The specialized division “Windows/doors/(glass)façades” focuses primarily on the development and optimisation, as well as on the usability of these products for interior and exterior applications. The basic components (scantlings, posts, hardware) as well as the finished products lie within the scope of this division. Suitability is verified (e.g. for burglary-resistant products) and initial tests are performed for CE marking including certification (conformity system 1).

Research and development

Development of windows and doors (designs)

Currently projects are under way to lay the foundation for the development of a new generation of windows. The topics hygrothermal performance and dimensional stability are of particular significance. The new developments will significantly improve the durability of wooden windows.

Bonding of wood and glass

This key technology is playing an important role in our research work. The findings result in the development of entirely new design for windows and façades.

Avalanche-proof windows and doors

In this project avalanche proof windows were developed together with an SME. These windows can be opened and – when closed - are able to withstand the enormous loading (impact, solids and impact pressure) resulting from an avalanche. The project was awarded the cooperation prize by ACR (Austrian Cooperative Research) in 2006 and the design rules for avalanche-proof windows developed in the project have since been established in a national standard.

Scantlings

Developments focus on finger jointed and laminated scantlings for the manufacturing of windows and exterior doors. Furthermore R&D efforts in the area of scantlings focus on the application of wood species which are difficult to bond and on thermally insulated scantlings.

The specialized division “Windows/doors/(glass)façades” holds accreditations for a large number of tests. The following test methods pertaining to the serviceability and the verification of suitability of products are of particular importance (selected methods, additional tests upon request)

Windows and exterior doors:

• ÖNORM EN 14351-1 Windows and doors - Product standard, performance characteristics; Windows and external pedestrian doorsets without resistance to fire and/or smoke leakage characteristics

• ÖNORM B 5300 Windows - Requirements - Complementaries to ÖNORM EN 14351-1

• ÖNORM B 5301 and B 5302: Avalanche proof windows and doors

• Prestandard ÖNORM B 5339 External doors - Requirements

Façades:

• ÖNORM EN 13830 Curtain walling - Product standard

Interior doors:

• ÖNORM B 5330 parts 1-10 doors from wood and wood-based materials (panelled door leaves, flush door leaves, door frames, steel cases for solid walls, wooden cases, steel cases for gypsum plasterboard walls

Burglar resistant products:

• EN 1627 – EN 1630 Pedestrian doorsets, windows, curtain walling, grilles and shutters - burglar resistance

• ÖNORM B 5338 Burglar resistant windows, doors and shutters - General requirements

• ÖN B 5351 Burglary resistant building hardware, locks, striking plates, protective fittings and cylinders for locks; dimensions and supplementary requirements

Building hardware:

• ÖNORM EN 1125 Building hardware - Panic exit devices operated by a horizontal bar, for use on escape routes - Requirements and test methods

• ÖNORM EN 179 Building hardware - Emergency exit devices operated by a lever handle or push pad, for use on escape routes - Requirements and test methods

• ÖNORM EN 12209 Building hardware - Locks and latches - Mechanically operated locks, latches and locking plates - Requirements and test methods

• ÖNORM EN 1906 Building hardware - Lever handles and knob furniture - Requirements and test methods

• ÖNORM B 3858 Door locks - Upright lever mortice locks for fire resisting doors

• ÖNORM B 3859 Building hardware - Leverhandles for fire resisting doors - Dimensions and requirements