The water tightness of frames – water permeability (waterproofing) informs us from what pressure point onwards our frame will lose its water tightness and water will pass into our interior space.
Water tightness – Water permeability categories of frames: (lower = worse) 1A,…, 9A, Exxx (higher = better) After category 9A, E follows, with the value (number) of the pressure at which the phenomenon occurred.
For the water tightness of frames, two test methods are provided. One for frames that are completely exposed to rain and one for frames that are protected by a balcony or canopy (at a different angle). The sample is subjected to a test with water spray and continuous pressure is applied for a specific time.
The gaskets of aluminum frames are a structural element for the water tightness of frames (doors and windows). If they are replaced with different ones, none of the above values apply. Click here to see the frame gaskets.
Example:
Method A: Frames fully exposed
Method B: Frames partially protected (e.g., with a balcony)
Classification of Water tightness of frames
| Class (where the frame is classified) | Test pressure (in Pa – Pascals) | Method A | Method B | Spray time (test) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 1 A | 1 B | 15 Minutes |
| 2 | 50 | 2 A | 2 B | 15 + 5 Minutes |
| 3 | 100 | 3 A | 3 B | 20 + 5 Minutes |
| 4 | 150 | 4 A | 4 B | 25 + 5 Minutes |
| 5 | 200 | 5 A | 5 B | 30 + 5 Minutes |
| 6 | 250 | 6 A | 6 B | 35 + 5 Minutes |
| 7 | 300 | 7 A | 7 B | 40 + 5 Minutes |
| 8 | 450 | 8 A | – | 45 + 5 Minutes |
| 9 | 600 | 9 A | – | 50 + 5 Minutes |
| Exxx | Greater than 600 | Exxx | – | Over 600 Pa |
From the above table, we can understand that if an aluminum frame is classified in category 7A (Water tightness of frames), this means that the aluminum frame has been tested and withstood a pressure of 300 Pascals, which corresponds to winds of 9 Beaufort. For a complete understanding of Pressure in Pa (Pascals), we provide the Beaufort equivalences.
Beaufort – Pascal Equivalency Table
| 5 Beaufort Fresh breeze | 50 Pa | 29-38 km/h | Small trees sway |
| 6 Beaufort Strong breeze | 100 Pa | 39-49 km/h | Wires whistle |
| 7 Beaufort Near gale | 150 Pa | 50-61 km/h | Difficulty walking against the wind |
| 8 Beaufort Gale | 200 Pa | 62-74 km/h | Twigs break off trees, increased difficulty walking |
| 9 Beaufort Strong gale | 300 Pa | 75-88 km/h | Minor damage to houses and roofs |
| 10 Beaufort Storm | 450 Pa | 89-102 km/h | Trees uprooted with significant damage |
| 11 Beaufort Violent storm | 600 Pa | 103-117 km/h | Heavy damage to houses |
| 12 Beaufort Hurricane | 750 Pa | > 117 km/h | Catastrophic damage to houses |
How we measure the water tightness of frames
To measure a frame for its water tightness, a frame is placed in a certified test chamber and water and air are gradually applied under pressure.
The moment the frame begins to show leaks, the process stops, and the frame is classified into the water tightness – water permeability category.
See a real test
