Guidelines on repairing and installing aluminium windows

(I) Repairing aluminium windows

Repairing glass panes:
Replace broken glass panes with similar type and thickness. They should be of adequate size and strength.

Material and size requirements when replacing the whole window set :
Unless a special design is adopted, one should consider : aluminium sections of not less than 2 mm thick. window members should be of adequate size and strength. In normal circumstances, frame sections should not be less than 38mm in depth. openable windows normally be not wider than 700mm to avoid the sash from bearing excessive wind force or deformation of hinges due to excessive weight of sash. stainless steel 4-bar hinges having a minimum thickness of 2.5 mm on each link bar. stainless steel rivets of not less than 4.8 mm diameter or stainless steel screws of not less than 5 mm diameter.

For further detailed requirements, click here to view PNAP 248 and PNRC 47

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Repairing screws & rivets :

In the process of repairing aluminium windows, stainless steel screws or rivets should be used to replace the original aluminium rivets for the fixing of hinges.
Stainless steel screws

Stainless steel rivets

Apply bituminous paint or sealant to the holes of the hinges and window frames prior to the installation of stainless steel screws or rivets to help avoid corrosion due to bi-metallic action. After installation, apply the paint or sealant to the heads of the screws or rivets to further improve resistance to corrosion.

If the original aluminium frame is of a thinner material or the original rivets holes have been enlarged due to corrosion, one could consider adding stainless steel rivets/screws at proper positions in addition to the original holes allowed for fixing rivets for better security.

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Repairing seepage around the window frames :

Replace defective sealant around the window frames

Provide a weather drip at the window head on the external side for dripping away of water

Apply suitable waterproofing material to make good the cracking grouts around the window frames

Weather drip

Lay the window cill on the external side with a slight fall to prevent water accumulation

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(II)

Installing aluminium windows

material and size requirements :

Unless a special design is adopted, one should consider : stainless steel hinge, screws or rivets to be used. stainless steel rivets of not less than 4.8 mm diameter or stainless steel screws of not less than 5 mm diameter . aluminium sections of not less than 2 mm thick. stainless steel 4-bar hinges having a minimum thickness of 2.5 mm on each link bar. window members to be of adequate size and strength. In normal circumstances, frame sections should not be less than 38mm in depth. openable windows normally be not wider than 700mm to avoid the sash from bearing excessive wind force or deformation of hinges due to excessive weight of sash. For more detailed requirements, click here to view PNAP 248 and PNRC 47

Screws and rivets :

Stainless steel screws or rivets should be used for the fixing of hinges. Apply bituminous paint or sealant to the holes of the hinges and window frames prior to the installation of stainless steel screws or rivets to help avoid corrosion due to bi-metallic action. After installation, apply the paint or sealant to the heads of the screws or rivets to further improve resistance to corrosion.

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Main steps in installation

Installing the frames :

Window frames should be securely and rigidly fixed in place to window openings. Where fixing lugs are adopted, they shall be of stainless steel or hot dip galvanized steel.

Applying waterproofing :
Suitable waterproofing grouting should be properly applied between the window frame and opening with an additional coat of waterproofing material around the frame.

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Fixing components :
When installing fixing components such as screws and rivets, measures against bi-metallic action leading to corrosion as suggested on page F4 under Screws and rivets must be taken to avoid direct contact between two different materials such as aluminium and stainless steel.

Adding sealant and gasket :

Joints in window frames and sections should be properly sealed with suitable sealant. A continuous gasket of suitable materials should also be properly applied along the whole perimeter between the window frame and openable sash.

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Important Note :
After installing the windows or at the end of renovation, it may be necessary to clean away heavy soil or cementations on the windows or external finishes of the building. Acidic agent might be used but such chemicals tend to be corrosive and could easily damage the aluminium windows in particular the hinge, Corroded frame caused by rivets and screws if they are not cleaned away cleaning agent thoroughly. Whenever such cleaning process is necessary, a mild agent is preferred and the window components especially the fixing rivets/screws and hinges should be protected and rinsed thoroughly afterwards with fresh water. Apart from the above, only fresh water should be used in carrying out regular cleaning to the windows. Click here for more information on cleaning in the Self-maintenance tips section.

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