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Groundbreaking innovation

In 1988 Idealcombi changed the window industry. Back then we launched the first aluminium clad frame/sash window.

We have done it again!  This time with an innovative frame design taking our products to the next level of sustainability.

It has always been part of our DNA to evolve the window. To improve it again and again. That is why we developed the traditional wood/alu flush casement window with the design of a wood window. That is why we have thrown all of our professional integrity into improving the weakest point of the frame even further. The part of the frame that is often referred to as the “wet zone”, the bottom rebate, where water and dirt collects and penetrates into the timber.

Idealcombi has created a ground breaking frame design. A sustainable new design, that not only makes the window imperishable in the “wet zone”, but also eliminates known problems with thermal bridges from the external aluminium and internal timber.

This new design has been named idealcore™.
Exactly what it is. An ideal core of the window, where the rebate has been replaced by a rigid and imperishable moulded profile in thermal polyurethane (PUR).

Easy? By no means! After countless tests, adjustments and improvements we now have a design that once again sets us apart from the rest, when it comes to energy performance, sustainability and lifespan. A new generation of windows suitable for any build from any period – traditional windows or contemporary windows, all with idealcore™.

In short:
A future proof product that, yet again, will  inspire and set the standard for the industry.

All idealcore™ frames come with a 25-year warranty.

Thermal PUR is a unique material. At first glance you might think it is plastic but the thermal properties are in a class of its own with a lambda value of just 0.074 while pine wood is 0.13 and traditional composite/PVC materials are at 0.25.

Idealcore™ contributes to a perfect energy balance with a high Eref and low U-value at the benefit of both the planet and people living in the house by reducing the heating bill.

And as idealcore™ is a solid rigid material it eliminates the need of drainage holes, air chambers and ironmongery grooves, that all collects dirt, dust, moisture and bugs. This greatly improves the lifespan of the window and reduces the need of maintenance, minimising resources needed to replace and disposal of the window.

Idealcore™ saves 100 times the energy used during manufacturing.

The window of the future

Through the years we have developed and tested many different frame designs. All in a quest to solve the four basic challenges in window design. Our development team has finally cracked the code by creating ground breaking frame design with an imperishable and highly insulating frame rebate in polyurethane – also known as thermal PUR.
We have named the new solution idealcore™, because that is exactly what it is. An ideal core that unlike any other design on the market solves all four challenges at once.

1. Long lifespan

Thermal PUR is an imperishable material. The compact rebate moulded from polyurethane will not deteriorate or break being exposed to water collecting in the rebate.
The window is designed for a lifespan of 70 years – provided it is maintained as instructed in our manual.

2. Minimal heat loss

Thermal PUR is a highly insulating material with a lambda value of just 0,074 W/mK. This ensures there will be no thermal bridging from the outside to the inside of the
frame. Windows with idealcore™ therefore has energy performance that well exceeds building regulations and can be used for any type of build.

3. Easy to clean

The idealcore™ PUR rebate is solid and does not have any cavities which eliminates the need of any drain holes.
This means the the frame rebate has a smooth surface that is very easy to clean with a damp cloth and offer no shelter for bugs to nest in.

4. Does not need replacing

Using an imperishable material in the frame rebate significantly extends the lifespan of windows and doors with idealcore™. It will therefore not be necessary to replace the frame that is fixed to the building. Other components such as sash, glass and ironmongery can be replaced as required.

The road to the ideal solution

At Idealcombi “That’ll do!” never does it.

We are always looking for the next idea to evolve the window even further. To make the good even better. That is why we have always been focused on improving the weakest part of the window – the frame – and especially the frame rebate, also known as “the wet zone”.

 

Frame rebate in timber

The original Futura window with a full timber frame and aluminium sash.

Pros:
• Slimline window giving more light

Cons:
• Thermal bridging from aluminium sash to the internal glazing bead.
• Risk of internal condensation
• Sealant applied against timber
• Timber exposed to water and dirt
• Requires regular maintenance/painting
• Susceptible to bugs and dirt

Idealcore™ rebate

Introducing Idealcore™ to both the sash & frame brings a number of benefits to the Futura+ window design.

Pros:
• Imperishable material in the wet zone
• Reduction of thermal bridging in frame and sash
• Reduced/eliminated risk of condensation on the inside
• Solid
• Super insulating
• Smooth surface (easy cleaning)
• 100% water- & moisture resistant
• No drainage holes & cavities to be blocked by bugs and dirt
• No maintenance of rebate
• Longer lifespan, 70+ years

Cons:
• Condensation on the outside of the glass, due to low heat loss.

Idealcore™ rebate

With idealcore™ our development team has found the ideal solution for the slimline inward opening Futura+i window.

Pros:
• Imperishable material in the wet zone
• Reduction of thermal bridging in frame and sash
• Reduced/eliminated risk of condensation on the inside
• Solid
• Super insulating
• 100% water- & moisture resistant
• No maintenance of rebate
• Longer lifespan, 70+ years

Cons:
• Condensation on the outside of the glass, due to low heat loss.

Frame rebate in timber

The first Ideal windows from 1973 were
made entirely from pine wood.

Pros:
• Simple production
• Natural material

Cons:
• Risk of rot in the wet zone
• Needs continuous external painting & maintenance
• Needs regular painting of the frame rebate

Frame rebate in alu

When we launched the original CombiFrame wood/alu window in 1988 it had a powder coated aluminium rebate similar to the
external protective aluminium profile.

Pros:
• Imperishable material in the wet zone
• Low maintenance
• No repainting
• Long life span
• Great total economy

Cons:
• Thermal bridging from aluminium rebate to the internal timber frame
• Risk of internal condensation

Composite rebate

To combat the thermal challenges the next step was a composite solution with a thermal break of extruded plastic.

Pros:
• Imperishable material in the wet zone
• Reduction of thermal bridging

Cons:
• Drain holes can be blocked by dust and dirt.
• Ironmongery grooves makes cleaning harder.
• Sealant must be applied further back
• Risk of standing water in the wet zone

Idealcore™ rebate

With idealcore™ our research and development
team has found the ideal solution.

Pros:
• Imperishable material in the wet zone
• Solid
• Super insulating
• Smooth surface (easy cleaning)
• 100% water- & moisture resistant
• No drainage holes & cavities to be blocked by bugs and dirt
• No maintenance of rebate
• Longer lifespan, 70+ years

What is thermal PUR?

Thermal PUR (polyurethane) is a synthetic resin in which the polymer units are linked by urethane groups. Polyurethane foams can be both soft and rigid and with different masses and properties.
Today you will find PUR in a range of products such as; shoes, mattresses (ie. Tempur®), car seats, sports equipment and as insulation for pipes, refrigerators and building materials.
Thermal PUR excels in many ways. It is strong, flexible, has a low weight and most importantly PUR has excellent insulating properties.
At the same time there is no health related risks associated with the use of PUR.

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