Selection of suitable windows is a key step in the process of building or modernising a house. However, even the best, most energy-efficient windows can fail to perform their function if they are not installed correctly. In recent years, the following have become increasingly popular warm window installation, which responds to the growing need for energy efficiency and thermal comfort in buildings. But what exactly is warm installation and why is it worth investing in it?
Warm installationalso known as sandwich assembly, is an installation technique windowswhich involves the use of additional insulation layers to minimise thermal bridges and improve airtightness windows. In contrast to traditional assembly, where window is installed directly in the borehole window, warm installation includes three key sealing layers:
- Inner layer - It is responsible for airtightness and prevents the penetration of moisture from inside the building into the window construction. Usually vapour barrier strips or special films are used here.
- Middle layer - It provides an insulating layer that reduces heat loss and protects against noise. Polyurethane foam or suitable insulating materials are most often used in this layer.
- Outer layer - It protects against the elements, such as rain, snow or wind. The outer layer must be vapour-permeable to allow moisture to evaporate freely, but at the same time waterproof to prevent water penetration.
This solution provides optimum thermal insulation and protects the building from excessive cooling and moisture.
The differences between standard and warm installation
Traditional window installation involves the use of mounting foam to seal the joint windows with masonry. Although this is a commonly used method, it has the disadvantage of not providing adequate protection against moisture and heat loss. Polyurethane foam, used in standard installation, can lose its insulating properties over time, and moisture that enters the cracks causes it to degrade.
Warm installation while, thanks to the use of additional insulation layers, it eliminates thermal bridges, which significantly improves thermal insulation performance windows. This not only reduces heat loss, but also improves indoor comfort.
To better understand why warm installation brings so many benefits, it is worth knowing what its step-by-step process looks like:
- Preparation of the window opening
Before installation of The window opening must be thoroughly prepared. It is important that the surface is dry, clean and even. The window opening must be suitably shaped to allow for the subsequent installation of the insulation layers.
- Application of insulation tapes
In the next step, special vapour-proof and vapour-permeable tapes are used. On the outside of the building, a tape is installed to protect against moisture and weathering, while inside, a tape is used to prevent moisture from penetrating into the structure.
- Application of the installation foam
Then window is embedded in the window opening and the spaces between the window frame and the masonry is filled with polyurethane foam, which provides good thermal and acoustic insulation. This foam, despite its insulating properties, is protected by pre-installed tapes to prevent degradation.
- Sealing and finishing
After installation windows and foam application, all edges are carefully sealed and the external and internal tapes are carefully adhered to the surface. This ensures a complete seal and protection from the weather.
- Improved thermal insulation
The biggest advantage warm installation is to significantly reduce thermal bridges, resulting in less heat loss. This keeps the house warmer in winter and cooler in summer, leading to savings on heating and air conditioning costs.
- Protection against moisture
Through the use of suitable vapour barrier tapes, warm installation protects the structure windows against the ingress of moisture from inside the building, which is important, especially in winter. Protection against damp is a key element in preventing the formation of mould and mildew.
- Longer service life windows
Warm installation extends the life of both windowsas well as the building itself. Adequate protection against moisture prevents material degradation and improves the performance of the windows for many years to come.
- Improved sound insulation
Layered technology installation, including additional central insulation, means that warm installation also effectively protects against noise from outside. This is particularly important for houses located along busy roads or in city centres.
- Energy savings
Warm installation is an investment that pays off in the form of lower energy bills. Thanks to better thermal insulation windows, the need to heat the building is reduced, resulting in real savings in the long term.
Warm installation and construction standards in the European Union
It is worth noting that in the European Union, more and more countries are introducing stricter standards for the energy efficiency of buildings. Poland and many other countries have regulations which impose specific requirements on new buildings regarding minimum heat loss. Layered assembly, or warm, fits in with these regulations, helping builders to meet the new building standards.
If you are planning to build or upgrade your home, it is worth considering the installation of a windows in accordance with these guidelines. This will avoid the need for additional amendments in the future and at the same time reduce the running costs of the building.
Although warm installation is recommended in the case of energy-efficient windows i passiveThis does not mean that it is not also worth using for traditional window systems. Even with standard windows layered assembly significantly improves the thermal insulation of the building and extends the service life windowsand protect them from the negative effects of moisture and weather conditions.
If you are wondering how much costs of installation in 2024 then check it out in our other article |HOW MUCH DOES WARM FITTING COST IN 2024?|
Summary
Warm window installation is a state-of-the-art solution that significantly improves the insulation performance of a building, provides protection against moisture and extends the life of the windows. Although it involves higher initial costs, the investment pays dividends in the form of savings on energy bills and improved building comfort. It is worth investing in warm installation to enjoy the durability and functionality of the windows for many years to come.