CWDC 1 08 Gaskets

Curtain walling design and construction for building professionals
Gaskets and membranes
1
CWCT 2014
Introduction
What do gaskets and membranes do?
What can go wrong?
Use and installation of gaskets and membranes
2
CWCT 2014
Gaskets and membranes
Gaskets are compressed within a joint to provide a seal
Membranes are clamped along their edges to provide a seal
Some materials such as EPDM may be used as either gaskets or

membranes. Other materials may only be used as gaskets.
3
CWCT 2014
Membranes
Membranes are frequently

used to seal windows to
walls.
The window can be detailed

with a race to accommodate
the membrane.
Membranes have to be cut

and joined at the corners.
4
CWCT 2014
Membranes
Attempts to bond
membranes at site are
seldom successful.
Quality is dependent on
workmanship and
environmental conditions.
In this case it would be better

to use a light aluminium strip
as a clamping strip.
5
CWCT 2014
Membranes
This more sophisticated

extrusion acts as a
membrane.
The edges are clamped in to

adjacent elements of the
cladding and it is self-
supporting.
This is from the Waterloo

International terminal.
6
CWCT 2014
Gaskets v sealant joints
Gaskets Sealant joints

Factory extruded Site extruded
High tolerance Low tolerance
Used in well defined joint
Accommodate joint width
Controlled gap
Between factory made Between components and

components construction
Opening joints Performance is more
Windows and doors dependent on workmanship
Maintenance and access
7
CWCT 2014
Functions of a gasket
Limits air and water infiltration
Allows relative movement
Absorbs structural loads
Prevents glass contacting frame
8
CWCT 2014
Gasket joints
9
CWCT 2014
Gasket design/selection
Gaskets are as much a part of the system as the aluminium

profile
Should be supplied by the system supplier
Come in many shapes and sizes
10
CWCT 2014
Static and dynamic applications
Static gaskets
These are used to locate and seal glazing or panels that are
not required to move
Dynamic gaskets
These are used to seal joints that are designed to open in
everyday use (in windows and doors).
Some gaskets are required to be opened occasionally, such as

those used to seal access panels. These are essentially static
gaskets.
11
CWCT 2014
Dynamic gaskets
Flipper gasket,
(Second contact, Flipper gasket,
positions frame) (initial contact, primary
Water seal)
12
CWCT 2014
Design of dynamic gaskets
Dynamic gaskets are required to provide a good seal under low

compression
High compression forces in the gasket will require large

operating forces to close the window or door.
Allowable operating forces are given in BS6375-2.
Dynamic gaskets act in combination and at any joint only one

gasket should determine the location of the opening window or
door.
13
CWCT 2014
Shapes of dynamic gaskets
Hollow gaskets
O - gasket
Hollow gaskets
P - gasket
Flexible gaskets
Flipper - gasket
14
CWCT 2014
Performance of dynamic gaskets
Compression is achieved by gross deflection of;
The hollow part of the profile,

The flipper or blade.
Compression is more dependent on shape than material.
The primary material requirements are tear resistance and

compression set.
The gasket is generally protected from the external and internal

environments.
15
CWCT 2014
Adjustment of dynamic gaskets
Window and door hardware

should allow for adjustment
of the gasket compression.
The keeps may be

adjustable.
Normally the cams are

eccentric and rotating them
adjusts the gasket
compression
16
CWCT 2014
Static gaskets window glazing
Internal and external gaskets work in combination
One stiff to provide location of glazing
One flexible to provide accommodate tolerance and provide

compression
17
CWCT 2014
Static gaskets - windows
Wedge gasket Push-in gasket
Bead
18
CWCT 2014
Window glazing sequence
1. Push-in or slide-in gasket placed

2. Glazing installed
3. Bead installed
4. Wedge gasket inserted to;
Provide compression of both gaskets
Lock bead in position
19
CWCT 2014
Gasket shapes
Wedge gaskets
Crescent gasket and E-gasket
Push-in gaskets
Crescent gasket and E-gasket
Slide-in gaskets
Brush gasket and fir-tree
20
CWCT 2014
Gasket location and retention
Slide-in gasket Wedge gasket
21
CWCT 2014
Curtain walling window glazing approach
Slide-in gasket inserted in to

framing profile
Glazing positioned
Pressure plate tightened to a

stop
Wedge gasket pressed in to

gap of predetermined width
22
CWCT 2014
Curtain walling controlled compression
Slide-in gasket inserted in to

framing profile and pressure
plate.
Glazing positioned.
Pressure plate tightened to a

torque to give a known
compression in the gaskets.
23
CWCT 2014
Hollow or closed-cell gaskets
Firm, dense gaskets
Soft, closed-cell gaskets
24
CWCT 2014
Other gaskets
Brush weatherstrip (push-in)
Wrap round gasket
Fir tree gasket
25
CWCT 2014
Material selection
Compression set
Ozone/weathering resistance
Tensile strength
Low temperature resistance
Cost of compound!
26
CWCT 2014
Compression set
Compression set
20 19
15
Original Compressed Recovered
Compression set gives rise to reduced compression
27
CWCT 2014
Materials
EPDM
Chloroprene (Neoprene)
Silicone
Butyl
TPE
Hypalon
These are generic names

There are many blends of each
28
CWCT 2014
Materials
EPDM
Economical
Good durability
Low compression set
Poor tear resistance
Only available in black
29
CWCT 2014
Materials
Chloroprene (Neoprene)
Reasonably economical
Reasonable durability
Reasonable compression set
Good tear resistance (Opening seals)
Only available in black
30
CWCT 2014
Materials
Silicone
Available in most colours
Very good durability
Remains flexible at low temperatures
Expensive
31
CWCT 2014
Materials
Butyl, TPE, Hypalon

Poor compression set
Moderate durability
Butyl strips may be used to stick glass in place to improve

post-failure behaviour
Intrusion
Fracture
Bomb blast
32
CWCT 2014
Compression set comparison
25 %
Comp Set
% at 70o C
Butyl
Silicone
EPDM
Hypalon
Natural
Neoprene
POLYMER TYPE
33
CWCT 2014
Low temperature resistance
Resistance
to low
temperature
stiffening
Butyl
Silicone
EPDM
Hypalon
Natural
Neoprene
POLYMER TYPE
34
CWCT 2014
Tear resistance
18 -
Limit For
Black
Tensile 12 -
strength Limit For

Colour
(MPa) 6-
0-
Butyl
Silicone
EPDM
Hypalon
Natural
Neoprene
POLYMER TYPE
35
CWCT 2014
Weathering resistance
Crack
resistance
Silicone
EPDM
Natural
Neoprene
POLYMER TYPE
36
CWCT 2014
Comparative costs
6
Cost /Kg
4
1992 prices
Silicone
TPR
EPDM
Hypalon
Natural
Neoprene
POLYMER TYPE
37
CWCT 2014
Gasket stiffness
Gasket stiffness is a function of:

Shape
IRHD Shore hardness Stiff Soft
IRHD Youngs modulus (x 106 N/m2)

40 1.54
50 2.34
60 3.48
70 5.48
75 7.09
80 9.36
38
CWCT 2014
Gasket compression
Gasket 2
Force Gasket 1
Equilibrium point
Compression
39
CWCT 2014
Gasket compression
Gaskets have to remain

compressed long-term.
Have to remain compressed

under wind load.
Failure to compress gaskets

may lead to failure.
Initial compression should

allow for wind load and
compression set.
40
CWCT 2014
Gasket compression - size
Gasket 2
Force Gasket 1
Variation
in force
Compression
41
CWCT 2014
Gasket size and compression
The gap width will depend

on;
Glazing thickness
Colour coded wedge gaskets
Tolerance on frame
Tolerance on gasket
Gaskets of different sizes are

available to give correct
compression in gap.
They are colour coded for

Colour coded slide-in gasket
easy reference.
42
CWCT 2014
Gasket compression - relaxation
Gasket 2
Force Gasket 1
Reduced
compression
Compression
43
CWCT 2014
Gasket compression - wind
Gasket 2
Force Gasket 1
Wind load
Movement
Compression
44
CWCT 2014
Corners
Corners are formed by:
Cutting to length and notching, folding or bending
Cutting to length and gluing
Cutting and heat welding
Cutting and site vulcanising
Using moulded corners

Vulcanised at the factory Picture frame gaskets
Bonded at site
45
CWCT 2014
Corner details
Cut or notch the wedge

gasket at these corner
situations
46
CWCT 2014
Preformed cruciforms used with curtain walling
Some curtain walling

systems use preformed
cruciform gasket
components.
These are butted or bonded

at site.
47
CWCT 2014
Gasket bonding
Type of material to be bonded and method of jointing
The jointing adhesive
Gasket must be dry, clean and free of oil/grease
Check if cleaning solvent or primer is required
The ends should be cut with a sharp, clean, unchipped blade
Check to make sure that the ends meet cleanly and at an acceptable
angle
48
CWCT 2014
Gasket bonding
When using an adhesive or heat welding procedure:
Cut ends may require cleaning with a solvent
Solvent and adhesive must be compatible with the gasket

material
Some adhesives need a primer to ensure a permanent bond
Bonds should be allowed to cure or cool before the gasket is

installed
49
CWCT 2014
Installation
The mounting surface should be

checked to be sure it is cleared
of all debris and swarf
Check that the gasket is clean
If the gasket shows visible

imperfections such as cuts or
abrasions it should be discarded
Opening lights may require the

weatherstrip gasket to be
notched to allow drainage
50
CWCT 2014
Frame gasket installation

Head
1 2 3 4
Sill
Correct sequence of installation ensures a

good fit
This is essential to get a good seal
51
CWCT 2014
Installation
Fit corners first, then the centre

and then install the centre of
each loop until complete
Ensure that the gasket is

properly located in the race/nib
Ensure that the gaskets are

correctly compressed
52
CWCT 2014
Compression affects
Ease of installation
Risk of damage to glazing units
Effectiveness of seal
Long term performance
Closing forces of opening windows and doors
53
CWCT 2014
Installation length
Gasket lengths should be oversize by 1% - 3 %
The gasket should not be stretched during installation
Gaskets with co-extruded cord cannot be stretched
The gasket should be fitted into position ensuring that the

corners are forced into compression
54
CWCT 2014
Installation
Gaskets shipped on reels can become stretched during the

factory reeling process
If possible, remove from reels and allow to relax for a day before
cutting to final length
With a slide-in gasket allow time for it to relax/shrink back

before cutting to final length
55
CWCT 2014
Handling and storage considerations
Ensure gaskets are stored in a dry, contamination-free

environment
Keep away from dirt and grime
Gasket identification codes should be clearly visible
Retain identification labels
Keep coiled until time required
56
CWCT 2014
Picture frame gaskets:
Check size and which way around it has to be fitted
Can become deformed due to shipment and/or storage
Unpack and place flat or drape over temporary racks to allow

recovery
57
CWCT 2014
58
CWCT 2014
Summary
Use system gaskets of the correct size for the glazing
Treat materials with care
Strips of gasket are not equivalent to a proper picture frame

gasket
Do not stretch gaskets during installation
Gaskets should not be forced in to place
Gaskets that slip in will slip out!
59
CWCT 2014

CWDC 1 08 Gaskets

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Curtain walling design and construction for building professionals

Gaskets and membranes

What do gaskets and membranes do?

What can go wrong?

Use and installation of gaskets and membranes

Gaskets and membranes

Gaskets are compressed within a joint to provide a seal

Membranes are clamped along their edges to provide a seal

Some materials such as EPDM may be used as either gaskets or

Membranes are frequently

The window can be detailed

Membranes have to be cut

In this case it would be better

This more sophisticated

The edges are clamped in to

This is from the Waterloo

Gaskets v sealant joints

Gaskets Sealant joints

Between factory made Between components and

Limits air and water infiltration

Allows relative movement

Absorbs structural loads

Prevents glass contacting frame

Gaskets are as much a part of the system as the aluminium

Should be supplied by the system supplier

Come in many shapes and sizes

Static and dynamic applications

Some gaskets are required to be opened occasionally, such as

Design of dynamic gaskets

Dynamic gaskets are required to provide a good seal under low

High compression forces in the gasket will require large

Allowable operating forces are given in BS6375-2.

Dynamic gaskets act in combination and at any joint only one

Shapes of dynamic gaskets

Performance of dynamic gaskets

Compression is achieved by gross deflection of;

The hollow part of the profile,

Compression is more dependent on shape than material.

The primary material requirements are tear resistance and

The gasket is generally protected from the external and internal

Adjustment of dynamic gaskets

Window and door hardware

The keeps may be

Normally the cams are

Static gaskets window glazing

Internal and external gaskets work in combination

One stiff to provide location of glazing

One flexible to provide accommodate tolerance and provide

Static gaskets - windows

Wedge gasket Push-in gasket

Window glazing sequence

1. Push-in or slide-in gasket placed

Gasket location and retention

Slide-in gasket Wedge gasket

Curtain walling window glazing approach

Slide-in gasket inserted in to

Pressure plate tightened to a

Wedge gasket pressed in to

Curtain walling controlled compression

Slide-in gasket inserted in to

Pressure plate tightened to a

Hollow or closed-cell gaskets

Firm, dense gaskets