Are you considering buying new fixtures? Perhaps you have heard of window frames or false frames and are wondering what it is or what it is used for. We will answer these and many other questions about the use of window frames.
The counterframe of the windows is a peculiar element typical of Italian construction alone. It is installed for several reasons that we are going to see in this Windowo blog article. But do you really need to install it? Or could the fixtures be installed directly on the rough masonry? Are there different types of window frames ? Read on to learn more about false window frames.
The window subframe is known by several names : false frame, blank case or dead frame. In all cases, the window frame is the connecting element between the masonry and the window frame. The main objective of this component is to facilitate the fixing of the window frame .
Did you know that the window frame is an element that characterizes Italian construction and is not used elsewhere?
Furthermore, the fact of having false frames for doors and windows in mind requires a commitment from both the designer and the installer. In fact, these subjects find themselves managing an extra element of interconnection between masonry and window. If things don't go well, the window maker is usually blamed for this. In reality, the installation of the subframe would be the responsibility of the construction company, unless otherwise specified in the contract. Unfortunately, however, the company cannot be expected to be concerned also with the subframe and, above all, to place it in a qualified manner.
Having a window frame has several advantages for different subjects. Above all to the construction company but also, as we will see, to the window maker.
The subframe is useful for the construction company because it helps in the progress of the work by giving the right references. This is because the false window frame ...
To be truly useful, the window shutter must:
As we have already said, the window frame is also useful, albeit perhaps to a lesser extent, to the window maker who carries out the work. This is because, working on plastered walls, he is able to do a properly finished job. To do this, it is essential that the false window frames are made with valid thermal insulation characteristics and guarantee excellent sealing performance on site.
Yes, it is possible to install a window without the use of the subframe . Indeed, they do so throughout the rest of the world outside of Italy.
For example, in the countries of northern Europe, the installation of PVC, wood and aluminum windows takes place without a counterframe. This leads to the need for more attention in calculations. The window maker places each window frame directly on the rough wall and then the company intervenes that proceeds with the internal plaster and the external coat, all in direct contact with the frame.
In reality, more than out of necessity, we Italians use it mainly out of habit. The window frame system that we use in Italy is avoidable, but also very useful for ensuring the quality of the work performed. We have already seen how it is this element that refers to the construction company that deals with the plaster. In addition, the counter frames for fixtures guarantee the window maker to be able to work on a very precise window hole.
Over the years the window system has changed a lot: a window counterframe of twenty years ago together with a latest generation window could create many problems. For example, there may be problems with thermal insulation, water infiltration or poor stability of the window itself.
The counter frames for windows have the function of preparing the window hole and act as a connection between the internal and external wall. A good window frame should be perfectly stable, insulating and last over time. Unfortunately, since the subframe is mounted under the window and cannot be seen in past years, antiquated metal subframes have continued to be used. These metal subframes create fatal thermal bridges that generate mold and condensation.
Modern thermal counterframes have what is called the fourth side, that is, the insulating lower side. The fourth side has the task of removing the thermal bridges between the outside and the inside. We recommend that you only use thermal counterframes in your works that are adequate to contain the new high-performance fixtures.
Are you looking for properly made window frames? Know that there are no standard measures, in fact the window counterframe is an element created to measure and depends on the window and door manufacturer. If you are interested in tailor-made window frames, you will be interested to know that you can order counterfeit shops and bins online in the Windowo shop.
The space between the masonry and the subframe must be worked with elastic polyurethane foam which will then be defended using a correct and professional vapor barrier .
The use of internal and external vapor barriers is very important. In fact, a vapor barrier integrated into the profile allows the waterproofing of the joint between the frame and the wall. You can create them with sealing tapes or connecting profiles made of shock-absorbing material. The vapor barriers have the objective of eliminating cracks and molds in the points of contact between the plaster and the subframe and to remove infiltrations in the connection between the external insulation and the subframe.
Since the window frame and counterframe are made to measure, you may have come to the conclusion that these elements can change according to the material with which the window is built. In reality, aluminum window frames, PVC window frames or false window frames for wooden frames do not present substantial differences.
In all cases, including counter frames for aluminum windows, the mounting system must have the same design features and products that guarantee proper mounting:
For a qualified and lasting work these are truly essential elements.
What conclusions do we want to give you about aluminum, pvc or wood window frames? Our final advice is to rely on expert installers: after choosing your new windows, let us also suggest which is the most correct window frame for your specific case. Pay particular attention to the fact that it is thermal and designed in the best way.
I'm Elia Caneppele, author of this article and founder of Windowo, the Italian shop specialising in the online sale of products for windows. My speciality is doing SEO for ecommerce and blogs, which, in simple terms, means getting people to find us on the Internet.
Since 2014 I have been a digital entrepreneur and, in addition to managing Windowo, I also deal with the communication of Autismo.it. I create content trying to convey as much value as possible to our customers.
Below I leave you the links to my social networks: I can't wait to get in touch with you personally.
