Installation continues to be the major problem for the performance of windows and glazed doors throughout Australia. Large amounts of time and money are spent investigating a ‘failed window system’, only to discover the real issue is installation. In fact, around 80% of all window complaints are attributed to installation and care issues during the construction period. As Gary Smith explains though, there are solutions.

THE PROBLEM: INCORRECT INSTALLATION
Incorrect installation causes many problems, such as water ingress, non-functioning windows and doors, poor air sealing (reducing energy efficiency), continual system adjustments… the list goes on.

There has also been an increase in failures with the introduction of light weight construction methods – highlighting that we may have had issues with installation for a considerable time. Our normal methods of construction have been fairly forgiving and may have hidden this fact. We constantly see damage to ceilings, floors and walls and the blame for these issues have unfairly been attributed to window systems.

It is also becoming more common in the commercial building sector to remove sub frames from windows and glazed doors. This can be a recipe for disaster. Correct practice is to use a sub frame to isolate the window system from the building, ensuring the functionality of the system and improving water penetration resistance.

Perhaps the industry has lost focus on the detail required to install windows and doors and to waterproof any penetration in the building envelope. Or, perhaps it is partially an outcome of our drive to supply affordable housing, cutting cost wherever possible to ensure Australians are able to purchase their own home.

I have seen many examples where attention to detail on the installation of windows and doors is completely missing, installation is rushed, flashings are missing, minimal fixings are applied, windows and doors that are out of plumb, incorrect clearances have been used, weep holes have been covered over and so on. The problem could also stem from the available information not being accessed or digested by the industry, highlighting that perhaps traditional print instructions and diagrams are no longer the correct way to communicate this information.

The window and door industry itself could also be a part of the problem. Many companies deliver different information, and different states do things differently. For example, many companies in New South Wales and Queensland will actually supply flashings with the windows and doors; however, in Victoria, you will not receive any flashing with the windows. I bet you can guess which state has an issue with a lack of flashing? Of course, it is Victoria.

SOLUTIONS AVAILABLE RIGHT NOW
Given that installation has been a problem for a considerable time, the Australian Window Association (AWA) created an Installation Guide in 2009. The objective of the guide was to provide the basic handling and installation instructions for windows and doors in residential buildings. By providing this resource as an instruction guide, it was hoped that windows and doors supplied to residential buildings would in fact be installed and cared for correctly. The guide has been a valuable resource to many builders and window companies; however, it does not appear to have solved our problem of installation failures.

Window companies also readily supply their own installation and care instructions. These are often found on the back of the banners that are affixed to windows when they arrive on site, or can be obtained from the window company directly in document form. This information is rarely used, once again adding to the problem.

For installation guidance, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, or refer to the AWA Installation Guide and Fixing Guide by visiting www.awa.org.au or calling (02) 9498 2768 to obtain a copy.

THE AWA INITIATIVE
In 2016, the AWA has decided to go a step further to try to resolve many of the current installation issues by embarking on an installation project. The project is broken into three phases:

Phase 1 – The creation of a series of 11 short videos
If you have ever watched an instructional video on YouTube to learn how to do something you have never done before, such as fillet a fish or build a pizza oven, you will know how easy it is to learn how to do something with visual cues as opposed to reading instructions or following diagrams.

The creation of these short installation videos will be visual and instructional in nature. They will demonstrate the correct procedure to install windows and doors in the most common types of construction in Australia, including brick veneer, clad/lightweight construction, double brick and blockwork.

Once the videos are completed they will be uploaded to YouTube and the AWA website. Access will be available to the whole industry across a range of platforms.

Phase 2 – The development of an online training module, incorporating the videos
This training module will be made available to the building industry, window industry and educational facilities. It will include more detailed information, expanding on the video information, and will include assessment throughout the module. The videos and training module will be heavily promoted to the building industry to ensure awareness of their existence.

Phase 3 – The AWA will create a third party NATA accredited installers program
An accredited installer must meet the following criteria in order to fulfil the requirements:
– A qualification in a trade related field.
– Complete and pass the installation training program.
– NATA accredited auditor assessment for completed window and door installation (annually).

This phase will take a considerable amount of time to implement and it is estimated that the program will be up and running during 2017.

THE FUTURE
Installation is a problem that creates significant cost and anguish to builders, window suppliers and home owners alike. At the completion of the installation project, we hope to see a significant improvement in the quality of window and door installations. It is the AWA’s belief that if the information can be made easier to access and digest, then the industry will improve.

I personally have a vision of industry personnel accessing the videos for easy step-by-step instructions, as well as many going onto the next step to complete the online training module, with a pool of NATA accredited installers operating throughout Australia.

We will keep you updated as each stage is completed, so keep your eyes peeled.

For installation guidance, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, or refer to the AWA Installation Guide and Fixing Guide by visiting www.awa.org.au or calling (02) 9498 2768 to obtain a copy.