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Window frames - more than just a technical component

Window frames characterise the appearance of a house, but also fulfil important tasks in terms of thermal insulation. However, the prerequisite for this is that they actually close tightly.
As glass is transparent, window frames are the part of the window that catches the eye the most. However, their energy properties are really important - not only because they help to save heating costs, but also because mould formation is often associated with leaky window frames.

Window frames - more than just a technical component

Window frames characterise the appearance of a house, but also fulfil important tasks in terms of thermal insulation. However, the prerequisite for this is that they actually close tightly.
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As glass is transparent, window frames are the part of the window that catches the eye the most. However, their energy properties are really important - not only because they help to save heating costs, but also because mould formation is often associated with leaky window frames.
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    Käuferle - leading German manufacturer of garage doors, enclosures and windows

    Value inside.

    At our company headquarters in Aichach near Augsburg, we develop and produce garage doors, enclosures and partition wall systems as a family business. We also produce windows and front doors in PVC-U and aluminium. All our products comply with the rules of technology and set design accents. They are also sustainable and well thought-out in terms of craftsmanship so that they protect your assets in the best possible way.

    Sustainable craftsmanship

    We use high-quality window frames, fittings and glass from suppliers in southern Germany for our windows. This promotes the regional economy and reduces our CO2 footprint. At the same time, the first-class components ensure durable products that also have a lot to offer in terms of sustainability - whether it's insulation values, recycled materials or achieving the passive house standard.

    Customised production

    All Käuferle windows are customised based on the customer's requirements and the respective installation situation. A wide range of window frame profiles made of PVC-U, recycled PVC-U or aluminium are available to provide optimum solutions in terms of construction and design. These can be used in new buildings as well as in the refurbishment of existing buildings.

    More energy efficiency with window frames

    Window frames as an essential component for thermal insulation

    Windows characterise the appearance of buildings, let daylight into the house and protect interiors from fine dust, pollen, heat, cold and moisture. In addition to the glazing, the window frames also play an important role in energy efficiency. This is because heat loss occurs not only in the glass surface, but also in the frame area. Good thermal insulation of the frame profiles is therefore particularly important for aluminium windows.

    Thermal insulation for frame profiles made of different materials

    While timber window frames are naturally insulated by the air contained in the wood, the filigree bars and cavities filled with insulating material in the window frame of PVC-U windows ensure a good insulating effect. Aluminium frames require thermal decoupling of the inner and outer frame parts, as metals are generally considered to be excellent heat conductors. Insulation values for window frames are specified with the Uf value in W/(m²K). The lower the value, the better the thermal insulation.

    Requirements of the passive house standard for window frames

    Windows must fulfil high energy efficiency requirements in order to be certified as passive house windows. In addition to triple glazing, the passive house standard requires highly insulating window frames with low heat loss. The installation situation must also be taken into account. For example, windows must be installed in the insulation level - with thermally optimised wall connections and insulated window frames.

    Design and material options for window frames

    Wooden window frames - sustainable, but high-maintenance

    Precisely because they are made from a natural raw material, wooden window frames are particularly sensitive. When planning with timber windows, constructive timber protection is crucial, which protects the window frames from rainwater, for example by means of roof overhangs, so that chemical wood preservatives can be dispensed with. Depending on the type of wood used, timber window frames can also have natural protection against biological pests and environmental influences.

    External cover mouldings as weather protection for window frames

    To protect timber window frames from rain and UV light, covers made of aluminium, for example, can be used on the outside. These are also available as an option for PVC-U window frames. They can be painted, powder-coated or anodised in any RAL colour and thus offer countless possibilities for customising the character of house façades.

    PVC-U window frames - never have to paint again

    Plastic windows are usually made of white PVC. However, they are available in every conceivable colour and can just as easily be black. They are also easy to clean, light-resistant and weatherproof, meaning that - unlike wooden window frames - they do not need to be painted regularly. Should you nevertheless wish to paint white PVC-U window frames black, this is also possible, for example with acrylic paint.

    Dimensions and measurements of PVC-U window frames

    Thanks to stable and, if necessary, reinforced window frame profiles, many manufacturers can offer large window elements in PVC-U - standard window sizes of 2.50 m in width are easily possible, even without partitions at floor level. Windows with such dimensions usually have greater installation depths, which also achieve optimum thermal insulation up to passive house standard.

    Why are there holes in the window frame?

    Holes in the upper area of PVC-U window frames (not the sash) serve to equalise pressure and prevent heat build-up and material deformation in strong sunlight. Openings in the lower area of the inner part of the frame are usually drainage slots that ensure that rain, melt and condensation water, which would otherwise contribute to mould formation, is drained away.

    The basics of sealing window frames

    Why sealing window frames is important

    Draughts caused by leaking windows are unpleasant. More important and more serious in winter, however, is that warm air escapes through open joints and cold, moist air enters the room. This increases heating costs, and the cold air can also condense on the window frame and in the window reveal, leading to mould growth.

    Recognising leaks in the window frame

    Every inspection starts with a visual inspection. Damaged or porous areas are often easy to spot. Less conspicuous leaks can be detected with the candle test. In this test, the flame of a candle guided along the window frame begins to flicker due to the draught. An alternative is the paper test: Windows are very likely to be leaking if a strip of paper clamped between the window sash and frame when the window is open can be easily pulled out again after closing the window.

    Subsequent sealing of window frames

    Leaking window frames can be subsequently sealed - even partially - both in the area of the window sash and at the wall connection. Materials that can be used include self-adhesive foam sealing tape, rubber seals or silicone. Before applying new seals, old sealant residue must always be removed and the relevant areas must be kept free of grease, clean and dry.

    Sealing systems - foam, rubber or silicone

    Foam sealing tapes are particularly suitable for wooden window frames without circumferential sealing systems consisting of one or more stop seals. They are not very durable and must therefore be replaced regularly every few years. Longer-lasting rubber seals are fitted in existing grooves in the rebate area of the window (after removing the old seal). Silicone is usually used in the transition area between the window frame and the wall.

    Frequently asked questions about window frames

    Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about window frames:

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    Käuferle tender texts

    FAQs

    Garage doors

    Please contact our customer service when all preliminary work (such as laying the cables) has been completed and the gate area can be walked on freely. We will then arrange an individual appointment with you.
    After your door system has been approved, you will receive a cable routing plan tailored to your order. This plan shows all the cables that the electrician you have commissioned will need in order to carry out all the work.
    Inspections and maintenance of gate systems are regulated by law in Germany. However, many operators of gate systems are not aware that they have this responsibility. We would be happy to make you an offer for one-off maintenance or a maintenance contract. Your gate system will then be serviced once a year by our expert fitters.
    Door systems are subject to heavy use on a daily basis, which can result in wear and tear. Thanks to the simple and clear design, some parts can be replaced quickly. Our customer service will be happy to help you. You can reach us on 0180 3900505 or at [email protected].

    Due to defined exceptions in the standards and guidelines, an emergency stop command device is not mandatory for our door systems, which of course comply with the latest state of the art.

    Please replace both springs. The springs are calculated for fixed load changes. If one spring breaks, the second spring is also just before the calculated breaking limit and should therefore be replaced. Our customer service team can offer you the necessary spare parts or carry out the repair of the gate system on request.

    Partition systems

    We will be happy to supply you with a locking cylinder for each door. However, this is not integrated into the locking system of your building. If you prefer a cylinder that matches the locking system, you will need a half cylinder in size 10/30 for our UTS doors with a PZ handle and a half cylinder in size 30/60 for doors with a lever handle set.

    Not found what you are looking for?

    Our customer service will be happy to help you.
    You can reach us at 0180 3900505 or under [email protected].

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    *Compulsory field

    Sales for gates, partition systems and enclosures

    Sales Office North-East
    Sales Office West
    Rhine-Main sales office 2
    Rhine-Main sales office 1
    Sales office Baden-Würtemberg
    Sales office Bavaria West
    Munich sales office
    Sales office Bavaria-East
    Sales Office East
    Sales office Poland
    Branch office Austria
    Sales office Switzerland

    Sales for windows and doors

    Central Internal Service Resale
    Baden-Wuerttemberg & Bavaria

    Door service

    Southwest service centre
    Service centre Bavaria
    Rhine-Main service centre
    Service Centre West
    Northeast service centre
    Service Centre East

    Aichach plant

    Käuferle GmbH & Co. KG

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