Windows and driving rain in Ireland

sas

Would you say that it's reasonable to assume that in Ireland, any window\door should be constructed with measures to ensure protection from driving rain? Could it be argued that this is specific to coastal regions only?

Alll experiences and views welcome. I am however particularly interested in the views of our construction professionals on this one.

I would say yes but my opinion doesn't count.

sydthebeat

watertightness test on windows is done in accordance with EN 1027. 2000

the result is given in accordance with 10228 and is in the range of 1a to 9a, with 9a being the best. see here for example.

what test results does your windows have?

sas

No idea yet but I'll find out. Is there a value below which a window wouldn't be deemed suitable for sale in ireland?

Don't assume it's my windows I'm talking about

mickdw

sas wrote: »

Would you say that it's reasonable to assume that in Ireland, any window\door should be constructed with measures to ensure protection from driving rain? Could it be argued that this is specific to coastal regions only?

Alll experiences and views welcome. I am however particularly interested in the views of our construction professionals on this one.

I would say yes but my opinion doesn't count.

If you have come across a water ingress issue with a triple glazed window from a certain window manufacturer based in the south, PM me.

sas

mickdw wrote: »

If you have come across a water ingress issue with a triple glazed window from a certain window manufacturer based in the south, PM me.

Not an Irish manufacturer in my case.

galwaytt

sas wrote: »

Would you say that it's reasonable to assume that in Ireland, any window\door should be constructed with measures to ensure protection from driving rain? Could it be argued that this is specific to coastal regions only?

Alll experiences and views welcome. I am however particularly interested in the views of our construction professionals on this one.

I would say yes but my opinion doesn't count.

I'm no expert either, but this country is only 200kms wide, so wind won't stop half way across !!

Me - it would have to be wind-driven-proofed anywhere on this island. Just my 0.02.

Tifosi

When into a vendor today to size and price windows/doors. I was very interested in the bi-folding doors prior to me making any comments the vendor highlighted that of all the products they supplied the bi-folding doors where the most most onerous when it came to water penetration.

I did ask what the water test rating on bi- folding doors had compared to say French doors but to be fair he didn't know but he said he would confirm.

I would be very interested to know if there is a big difference.

sas

Tifosi wrote: »

When into a vendor today to size and price windows/doors. I was very interested in the bi-folding doors prior to me making any comments the vendor highlighted that of all the products they supplied the bi-folding doors where the most most onerous when it came to water penetration.

I did ask what the water test rating on bi- folding doors had compared to say French doors but to be fair he didn't know but he said he would confirm.

I would be very interested to know if there is a big difference.

I was told a couple of years ago by the supplier of a BiFold door system that they get very drafty very quickly. Make of that what you will.

Tifosi

sas wrote: »

I was told a couple of years ago by the supplier of a BiFold door system that they get very drafty very quickly. Make of that what you will.

Yes I am slowing turning away from them. I will get a few quotes anyway. Just looked at your windows on your progress report. The windows look good the house seems to be coming along nicely, it's good to hear so far the EWI appears to be coming along nicely.

Fenestrator

sydthebeat wrote: »

watertightness test on windows is done in accordance with EN 1027. 2000

the result is given in accordance with 10228 and is in the range of 1a to 9a, with 9a being the best. see here for example.

what test results does your windows have?

Class 9A equates to 600Pa and although good is actually some way short of the best. Its not unusual for manufacturers to test well above this pressure, eg. a window or door tested & watertight at 1500Pa would be classed as E1500.

The manufacturer you have linked to indicates that they test their windows to Class 8A - 450Pa. To give you an idea of how good that is I'll put a video up on Youtube that I took earlier this year showing a 'high performance' window getting a workout.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yc_DzLCJ60M
No names but the cognoscenti will recognise it.

If you are building near the coast I would recommend Class 9A as a minimum. The same applies to doors.

Fenestrator

Tifosi wrote: »

When into a vendor today to size and price windows/doors. I was very interested in the bi-folding doors prior to me making any comments the vendor highlighted that of all the products they supplied the bi-folding doors where the most most onerous when it came to water penetration.

I did ask what the water test rating on bi- folding doors had compared to say French doors but to be fair he didn't know but he said he would confirm.

I would be very interested to know if there is a big difference.

If test results are forthcoming I would advise that you also ask what size of unit was tested. Bi-fold doors can get pretty big and its rare that they are tested at these big sizes. Test results in themselves are not infallible. Whats tested isn't always whats actually manufactured :rolleyes:

Tifosi

Thanks Fenestrator, just watched the video frightening stuff, hope you got it resolved.