Contemporary building is all about ease of access: balcony and patio doors without thresholds provide a safe and convenient transition from inside to outside and are very on-trend for young and old alike.
Schüco is therefore extending its barrier-free portfolio to include aluminium double-vent window doors with level thresholds. They achieve watertightness class 7A, operating class 2 and burglar resistance to Resistance Class 2 (RC 2). For a safe and comfortable living environment.
As an integral part of the planning of new buildings and those in need of renovation, ease of access is increasingly becoming a matter of course. The requirements for this are set out in the standard DIN 18040-2. Important aspects include accessibility, recognisability, convenience and ease of operation. The barrier-free level threshold achieves the highest class (class 6) in accordance with ift guideline BA-01/1 on determining and classifying the rollover capacity of thresholds.
The new double-vent window system in the Schüco AWS (Aluminium Window System) range is available immediately and can be constructed from the standard Schüco AWS 90.SI+, AWS 75.SI+ and AWS 70.HI systems. The benefit for architects and fabricators is that the increased demand for ease of access, as well as individual customer requirements, can now be met flexibly using the Schüco AWS modular system – with more reliable fabrication processes thanks to the large number of identical parts that are used across the system.
Impressive weathertightness
Previously, a range of technical challenges, for example in terms of watertightness, meant that it was only possible to install single-vent barrier-free balcony or patio doors. However, further technical developments of the sealing system and the fittings components have now made it possible for double-vent window doors to be constructed with level thresholds, all while providing outstanding watertightness to class 7A (in accordance with DIN EN 12208). What’s special about the level threshold is that two continuous sealing levels ensure optimum weathertightness of the system.
Water is channelled out via the integrated drainage with a non-return valve. Standard drainage systems can be used for this. Thanks to the two different height options of the threshold substructure (50 mm or 80 mm), the system is suitable for both newbuilds and renovations. It is also very easy to maintain as the drainage can be easily accessed through the removable tread plate profile.
Easy, convenient operation
The handle height and operating forces are key when it comes to easy operation in barrier-free buildings. In accordance with DIN 18040-2 (for flats that allow unrestricted use by a wheelchair), the handle height for the Schüco AWS barrier-free window systems can be freely selected between 850 mm and 1050 mm (finished floor level). This means everyone is able to use them.
At 5 newton-metres (Nm) for the handle and 30 newtons (N) for the tilt position, the requirements for the maximum operating forces (in accordance with DIN 18040-2) for opening and closing barrier-free window doors are met in full (DIN EN 13115, class 2). Two components of the AvanTec SimplySmart fitting make this possible. The comfort opening aid with a cord ejector supports the window vent during opening, and the spring-loaded unit ensures easy, smooth operation during closing. Another important point is that when closing, the lowering of the gasket is hydraulic and delayed, making the closing process silent and effortless.
