Smooth sailing for R9 frame-only weather testing

Graham Howatson, director at HWL Trade Frames.
Graham Howatson, director at HWL Trade Frames.

Independent weather testing, delivered in partnership with The Residence Collection, has returned a series of top passes for HWL Trade Frames’ new frame-only supply of Residence 9 windows.

The trade fabricator has developed an R9 frame-only offer, pioneering the application of Timberweld sash-welding technologies in its manufacture.

This process, HWL said, increases sash corner strength, which, in most configurations, eliminates the requirement to glass-bond IGUs, which have historically been used in R9 fabrication to give the system structural strength.

Supported by the Residence Collection, the HWL window was put through a series of independent tests in March 2018.

These delivered a series of top-rated passes under BS EN 6375-1 weather testing.

Graham Howatson, director at HWL Trade Frames, said: “While we will continue to offer glass-bonded windows as an option, it means installers can access R9 on a frame-only basis, which allows them to lower their costs but which also delivers so much more in flexibility and ease of installation, removing a barrier which has put off a section of the market.

“Handling is far easier because you’re removing the weight, they can order glass from their usual supplier and, if an IGU is damaged or fails, it can be replaced far more easily than in a glass-bonded window.”

The BS EN 6375-1 test results, conducted by Exova, gave HWL’s R9 Timberweld window an Exposure Category of 1600, a Class 3 Air Permeability Rating (600pa), a Class 9A (600pa) Water Tightness Rating, and top Class C4 (1600pa) resistance to wind.

The window is also currently under-going PAS24 security testing.

HWL’s launch of its frame-only R9 offer follows an extensive developmental programme, which gives HWL the capability to butt-weld window and door sashes inside and out.

This replicates the aesthetic delivered in a 90° mechanical joint but also delivers a significant increase in the structural strength of the sash.

www.hwlwindows.co.uk