sharondreamhome.files.wordpress.com · common defects and remedies 56 9. Common Defects And Remedies Designers and site supervisors should understand the common complaints and defects

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9. Common Defects And RemediesDesigners and site supervisors should understand thecommon complaints and defects related to windowinstallation and how to prevent them.

The occurrence of defects in windows is usually causedby poor design, use of inferior or non-compatible

materials, poor workmanship during fabrication andinstallation or mishandling.

The following are some common defects in aluminiumframe window installation:

Possible Causes

• To review the design to ensuresuitable drainage paths existwith sufficient ventilation andinternal air seals in thewindow frames

• To shield the window fromdirect rainfall through betterdesign

• To fabricate and assemble asmany components as possiblein factory

• To use mechanical tools toachieve the requiredfabrication tolerances

• To ensure the use of gasketswith compatible profile

• To ensure no physicaldamages to the frames andgaskets

• To carry out fieldwatertightness test

Common Defects

1. Water seepage through windowframe

Recommendations

• Poor workmanship duringfabrications and installationof frames and gaskets

• Poor detailing of top frame

Table 9.1 Common Defects

(A) Functionality

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Possible Causes

• To shield the window fromdirect rainfall through betterdesign

• To use precast walls for betterdimensional tolerances andfinishing

• To ensure the size of the gapbetween wall and the frameconform to the specifiedtolerances

• To ensure correct usage ofgrout and sealant to seal thegaps, depending on the gapsizes

• To ensure proper applicationand compacting of grout orsealant

• To carry out fieldwatertightness test

Common Defects

2. Water seepage through jointsbetween window frame and wall

Recommendations

• Poor tolerances of wallopenings

• Poor workmanship duringgrouting/ sealing of gaps

(A) Functionality

• To verify the alignment andplumb of the outer frames andinner panels

• To check the physicalconditions of friction stays

• To lubricate the pivot hinges

• To clear track off all debris

3. Difficulty in opening andclosing of glass panel(for casement window)

• Misalignment of frames andglass panels

• Improper installation offriction stays and pivot hinges

• Improper protection resultingin debris ingress to frictionstay track

• To verify the alignment of theouter frames and inner panels

• To protect the sliding tracksduring installation. Dirt ordebris must be cleared priorto installation of inner panels

• To restrict the usage of thesliding windows prior tohanding over

4. Difficulty in sliding of innerpanel (for sliding window)

• Improper alignment of framesand inner panels

• Damages to rollers and slidingtracks

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Possible Causes

• To check that the setting outof wall opening conform tospecifications

• To verify the alignment andplumb of window frameduring installation

Common Defects

1. Misalignment

Recommendations

• Improper setting out of wallopenings

• Improper alignment andplumb of window frameduring installation

(B) Alignment & Evenness

Uneven gaps

(C) Joints & Gaps

• To protect the frame withsuitable tapes duringapplication of sealant orduring painting

1. Untidy joints between windowframe and wall

• Poor workmanship duringinstallation

• To carry out cutting andassembly of frames usingmechanical tools

• To protect the frames duringdelivery and storage

2. Gaps at window frame corner • Poor workmanship duringfabrication and installation

• Mishandling during deliveryand storage

(D) Materials & Damages

• To protect the glazingproperly. Protection shouldremain intact until all worksare completed

1. Stained glazing • Inadequate protection duringdelivery, storage andinstallation

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Possible Causes

• To inspect the quality offinishes before delivery andprior to installation

• Any rectification worksshould be carried outeffectively

Common Defects

2. Poor frame finish

Recommendations

• Poor workmanship duringfabrication

• Poor rectification works

(D) Materials & Damages

• To provide adequateprotection to the frame.Protection should remain intact until all works arecompleted

3. Mortar droppings and paintdrips on frame

• Inadequate protection duringinstallation

• To inspect the componentbefore delivery and prior toinstallation

• To provide proper storagespace

• To minimize unnecessaryhandling during delivery,storage and installation

• To provide adequateprotection to frames andglazing. Protection should bekept in tact until all works arecompleted

4. Physical damages and scratcheson frame and glazing

• Inadequate protection duringfabrication, delivery, storageand installation

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Possible Causes

• To check that gasket size andprofile are compatible to theframe

• To ensure that sufficientlength of gasket is used

• To ensure properworkmanship duringinstallation, especially at thecorners

Common Defects

1. Loose or improperly installedgaskets

Recommendations

• Use of gaskets withincompatible profile

• Use of gaskets withinadequate length

• Poor workmanship duringinstallation

(E) Accessories Defects

• To provide adequateprotection for all accessories.Protection should be kept intact until all works arecompleted

2. Physical damages • Inadequate protection duringfabrication, delivery, storageand installation