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Since its first edition in 1994 as a small, red paperback with a manageable scope and seven further editions, the RAL-Guideline for installation has become a comprehensive standard and reference work for the installation of windows and entrance doors over the past 30 years.
A lot has happened since the first edition. In addition to normative changes, increased requirements and new product developments for assembly, the experiences from daily assembly practice were also increasingly incorporated.
It is regularly updated every four years to reflect both the recognised rules of technology and the current state of technology. The topics are prepared in a practice-oriented way in close cooperation with the working group ‘Montageleitfaden’ (Guideline for Installation) of the German association of window and facade manufacturers, in which all relevant industry groups and professional associations are represented.
The following is a summary of all the issues with the main changes/additions.
What Are The Main Changes/Additions?
What is the main purpose of the RAL-Guideline for installation? It summarises all the essential requirements for the installation and connection of windows and entrance doors to the building structure, as set out in standards, guidelines and bulletins, structures them by topic and comments on them in a practical way for the user with relevant examples. Therefore, it is always worth taking a first look at the chapter 9, bibliography, to see what has changed in the rules and regulations since the previous version. While the 2020 edition still cites 152 sets of rules, the current 2024 edition refers to 188 sets of rules.
In the current issue from March 2024, in addition to updates, e.g. adaptation of chapter 4.2 to the new Building Energy Act (GEG), existing topics were explored in more detail and further current topics were added. As a result, it has again increased significantly in size, to a total of 410 pages. The main changes/additions will be briefly addressed below.
In-depth Content
The planner's checklist in chapter 3 of the RAL-Guideline for installation has been extensively revised and the main statements have been formulated more clearly, for example regarding the execution of window reveals with reveal stones in highly thermal insulating masonry, if special requirements (burglar resistance, fall protection) are to be taken into account, or, if no reveal stone are planned, for the necessary execution of the reveal, in particular with cut perforated bricks. The references to further information sources have been expanded (e.g. VFF Guidance Sheets).
The topic of the interface between the building structure and the building/roof or patio seal for floor-to-ceiling elements in chapter 3 has been adapted to the latest version of the draft of the guidance sheet of the same name. In particular, the necessary planning steps were taken from the draft guidance sheet and the interaction between the maximum water accumulation height at the threshold construction and the drainage planning of the adjacent open spaces was illustrated.
The topic of fastening elements with a fall-proof function and the necessary verification for the entire load chain was expanded and supplemented in chapter 4.3, sound insulation, the flanking sound insulation and the partition wall junction for window hinges and in chapter 5, fastening and load transfer. The design was also expanded to include a version with a French balcony.
New Contents
A new chapter 2.4.1, Dismantling, Recycling and Re-Use of Old Windows, has been added, but mainly to raise awareness, as a more in-depth treatment would go beyond the scope of the RAL-Guideline for installation.
Another chapter, 2.4.2, deals for the first time with the handling of harmful and hazardous substances during the dismantling of old windows. In view of the shift from new-build to renovation projects, this is an important and serious issue. In addition to the well-known asbestos issue, old buildings also harbour a whole range of other potential harmful and hazardous substances, as the following picture shows. It is imperative that all those involved in renovation work deal with the issue in a professional and proper manner.
In the area of sealing systems (Chapter 6), so-called liquid foils were included as a new; possible sealing system for the wall connection of windows and external pedestrian doorsets. In principle, liquid membranes are a slightly slimmed-down version of the tried-and-tested liquid plastics used for waterproofing buildings, roofs and terraces. A corresponding, ‘product-neutral’ technical data sheet for professional use has been added in chapter 7.2.3.
The installation and wall connection of windows and external pedestrian doorsets in multi-storey timber construction, a sustainable and promising construction method, has been included as a new cross-chapter topic. The contents/special features were developed as part of a bachelor's thesis at the TH Rosenheim.
Finally, a special highlight is the first-ever three-dimensional display of connection details to visualise the complex interface in the corner area of floor-to-ceiling elements in detail. These details in chapter 7.5 are linked to an ift-Landing page via a QR code, on which they can be called up as animated video sequences reproducing the construction sequence.
Literature
- Guideline for planning and construction of assembly of windows and doors for new buildings and renovation, Edition March 2024, Gütegemeinschaft Fenster, Fassaden und Haustüren e.V., Frankfurt am Main
Wolfgang Jehl
Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Wolfgang Jehl works at ift Rosenheim as a product manager for the area of external endings, materials for structural connections and bonded glazing. As the main author of the installation guide and various guidelines, as well as an expert for many years, he is considered a leading expert in this field. He shares his experience with the industry as a speaker and author as well as in various standardization committees.