Windows equipped for any terrain and altitude

08/24/2023 | Print view

Such motorhomes are often exposed to extreme climatic conditions. But the insulating glass with Swisspacer Air defies the highest altitude differences and climatic loads. - © extremfenster — © extremfenster

Such motorhomes are often exposed to extreme climatic conditions. But the insulating glass with Swisspacer Air defies the highest altitude differences and climatic loads.

During tours, motorhomes and expedition vehicles are sometimes exposed to extreme weather conditions, differences in altitude and temperature. This places very high demands on the insulating glass installed. One manufacturer is now using Swisspacer Air in its IG units to cope with the climatic loads.

Expedition vehicles, motorhomes and camper vans are often exposed to extreme weather conditions, altitude and temperature differences on tours all over the world. Therefore, the insulating glass installed in them must also meet very high requirements. This is precisely where the start-up company extremfenster comes in with its specially developed SKI aluminium window. Thanks to the Swisspacer Air integrated in the space between the panes (SZR), it defies enormous differences in height and climatic loads.

From the idea to realisation

Managing Director Constantin Hanov-Blum, specialist for motorhomes, developed his windows himself.

Managing Director Constantin Hanov-Blum came up with the idea of developing his own window for motorhomes while planning a trip around the world in 2019.

For this purpose, the enthusiastic "globetrotter" from Mittenwalde had converted a decommissioned fire brigade truck into a touring vehicle. The conversion also involved planning the windows and doors.

Constantin Hanov-Blum: "I couldn't find a suitable solution on the market - so I ended up designing a narrow, lightweight aluminium window myself, precisely tailored to the requirements in the motorhome."

The feedback on the initially developed prototypes was extremely positive at the time - so a short time later, the company extrem was born. The SKI aluminium window developed by extremfenster has a stable casement and frame made of insulated, thermally separated aluminium profiles. Due to the three sealing levels all around, the construction is absolutely dust- and waterproof. High-quality stainless steel scissor hinges guarantee easy and stepless opening.

The Swisspacer Air is installed in the edge seal of an insulating glass filled with air and minimises the risks caused by climatic loads.

What does the fitting insulating glass look like?

Constantin Hanov-Blum explains about the glazing used: "From the very beginning, we wanted to install double insulating glazing as toughened safety glass, but due to the extreme demands of touring in the most diverse climatic zones, we also had to take into account the suitability for high altitudes. Especially due to the small pane sizes in touring vehicles, the climate-related loads are very high." While researching possible solutions, the experienced tinkerer came across the Swisspacer Air.

Pressure-relieved with the Swisspacer Air

The Swisspacer Air is installed in the edge seal of the air-filled insulating glass. It minimises the risks of overpressure or underpressure caused by height differences and climatic loads, because the metal sleeve with integrated special membrane ensures pressure relief between the environment and the space between the panes. The special design prevents water vapour from accumulating in the cavity, which could lead to condensation or damage the metallic low-e coatings.

The Swisspacer Air ensures a constantly advancing pressure equalisation - this also ensures that the critical bending tensile stress is not exceeded.

Due to the permanent pressure relief, the insulating glass retains its function and quality in the long term. In this way, a customary service life can be achieved - even if climatic loads occur.

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The danger of curved glass panes, glass breakage and premature ageing due to excessive stress on the edge seal is significantly reduced. Constantin Hanov-Blum explains: "The insulating glazing has road approval and can be used in practically any climatic condition. The vehicles can travel worldwide and at any altitude."

Thanks to the permanent pressure relief provided by the Swisspacer Air, the insulating glass retains its function in the long term. In this way, a customary service life can be achieved, even if increased climatic loads occur.

For more than three years, extremfenster has been using the Swisspacer Air in the SKI aluminium windows and other constructions, depending on the project requirements. The specially developed glazing has already successfully mastered both an expedition to the volcanoes in Mexico at an altitude of 4,400 m and to the Andes at an altitude of 3,500 m. And soon a touring vehicle converted on behalf of a customer will set off for Mount Elbrus - the highest peak in the Caucasus at 5642 metres. Here, too, the Swisspacer Air will provide the necessary pressure relief in the space between the panes.

Further developments for extreme climatic conditions planned

And the development of glazing suitable for high altitudes is far from over. Every day, the extremfenster team is working on new solutions with even better performance. Constantin Hanov-Blum explains: "Currently, we are building a Saint Gobain glazing with a special coating into an insulating glass with vehicle approval.

These glass panes then block almost all the infrared heat and ensure that the interior does not heat up." Last but not least, the specialists are working on glazing that is even more resistant to vibrations and driving rain. Real extreme windows.