We are increasingly aware of how important thermal insulation of windows is. That is why when buying windows we choose those with a low heat transfer coefficient. However, for them to fulfill their task, they must be properly installed.
What is a warm window installation? Is it worth using?
To fully utilize the thermal insulation capabilities of modern windows, they should be embedded directly in the insulation layer. This is the so-called warm assembly (layer assembly).
Warm installation is to minimize thermal bridges (places causing heat loss, occurring at the junction of the window frame with the wall). Good thermal insulation of the window-wall connection should be supplemented with a vapour barrier (in addition to polyurethane foam, vapour-tight and vapour-permeable tape is used).
WINDOW INSTALLATION USING VAPOUR-TIGHT AND VAPOUR-PERMEABLE FOILS, SO-CALLED WARM INSTALLATION
WARM INSTALLATION (includes installation of external (vapour-permeable) foil with butyl strip and surface priming as well as installation of flexible vapour-tight foil up to 100 mm from the inside with surface priming).
What does full system assembly mean?
Professional sealing is a "collective game" between the individual joint layers (external, middle and internal). Therefore, all three layers must be treated as a whole and the principle of "inside tighter than outside" must be observed at the planning stage.
Outer layer as a protective layer against the negative impact of external weather conditions. It should be planned and made as permanently resistant to heavy rain and at the same time permeable to water vapour.
Middle layer between the window frame and the wall should be carefully filled with thermal insulating material.
Inner layer as a layer dividing the room from the outside climate, it must be tight, unlike the outside layer. It should not allow air or water vapour to pass through.
Final effect: Warm and relatively humid room air cannot penetrate into the joint. This prevents the formation of thermal bridges caused by moisture.
The warm assembly methods used at BERTRAND have been professionally demonstrated in the videos below. They are a good example of how warm assembly should look like and what materials should be used.
