Installation of minimal encased aluminium sliding frames

The current trend in architecture worldwide is to minimise the visible aluminium, maximising the view to the outside environment and natural light to the interior.

In recent years, there has been growing interest in sophisticated large sliding frames, in which the frames are completely hidden on all four sides. That is, they are fully incorporated into the floor, ceiling and walls, offering a uniform aesthetic. These systems also include incorporated fully encased water basins that facilitate water management.

In order to achieve the optimal result, both aesthetically and functionally as well as in terms of thermal insulation, water tightness and air permeability, it is necessary to adapt the workflow in the buildings, to apply the appropriate materials and to follow the following principles and guidelines:

Principles
The installation is carried out after the completion of the walls, with two alternatives for the internal floor fillings, which are carried out either before or after. External fillings are always carried out afterwards.

Instructions
- Use of a metal corner on the bottom track for fixing the frame.
- Airtightness tape around the perimeter of the frame on the inside.
- Tape or membrane under the water basin.
- Thermal insulation slab on the concrete slab, levelled on all three axes.
- Application of waterproof neutral silicone on the thermal insulation slab.
- Placing the casing on the thermal insulation slab and fixing it to the structural elements.
- Filling the joint between the frame and the structural element with elastic polyurethane foam.
- Application of external insulation, which covers the entire casing.
- Creation of an expansion joint between the insulation and the frame. Sealing by applying a polyethylene cord and a hybrid sealant.
- The upper part of the casing is covered externally, intermediately and internally with cement board and plasterboard.
- In the bottom track before the fillings, the adaptors of the water basin are connected to a drainage pipe with the necessary slopes.
- Then the bottom track is encased inside - out with fillings and flooring material.