Service Details

Aluminium Door & Windows Gasket

Gaskets are critical, yet often unseen, components in modern aluminium door and window systems, collectively known as fenestration. These flexible seals are essential for ensuring the system functions as designed, providing a barrier against the elements and significantly contributing to a building's energy efficiency, comfort, and security.

Primary Functions of Aluminium Fenestration Gaskets

Gaskets serve multiple vital roles by creating a tight seal between the fixed frame and the moving sash or the glass pane itself. Their primary functions include:

• Weatherproofing: The most crucial function is to prevent air, water, and dust infiltration from the exterior into the building. A continuous, compressed gasket creates an impenetrable barrier, protecting the interior from drafts and leaks, especially during high winds and heavy rain.
• Thermal Insulation: Aluminium is highly conductive. Gaskets, especially those used in conjunction with a thermal break, minimize the transfer of heat and cold between the interior and exterior. This crucial role helps reduce energy consumption by maintaining consistent indoor temperatures, lowering heating and cooling costs.
• Acoustic Insulation (Soundproofing): By eliminating air gaps, gaskets prevent the transmission of outside noise (like traffic or construction) into the building. They create an acoustic barrier that enhances the comfort and tranquility of the indoor environment.
• Vibration and Shock Absorption: Gaskets provide cushioning between the glass and the metal frame. This prevents the glass from rattling, especially in windy conditions, and absorbs minor shocks and vibrations, which helps protect the glass unit itself.
• Glazing Retention: Glazing gaskets (like wedge gaskets) are specifically designed to securely hold the glass unit within the aluminium frame or sash, ensuring structural integrity and stability.

Performance and Longevity

The quality of the gasket directly impacts the overall performance and lifespan of the aluminium fenestration system.

1. Energy Efficiency: A well-designed, multi-gasket system (often employing two or three separate seals) is fundamental for achieving the low U-values (poor heat transfer) required by modern building codes, especially when paired with a polyamide thermal break strip.
2. Durability and Maintenance: High-quality EPDM or TPE gaskets resist degradation, cracking, and loss of elasticity for many years. When they eventually degrade due to mechanical wear or extreme environmental exposure, they are designed to be replaceable to restore the window or door's original performance.
3. Installation: Correct installation is paramount. Gaskets must be fitted with precision, often without over-stretching, to ensure they maintain their designed profile and compression throughout the entire perimeter of the opening.