1) How long is the Hybrid Window guaranteed for?

The majority of timber windows have a 10 year guarantee, the same as the Hybrid timber.  However, the external aluminium on the Hybrid window is guaranteed for 25 years.
 

2) How should I maintain the Hybrid window?

The wood frame should be dusted and wiped clean regularly. Simply with a damp cloth or dusted with a domestic furniture polish.  Some brushing with a stiff brush may be needed on external frames in order to remove any ingrained dirt. If any algae growth exists, a fungicidal wash is recommended as a pre-treatment for external wood.


Wood is a natural product containing resin. Very occasionally beads of crystallized resin may form on the surface of the frame. These beads can be removed by gently rubbing with a cloth dampened with meths or other alcohol based substance. After this the wood should then repaired using a water based lacquer.


The mainframe should be checked for breaches in surface treatment at least once per year. If the surface has been damaged it should be repaired immediately using a water based lacquer, to prevent the wood from absorbing moisture.

 

3) How would you find out if the timber had sustained any external water damage if it is not visible?

The Hybrid window is designed to breath and allow water drainage between the aluminium and the timber.

Any damage at this point would be superficial only. If algae growth became visible a fungicidal wash is recommended as a pre-treatment for external wood.

 

4) Where should the silicon seal be applied; against the timber or the face of the aluminium?

The systems is to be sealed up to the aluminium face on the jambs and at the head. The cill detail is as per the details on the download page of this website – essentially, part of the cill is left open to allow drainage. With regards to dirt and spiders you will get this with any system regardless. In our opinion, this will happen more so with other window systems than the Hybrid window due to the design.
 

5) How the hybrid window is fixed and sealed (both strap and direct)?

Please see the download section of the website
 

6) Do the Hybrid products have a Breeam rating?

Breeam  is an environmental assessment method for building methods and materials.  It is related to the Green Guide, which we are currently seeking interpretation, as the wood described is red wood and the Hybrid window uses a soft wood (spruce).  The current Green Guide refers to the weight of the aluminium profile associating with the red wood internal frame. There is currently no rating for spruce. We are investigating this further and will up date the website as soon as possible. 

However, we can tell you that the Hyrbid window has great environmetal properties and we are seeking a Breeam rating that reflects this.  Please see the Window Specification page and the Environment & Sustainability page for more details.
 

8) Can the Hybrid system be used for bigger projects or curtain walling?

Yes.  We have designed the window builder to be as easy to use as possible and so that customers can design windows within safe limits of the products.

However, if you have a bigger project and would like something even more bespoke than you can design in the window builder or need curtain walling for your project, please get in touch or send us details of your project via the Upload Your Project page.

 

8) When will Hybrid doors be available?

Very soon.  We are currently developing the Hybrid system into doors, French doors and patio doors and they should be available online within a few months.  Eventually we hope to be able to offer Hybrid sliding-folding doors.
 

9) What acoustic benefits does the Hybrid system holds over traditional aluminium or other types of window?

The acoustics benefits will be greater, as it is a solid timber frame, as apposed to a hollow box. The absorption on the frame is greater because of the mass
 

10) Is the timber treated in the factory to prevent water damage?

All cuts and machined areas must be sprayed with Schiller Seal product or equivalent.  We have been advised that you don't have to spray all holes for fixing hardware. However we will use a Bitumen Seal in certain circumstances.