Clearview National March 2016 - Issue 172 | Page 64

DOORS&WINDOWS

A case for a dry solution
to perimeter sealing
By Steve Wild, Business Development Manager for Windows and Facades.
»»IN THE DOMESTIC REPLACEMENT
window market, the preferred choice of sealant
for the perimeter sealing of windows has long
since been established as silicone and, provided
the appropriate type and quality is used, this
can provide a durable seal which meets most
expectations when correctly applied. What
happens though if a poor quality or wrong
grade is chosen and perhaps coupled with an
inferior application and an unsightly bead
which draws attention to the edge of the
window for the wrong reasons? Achieving a
neat bead is often difficult, especially when the
joint width varies and the construction reveal
is irregular. And then there’s the vagaries of
the weather – sealants should not be applied
to damp substrates or ones that may have
experienced rainfall prior to curing.
Perhaps then it is somewhat surprising
that silicones (and occasionally other ‘wet’
sealants) have proved to be so popular for
such a long time given the above issues.
It is a fact that there has been a very valid
alternative for around twenty years and
one which has proven very popular in the
commercial market; particularly when
considering high performance windows,
typically wood/aluminium composites. Whilst
in this segment, those associated with the
specification and use of associated materials

64 » M AR 2016 » CL EARVI E W- UK . C O M

have considered the high performance,
durability and BBA certification provided by
some impregnated tapes eminently suitable
for providing a weather tight seal, in the
domestic market, it is a (somewhat) sad fact
that very often, literally the only criteria
considered when selecting the sealing product
is price. It is well known that buyers and/
or business owners will make such decisions
based on saving a few pence on a cartridge.
This policy is even more ill-founded when the
windows themselves are increasing in quality
and therefore ‘deserve’ to be sealed more
appropriately.
The domestic window market is always
receptive to new ideas despite what is
often a deep-seated reluctance to change
and an obsession with price. Any analysis
of the window energy-rating scheme will
demonstrate that, if the concept is right,
companies will invest in development and
marketing in an effort to gain a competitive
edge. There is every reason, therefore, to
consider the benefits of alternative methods of
sealing the windows in order to enhance the
excellent properties of the window.
Impregnated tapes are well specified and
understood in the commercial window market
and the many benefits, including thermal
insulation of the joint, are becoming accepted

in the domestic replacement segment.
Any product’s market share will grow with
increasing awareness and, as more suppliers
promote such materials, and word to mouth
endorsements follow, more installers are
reacting positively. Social media is helping
with this and ‘BtoB’ recommendations are
increasing awareness. Just before the end of
2015, the revised ‘BS8213-4:2016 Code of
practice for survey & installation of windows
& external doorsets’ was launched and
recommendations for sealing windows and
doors now include impregnated foam tapes in
addition to conventional ‘wet’ sealants. The
document informs installers of alternative
methods of perimeter sealing and should
provide comfort for building or fenestration
inspectors that su ch products are recognised as
being appropriate.
A typical installer has the choice to carry
on regardless or consider a more innovative
approach and promote the benefits of an
alternative solution which over a long period
of time has been proven to work and offer
genuine enhancement to both installation
practice and aesthetics.
For further information on tremco illbruck,
please visit www.tremco-illbruck.co.uk and
http://www.nullifire.com