technology like Cam-Motion? and guiderails are pleasant to the eye and comfortable to open. In real-world use, they provide more ergonomic openings for everyone who passes through them — a major benefit for safety and inclusion.”

THE CAM-MOTION? ADVANTAGE: EFFORTLESS OPENING Unlike traditional rack-and-pinion door closers, Cam technology combined with a guiderail provides the most ergonomic opening — also eliminating projecting link arms with an aesthetically pleasing solution.

Cam-Motion technology does the heavy lifting, so building users don’t have to.

Required opening force falls much more rapidly with Cam-Motion than with a traditional rack-and-pinion guiderail. CamMotion’s innovative technology mirrors the power of a human elbow, which also reduces sharply as the arm extends.

Cam-Motion Door Closers have independent valves, enabling latch and

closing speeds to be set independently. Little fingers (and their parents) will appreciate this extra safeguard. Back-check functionality stops doors from damaging walls and surrounding areas. Furthermore, these valves are thermo-resistant: Once all door speeds are set, they stay set — even at extreme temperatures.

Asymmetric Cam design allows each model to be fitted to the door or frame, push or pull side. This saves designers’ and architects’ time at the specification stage. Aesthetic consistency across the range — for single or double doors, in multiple finishes — promotes clean, appealing interior design.

From an installer’s point of view, a universal concealed mounting And, of course, secure FUTURE-PROOF YOUR plate across the entire closing is required by SOLUTION WITH AN ASSA ABLOY Opening fire regulations almost EFFORTLESS Solutions portfolio everywhere.

UPGRADE PATH speeds up installation The ASSA ABLOY and puts in place an Opening Solutions range easy, future-proof of Cam-Motion? Door Closers is designed for upgrade path. As switching closers are easy, convenient, effortless upgrading at almost any access point’s changing use over the every door. Between them, just two building lifetime is easily accommodated.. models — the DC500 and DC700 — can equip And a spindle with up to 14mm height almost any door, of any size. And now with adjustment means small measurement errors the introduction of the DC175, our entry-level during installation are quickly corrected.

Cam-Motion Technolgy door is closer, to complete the range.

ASSA ABLOY

UPVC WINDOWS—WHY YOU NEED THEM FOR YOUR HOME & BUSINESS CAN ONE ASPECT OF A HOME REALLY MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE WHEN IT COMES TO ALL THE IMPORTANT MATTERS: COMFORT, GREEN LIVING AND COST SAVINGS?

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t can if you’re considering a different kind of window. Many new products hit the market each year, and below you’ll find out why uPVC windows are some of the winning options in the construction industry these days. Both property developers and homeowners can benefit from this unique window type.

WHAT IS A UPVC WINDOW? uPVC is short for ‘Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride’. You may be familiar with PVC, but uPVC is a version of this substance providing more resistance. Because it doesn’t warp—in part thanks to a steel core—many prefer this to traditional building materials such as wood. Over time, uPVC has become popular for both window and door frames.

BENEFITS OF UPVC WINDOWS It’s easy to see why uPVC windows became so popular, often even preferred to aluminium. The advantages include: • •

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Offering security: Strong uPVC can help you create a secure barrier against intruders.

Durability: When we say uPVC windows are long-lasting, that’s almost an understatement. These structures are designed to last as much as 40 years, and you can expect a 10-year guarantee on most of them.

Energy efficiency: Because you have the option of double glazing, you can now spend less on heating or cooling your home. The two layers help insulate rooms so the heat won’t transfer easily between the inside and outside. With energy-efficient windows, it means less use of air conditioning units and therefore a lower electricity bill.

Barrier against noise: Thanks to double glazing you can also worry less about the noise outside disturbing the peace inside

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your home. With quality workmanship, the windows seal well, further preventing noise from entering.

Low maintenance: A uPVC window or door frame is very easy to maintain.

Apart from an occasional wipe down, you’ll do nothing else and they will still look new and sleek. No more sanding down wood, varnishing it or repainting a frame every few years. Apart from saving you time, this is yet another way a uPVC window saves you money.

You can see how one feature in your home CAN make a difference in how you spend your time and what your month’s budget will look like.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT VAN ACHT For your uPVC windows, Van Acht is proud to be a supplier of REHAU windows. REHAU is a European based company that has been developing innovative polymer-based solutions that continue to redefine what is possible in the construction and automotive industry, this brand gives South-African homeowners access to world-class European quality uPVC windows.

WHAT’S COMING NEXT? As mentioned, innovations regularly arrive on the scene and Van Acht is proud to be part of that process. We’re involved in multiple projects to give customers even more options to pick from. Most of our customers would appreciate how it will benefit your budget.

PROUDLY LOCAL Van Acht can now offer a very affordable in-house brand locally extruded uPVC window that will be in direct competition with the standard aluminium casement windows. Both single and double glazing units will be available.

Until now, uPVC windows have been a

high-end home feature, because of the higher price tag compared to some other options like aluminium. So, the biggest drawcard with the ‘proudly local’ range is the lower price tag.

MORE COLOURS White is a popular colour for doors and windows but it’s not always what works for aesthetics. Motivated by clients’ preferences, Van Acht launched a new project to test alternative colour options. This can give homeowners more versatility and make it easier to match home features with other décor and style elements of a room or exterior of a building.

WILL VAN ACHT UPVC WINDOWS WORK FOR YOU? Of course, it’s always important to invest in products that suit your specific needs. Based on client feedback and the features of uPVC windows, you can have peace of mind that it will work for almost any application, such as the ones below.

REPLACEMENT AND NEW PROJECTS You’ve already seen that it’s worth considering uPVC for a new home since it’s better than options like wood. But just because your building already has wood or other types of window frames you don’t have to miss out on all the uPVC advantages.

It’s worth adding uPVC windows to an existing structure. You can instantly enjoy more comfort and the benefit of lower power costs, which will quickly help you cover the installation costs. Another reason to consider

this upgrade to your home is the resale value of your building. For homes and commercial properties, low maintenance features are always excellent selling points. These windows also look new and stylish even years after installation, so they will help you leave an excellent first impression on potential buyers.

HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS The world’s viewpoints have changed over the past few years and these days green living is a popular topic. And it’s not a passing trend!

To build the housing complexes and offices people would want to buy in the future, developers must add features that empower occupants to maintain a low carbon footprint. With energy-efficient windows in place, you have a very attractive feature to make people consider your buildings as their favourite property investment option.

Additional benefits like low maintenance, strength and style will further increase the allure.

FINAL THOUGHTS—WHY PICK VAN ACHT? You’ll make a wise investment when you pick uPVC windows for your home, office or next development. The team at Van Acht is ready to partner with you, offering: • • •

Custom sizing Customer-focused service Exceptional workmanship

VAN ACHT

THE BONDED WINDOW IS A HIGH TECH ELEMENT AUTOMATED GLUING OF GLASS IN WINDOWS IS AN INVENTION OF SIKA AND HAS PROVEN ITSELF NUMEROUS TIMES TO DATE.

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he architecture and function of a building are primarily determined by the design and the technology of the building envelope. Worldwide, the increasing requirements for energy efficiency and reasonable utilization of natural resources essentially influence the development of facades and windows. Modern international market requirements for more transparency and more functionality request innovative and economically convincing solutions. The use of glass as a reinforcing element in window construction using the latest bonding techniques is based on our 30 years of experience in the vehicle and facade markets.

Sika’s experience is proven by several million successfully bonded windows. The complexity of the window market requires close and specific cooperation between you, your key suppliers and us as your specialist for adhesives and their application in window fabrication.

ADVANTAGES OF BONDING TECHNOLOGY • • •

Improvement of thermal insulation up to 20% Up to 30% more light Dynamic load: Increase of approved wind load up to 10%

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Reduction of production costs up to 10% Reduction of service costs up to 90 % Up to 90 % lower complaint rate

SIKA – THE FULL-RANGE SUPPLIER Sika’s approach to sealing and bonding is to provide the right product solution for each individual application. As the requirements for adhesives differ depending on the customers’ needs and requirements, Sika focuses on an intensive customer relationship already at the early stage of the project.

This includes extensive support in the design of adhesive joints, the right adhesive selection and finally the optimisation of application processes. For hand and automated applications the Sika materials are available in 300 ml cartridges, 600 ml unipacks, 23 L pails and 200 L drums. Our core technologies are based on polyurethanes, SB polymers, silicone, acrylates and hotmelts.

Sika is the technology leader in fenestration and offers its customers best practice solutions for bonding, sealing, damping and reinforcing. Sika’s window engineers support the window manufacturers by developing solutions for bonded windows.

SIKA

Sika’s experience is proven by several million successfully bonded windows.

A BUYER’S GUIDE FOR WINDOWS WINDOWS ARE A BIG INVESTMENT, SO IT IS IMPORTANT TO ENSURE THAT YOU MAKE THE BEST PURCHASE DECISION FOR YOUR HOME AND YOUR NEEDS. COBUS LOURENS FROM LEADING WINDOW AND DOOR MANUFACTURER, SWARTLAND, OFFERS SOME ADVICE FOR THOSE IN THE MARKET FOR WINDOWS FOR THEIR HOME.

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hether you are involved in a new build, a renovation project, or you just want to update your home’s windows, you are looking at a sizeable cost.

It is therefore essential to do some research in order to ensure that you choose the best windows for your budget, your home and your lifestyle requirements.

Says Cobus Lourens from leading window and door manufacturer, Swartland: “Installing high-end windows is a costly exercise, however, if chosen wisely and ensuring that they are well maintained, they will last for many years, improve the aesthetics of your home’s interior and exterior appeal, enhance the comfort and value of your home and, if they are energy efficient, they can even save you money on your utility bills.” Here are his top considerations that you need to research

Choosing the most energy efficient windows can end up saving you a small fortune over the long-term.

when investing in new windows: WINDOW STYLES Cobus says that there are six major window styles to choose from, including: 1. Top hung windows: Also known as awning windows, top hung windows are hinged at the top of the frame, while the bottom of the window opens by swinging outwards. When open, the glass pane slopes downwards and can be left open when it rains, which is great for ventilation.

2. The sliding sash window: Sliding sash windows feature two movable panels, or sashes, which slide vertically to open and close the window, but they remain inside the frame so they don’t protrude out

Installing high-end windows is a costly exercise, however, if chosen wisely and ensuring that they are well maintained, they will last for many years

to the exterior or interior of the house.

When positioning the two sliding sashes in the centre of the frame, one creates equal openings at the top and bottom giving the best cross-flow ventilation of any window.

3. The mock sliding sash window: Mock Sash Windows open in the same way as normal top-hung awning windows but, when closed, offer the same visual appeal as traditional sliding sash windows, but they come in at a much lower price point.

4. Full pane window: Full pane windows offer minimal obstruction to any outdoor views. They come in a variety of configurations, from single- to double-, and triple-pane formats, but all of them boast large panes, with slender frames.

These windows are mainly side hung, except if there is as small top opener, which will be top-hung.

5. Horizontal gliding windows: These windows boast large panes or sashes, which slide open horizontally for maximum ventilation and minimal obstruction of any views.

6. Small pane windows: Otherwise known as cottage pane windows, small pane windows boast a multi-pane window format where each sash is usually divided into two columns and five rows of glazing. For the most part, these windows are side-hung, and come in single, double, three and four sash formats. However, they can be easily made up to fit any space required.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY Choosing the most energy efficient windows can end up saving you a small fortune over the long-term, explains Cobus: “Windows are the thinnest point between the interior and exterior of your home. This is why

it is so important to choose energy efficient windows, such as those from Swartland, for your home.”

However, aside from the obvious financial benefit, installing energy efficient windows is a legal necessity, says Cobus: “In South Africa, the SANS 10400 National Building Regulations have been amended in the form of the XA appendices, in order to further enforce and regulate energy efficient practices in the built environment, with the long-term benefit of reducing overall energy consumption and CO2 emissions. By law, the windows you choose must be SANS 10400-XA-compliant, as a new build without compliant windows will not pass the building regulations and will be deemed unfit and hence, illegal.”

Swartland continuously tests its products to ensure that they are compliant with the National Building Regulations, explains Cobus: “All Swartland’s windows are SANS 613 certified and compliant. They have all been tested for deflection, structural strength, water-resistance, air-tightness, operating forces, and the best possible energy efficiency.”

There is a lot of jargon involved in fenestration and energy efficiency, however, there are two terms that you will hear over and over again, which will help you make a good decision – these are R-values and U-values. Cobus offers a simple explanation for both: • •

R-value measures a window’s resistance to heat flow – as such, the higher the R-value, the better.

U-value measures how well the window prevents heat from escaping a building.

The lower the U-value, the more efficient the window.

MATERIAL It is imperative to look at what the window

frame is made from, says Cobus: “There are a variety of materials currently on the market, including vinyl, steel, aluminium and wood.

Each material boasts its own set of positive and negative aspects, but the two most popular materials for energy efficient window frames are without a doubt wood and aluminium.” Here is Cobus’ roundup of the pros and cons of each of these materials: •

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Timber windows, such as Swartland’s timber window frames for example, offer the best insulative value and the highest cradle-to-grave environmentally friendly credentials. The rich and warm aesthetics of timber also makes them very visually attractive. However, they also require comparatively a little more upkeep than other materials.

Aluminium windows, such as Swartland’s KENZO range for example, may not be the top performing material in terms of heat transfer and loss, however with slight adjustments in your glass choice, you can still create a good energy-saving window. Aluminium is a very strong material that requires hardly any maintenance at all. Also, since aluminium is so strong, you can make window frames with exceptionally thin profiles, allowing for maximum glazing and views to the outdoors.

CHOSE A TRUSTED BRAND As with any purchase, it is important to select a brand that has a long and proven track record of manufacturing top quality products and offering good after-sales service, notes Cobus: “Choosing a trusted brand offers consumers peace of mind that they are investing in a quality product, and that they can count on the guarantee that is provided. Swartland has been in the business of manufacturing windows and doors for over 67 years, and it has built up its reputation by

continuously providing quality products that set the benchmark with regards to quality, aesthetics, energy efficiency and price.”

Buying from a fly-by-nighter might save you a bit of money in the short-term, but it can cost you dearly in the long-term. Cobus says that the proof of the pudding really lies in the manufacturer’s guarantee and willingness to go the extra mile: “To test the dedication and long-term ethics of a brand, it is a good idea to look at what kind of guarantee that

they offer on their products. Swartland for example, offers an impressive 10-year warrantee on its Cape Culture Collection of wooden windows and doors! In fact, Swartland is so committed to ensuring good service and product selection that it offers in-house architectural support in all areas to be of service to homeowners and architects, thereby ensuring and advising on best practices in order to avoid any problems.”

SWARTLAND

With slight adjustments in your glass choice, you can still create a good energy-saving window

VA N A C H T D O O R S

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an Acht offers one of the largest selections of doors in the Southern hemisphere. From your everyday 2-panel door to bespoke intricate custom entrance door designs, there is truly something for every requirement or budget.

Most standard designs are kept in stock and can be viewed or bought online for customers in South Africa.

Passion is evident in Van Acht’s evergrowing door range. Working closely with architects and homeowners quickly ignites a vision and inspiration of an idea to incorporate into a new door design.

QUALITY ENGINEERED DOORS Van Acht has set a benchmark for door manufacturers across the African continent. With more than 35 years in the industry, Van Acht has perfected the art of door construction. Van Acht doors are manufactured from engineered door styles.

Making the doors more stable and less prone to shrinking; swelling or warping. This is achieved by the diverse range of materials that go into the construction. The doors contain 4-5mm solid skins, not veneer skins, commonly used in the industry.

TRUE SUSTAINABILITY Sustainability, quality and attention to detail are at the core of Van Acht Windows and Doors. All wood is sourced from sustainable forests, conscious to optimize timber in such a way that less timber is wasted. The door frames are finger jointed, which yields a much higher quality and stronger door frame.

SEALING BAND FOR WINDOWS ALL-PURPOSE SEALING MATERIAL SONDORBAND IS MADE FROM FLEXIBLE WAX AND RESIN IMPREGNATED POLYURETHANE FOAM. USED BY WINDOW AND DOOR CONTRACTORS TO SEAL REGULAR AND IRREGULAR GAPS AGAINST DUST AND DRAUGHTS.

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he Sondorband retains elasticity and sealing qualities in all weather conditions. It remains porous up to compression of 50% of original thickness. It is permanently resilient and effective from – 20 C to + 72 C. Wax does not leach out at elevated temperatures. The band can be compressed up to 90% of its thickness and returns to its original size within minutes of release.

The product accommodates and compensates for joint movement and irregular surfaces. It is resistant to decay, ageing, fungi, weak acids or alkaline solutions and is chemically neutral.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE: 1. Dust off the area of application and choose an oversize section of Sondorband according to your particular needs – see compression chart.

2. Compress Sondorband and insert it into the gap. Sondorband will expand within minutes to even out all irregularities and produce a completely effective seal.

3. Also available with pressure-sensitive backing on one side if required. In this instance, ensure that the surface is dustfree, remove the backing paper and press the adhesive side of the Sondorband to the surface as required.

The product accommodates and compensates for joint movement and irregular surfaces. It is resistant to decay, ageing, fungi, weak acids or alkaline solutions and is chemically neutral.