uPVC window frames - unexpected plastic welds

nzjono

Hi,

I'm currently having some new window frames fitted.  Some of the T-joints look like they've been made by joining 3 pieces like in the photo below.

For some of the joins the cross part of the T looks to be one piece so it only has the recessed V part.  Other joins have a sticking out plastic welded bit where it looks like 3 pieces have been used - most are at the edge of the frame and are small and barely noticeable, but in a few places where a vertical section joins a horizontal section, away from the edge of the frame, the join is a relatively large and raised.

Does anyone know if this is normal practise?  Has someone tried to cut costs and formed the frame out of smaller sections to minimise wastage or is there is a reason it has to be made this way?  I don't remember seeing any window frames with these obvious plastic welds previously.

Thanks for any advice...

EssexExile

Looks just like mine. Been in for 9 years with no problems.

Albermarle

UPVC window frames are not moulded in one piece.
They are made from cut lengths, that are welded together to form the window frame to the dimensions needed
Same  for wood or aluminium windows, they are not carved from one piece.

rob7475

That's normal. We had new windows fitted in a dormer conversion last year that look just like that

nzjono

I've now got the answer to this in case anyone else stumbles across this post and has the same question.

Below is a wider picture of that join in the frame - at the top on the left there is an opening fanlight, at the bottom on the left there is a fixed pane held in place with beading.  A different uPVC profile is needed for the top and bottom so there needs to be a join at that position as the profiles change.

casper_gutman

Aha! That makes sense. Thanks for posting the follow-up.