Unglazed R9 gains ‘official’ stamp,
says HWL
13th November 2018

HWL Trade Frames has potentially closed the controversy over its manufacture of non-glass bonded R9 frames with the announcement that the process is now included in the Residence Collection’s updated approved manufacturing methodologies.

The move follows extensive independent testing of the method, based on Timberweld 90° butt-welding, and means that Residence is now revising its manufacturing manual to include the technology.

Managing Director Mark Haley said: “We started supplying R9 unglazed 18 months ago, so it’s been a relatively long road but worth it because of the commercial advantage that it’s allowed us to deliver to our customers. Manufacture of R9 using Timberweld means that we can deliver increased weld strength and that eliminates the requirement to glass bond the sash in the vast majority of installations.

“The benefits are immediate. As an installer you can buy your glass from whoever you normally buy your glass from, if a unit needs replacing, you replace it in the same way as you would a standard unit. But most fundamentally, you take weight out of the installation, making it simpler quicker and reducing cost.”

Independent tests on HWL’s side-hung casement options were completed earlier in the year, returning a series of passes under BS EN 6375 - 1 weather testing and PAS24/Part Q. These were followed up with further tests delivered in partnership with the Residence Collection over the summer with a series of approvals on top-hung options.

With all of its pre-existing customers now buying its non-glass bonded R9 windows, HWL argues installers can cut their installation costs by up to a third by switching from buying in mechanically jointed sashes, to its Timberweld R9 sash by reducing weight and simplifying handling and installation costs.

www.hwlwindows.co.uk