When is the Right Time to Install Wooden Windows and Doors?
Installation of exterior carpentry in a rural house
External joinery is one of the most important elements of the building envelope and a major source of energy savings: thermal insulation, natural lighting and air renewal in residential and commercial spaces are all benefits offered by the installation of good quality windows.
Mestre Raposa International® places great importance on energy efficiency when designing its products: our windows, balcony doors and entrance doors meet the technical requirements of any construction or renovation project.
The installation of wood and wood-aluminium windows and doors requires compliance with various mechanical, climatic and chemical overloads during the construction phase, in order to avoid corrosion of the material parts, swelling of the wooden parts or an unhealthy living climate due to excessively high humidity levels and possible mold formation. External joinery should only be installed once the building is completely dry: concrete, cement grout and plaster can cause the wood in the windows to become damp and deteriorate. Wooden windows should not be installed until sometime after the work has been completed and the building has dried out completely, to avoid any moisture problems.
How do you recognize high humidity?
With a hygrometer, or simply by visually identifying condensation on the materials.
What can I do to further reduce humidity after installing wooden windows and doors?
Daily multi-flow ventilation, cross ventilation and, for major building projects, a ventilation plan should be created. Even after the work has been completed, ventilation must continue throughout the year.
Nowadays, all high-quality window and door fittings have a tilt and turn function, allowing rooms to be ventilated automatically and naturally.
Window manufacturers can also, at the customer’s request, install ventilation grilles directly on the window sashes to provide additional aeration. Mestre Raposa International® offers the Regelair range, known for its excellent price/quality ratio.
What do I need to bear in mind if the windows are not treated and are only painted, glazed, or oiled once they have been installed by the customer?
In some cases, end customers may wish to treat their wooden windows and doors themselves with oil or natural ecological products. In this case, it is essential to ensure that the surface is free of any dirt residue accumulated during construction. It is also important that the moisture content of the wood is between 12% and 15%.
As a rule, it is preferable for the end customer to order finished wooden windows and doors so as not to limit the window manufacturer’s guarantee. Glue residues on the strips must be removed immediately after use, and after a few hours if they are exposed to sunlight. This residue problem is often underestimated and can sometimes only be eliminated by mechanical treatment, which could damage the surface, something that should be avoided in all cases.
For final cleaning, use tepid water and a mild detergent. Tough stains will require the use of commercially available solvents such as alcohol or isopropanol, but you must never use any abrasive cleaning products to wipe down wooden windows or glass panels, or alkaline products such as caustic soda (one of the components of washing powder, for example).
The style bars are the most sensitive parts of the window. After final cleaning, they should always be re-wiped with a clean cloth.
If you have any doubts about the right time to install your new wooden windows and doors, don’t hesitate to contact our professional team at Mestre Raposa International®. Our window specialists will be happy to provide you with all the technical information you need and guide you through your project success without compromise.