What should be considered regarding corner joints when choosing high-quality aluminium windows? What sets aluminium system brands apart from others? It is well understood that quality lies in the details. Therefore, it is essential to begin by examining the quality of corner joints, one of the most critical aspects of a superior window system.
- The corners of aluminium windows are typically joined using mechanical connectors, which can loosen over time due to daily use, leading to gaps in the joints.
- Uncoated aluminium oxidises when exposed to atmospheric conditions. During assembly, window corners are cut, leaving uncoated edges that are vulnerable to corrosion. Over time, this corrosion spreads beneath the powder coating or other surface treatments, resulting in surface swellings resembling worm-like filaments. This phenomenon, known as filiform corrosion, also referred to as under-film or filamentary corrosion, occurs beneath thin organic coatings such as powder coating or paint. It affects metals like aluminium, magnesium, steel, iron, and zinc.
- Filiform corrosion is particularly prevalent in warm, humid environments and originates at coating defects or weak points, such as cut edges, scratches, or holes. India’s climatic conditions are conducive to the development of this type of corrosion. It manifests as thread-like filaments that spread in random directions from the defect, resembling worm tracks. The corrosion process involves water and oxygen migrating under the coating, where the filament head functions as the anode, leading to metal dissolution, while the tail serves as the cathode.
- While all windows experience some level of rainwater leakage, it is crucial that any infiltrating water is properly drained before it reaches the interior. Aluminium windows, having mechanically connected corners that are not inherently watertight, allow water to seep through the joints until it reaches the discharge channels.
Solutions To Address These Issues
Corners joined using cleats or crimping methods can loosen over time. To prevent this, the integration of hydrolysis-resistant polyurethane-based corner adhesives is recommended. These adhesives reinforce window corners, ensuring durability and stability.
Weiss offers two specially formulated products for this purpose: the single-component COSMO PU-100.130 and the double-component COSMO PU-200.280, both tested and approved by IFT ROSENHEIM. These adhesives enhance the strength of corner joints, prevent mechanical loosening, increase window lifespan, maintain structural integrity, improve comfort, and reduce maintenance costs.
Leading window brands employ IFT ROSENHEIM-approved corner adhesives, with Weiss serving as a key solution partner for respected system houses worldwide.
Weiss also offers a specialised hybrid-based coating to prevent filiform corrosion at window profile cut edges, providing 1680 hours of salt resistance on raw aluminium. This advanced coating is particularly effective in capillary gaps, ensuring flawless adhesion and excellent water and air insulation at the corners. Without this protective coating, joint leakage is inevitable.
It is worth noting that the stated 1680-hour salt spray test value has been tested and certified by ILAK for COSMO HD-100.410, which is specifically recommended for this application.
One common cause of whistling windows during high winds is inadequate corner sealing. Several industry professionals and technicians seek to improve their product quality by referring to Weiss’s instructional videos on social media. Many mistakenly assume that Weiss adhesives are silicone-based due to their plastic cartridge packaging, similar to silicone. However, silicone is not a suitable sealant for corrosion resistance, as it requires a minimum gap of 5 mm for effective application. Applying silicone in smaller gaps is incorrect, as it fails to function efficiently in these areas. Those prioritising quality can achieve optimal results by using the appropriate products.
This hybrid coating can be applied to raw aluminium surfaces for robust protection, including holes created during window manufacturing, such as those for water drainage channels and handles. It ensures that windows remain flawless from every angle.
Weiss also provides cleaning solutions that are safe for powder-coated surfaces, designed to remove cutting cooling oils and dust both before and after the application of adhesives. These solutions also help eliminate any excess adhesive that surfaces post-application.
For decades, Weiss has been synonymous with top-tier adhesive and sandwich panel technology. By consolidating these core competencies under one roof, the company is uniquely positioned to provide customers with comprehensive and highly efficient solutions at a superior technical standard.
Since its founding in 1815, Weiss has remained dedicated to quality and continues to meet the high expectations of its customers. This commitment has established the company as a trusted and reliable partner not only in Europe but also globally, with a presence in markets ranging from China to the United States.
Weiss products are now easily accessible in India. Manufactured by robots in Germany to German technology standards, these products are stored in climate-controlled warehouses in India and delivered to customers in pristine condition.
It is strongly recommended to experience Weiss’s superior protection and adhesion capabilities without delay, ensuring the production of impeccable windows.
To assess the quality of a window before purchase, it is advisable to closely examine the corner joint details and inquire about Weiss products from the window supplier.
For More Information, Contact:
Doctor Window Pvt. Ltd.
Website: www.doctorwindow.com
Email: support@doctorwindow.com
Phone: +91 75054 44444
