MECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ALUMINUM WINDOWS
Aluminum windows are modern products that we find in homes, offices, commercial spaces and practically anywhere where ventilation and natural lighting are necessary. They are not conditioned by the weather, since they adapt perfectly to both hot and cold areas.
These architectural elements are made of high-quality alloyed aluminum profiles and have physical and mechanical properties that provide greater durability and resistance to the final assembly. This guarantees that the windows withstand impacts from foreign objects, adverse weather conditions and even abrasive and polluting products. If you are interested in learning more about the aluminum used in our products, we have an entry for you explaining everything about this material in detail.
In this post, we are going to teach you about the importance of the behavior of aluminum windows in the face of external factors and you will learn about 3 mechanical characteristics that every modern window must have. The external factors that we are going to explain are those associated with adverse weather (rain and strong winds). We will not consider the influence of temperature and thermal and acoustic insulation in this post because we already have an individual post where we talk about these issues in detail. Now yes, let’s start:
IMPORTANCE OF THE BEHAVIOR BEFORE EXTERNAL FACTORS OF ALUMINUM WINDOWS
When you use a closed space, whether to work or live, there are certain architectural and structural problems that you must avoid at all costs. The most common are water leaks, unwanted air currents from outside or vibrations and noise from weak doors and windows that cannot withstand the load of the wind.
If the walls are in good condition, the elements that remain and that can cause this type of inconvenience are the doors and especially the windows. In some cases, poor installation in the openings and gaps of these products is to blame. Sealing products are omitted, tolerances and clearances are high, etc.
Now, if the installation is carried out correctly, these problems can still occur if the windows are of poor quality. It is important that these architectural elements guarantee protection against water and wind from outside. Otherwise, the space would be filled with moisture and unwanted air currents that would threaten comfort, health and even the installed electronic equipment.
MAIN MECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ALUMINUM WINDOWS
Among the main characteristics in terms of mechanical resistance that a window must have, we have the following:
Air permeability
Permeability is defined as the ability of a material to allow the passage of a fluid without altering its physical or chemical properties. The concept also applies to assemblies and products and depending on the case, it will be important that the permeability is higher or lower. For example, in the case of a louver it is essential that the air passes through and ventilates a specific area, but when we talk about windows it is different.
For windows, air permeability is a measure of how much air leaks into a room when it is closed. This filtration usually occurs between the joints of the sheets with the frame and between the sheets themselves. From the outset, it is important to clarify that the entry of air currents without control in a window is a major problem, since it affects the energy consumption in air conditioning of the room.
Therefore, a quality window must guarantee a level of permeability that does not negatively influence the control of the volume of air in a space. The standard that is responsible for establishing the level of permeability in a window is the UNE-EN 12207:2000 Standard.
Water tightness
Water tightness is a similar concept to air permeability. In this case, it is the amount of water that seeps through the joints of a window. As in the case of air, the ideal is that the amount of water that enters is low. This largely to prevent water from accumulating inside, causing the deterioration of the walls, the appearance of mold and humidity, among other factors.
A window that guarantees minimal water infiltration is a sure bet for remodeling. This factor is determined and categorized by the UNE-EN 12208:2000 Standard.
Wind load resistance
Windows located in buildings or in areas where the wind is strong are subject to a constant impact load. When this load, which is a considerable force, meets the external faces of the windows, it becomes a pressure that “pushes” these elements.
A modern window must have resistance to wind load, since in this way it supports the permissible deformations in the materials and at the same time preserves its physical and mechanical properties. This is important because if a window is permanently deformed by the impact of the wind, it puts the safety of the people inside at risk.
The standard that is responsible for classifying the level of resistance of a window to wind load is the UNE-EN 12210:2000 Standard.
QUOTE YOUR ALUMINUM WINDOWS WITH US
We have a variety of folding and sliding aluminum windows. Our available profiles are: The 45mm folding series, 60 and 70mm perimeter series and 70mm straight cut series. The finish you want, for the project you have in mind, we have them.
We cover the design, manufacture and final installation. If you are looking for metal carpentry in Panama, trust your projects in our hands and we will gladly assist you. In our section of aluminum doors and windows you have our available products available.
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