FAQ
Questions of companies interested in obtaining the RAL quality mark
Questions of end product consumers
Questions of companies interested in obtaining the RAL quality mark
What is the quality mark by GKFP?
The RAL quality mark for plastics window profile systems is a symbol that confirms a continuous usability and durability to the consumer.
To whom can it be granted?
It can be granted to manufacturers that produce plastics profile systems for windows and doors.
What about Registration of products „around the vinyl profile“?
The quality association grants certifications for seals, decorative-foils and adhesives, laminating companies as well as raw material manufacturers. Certified products may be used in a certified profile system without further type test.
On which basis is the q-mark granted?
The GKFP quality and testing regulations RAL-GZ 716/1 have to be met by the manufacturer and the product. These regulations consist of section I (profiles), section II (seals) and section III (type test of a system). Section III, part A is applicable for type testing and certification of systems with bonded glazing in PVC frame systems.
How can I get the RAL-quality mark of GKFP?
For every product and component there is one common approach: to comply to the requirements of 1) initial type test, 2) manufacturer’s own production control and 3) annual auditing and testing. Please find detailed information in the section “quality assurance”.
Who sets the rules?
GKFP complies to the rules of RAL as do over 100 other quality alliances for various products too. Please find detailed information in the section “quality assurance”
Questions of end product consumers
Why buy a RAL-approved window
As a constructor und/or user you will have warranty that all components in a RAL-marked window are audited and tested continuously. Goal of this quality assurance is the continuous durability of the window for prolonged satisfaction.
In contradiction to that the CE-mark attests only specific attributes in the unused product.
What tests have to be passed by the product?
RAL-GZ 716/1 of GKFP defines the properties of the used vinyl compound as well as its weathering resistance. Profiles will be checked for dimensions, properties in heat and freezing conditions, impact strength and fire behavior.
Who is involved in the quality control of a finished window? What does GKFP do?
4 quality alliances contribute to the quality control of a finished window (profile-system, glass, hardwear, window manufacturing).
GKFP’s task is to certify that the design of the system is capable to create windows that conform to the customer’s needs. Furthermore GKFP supervises the initial type test and the continuous annual audit testing of the manufactured profiles as well as the approval and auditing of seals, raw materials, decorative-foils and adhesives.
The insulating glass is certified by Gütegemeinschaft Mehrscheiben Isolierglas (www.gmiev.de ). Hardware is certified by Gütegemeinschaft Schlösser und Beschläge (www.fvsb.de/ggsb/guetegemeinschaft.asp). A window manufacturer can have his production audited and mark the finished window with the RAL-mark of Gütegemeinschaft Fenster und Haustüren (www.window.de ).
What do I have to consider buying a new window?
If you chose a window with a RAL-mark you are well off. When in need of specific requirements concerning insulation criteria be sure that the advertised “U-value” alludes to the profile you have chosen. Obey the maximum window dimensions licensed by the profile system designer, the hardware supplier and the glass manufacturer (no matter if height, width or glass surface). Talk to your local window manufacturer.
What if problems occur in (new) windows?
Your contracting party is your local window manufacturer. Windows built by him must comply with the system description of the profile system designer. In case that accessories/components in the window have been replaced to the ones defined by the profile system designer, a proof of conformity must be available.
What about thermal insulation properties?
Make sure that the advertised “U-value” alludes to the profile you have chosen. U-values can be obtained by testing or calculation (according to an international standard). Calculating may results in a higher (not so good) value of an identical profile compared with testing. The advantage of the calculation is that you will get the U-value for exact the sash/frame-combination you have chosen.
What about tightness?
Test reports for air tightness, resistance to driving rain and many properties more exist for every window system. Tightness is classified in different classes. Your necessary class is determined by height of the building, compass orientation, clime, etc.
How long does a plastic window last?
Continuous usability and durability to the consumer are the basic RAL-quality ideas. A window lasts for several decades. In type testing the window must be faultlessly after 10.000 operating cycles (open/close).
Are white and colored windows stable to color fading? What about wood-decor surfaces?
Weathering resistance is a main topic in type testing materials and color surfaces. All available types of surfaces are object to artificial (partly also natural) long term weathering. After (and before) exposure to radiation the mechanical and optical properties must be flawless according to the standard.
Care on windows?
Cleaning your windows regularly is a matter of course. Avoid scratchy and corrosive cleaning agents. With purchasing your windows you will get hints for a good care.
Service for windows?
Hardware, as every moving part too, requires a minimum maintenance. Please refer to the directions on the hardware (e.g. “grease once per year”) or in the documentation received from your local window manufacturer.
What happens to old plastics windows and shutters that are extracted from buildings?
Plastic from windows and shutters are capable of being recycled. The “Rewindo Fenster-Recycling-Service GmbH“ (www.rewindo.de ) is the organization for recycling activities. Talk to your local window manufacturer.