Clearview National November 2019 - Issue 216 | Page 32

PROUD SPONSOR OF DOORS & WINDOWS
DOORS&WINDOWS
Mechanical Joints with uPVC is
the Choice for Consumers
» » MORE AND MORE, UPVC FLUSH FIT
windows are becoming a favoured
alternative to their traditional timber
counterparts, as it is now possible
to create authentic timber-look
frames using the material. Clare
Higgins, Product Manager at
REHAU, explains the possibility
and benefits of mechanical joints
for fabricators, installers and end users.
Despite high demand for a cost-
effective alternative, the highest
product quality must be retained.
Across the board, from the large-
scale to the smallest of projects,
consumers expect perfection
right down to the joints in their
dream property’s sash windows.
Consequently, to find a suitably durable
and high-quality solution that is sympathetic
to each property’s aesthetic, fabricators and
installers should discern the best jointing
solutions for individual projects.
SMALL ASPECTS, BIG IMPACT
Robust windows requiring little to no
maintenance are high on consumer wish
lists, and selecting the method for fabricating
window joints is vital to ensuring best long-term
performance. Good building insulation, as well
as reduced heating costs, are just two of the
benefits afforded by tightly sealed joints that also
deliver complete protection from the elements.
Timber frames have normally used
traditional window joinery techniques in
both their manufacturing and installation.
As a result, traditional mechanical joints tend
to be found in many older timber window
systems that were installed before uPVC
windows came onto the market. Installers and
fabricators that can replicate the traditional
look of these timber-frame joints with uPVC
alternatives could therefore find themselves in
a lucrative position.
UPVC’S JOURNEY
A consistently held view is that traditional
frame materials are of higher quality than
plastic alternatives. However, fabricators and
installers are now able to dispel uncertainty
and reassure the consumer that this notion
32 » N OV 2019 » CL EARVI E W- UK . C O M
no longer stands, thanks to
the continued development
of robust, high-quality uPVC
materials.
According to investigations, fabricators
favour the more cost-effective option of
welding their flush sashes. Yet this cost-
effectiveness is only a short-term benefit
as it can result in a less authentic-looking
timber alternative. In addition, the traditional
mechanical jointing method was regarded as
more costly and time-consuming while uPVC
continued to grow in popularity. By contrast,
alternative means of jointing like welding the
mullions and transoms together became a go-
to option for fabricators.
Yet though they are deemed easier to
manufacture and more cost-effective to
produce, these welding joints do not enjoy the
same authentic appearance as their mechanical
joint counterparts. On top of this, the trade can
no longer risk producing less authentic-looking
windows when consumers are increasingly
conscious of what the market offers.
THE IMPORTANCE OF
AUTHENTICITY
Choosing a suitable jointing option for a
window is vital. As well as producing strength
and durability, mechanical jointing also
provides a realistic and genuine appearance.
Using either mechanical joint blocks or a
MechWeld joint solution, REHAU’s Rio Flush
Fit window equips fabricators with a solution
that fits with any aesthetic to their clients with
minimal additional installation work.
Both mechanical and welded joints are
available in solutions offered by a number of
well-established window companies. Fabricators
can therefore satisfy the requirements of their
projects thanks to the flexibility over their
choice of window joints. As an example,
the MechWeld joint features fully welded
detail on the inside while offering the look of
mechanical-style timber joints outside. With a
range of jointing solutions for different property
styles at their disposal, fabricators and installers
are able to replicate and offer the finer details of
highly sought-after traditional timber flush fit
windows with modern uPVC window systems
such as the Rio Flush Fit.
ADVANCING INTO THE FUTURE
Time must be taken to introduce mechanical
joints within the manufacturing process, so
as to produce an authentic replica of timber
frame windows. By giving careful thought to
finer details like jointing options, uPVC can
be seen as the go-to option for cost-effective
yet high-quality timber window alternatives,
especially considering the remarkable advances
in technology surrounding the material.
Fabricators and installers must gravitate
towards using mechanical joints alongside
welded joints in uPVC flush sash windows
so they can fully capitalise on the jointing
method’s benefits. As well as producing a
cost-effective, durable solution, they afford
consumers an aesthetically pleasing product
suitable for any building project.
www.rehau.uk/rio