Installing windows with foam sealant?!

[Chepo]

Currently working on installing a new window. Measurements 1770 (W) X 622 (H) openable (top-hung).

The window is entirely made of aluminum, i.e., a very rigid frame.

The problem is that the frame wasn't pre-drilled for fixing it with frame screws, and I don't really want to take that on myself. So I've completed the exterior with trim and metal and am about to fix it properly. I was thinking of using foam sealant.
But does it work? Is the foam strong enough to hold the window in place properly? There will, of course, be trim on the inside and outside as a mechanical stop. But I still want a bit of extra support!

/ Christian

 

[Paul-Staffanstorp]

I absolutely do not like installing openable windows with foam as it’s a lost cause if you need to adjust them over time.

I would have preferred to get help from someone with experience so they could be installed with screws...

 

[Stefan N]

The window will be in place but as previously mentioned it is impossible to adjust.

 

[Chepo]

I am aware that it will be difficult, impossible, to adjust over time. But the frame is stiff enough that it most likely won't be needed.
But the question is, does it work, i.e., does the foam hold the window in place?

 

[Paul-Staffanstorp]

That it will stick is rock solid, but just consider carefully beforehand...

 

[Chepo]

I will have a think about it since there's no rush with it yet.
The alternative, as mentioned, is screws. But the ones I have to use are not "regular" frame screws that you set with, for example, a T-key.
I have to use a different frame screw with a regular T30 torx head. This has minimal or no adjustment range.
So, therefore, I was thinking of skipping drilling holes in the frame and risking getting ugly marks as a result.

 

[Fredrik.engdahl]

you can always skim the corners and then fill in the rest, making it easier if you need to adjust later.

 

[MathiasS]

....and you can always use foam sealant that allows for adjustment afterwards, like Essves Fog&drev 199. Other manufacturers have similar products and they've been around forever. Why does everyone assume that foamed windows can't be adjusted afterwards?

Here at home, however, other things prevent post-adjustment (which, by the way, has never been needed either...) - the trims inside and out are either nailed or soft-sealed against the window, making adjustment practically impossible.

I don't really know how stable aluminum windows are, but if you can get the frame to flex with hand force or a little more, I would probably make a small support post to place in the middle of the window. 1.7m is long, and foam sealant expands forcefully if you use too much.

 

[Chepo]

I don't really know how stable aluminum windows are, but if you can make the frame flex with hand force or a little more, I would probably make a small support post to put in the middle of the window. 1.7m is long and foam expands with force if you use too much.

That's what I'm a little afraid of... However, they are stable as hell. The window comes from Schuco. The frame is 111mm high and 80 thick, so it's a bit of material.

Fredrik's idea might not be so stupid? Foam the corners or why not the short sides at 622mm and then use sealant on the top and bottom sides!

 

[gadeberg]

There is special foam for frames that doesn't press as hard. Maybe that's what Mattias suggested.

 

[catherineb]

Borrowing the thread!

So it's enough to secure the window with just foam without any screws? In my case, a fixed PVC window.

 

[Leif i Skåne]

Small wedges are used as spacing between the window and the frame to prevent the frame from being pressed in and wedging the window. There is a foam that does not create pressure.

 

[jonne72]

Poor boys.

 

[catherineb]

You use small wedges as spacers between the window and the frame so that the frame isn't pressed in and wedges the window.
There's a foam that doesn't create pressure.

Do you have an example of such foam?

 

[catherineb]

Poor boys.

What?