Windows and Doors FAQs
Window, door and conservatory questions
How can we achieve an ‘A’ rated window using your Thermalogik ‘A’ rated profile?
Thermalogik is our slimline, multi-chambered outer frame. The name applies only to this one profile but used alone it will not guarantee an ‘A’ rating for thermal performance. The profile was designed to allow our customers to achieve good energy ratings while taking advantage of lower-priced glass options. Improved thermal ratings can be achieved with the remainder of the Eurologik profile suite by using our new PVC-U Thermal Inserts. These products are also multi-chambered and, when inserted into the outer frame, help to reduce thermal transmittance. Whilst ‘A’ ratings can be achieved using any of our other profiles, these new and innovative products allow you to achieve them more competitively.
Thermalogik is our slimline, multi-chambered outer frame. The name applies only to this one profile but used alone it will not guarantee an ‘A’ rating for thermal performance. The profile was designed to allow our customers to achieve good energy ratings while taking advantage of lower-priced glass options. Improved thermal ratings can be achieved with the remainder of the Eurologik profile suite by using our new PVC-U Thermal Inserts. These products are also multi-chambered and, when inserted into the outer frame, help to reduce thermal transmittance. Whilst ‘A’ ratings can be achieved using any of our other profiles, these new and innovative products allow you to achieve them more competitively.
What is the RAL number for your cream profile?
There is no specific number as we mix it ourselves. The nearest match is 1015, but when placed next to our cream profile you will see a slight difference.
There is no specific number as we mix it ourselves. The nearest match is 1015, but when placed next to our cream profile you will see a slight difference.
What is the fire rating for your profile?
Eurocell has a Class 1 rating for surface spread of flame, but this does not mean that you can get a half-hour rating on windows or doors. The profile is self-extinguishing, but will distort in heat and allow smoke and flames to pass.
Eurocell has a Class 1 rating for surface spread of flame, but this does not mean that you can get a half-hour rating on windows or doors. The profile is self-extinguishing, but will distort in heat and allow smoke and flames to pass.
Do we need to fully reinforce woodgrain-on-white profiles?
Treat dual-colour profile as full woodgrain and fully reinforce as per the Eurocell fabrication manual.
Treat dual-colour profile as full woodgrain and fully reinforce as per the Eurocell fabrication manual.
Do you sell a stick-on astragal or Georgian bar?
Yes. However, our old product – coded EWS 320 – had to be stuck to the surface of the glass units using double-sided tape along the whole length of the bar. This meant that the glass had to be cleaned using methylated spirit before application and the frames had to be factory glazed because the bars had to be cut precisely to size. This was very time consuming and expensive. By contrast, our new range of astragal bars are all clipped onto the units and only require tapes at cruciform joints or on retaining clips on long bars. The range of end caps available for these products means that, in most cases, the bars no longer need to be milled and can simply be square cut.
Yes. However, our old product – coded EWS 320 – had to be stuck to the surface of the glass units using double-sided tape along the whole length of the bar. This meant that the glass had to be cleaned using methylated spirit before application and the frames had to be factory glazed because the bars had to be cut precisely to size. This was very time consuming and expensive. By contrast, our new range of astragal bars are all clipped onto the units and only require tapes at cruciform joints or on retaining clips on long bars. The range of end caps available for these products means that, in most cases, the bars no longer need to be milled and can simply be square cut.
Although my window sashes are correct to the cutting calculations, I am having problems achieving the correct cover when I hang them. Can you help?
This problem is commonly caused by the use of friction stays with the incorrect stack height. Most people tend to use a “standard” hinge with a 13mm stack height. These are fine for our 60mm frames, but the Ultimate 70 system is designed to use a hinge with a 15mm stack height, while the Eurologik system uses 17mm. Clearly, the wrong hinge will not position the closed sash correctly. This is particularly the case on side-hung casements.
This problem is commonly caused by the use of friction stays with the incorrect stack height. Most people tend to use a “standard” hinge with a 13mm stack height. These are fine for our 60mm frames, but the Ultimate 70 system is designed to use a hinge with a 15mm stack height, while the Eurologik system uses 17mm. Clearly, the wrong hinge will not position the closed sash correctly. This is particularly the case on side-hung casements.
I sometimes see a black or discoloured line down the finished weld on my frames. What causes this?
There are a couple of common causes. Firstly, the welder plate temperatures should be checked with a good quality digital thermostat to ensure the correct temperature is being achieved. You should not rely totally on the machine gauge as the temperature probes, etc. can malfunction. If the weld burns it will show a dark line down the centre.
The other common cause of this fault is contamination of the weld by failing to peel back the protective tapes from the profile cut edges prior to welding.
Although it is common practice not to do this, it is obvious that the tape melts back with the profile and contaminates the finished weld when the machine closes the joint. Indeed, the requirement for the tape to be peeled back is contained in the BPF Guidelines for welding.
There are a couple of common causes. Firstly, the welder plate temperatures should be checked with a good quality digital thermostat to ensure the correct temperature is being achieved. You should not rely totally on the machine gauge as the temperature probes, etc. can malfunction. If the weld burns it will show a dark line down the centre.
The other common cause of this fault is contamination of the weld by failing to peel back the protective tapes from the profile cut edges prior to welding.
Although it is common practice not to do this, it is obvious that the tape melts back with the profile and contaminates the finished weld when the machine closes the joint. Indeed, the requirement for the tape to be peeled back is contained in the BPF Guidelines for welding.
Can I put the sliding leaf of my Euroslide patio door on the inside track as opposed to outside?
Yes. While we recommend that the slider is on the outside as this achieves a better weather rating, it is possible to use either the inner or outer track for the slider. When the patio is made in dual colour, the slider should always be on the inside to avoid exposing white trims on the coloured face. When the slider is inside, it’s important to remember to fit the EWS 453 air dam at the top and bottom where the sashes meet.
On the subject of patio doors, we are often asked if the sliders must be in the centre of three and four-pane door assemblies. In fact you can put the sliders wherever you like, in the middle or at either end. If the meeting style supplied in the kit is used as a coupler between the fixed panes, then the cutting constants remain the same.
Yes. While we recommend that the slider is on the outside as this achieves a better weather rating, it is possible to use either the inner or outer track for the slider. When the patio is made in dual colour, the slider should always be on the inside to avoid exposing white trims on the coloured face. When the slider is inside, it’s important to remember to fit the EWS 453 air dam at the top and bottom where the sashes meet.
On the subject of patio doors, we are often asked if the sliders must be in the centre of three and four-pane door assemblies. In fact you can put the sliders wherever you like, in the middle or at either end. If the meeting style supplied in the kit is used as a coupler between the fixed panes, then the cutting constants remain the same.
Can I use cyanoacrylate glue (superglue) to fit trims to my woodgrain frames?
No. All woodgrain or coloured foils have an acrylic layer on the outer face to provide UV stability. Superglue will attack this layer over time and cause it to blister away from the pigmented foil.
No. All woodgrain or coloured foils have an acrylic layer on the outer face to provide UV stability. Superglue will attack this layer over time and cause it to blister away from the pigmented foil.
Following recent high winds, some of my customers have complained about draughts and ‘whistling’ from windows. Is there anything I can do to prevent this?
The problem is usually caused by splits, cracks or other breakdown of the sealant joints. The advice provided by our sealant providers is that the minimum width and depth of the seal joint should be 5mm and, in general, the depth of the seal should be twice its width. It’s also worth noting that the sealant will not bond correctly in temperatures below 5°C. If the surface is wet or damp, a specialist sealant (e.g. Silversil MSP) should be used.
The problem is usually caused by splits, cracks or other breakdown of the sealant joints. The advice provided by our sealant providers is that the minimum width and depth of the seal joint should be 5mm and, in general, the depth of the seal should be twice its width. It’s also worth noting that the sealant will not bond correctly in temperatures below 5°C. If the surface is wet or damp, a specialist sealant (e.g. Silversil MSP) should be used.
How should I go about cleaning substances such as paint, wood preserver or plaster residue from foiled profiles?
The foils themselves are finished with an acrylic layer which gives the surface its gloss, but more importantly acts as an ultraviolet barrier. Should this layer be damaged, the foil will have a dull appearance and will fade in sunlight. On no account should any abrasive cleaners or solvents be used. Normal, everyday cleaning should be done using only soapy water. If you have a particular problem, we can help with information direct from the foil suppliers. Just give our Technical team a call on 01773 842100.
The foils themselves are finished with an acrylic layer which gives the surface its gloss, but more importantly acts as an ultraviolet barrier. Should this layer be damaged, the foil will have a dull appearance and will fade in sunlight. On no account should any abrasive cleaners or solvents be used. Normal, everyday cleaning should be done using only soapy water. If you have a particular problem, we can help with information direct from the foil suppliers. Just give our Technical team a call on 01773 842100.