Building Connection Summer 2016

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BUILDING CONNECTION SUMMER 2016 41
Perhaps 15 years ago it was acceptable to use touch up
paint on aluminium frames and/or patch timber frames with
wood filler to keep the owner happy. It is unlikely people will
be so forgiving now, considering what they are paying for a
new home or building.
A lot of these costly things can be avoided and the difficult
and sometimes angry conversations with your tradesmen
and customer can also disappear by simply investing in
some protection for your windows during the construction
process.
There are different systems in the marketplace which
will provide varying degrees of protection. You can have
products fitted for protection by the company you are
purchasing the windows from, or alternatively, there are
products that can be purchased and fitted by specialists and
you can also purchase products and apply them yourself.
THE VARYING TYPES OF PROTECTION:
∫ Tape
∫ Applied films
∫ Paint on, peel off products
∫ Oil sprays
TAPE
Many companies will automatically apply a protective
tape to aluminium frames to protect the surface finish.
Some companies do not do this as standard but will apply
it if requested. Some of the uPVC companies extrusions
automatically have a protective tape applied which is often
branded.
APPLIED FILMS
When requested, companies will fit a pvc, polyethylene
or other type of film that adheres to the window frame
and glass; these products typically carry low to moderate
tack adhesives to ensure no residue upon removal. These
products are used for temporary protection on glass and
other durable, solid surfaces. They are used to shield
against environmental contaminants such as dirt, dust and
moisture as well as more direct damage due to overspray of
construction materials and scratches.
PAINT ON, PEEL OFF
These products can be applied by your window supplier
or a specialist company; they deliver a temporary surface
protection to most non-porous surfaces. They protect
against possible damage caused by cement, paint or render
spatter, welding and grinding flecks as well as other damage
caused during the building, renovating and cleaning process.
They can be applied to windows, aluminium frames, rubber
seals, balustrades, bench tops and most non-porous
surfaces. To apply the product a paint roller is generally
used, the product then dries to provide a layer of protection.
Paint on, peel off products protect against possible damage
caused during the building process.
Gary Smith
Marketing & Communications Manager
Australian Window Association
At the end of construction phase the material is simply
peeled off the surface.
OIL SPRAY
This is sometimes applied to timber windows to give the
timber some short term protection prior to painting; it is
usually applied to the timber frame prior to glazing of the
product in the factory.
Anyone with experience in the construction industry
will agree that windows must be protected during the
entire construction process. The protection of windows
will significantly decrease associated damages and while
a financial outlay is required, the initial cost will certainly
be well worth it; avoiding the replacement of glass, costly
repair of window surfaces and avoiding all of the difficult
conversations with trades, suppliers and customers.