What is a European standard window and what are its advantages?

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The European standard window is a window made of timber, PVC, timber and aluminum or only aluminum and meets different European requirements such as DIN/ONORM and others.
European standard windows are different as in each European country as their shape and structure is defined by cultural, historical and weather conditions. But all of them are recognized by the EU and have their own marking.

A window with the isolated glazing unit (hereinafter IV-window) and the tilt and turn sash is the most common one and more than others deserves to be called a European standard window. IV-window meets DIN standards and successfully withstands the increasing pressure of norms and technical requirements, as well as satisfies a customer’s demands. Modern European standard windows are very popular due to new material processing and manufacturing methods, modern tools and equipment. Different types of European standard windows have almost the same technical and functional properties but vary in shape and form.

General characteristics of the European standard windows

  1. Thermal insulation coefficient according to DIN (u-value). The Euro window has excellent thermal passage coefficient K (max. 1 Watt/m2 K). Coefficients of the frame and the glazing unit depend on each other (1,2 Watts/m2 K is acceptable).
  2. Opening types. Sashes of the Euro window can be opened, tilted, turned and moved.
  3. Air flow coefficient. The Euro window can control air circulation per time unit for one meter of the sash surface when difference in air pressure is 10 Pa.
  4. Water resistance. All outer edges are designed with radius of 2 mm. Frame and sash esconsons must have at least a 15-degree-slope to let water drain easily.
  5. Drip mould. Euro profile provides installation of drip moulds to carry away water.
  6. Glazing. Euro profile requires glazing units 4-16 mm wide with a certain acoustic and thermal insulation.
  7. Width of the timber sections. Euro profile IV 68 requires the width of timber sections of 66 mm, euro profile IV 78 is made of timber sections 76 mm wide respectively.
  8. Thickening. The design of euro windows provides thickened framing of sashes.
  9. Thickness, height of the rebate. Euro profile can have two kinds of the rebate, namely 12 mm and 4 mm, to rest seal envelopes.
  10. Glazing beadings. Euro profile provides removable glazing beadings and therefore broken panes can easily be replaced. If a beading is 14mm wide, it should be nailed, and if it is 12 mm wide, it should be screwed.
  11. Condensation drainage. Euro window is designed so as to withdraw condensation from the space between timber sashes and a glazing unit.
  12. Soundproofing. Euro profile provides comparatively high soundproofing of 4 class (RW=44 dB), but also can be made to comply with class 6 (50 dB).
  13. Sealing. Euro windows must be seal glued with silicone between a glazing unit and a wooden frame.
  14. Weather protection. Euro windows are designed so as not to let water drops penetrate inside. Drip moulds, sealing, drainage channels, etc protect wood against moisture.
  15. Sizes. In general a window of any shape can be manufactured (rectangular, angle, arched, round and etc.) providing that the appropriate hardware and fittings exist.

The Window Manufacturing: the European way to the future

A modern Euro profile has undergone significant development. A manuscript dating 800 year BC was found. First wooden window frames are described in it, a first school of carpenters is mentioned, and also the drawings of first timber processing tools are given. With the development of other materials such as glass and steel, a window in its modern understanding appeared. Thus in middle age churches and buildings the timber stained-glass windows symbolized wealth and prosperity.

Only Industrialization of the late 18th century and early 19th century as well as rapid development of the public construction gave birth to a window system with separate sashes and simple panes, which is commonly spread even these days. After the Second World War the first tilt-d-turn windows appeared. And only in the late 1970s due to the oil recession and technical progress a modern IV 68 profile was presented as a main standard. Of course, hardware and glazing were given to serious consideration. Sellers and manufactures started to use a “u-value” notion to facilitate their selling.

The spread of uPVC windows on the one hand reflects our desire to have an alternative structure, but on the other hand it is rather preposterous as for their manufacturing oil is used. uPVC windows got their popularity in the1970s-1980s as at that time people tended to polymer materials. The polymer boom took place and the illusion of easy and no labor-consuming maintenance was sold.
Nowadays we calculate our expenditure and the time of uPVC is over. We learned the lesson taught by the fire in Dusseldorf airport in 1994, after this incident installation of uPVC windows at public buildings was banned. Later it was decided not to install uPVC at historical and ancient buildings.

What do we have today? Germany consumes window products for 25 billion marks per year, where timber windows consumption accounts for 17 billion marks. Italian, Danish and Dutch companies have enough possibilities to sell their products in Germany. German companies somewhat late but still came back to timber window traditions and conducted modernization of the manufacturing even in times of recession. For a certain period this manufacturing was considered to be of national-priority.
The Green Movement in Europe caused the rebirth of wooden windows, as regulated consumption of forest resources only renovates and maintains the forest balance and facilitates the natural circulation. About 7 million square meters of timber grow every year in the Swiss forest, while only 4,5 million square meters go for lumbering.
Aluminum clad timber windows are the next step in the development of the timber window structures, and such manufactures as Leitz, BUG, and GUTMANN take an active part in their design and production. The maintenance requirements on aluminum clad windows are typically lower than that on uPVC windows. Also you can select from a wide range of colors and such a window still preserves the same warm feeling to the interior.
An updated timber window is winning its popularity in Europe, more than a half of all timber windows are nowadays installed in old buildings that make 70% of all structures.
In the past, because of some shortsightedness of the market, uPVC windows were driving out timber windows in Switzerland, Italia, the Netherlands, Austria, and in the countries of Eastern Europe. But still a wooden window dominates in apartment buildings and this segment of the market helps to improve the position of wooden windows at the market in whole.

In general a timber window has its market in Germany and preserves its positions due to constant improvement of its properties and functions.

Of course, uPVC windows won its popularity by comparatively low price, as their manufacturing is large-scale and quite easy.

Though uPVC windows are quite young, we have enough information about them (fire behavior, environmental effect, etc) that can influence a customer, who more often prefers traditional timber structures. Only in the buildings of general use (e.g. dormitories) wooden windows were completely replaced by PVC, but it was owner’s decision, that is of the state, which usually supports big companies with many employees. If we want to create a better future for our wooden windows, we should adopt new concepts and strategies. New ideas and views concerning a wooden window are put forward and the recent discussions in press confirm this.

Custom made windows more and more prevail over standard ones. But specialists agree that for many years windows have been made with the same structural properties according to the existing norms and that’s why equipment and tools producers have managed to revive timber window manufacturing. The opposing grains, structural peculiarities and the very manufacturing process have been given to serious consideration.

DIN standards cannot be neglected and still are as important as the very material – timber, but manufactures tend to update their window image and make it more ‘liberal, to combine timber and aluminum, to carry on efficient and made to measure manufacturing. Surely, all these makes the window manufactures to reconsider the whole structure and functional properties of a modern window. Thus new design of a window open joint has been working out. Simple angle joint has been complemented with a mini-tenon, but this structure has not justified itself. In Switzerland the so-called “Biller’s angle” joint was developed: a combination of the tenon-mortise and the mini-tenon. Another type of joint is Module 4, which has been patented as an angle joint with polymer edges and dowels.
Future of junctions is a dowel with some glue (e.g. HOMAG, IMA), or a dowel with a screw, which is commonly used in door manufacturing. Its advantage lies in possibility to make different window elements separately.

Three-layer window board

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Nowadays wooden windows are seldom made of solid timber. Due to modern technologies, wooden windows are made of so-called laminated board. Such production ensures timber defects elimination and preservation of its positive characteristics.
What are the main shortcomings of an ordinary wooden frame and how does it differ from the laminated window board?
Timber is a natural material and as all living things it gradually gets older and displays its shortcomings:

  •  absorbs atmospheric humidity and vapor (swells);
  •  when it dries out it warps and cracks.

It’s definitely pointless to install a double glazed unit into so an unsteady structure. Thus, specialists have found out how to restrict such ‘unsteadiness’ of  timber by using glued beams in manufacturing. Most defects of an ordinary wood window are removed within difficult production process.
At any timber crosscut one can see annual rings. If two boards are glued in such a way that their annual rings are attached at a certain angle, some fiber resistance appears (it seems as if boards back up each other). Only due to this a wooden structure doesn’t change it shape. If three boards are glued, the structure becomes even more solid. This process is used for wooden window manufacturing these days.
Timber elements are made of layers, by means of gluing two or three boards (lamellas). Lamellas are also glued of a few boards, which have undergone culling: removing knots, pitch pockets, cracks.
This multilayer timber won’t split as for its gluing adhesive of D4 standard is used. This adhesive firmly bonds elements penetrating into the texture of timber. The bonding is so secure that lamellas can also be joined lengthwise. Such window elements can bear load of 320 kg.
Of course, wooden windows made of glued laminated timber have higher strength and durability as compared to the usual ones made of solid bar. Glued timber ensures stability of the window to the weather conditions and prevents it deformation. Due to all these wooden windows again are gaining popularity, but unfortunately they are comparatively expensive too.

Timber windows advantages

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We admire the beauty and variety of wooden windows installed at old houses and wooden cottages. The main peculiarity of wooden windows is their ability to go well with the decoration out of natural materials, namely: doors, parquet, and furniture.
Timber windows protect rooms from exterior effects and as well as furniture give a more natural and cosy appearance to your home. Such windows can be created only with traditional, natural materials that underwent trial by time.
Timber is a natural material used in construction for many centuries. But timber processing methods are constantly changing and improving.
We’ve got used to timber windows; we’ve admired their beauty and variety in old buildings and put up with their technical imperfection for a long period. We all can name disadvantages of our old wooden windows: incompact junctions, which require sealing in winter time, no soundproofing, poor hardware, frequent repairs. But nowadays old timber windows are replaced with modern ones, which have absorbed the latest achievements in science and technics.
The main peculiarity of wooden windows is their compatibility with furniture, doors and parquet, wooden windows do not only protect rooms but also present the same warm feeling to the interior as furniture and other natural materials do.
Modern timber windows possess natural beauty, cosiness, warmness of timber combined with modern heat insulation and soundproofing, up-to-date hardware and fittings that make a window be open in any way. Modern, environmentally friendly methods of timber processing prolong the life of wooden windows as well as simplify their maintenance. Fixing of glazing units instead of conventional panes also improves technical properties of timber windows.
Nowadays window manufacturing is an automated process with strict control over all manufacturing steps from kiln-drying of timber to finish coating of a ready item. All these increase labor efficiency and ensure high quality.
Wood is a naturally insulating material, providing better insulation and soundproofing as compared to other materials. It demonstrates comparative frost resistance and this is especially beneficial in our weather conditions.
A European customer, who is used to high quality products, prefers cosiness and comfort, elegance and other things mentioned below:

  • Timber windows have long operational period. Today you can often find windows that are more than one hundred years old.
  • Timber windows are more resistant to such temperature differences as -40 C – +40 C, as timber is a natural material grown in such severe conditions.
  • Timber windows provide better soundproofing.
  • Timber windows maintain humidity balance.
  • Timber windows are very popular nowadays and are driving boring, monotonous uPVC windows out of the window market.
  • Timber windows are the only decision at restoration and renovation, as uPVC windows cannot “decorate” ancient buildings and any architect won’t agree to use them while working on the restoration of historic monuments.
  • Wood is a renewable resource, unlike plastic and steel.
  • Wood has the lowest extension coefficient as compared to other materials.
  • Timber windows do not emission poison in fire as they get carbonized and burn very slowly, actually smoulder. uPVC windows emission dioxide, furfural and hydrochloric acid while being burnt.
  • Timber windows are made-to-measure and comply with all modern standards and requirements.
  • It is possible to change colour of your timber window at any time.
  • Timber windows are not electrostatic, they do not draw dust and do not require often cleaning.
  • Timber frames display good heat insulation and prevent condensation from gathering.

Timber windows can be made of three-layer laminated timber. Water-based paints and stains of a wide color range are used for their finishing. Glazing units are filled with argon to lighten window sashes and glazed with thermoflow panes to increase heat insulation.
Last two-three years timber windows have been gaining popularity in Ukraine. Of course, uPVC windows still keep their leading positions, that is 70% of total selling volume. Timber windows make less than 30 %, but their variety can now compete with more “flexible” uPVC structures.
Our Carpathian region also gradually gives preference to timber. And if a few years ago timber windows and doors were available only for the privileged, nowadays more and more customers can afford them. This year has revealed tendency for windows with unique design: circle, arched, ellipsoid.
Recently the competition at the window market has become more intense. Window manufactures have changed their product range and price policy. Window price can be revised as it depends on many factors. The products size influences its price as the bigger the frame, the cheaper is its one square meter. The price is also defined by glass properties. In general the price of a Euro standard window has lowered 10-15 %. One square meter of a timber window made of high quality laminated timber costs about 100-250 US dollars.
Timber windows demonstrate wealth and prosperity of their owners, and there is no need even to compare them with uPVC windows. Timber windows are high quality products and therefore they cost more.
So why to buy timber window? Perhaps, it is better and cheaper to install a uPVC one? Take for instance practical German people. They equip all state-financed buildings, offices, dormitories and hostels with comparatively cheap uPVC windows. At the same time all suburban houses, expensive and exclusive ones are decorated with timber windows.
Of course, uPVC windows had some advantages, and one of them was their price – they were two and even three times cheaper than timber ones. But today due to severe competition and modern methods of manufacturing our timber windows are getting cheaper. And if you take into account the fact that uPVC windows require air conditioning, that will turn your timber window purchase into a real bargain.
Timber windows are said “to be breathing”. They do not only breathe but they also filter air, keeping dust away from your home.
As to technical properties of timber window the most important are their transparency (it depends on glazing units), insulation, heat transmission, operating life. Wood is a naturally insulating material, providing better insulation as compared to plastic. As to operating life, for uPVC windows it can only be estimated (as there are no windows older than 20 years), and for timber windows, even the ordinary ones, the operating life has proved to be more than 50 years. Certainly, you should take care of wooden surfaces to prolong their operation, you should lubricate movable parts, replace them if necessary, monitor surface coating.
The manufacturing of timber windows has grown considerably for the last 5 years in Ukraine. It has intensified market competition, improved quality of the products and lowered their price.
So how to choose timber windows? What material to choose, where to order? Let’s try to answer all these questions. First you should decide on the material. Timber windows can be made of:

  • Pine
  • Oak

Then you should make your mind as to the shape of your window: round, triangular, tilt-d-turn, sash, with balcony doors, etc.
Next step is selection of hardware and fittings. We advise to use ROTO FRANK AG products, as they combine excellent German quality with a wide range of coatings.
Nowadays Ukraine is still undergoing the boost in PVC windows offer, but timber windows gradually are gaining popularity among customers. If PVC is appropriate in offices, then at home we prefer to have timber doors and windows that create cosy and warm atmosphere. Specialists say that in future timber window segment will grow and timber window price will lower to PVC levels. Then middle class customers will mostly buy timber products, and they make the most numerous group of the customers. Our domestic timber products have also an advantage over the imported ones – they are cheaper though display the same high quality. Perhaps, that is why they are in demand abroad. Let’s appreciate what we have and produce!