As part of the building envelope, windows—including their seals—are exposed to a wide range of stresses. For example, there are sometimes significant temperature differences between the interior and exterior, which can cause the material to expand. Added to this is rainwater, which can penetrate the building structure if the window’s seal is missing or inadequate, causing moisture damage. Consequently, a properly functioning window seal is essential for the integrity of the facade.
Implementing threshold-free waterproofing for floor-to-ceiling windows
Bodentiefe Fenster abdichten proves to be very complex. Structural challenges arise particularly when, for accessibility reasons, these windows are to be installed without a threshold at the transition to a
Balkon , or terrace. In such cases, window waterproofing is required that allows for the integration of a drainage solution. This is stipulated by the flat roof guidelines. Other factors, such as fire protection, moisture and thermal insulation, and soundproofing, must also be taken into account. When selecting materials, it is also important to ensure adhesion to and compatibility with substrates of varying characteristics, thereby guaranteeing compatibility among all building components. Therefore, a cross-trade approach must be taken as early as the planning stage to create the conditions necessary for proper installation.
Interface Solution for Window Waterproofing
To seal threshold-free transitions at
bodentiefen Fenstern, we at Triflex have developed an interface solution in collaboration with three partner companies. This solution integrates four trades:
PMMA is a key component of the solution. This product, based on the liquid polymer polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), is ideal for sealing windows. is compatible with nearly all substrates, which is a major advantage at the junctions with other building components. Unlike waterproofing membranes, for example, the liquid resin bonds fully to the entire surface of the substrate. Triflex ProDetail features a special nonwoven fabric insert that is embedded in two layers of the liquid resin. The nonwoven fabric remains flexible, giving the material static and dynamic crack-bridging properties. The result is a seamless, joint-free surface that can withstand high mechanical loads and thus ensures long-term waterproofing of the windows.
First ift-certified waterproofing system for windows
The Triflex solution for window waterproofing was the first on the market to be successfully tested by the Institute for Window Technology (ift) in Rosenheim in accordance with guideline MO-01/1. The following parameters were subjected to thorough testing:
Resistance to driving rain in new condition and after loading up to 600 Pa
Resistance to standing water when new and after exposure for 120 minutes
Temperature cycling from +60 °C to -15 °C
Continuous operation (turning, closing, tilting) with 10,000 cycles
Resistance to wind load with an alternating pressure-suction load of ±1,000 Pa and a maximum deformation of 3.1 mm
The test setup specified a reduced joint width of ≥ 3 cm in the area of the side frame. The result: No moisture penetration occurred at any time. The window’s waterproofing remained fully functional.
The waterproofing system was also evaluated and tested for adhesion on eleven different substrates typical for this application. The adhesion of Triflex ProDetail to various materials has thus been proven; the system met all requirements in this regard as well. This ift-certified specialized solution for window waterproofing represents a first step toward a reproducible standard. Thanks to the certification seal, architects, planners, and project developers can be confident that the coordinated components will protect the building from moisture intrusion in a long-term and sustainable manner.
Waterproofing Patio Doors: Effective Protection Against the Elements
Sealing patio doors is a challenging task due to the specific requirements for accessibility and weather protection. Triflex has expanded its expertise to this area as well in order to offer a comprehensive solution.
For effective waterproofing, Triflex relies on the proven Triflex ProDetail, which has already demonstrated its effectiveness at
bodentiefen Fenstern. The liquid waterproofing system at
PMMA-Basis ensures reliable adhesion to various substrates and creates a seamless, joint-free surface. This is particularly important for preventing the ingress of rainwater and avoiding moisture damage to the building structure.
The interface solution for patio doors includes not only the waterproofing but also an integrated drainage solution to efficiently divert standing water. This holistic approach takes into account not only the technical requirements for waterproofing but also the functional aspects of daily use.
The ift-certified quality of Triflex ProDetail also extends to the waterproofing of patio doors. Successful testing in accordance with the strict standards of the Institute for Window Technology (ift) confirms that this solution fully meets the requirements for resistance to driving rain, standing water, thermal cycling, and long-term performance. Architects and building owners can therefore be confident that the Triflex waterproofing system for patio doors provides effective protection against the challenges of the weather.