The seal between frame and wall
Our wooden frames are sometimes supplied with lifting loops on the side. These lifting loops are held in place quite tightly with staples, making them difficult to remove. In this blog you can read more about the lifting loops and we give you tips on how to remove the loops without damaging your window frame.
Why a good seal between wall and frame?
The gap between the wall and the window frame can become larger and smaller due to different temperatures during the year. It is therefore important that the gap remains closed during these hot and cold periods. Water, wind, vermin or UV light must not get between the walls.
A good seal between window frame and wall is therefore of great importance. Among other things to keep the water out. If water can get between the wall and the window frame, leaks can occur, but over time it will also cause wood rot on the (set) frame. Of course, all sorts of things can come in through such a recess, such as insects or vermin that will build their nest in the cavity wall.
How do I close the space between wall and frame?
In the past there were less neat and well-functioning solutions for filling the space between the wall and the window frame. A profile lath or simply pur in foam form was often used. A profile slat alone does not ensure 100% wind and watertightness and this slat must in turn also be mounted watertight.
PU foam is still widely used when installing window frames, but it is less suitable. PU foam does expand against the frame and wall, filling the gap. However, this does not look nice, cannot withstand UV light, is difficult to paint over and is not waterproof.
The best way to fill the space between the wall and your frame and to make it wind and watertight is to use compriband (also known as joint tape, foam tape, coco tape, insulation tape or swelling tape). Compriband is a foam tape that sticks to one side and fills the gap between wall and frame by means of expansion.
You can stick the compriband on the frame during assembly to ensure that the space between the frame and the wall is filled. Because the compriband expands completely, the adhesive side is pushed tighter and tighter, so that the entire gap is filled.
Compriband is available in many different thicknesses and there is always a size that suits your job. A compriband with a thickness of 2 to 3 millimeters is often used for installing window frames.
What is Compriband?
If you choose to apply compriband, this entails various options. Due to the above-mentioned expansion of the joint tape, all irregularities are absorbed and sealed. Compriband is made of polyurethane and worked so that it is waterproof. As soon as the joint tape has fully expanded in the gap, it is resistant to driving rain. If you further process the compriband afterwards, you can ensure that it is also more UV-resistant and remains elastic. Moisture from the cavity can escape through the compriband.
How do I place compriband?
Before you get started with joint tape, you must choose the right size and have the right material and tools available. Below is the step-by-step plan for installing compriband.
Step 1: Determine the right size
To determine which size compriband you need, it is first necessary that you measure the opening (space between the wall and the frame).
You can measure this with a ruler or tape measure. If you know the width and depth, you can determine the size for the compriband.
Depending on the brand of joint tape you choose, the dimensions are stated on the packaging of the product. This way you can easily determine your good size. The different brands also have handy tables or tools that help you determine the right size. Always make sure you stay within the size of the foam tape, otherwise it may not fit.
Note: Do you have a tapered joint that is narrower at the bottom than at the top (or vice versa)? Then measure the width at the bottom and at the top. You can then use different sizes of compriband to fill the opening.
Step 2: Apply Compriband
Apply the compriband around the frame to be placed in the right place. This must be attached to all outside sides of the frame.
The bottom is sometimes skipped. The band cannot expand due to the pressure of the frame, but you can apply the compriband just to be on the safe side. You can use a stanley knife to cut the starting piece of the compriband roll straight. You can then stick the compriband to the frame by removing the protective film from the band.
Step 3: Place the frame with compriband
After application you can place the frame with compriband. Try to work somewhat quickly, after applying the compriband it will already start to expand. If you wait too long, it will expand completely and make installation more difficult.
Step 4: Maintenance
Compriband retains its quality and functionality for up to 15 years. Of course it is not wrong to check every few years whether the joint tape is still firmly attached and is still functional. In addition, it is not wrong to impregnate the compriband and other additives that ensure that the joint tape remains watertight and UV-resistant and that it remains elastic enough.
The possibilities with Supply Online
Filling the space between the window frame and the wall is not complicated at all with the help of compriband if you know what to do. If you have any questions about filling the gap between the wall and frame, please do not hesitate to contact us and our customer service will be happy to help you. Order your window frames today and get them delivered from 5 working days!
