Technical Note No.

8
SELECTION OF WINDOWS -
a checklist for specifiers

Introduction Aluminium is available in the form of various

alloys, such as 6063 in various tempers
The specification of windows is an area where complying with BS 1474. Although originally a
many issues need to be considered in order to single aluminium extrusion, these frames
arrive at the best solution. This note simply lists usually now incorporate a plastic thermal break
the items that the Specifier might need to to reduce heat loss. A wide range of finishes is
consider, possible alternatives and the role of available, including natural and coloured
relevant British Standards. anodising and an extensive range of coloured
polyester powder coatings. Aluminium alloy
Window specification may be divided into six windows should be specified according to BS
key areas: 4873.

1 Aesthetic needs PVC-U frames are made from extrusions of

2 Performance requirements plastic, possibly including some recycled
material, which are heat fusion welded at the
3 Environmental concerns corners to form the frame. PVC-U extrusions
4 Health and safety issues usually incorporate an aluminium or galvanised
steel hollow section within the central chamber
5 Installation requirements to increase stiffness and provide a stronger base
6 Maintenance requirements for fixing hardware. PVC-U frames were
traditionally only available in a natural white
Each of these may be further subdivided into finish, but are now available with a range of
several areas, sometimes depending upon the coloured finishes, typically applied as a foil
frame material, as follows. covering, which may also have a simulated
wood-grain finish. Body-coloured PVC-U is
Aesthetic needs also available. PVC-U windows should be
specified according to BS 7412.
Frame material
Steel frames are either fabricated from hot-
There are four key materials, namely rolled strip (non-thermally-broken) or made
aluminium, PVC-U, steel and timber. However, from cold-formed sheet (often thermally broken
these materials may be used in combination with a plastic or foam insert) - the hot-rolled
(composite frames), and there are also a number type is predominant in the UK, and the cold-
of new materials, such as fibreglass and formed type is dominant in the rest of Europe.
pultruded resins. Steel windows are hot-dip galvanised to help

© CWCT 2000 January 2000

This document has been printed from the CWCT ‘Cladding Forum’, access to which is restricted to subscribing Members of
the Centre for Window & Cladding Technology. Information about the availability of CWCT publications and membership is
available at our website – www.cwct.co.uk – or from the address at the end of this note.
Selection of windows - a checklist for specifiers TN 9

prevent corrosion and a range of surface Proportion (frame area)

coatings are available in many colours.
If all other parameters are constant then the
proportion of frame face width to total window
Timber is available in a range of softwoods and
area depends upon the stiffness of the frame
hardwoods. The timber may be pressure treated,
material. Hot-rolled steel frames usually have
or may simply be coated with preservative. A
the least ratio of frame to glazing, and PVC-U or
range of finishes is available, in many colours,
timber frames the largest. However, the style of
including a natural look. Timber windows
the window is important, as is the fit of the
should be specified according to BS 644: Part 1.
window into the opening - a window that is
Frames of composite construction are increasing recessed behind the outer leaf of the wall will
in availability, usually combining timber or appear to have less frame.
PVC-U to the inside with aluminium to the
Style
outside. These frames may also include more
than two materials (for example a timber inner Typical styles include fixed lights, casements
section separated from an aluminium outer (side-hung, top-hung, bottom-hung), pivoted
section with a PVC-U separator). Although not lights (horizontal axis, vertical, centre-axis,
covered directly by British Standards these vertical off-centre axis), sliders (vertical and
frames are often assessed indirectly using the horizontal), tilt-turn (tilt-before-turn or turn-
existing British Standards for the various frame before-tilt) and louvre windows. Most of these
materials. Timber or aluminium frames can also styles are available in all frame materials,
be covered with a bronze or stainless steel skin although hot-rolled steel frames are usually
for decoration and protection. limited to simple fixed, casement and pivoted
lights. Tilt-turn windows are usually single-
New materials are continually being introduced, light but other styles (e.g. top swing) may
and most can be produced with coloured combine opening and fixed lights.
coatings. However, these materials would not
be covered by existing British Standards. The overall shape of the window is usually
rectangular. Triangular, circular, semicircular
Jointing techniques must be adequate whichever or arched windows are available to achieve a
frame material is used, including joints between particular aesthetic effect, to match those being
frame members (e.g. at corners), and between replaced or to co-ordinate with adjacent
hardware and glazing beads and the frame. buildings. Opening lights may be outward or
inward opening.
Colour
Size
Whilst any colour is theoretically possible, some
are particularly difficult to formulate and are The size of window may limit the styles
available subject to certain technical available - the number, thickness and area of
considerations (e.g. weathering characteristics) panes dictate the size of frame required and
of the paint manufacturer. The range of strength of hardware for opening lights. Ease of
standard colours varies according to the type of operation, installation and glazing/reglazing also
finish and the manufacturer. Some colours are need to be considered. For example, designers
more colourfast than others - reputable paint should think about how large glass units can be
manufacturers can advise as to the most durable handled and glazed safely and without damage.
colours.

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Selection of windows - a checklist for specifiers TN 9

Glazing type unit and causing the unit edge seal to deteriorate
and are seldom used. The setting of the
Glazing selection is often based on energy
hardware is significant - properly adjusted
criteria, but there may be a need to limit solar
hardware will pull the opening light onto the
gain, provide privacy (reflective coatings, tinted
weather-seal. Centre-frame gaskets may
or patterned glass), colour, acoustic isolation,
improve air-tightness, whilst reducing
improved safety, security or fire resistance.
convective heat transfer within the window
Ordinary soda-lime glass is available in clear frame. The sealing of joins in gaskets (e.g. at
(usually with a green tint, which is only visible corners) and the use of proper glazing
edge-on, although low-iron clear-white glass is procedures is important. Air-tightness may be
produced by a number of manufacturers), body- classified according to BS 6375: Part 1. Further
tinted (a range of colours) and coated (usually information on air-tightness is given in TN1
visually or thermally reflective) forms. Obscure Representing air leakage through windows and
glazing may also be used (etched or patterned). glazed cladding systems.

Note that glazings with light-reflective coatings Water-tightness

or body-tints should be heat-strengthened or The same issues apply to water-tightness as to
toughened. Toughened or heat-strengthened air-tightness. However, rather than obtaining
glass may suffer from breakage caused by nickel water-tightness by a continuous outer seal on the
sulphide inclusions, although this problem can face of the window, special techniques such as
be moderated by heat soaking the glass. pressure-equalisation can be used, or frames
may be drained and ventilated, TN 6 The
Plastics glazing materials are also available, principle of pressure equalisation. Water-
although these materials have a poor resistance tightness may be classified according to BS
to water vapour transmission and cannot be used 6375: Part 1. Most commercial windows are
in sealed units. now drained and ventilated.

Further information on glass is given in TN 13 Wind resistance

Glass types.
The effect of wind-load depends upon the size
Hardware of the window - larger areas require more or
stronger frame fixings. For windows which
Materials (e.g. brass or stainless steel) for the combine fixed and opening lights, mullion and
window handles, hinges and locks can also be transom sections may require stiffening -
chosen to compliment the appearance of the perimeter frames are usually stiffened
window but must be suitable for the frame sufficiently. Wind-resistance (elastic
material, weight, service environment and deformation) may be classified according to
frequency of operation. BS 6375: Part 1.

Performance requirements Note that wind pressure may affect the ease of
operation and structural requirements of the
Air-tightness hardware - hardware has been known to fail
This depends upon the style of the window - suddenly as a result of shock loads generated by
more opening lights mean greater air gusts of wind acting on large open lights.
permeability. Air-tightness also depends upon
the glazing method - fully-bedded systems may Further information on calculating wind loading
be more air-tight, but can lead to problems with is given in TN 2 introduction to wind loading on
water penetrating between the seal and the glass

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Selection of windows - a checklist for specifiers TN 9

cladding and TN 3 Wind loading on wall is unlikely on the grounds that the noise will
cladding and windows of low-rise buildings. attract attention and so limit the time available
to the intruder. A soft-body impact to dislodge
Heat loss glazing or frame is more likely. Tests may be
Heat loss depends upon the glazing type, frame performed to BS 7950 Specification for
type and proportion of frame to glazing. It is enhanced security performance of casement and
always possible to reduce heat loss with better tilt/turn windows for domestic applications
frame or better glazing thermal performance. (limited to certain styles of domestic window) or
Heat loss can be measured in accordance with to Windows with enhanced resistance to
BS 874: Part 3, or computer prediction methods intrusion (CWCT, 1994) (any window style,
are available. domestic or commercial).

Multiple glazings are also possible, with a range It is important to recognise that a security rating
of glazing options and gas fills. Thermally- can only be applied to the particular
insulating edge spacers are available (warm combination of frame and hardware. Changing
edge technology). the hardware or its method of fixing will
invalidate any existing security rating and
Good thermal performance is achieved if the require a re-test.
design of all of the elements of the window -
frame, glass and cill - is balanced. Various processes are available for improving
the security of glass (wired, heat-strengthened,
Condensation risk toughened or laminated glass). Adhesive films
may be applied, although this is usually a
The occurrence of condensation can only be retrofit option.
predicted given a realistic assessment of the
frame and glazing temperatures, and accurate Kite marks
knowledge of the psychrometric conditions.
Temperature data can be obtained by British Standard Kite marks are usually required
measurement to BS 874: Part 3 or by computer as a set - a window must be Kite marked for air-
prediction. Guidance on evaluating tightness, water-tightness, resistance to wind
psychrometric conditions is given in BS 5250. load and security. However, some individual
Note that building occupancy and use are key components may be Kite marked, such as glass
features in the occurrence of condensation. units.

Ventilation Interface design

Different styles of window offer different There should be adequate clearance between the
degrees of control of ventilation. Background glass and glazing frame to allow thermal
(trickle) ventilation is now a requirement of the expansion and movement to occur without
Building Regulations Approved Document F. glass-to-frame contact and to permit proper
drainage of the glazing rebate. The glazing
Security rebate must provide adequate edge cover to
support the glass under wind loading (see BS
It is always possible to break through a window 6262). The window perimeter is normally
given sufficient time and suitable tools. sealed with a butt sealant joint. The sealant
Security standards are aimed at assessing joint design width must take account of the
resistance to unauthorised entry assuming practical (installation) and physical (movement
limited tools and limited time, but with wide capabilities) requirements of the sealant and
knowledge of how windows are secured.
Breaking of the glazing with a sharp implement

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Selection of windows - a checklist for specifiers TN 9

deviations and dimensional changes in the need to be capable of rapid release to allow
window frame and opening. egress in an emergency or to allow cleaning, but
they should re-engage automatically upon
Environmental concerns closing. This is generally a more expensive
option than fixed restrictors. Restrictors are
Recycling usually required where there is a risk of
Some materials can simply be melted down and occupants, particularly children, falling from an
reprocessed for reuse in windows (aluminium, open window. The Standard for Curtain
PVC-U, steel). Other materials may not be Walling (CWCT, 1996) states that opening
recyclable into windows, but can be recycled lights shall be provided with catches to limit the
into other products (timber). Note that a opening of any light to 100mm to limit the risk
material such as PVC-U, which includes several of falling out.
additives intended to ease processing and
Fire safety (egress, access)
prolong life, cannot be directly re-used but
needs to be either blended with virgin material Provision may be required to allow access and
(as much as 85 per cent new material may be egress in the event of fire as key-lockable
required) or clad with a skin of virgin material. hardware may hinder or prevent escape. Special
hardware for quick operation in the event of a
Durability fire should be clearly distinguishable from other
Durability depends upon frame material hardware, and should also be visible from
(blend/alloy/species), surface coatings (coating outside the building if intended to be used by
type and thickness, surface preparation, colour), fire fighters.
environment (inland, coastal, industrial, marine)
Operating forces
and maintenance (both quality and frequency).
Achieving the best durability is often a balance The force required to operate hardware is
between conflicting interests, for example, if the important, particularly for the elderly and
window is mounted flush with the outer face of wheelchair users. Ease of reach is also
the wall then the perimeter sealant is exposed important and must be balanced by the need for
and thus less durable; if the window is recessed security against opening by children. Guidance
then the seal is sheltered but the window frame on operating forces is given in BS 6375: Part 2.
finish is not washed by rainfall and dirt may
accumulate, trapping moisture and accelerating Repair and renovation
corrosion. Durability of the window or the In a domestic situation is the window suitable
perimeter seal can also be affected by poor for home repair? Can spare parts be obtained?
fabrication or poor installation. Is hardware labelled with the manufacturer’s
name and part number? Is the glazing clearly
Issues such as regular cleaning and maintenance
labelled as to type? All of these questions must
are important, but are difficult to guarantee.
be considered.
Guidance on the durability of materials and
finishes is given in BS 7543, and information on Access
compatibility of materials in PD 6484.
Is the window safely accessible? Inward
Health and safety issues opening and internally glazed windows offer
many advantages in terms of access, cleaning,
Hardware (restrictors) inspection and repair. Practice for the safe use
and cleaning of windows is given in BS 8213:
It is possible to fit restrictors to windows to
Part 1.
limit the opening. However, restrictors may

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Selection of windows - a checklist for specifiers TN 9

Adjustment of hardware often fixed with rotating collars to prevent

sawing-through.
What adjustment does the hardware require
initially? Is periodic adjustment required?
Preparation of window and substrate
Hardware is often ignored, and yet must usually
undergo some adjustment if the window is to Does the window or the substrate need
operate within the specified limits of air- preparation? Can the perimeter sealant be
tightness, water-tightness, operating force and applied directly to the substrate and frame? The
security. frame or substrate material(s) may not adhere or
be chemically compatible with all sealant types.
Installation requirements Some sealants are known to cause staining of
porous materials (e.g. concrete and natural
Size and weight (H&S) stone), and some may be attacked by certain
surface coatings. DPCs should be returned, or if
How heavy is the window? Are the windows
short, a new piece fitted.
supplied ready glazed or as a kit of parts? Is
mechanical lifting gear required? Again, these
Design for installation
questions must be considered. Whilst size and
weight is often not a problem for new build (due Is the window designed to allow easy
to the plentiful supply of labour, plant and installation and sealing? Is there provision to
equipment), it does become a concern when locate a sealant backer rod prior to sealant
replacing glazing or windows. application? Some window frames have a thin
nib of material against which a perimeter seal is
Substrate to be made; others have a deep shelf with a
groove that can be used to locate a backer rod.
What substrate is the window to be fixed into
Some frames are secured by fixing through the
(e.g. clay brick, concrete, stone or metal)? Is the
frame; others use a system of clips/brackets that
substrate sound? Is the fixing position clear?
locate into a proprietary cavity closer. Some
The substrate may actually be a lightweight
window manufacturers also supply proprietary
cavity closer which is insufficient to support the
clips which are used to locate dry linings against
weight of a large window. Cavity closers
the frame - these features help to ensure a good
should be considered with the window - many
finished installation. Windows must be
window manufacturers also have their own
installed vertical, regardless of substrate, in
cavity closer system.
order to function properly.
Fixing method
Ease of installation depends on the practicality
What type of fixing is required? How many of fitting the window within the opening, which
fixings are required? The selection of fixings requires:
may depend upon the substrate material, wind
loading and security requirements. Selecting a 1. Account being made of dimensional
security window and then fixing it in place with tolerances in the window frame and
expanded foam is not sensible practice - the particularly the opening when designing the
window can often be sawn out of the opening. perimeter seal;
At present, complete fixing of any window by
2. Maintenance of reasonable/specified
foam is not permitted - foam is generally only
tolerances when constructing openings (see
used with domestic windows and then is not a
BS 5606, BS 8000: Part 3 and BRE Digest
substitute for fixings but can reduce the number
199).
required. Security window fixing screws are

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Selection of windows - a checklist for specifiers TN 9

Incompatibility of tolerances at the window- the window is opened should be washed out
cladding interface is too often ignored, periodically.
increasing construction costs and/or
compromising the finished appearance (due to The use of chemicals for cleaning should be
wide joints, or a cut substrate) and durability of carefully considered and a manufacturer’s
the seal (due to incorrect joint configuration). maintenance guide provided to prevent damage
by chemical attack or abrasion. Guidance on
Trained installers safe access, materials and methods for cleaning
is given in BS 8213: Part 1.
Is the installer properly (and independently)
trained? Even the best window design will fail
to perform if poorly installed. Over-tightening
Summary
of fixings can distort the frame and poor
Much of this technical note is concerned with
adjustment of hardware can prevent opening or
the specification of framing systems and
reduce weathertightness. The use of properly
materials used for windows, and of different
trained installers, e.g. those registered and
glazing infill panels. The technical note deals
certificated with the Centre for Window and
with all aspects of window selection and covers
Cladding Technology (CWCT, 1996), will
each different framing material by reference to
significantly reduce the risk of problems.
relevant British Standards. Reference is also
Installers must also have an up-to-date
made to all other British Standards that relate to
installation manual for the window system.
window performance and safety.
Design for removal
References
Can the window be easily removed when it
needs to be replaced? For example, are special BRE, 1977, Getting good fit, Building Research
tools required? Some types of fixing allow for Establishment Digest 199.
easier removal. Fixings should be accessible -
some types of window are now supplied ready BS 644: Part 1, 1989, Wood windows;
glazed, and can be fixed without removing the Specification for factory assembled windows of
glazing - this also allows easier removal. various types, British Standards Institution.

Cleaning and Maintenance requirements BS 874: Part 3 Methods for determining thermal
insulation properties - Tests for thermal
Maintenance (re-coat, reseal, re-glaze) transmittance and conductance, British
Standards Institution.
Windows typically need washing, re-coating and
repairing if damaged. Glazing needs to be BS 1474, 1987, Specification for wrought
replaced upon failure - glass units have a limited aluminium and aluminium alloys for general
life-span, depending on the edge seal and the engineering purposes: bars, extruded round
glazing technique (fully-bedded glazing systems tubes and sections, British Standards Institution.
are prone to allowing water to penetrate to the
edge seal due to their reliance on site BS 4873, 1986, Aluminium alloy windows,
workmanship). Resealing of the window British Standards Institution.
perimeter may be required, and re-coating of
timber windows with paint or preservative is a BS 5250, 1989, Code of practice for control of
frequent requirement. Maintenance of hardware condensation in buildings, British Standards
(e.g. lubrication and adjustment) is also needed, Institution.
and drainage channels which are exposed when

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Selection of windows - a checklist for specifiers TN 9

BS 5606, 1989, Guide to the accuracy in CWCT, 1996, Registration and Certification
building, British Standards Institution. Scheme for Window & Curtain Walling
Installers, Scheme Description, Centre for
BS 6262, 1982, Code of practice for glazing for Window and Cladding Technology, University
buildings, British Standards Institution. of Bath.

BS 6375: Part 1, 1989, Performance of windows DD171, 1987, Guide to specifying performance
- specification for weathertightness (including requirements for hinged or pivoted doors
guidance on selection and specification, British including test methods, British Standards
Standards Institution. Institution.

BS 6375: Part 2, 1987, Performance of windows HMSO, 1991, The Building Regulations 1991,
- specification for operation and strength Approved Document F, Ventilation, HMSO
characteristics, British Standards Institution. Publications.

BS 6510, 1984, Steel windows, sills, window PD 6484, 1979, Commentary on corrosion of
boards and doors, British Standards Institution. bimetallic contacts and its alleviation, British
Standards Institution.
BS 7412, 1991, Plastic windows made from
PVC-U extruded hollow profiles, British
Standards Institution.

BS 7543, 1992, Guide to the design of buildings

and building elements, products and
components, British Standards Institution.

BS 7950, 1997, Specification for enhanced

security performance of casement and tilt/turn
windows for domestic applications, British
Standards Institution.

BS 8000 Part 3,1989, Workmanship on building

sites. Code of practice for masonry, British
Standards Institution.

BS 8213: Part 1 Code of practice for safety in

use and during cleaning of windows and doors
(including guidance on cleaning methods and
methods - draft, British Standards Institution.

BS 8213: Part 4, 1990, Windows, doors and

rooflights - Code of practice for the installation
© CWCT 2000
of replacement windows and doorsets in
dwellings, British Standards Institution. CWCT Technical Notes 1 – 30 have been part-
funded by the DETR under research contract
CWCT, 1994, Windows with enhanced 39/3/338 (CI 1354)
resistance to intrusion, Centre for Window and University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath,
Cladding Technology, University of Bath. BA2 7AY
Tel: 01225 826541; Fax: 01225 826556;
email: cwct@bath.ac.uk; website:
www.cwct.co.uk
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