Issue481

Timber windows
If correctly installed and As Alternative Solutions, This Bulletin describes timber
February 2007

maintained, timber windows can
still be operating after 80–100
years.
window installation information window design requirements,
must demonstrate to the with particular reference to the
Building Consent Authority that use of E2/AS1 as a benchmark
the detail meets the performance for the degree of acceptability
requirements of Clause E2 of a particular detail with the
External Moisture. appropriate cladding.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.0.1 With the increasing popularity and improved
technology of aluminium windows, far fewer timber
windows are installed in new homes today. They are
also significantly more expensive than aluminium
joinery. Nevertheless, aesthetic appeal and the
sentimentality New Zealanders have for timber means
they are still being manufactured.
1.0.2 It is estimated that only around 5% of
manufactured windows are in timber, principally for
replacement windows in older timber houses and
additions or renovations where new windows are
required to match existing styles.
1.0.3 Composite aluminium/timber windows that
provide the external durability of aluminium, but the
internal aesthetic appeal of timber, have around 1% of
the domestic market.
1.0.4 As a renewable material, timber is a more
sustainable option for window frames, and has a
thermal insulation capability that is 3–4 times better
than aluminium frames. If correctly installed and
maintained, timber windows can still be operating
after 80–100 years, whereas aluminium would require
replacement before this.
2.0 WINDOW DESIGN
2.1 Window styles
2.1.1 Domestic window styles have changed over the
years, being adapted to suit New Zealand conditions
and current fashions. The style of windows can be a
good indication of the age of a house.
2.2 Window classifications
2.2.1 All windows are classified by their method of
opening. These include:
• casement or side hung (outward opening)
• awning or top hung
• hopper or bottom hung (not in common use)
• fan light or top light
• pivot hung
• double hung (vertical sliding)
• bi-folding
• horizontal sliding
• louvre
• fixed sash
• direct glazed
• picture window
• clerestory (high level)
• tilt and turn/tilt and slide (these are European
systems not yet widely used in New Zealand).
2.3 Materials
2.3.1 Timber windows in New Zealand have
traditionally been made from locally grown softwoods
such as: rimu (frames), matai (sills), totara and
kauri (sashes), and Californian redwood (for 1920s
Californian bungalow style).
 BRANZ Bulletin 481
2.3.2 As native timbers have become increasingly
scarce, other timbers have come into common usage
such as:
• pinus radiata (both clears and finger-jointed – for
paint finish)
• cypress species such as macrocarpa, Mexican
cypress, and Lawson’s cypress
• western red cedar (imported)
• kwila (imported).
2.3.3 A combination of timbers may sometimes be
used in a window, for example, western red cedar
for sashes and pine for frames and sills. The choice
of material is largely determined by the type of finish
required and degree of exposure of the window. For
example, north and west facing walls, or walls with
little or no eaves protection, should have joinery
made from a more stable and durable timber such as
western red cedar.
2.3.4 Pinus radiata tends to be prone to a large
amount of seasonal movement. It may be treated
before manufacture with an oil based water repellent
to provide protection to the timber before on-site
painting or, alternatively, the joinery may be pre-
primed before leaving the factory.
2.4 Construction
2.4.1 There has been little change to the construction
of windows in New Zealand over the last 50 years. A
simplified design was developed in the 1970s when
the New Zealand Joinery Manufacturers Federation
had profiles tested to NZS 4211 Specification for
performance of windows. However, the major changes
in joinery design and manufacture are in materials
used and the range of designs available.
2.5 Joints
2.5.1 Mortise and tenon joints are still used as the
primary sash stile-to-rail joint for most window types.
This involves a tenon, or tongue, from the top or
bottom rail being fitted, glued and pinned into a slot in
the stile (refer to Figure 1).
2.6 Glues
2.6.1 Moisture-cured polyurethane glue, which has
good water resistance and retains its flexibility, is
generally used for timber window joints.
stile
top rail
tenon
Figure 1. Mortise and tenon joint.
 2.6.2 Synthetic resin glues that were in more common • which sashes are opening and fixed
use previously include: • opening hardware type (hinged, friction stays,
• urea formaldehyde – moderate water resistance sliding)
• urea formaldehyde fortified with melamine – very • metal for hardware (stainless steel, brass).
good water resistance
• resorcinol – fully water resistant 4.0 TIMBER WINDOWS AND E2/AS1
• epoxy resin – fully water resistant.
4.1 E2/AS1
2.7 Durability and treatment of timber 4.1.1 Timber window installation is not covered by
E2/AS1 and is therefore outside the scope of the
2.7.1 Under Compliance Document B2/AS1, timber
Acceptable Solutions. As an Alternative Solution,
windows are required to have a 15 year durability.
window installation information must demonstrate
NZS 3602 Timber and wood-based products for
to the Building Consent Authority that the detail
use in building identifies the timbers and treatments
meets the performance requirements of Clause E2
permitted for windows and frames.
External Moisture.
2.7.2 The installation moisture content range for
4.1.2 Alternative Solution compliance with E2
timber windows is generally 12–15% (although NZS
External Moisture may be achieved by demonstrating
3602 permits up to 18%). Kiln-dried timber may
or comparing with in-service history (must be relevant
sometimes have a moisture content as low as 6–8%,
and similar), or a comparison with (or reference to)
but such a low moisture content timber should only be
E2/AS1.
used in air-conditioned environments.
4.1.3 As timber windows have been used with
2.8 Finishes weatherboard, masonry veneer and stucco claddings
for many years, documented evidence of proven
2.8.1 Exterior finishes to timber windows include: historical performance with any of these claddings
• paint (the recommended finish for exterior windows would be a valid option to support the use of the
as it affords the best protection against the effects proposed system.
of ultraviolet rays and weathering generally) 4.1.4 Documentation to support a comparison or
• semi-transparent finish e.g. stain. reference to E2/AS1 must demonstrate the thinking
behind the Alternative Solution and the reason why a
comparison with an E2/AS1 detail, or the principles of
2.9 Glazing
performance of an E2/AS1 detail, are relevant.
2.9.1 NZS 4223: Part 1 Selection and installation of
glass in buildings sets out the recommendations for
glass selection in buildings, including general design
principles, loadings and thermal control. NZS 4223:
Part 3 Human impact safety requirements deals with
trimmer stud trimmer stud
glazing requirements in locations where the glazing
could be subject to human impact. All glazing within
2000 mm of the floor level falls in this category.

3.0 SPECIFYING WINDOWS frame

3.0.1 NZS 4211 sets out performance requirements
for windows including strength and stiffness, air and
sash clearance
water leakage, deflection, dimensional accuracy, and trim size 6-12 mm
operating force and torsional strength of opening
rough opening size
sashes. Profiles and dimensions for timber window
frames and sashes can be found in NZS 3610
Specification for profiles of mouldings and joinery. Figure 2. Window set out dimensions (plan view).
3.0.2 When specifying timber windows, information
required by the joiner includes:
• window dimensions (trim size, rough opening size)
– see Figure 2
• head and sill heights
• profiles (bevelled, ovolo) – see Figure 3 ovolo bevel
• wall thickness (of the wall into which the window is
to be installed)
• type of timber
• required finish (paint, clear)
• glass type
• facing sizes Figure 3. Ovolo and bevelled profiles.

 BRANZ Bulletin 481

5.0 ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR WINDOW 5.5 Window head
INSTALLATION 5.5.1 Head flashings under E2/AS1 must have:
• a minimum 15º­ slope
5.1 Design process • a minimum 35 mm overlap by the cladding from
5.1.1 The following aspects of window installation above
are based on the details in E2/AS1 for aluminium • an additional layer of building wrap lapped over the
windows and include: flashing
• risk assessment of the cladding • 10 mm stop-ends at each end
• the wall underlay • a 5 mm anti-capillary gap between cladding and
• use of a sill tray flashing, and
• window head detailing • a 15 mm downturn over the head.
• use of an air seal. 5.5.2 BRANZ recommends a head flashing in all
situations, but additionally recommends a 50 mm
5.2 Risk assessment overlap to the head flashing by the cladding above
(see BRANZ Weathertight Solutions: Volume 1).
5.2.1 The first step in design for window installation
is a risk assessment of the proposed design, using 5.5.3 E2/AS1 includes an optional weather head
the risk matrix from E2/AS1. This will also set over rusticated weatherboard cladding. BRANZ also
a benchmark for the degree of acceptability of a recommends, in higher risk situations, the use of the
particular detail with the selected cladding. weather head which must be shaped to shed water
and have a drip edge at the bottom.
5.3 Wall underlay
5.6 Air seal
5.3.1 E2/AS1 requires the wall underlay to be dressed
into all framed openings to protect the timber from 5.6.1 A continuous, flexible air seal over a backing
any moisture that may get through the other lines rod should be installed between the wrapped opening
of defence. Additional flexible flashing tape must be and window reveal to limit air flow carrying water into
installed over the wall wrap: the wall interior (see BRANZ Weathertight Solutions:
Volume 1).
• at corners of the window head
• over the full width of the sill and turned up 5.7 Installation requirements
100 mm at both sides, and
5.7.1 Details of the installation must be provided in
• carried 50 mm down the external face of the the building contract documentation. Rough opening
opening. and trim sizes should all be stated on installation
instructions.
5.4 Sill tray 5.7.2 No building loads should be carried by the
frame or fixings unless the window is designed as
5.4.1 Under E2/AS1, where the cladding is direct-
structural joinery.
fixed, a full width sill tray should be fitted. The sill tray
must have:
• a minimum 5º slope
6.0 INSTALLATION OF GLAZING
6.0.1 Glazing is often done on-site, particularly for
• stop-ends lapped under the jamb packers.
large panes of glass.
Where claddings are installed over a drained cavity, sill
trays are not required. 6.1 Glass types
5.4.2 BRANZ Weathertight Solutions: Volumes 1-3 6.1.1 There is a wide selection of types of glass
recommend a full width sill tray with timber joinery available. Glass thickness and type is set out in
for direct-fixed claddings, and 150 mm long trays NZS 4223: Part 3 and depends on location and size
under jambs and mullions where a cavity is used. The of panes.
sill tray must direct water to the outside face of the
cladding. 6.2 Rebates
6.2.1 Rebate depths for single glazing vary between
6–18 mm according to glass thickness, glass area
and wind zone. NZS 4223: Part 1, Tables 24 and 26,
set out minimum rebate depths for putty fronting and
glass bead glazing (see Figure 4).
6.2.2 Sash profiles given in NZS 3610 only indicate
rebate depth
(6-18 mm – single rebate depths of 6 and 8 mm, and 15 mm rebate
glazing; up to 21 mm width. However, a 6 mm rebate depth may only be
– double glazing) used with small panes up to 0.1 m2, 3 mm glass,
rebate width and for low and medium wind zones. All other rebate
depths should be a minimum of 8 mm, increasing up
to 19–21 mm for double glazed units.
Figure 4. Width and depth dimensions of rebate.

 BRANZ Bulletin 481

 6.2.3 Rebates must be sealed with an oil based
primer. Note that priming will allow some absorption
of oil to aid linseed oil based putty setting, but fully
sealed timber will prevent putty from setting.
6.3 Glazing sealants
6.3.1 Glazing sealants provide elasticity and allow
glass movement. They include linseed oil based putty,
plastic putty, butyl glazing tape and neutral cure
silicone.
6.4 Glazing putty
6.4.1 Glazing putty is usually used for standard float
glass up to a maximum of 1.5 m2 or 1,500 pascal
pressure. Putty must not be used with laminated glass,
insulating glass units (IGUs), or solar control glass as
linseed oil will attack the plastic layer in laminated
glass and the sealant in IGUs.
6.4.2 To install glass, press back putty into the rebate.
Press the glass onto the putty and hold in place by
glazing points. Apply more putty over the glazing
points and the external face of the glass to create
a seal.
6.4.3 Putty skins over in 24–48 hours, after which
it should be sealed within four days in summer and
14 days in winter. Putty is sealed by paint which
must also extend 2 mm up the glass to provide a seal
against water ingress.
6.5 Plastic putty
6.5.1 A modified oil and synthetic resin plastic putty
is available as an alternative to linseed oil based putty.
Plastic putty sets to a semi-plastic state which is
affected by temperature and must also be sealed by
painting.
6.6 Bead glazing
6.6.1 Glazing beads are used with large panes,
laminated glass and insulated glazing units (see
Figure 5).
6.6.2 Double glazed units should be fixed with beads
and have a 15º slope on the bottom rebate. Timber
beads should be western red cedar or a similar stable,
durable timber.
6.6.3 Butyl glazing tape or neutral cure silicone is
pressed into the rebate and the glass is embedded
in the sealant. Additional sealant is placed around
the glass. Glazing beads with a bevelled or hollowed
inside corner to accommodate the additional sealant
are fixed onto the sash (see Figure 5). Stainless steel
brads or pins are generally used for fixing beads.
I.G.U.
glazing bead
with bevelled
inside corner butyl glazing
tape or neutral
cure silicone
15º slope to
bottom rebate additional sealant
sash
Figure 5. Glazing bead installation.
7.0 MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS
7.1 Importance of maintenance
7.1.1 Lack of maintenance will result in water leakage
and is the main cause of rotting of sashes and frames.
Maintenance checks must be made on:
• paint
• putty/beading
• hardware.
7.2 Water leakage
7.2.1 Common causes of water entry are:
• inadequate flashing
• inadequate air seal
• deterioration of putty or sealant
• no capillary gap
• poorly fitting opening casement e.g. an opening that
is too large
• bowed or twisted casements (in cases of poor fitting
or bowed casements they need to be removed and
replaced).
7.3 Repainting
7.3.1 Repainting keeps the external finish looking
good, but also helps prevent both deterioration of
the window and potential failure of the glazing and
bedding. It should be carried out as required.
7.3.2 Paint, or other finishes that are old and flaking,
should be removed and the timber or residual finish
should be sanded. Sharp edges should be rounded
slightly as they will result in paint failure earlier than
any other part of the paint system.
7.3.3 Paint should not be scraped back to putty as
this is likely to result in a gap between glass and putty
that will admit water.
7.3.4 If timber has been exposed when the paint
has been removed, it should be re-primed before the
addition of further top coats.
8.0 STANDARDS
NZS 3602: Timber and wood-based products for use
in building
NZS 3610: Specification for profiles of mouldings
and joinery
NZS 3619: Specification for timber windows
NZS 4211: Specification for performance of windows
NZS 4223: Code of Practice for glazing in buildings
Part 1: Selection and installation of glass in
buildings
Part 2: Selection and installation of
manufactured sealed insulating glazing units
Part 3: Human impact safety requirements.
 BRANZ Bulletin 481
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our research and our drive to inform, educate and motivate
those who shape the built environment.

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