User-friendly and equivalent alternative to EPDM strips

Sealing holes, cracks and crevices to achieve airtight and healthy buildings remains a real challenge. BelgaClima develops and produces airtightness systems for roof, facade and window. With annual sales of more than 1,000,000 linear meters of airtight window connection foils and EPDM strips, the Melle-based specialist is a leading player when it comes to know-how and new developments. Many years of experience with these airtight solutions provided the breeding ground for the development of the new all-in-one storm-resistant window lining film BelgaStormblocker.

High-end window connection membrane

This new window connection film is an ideal and equivalent alternative to EPDM strips. "With this we do not want to detract at all from EPDM as a material in itself. It is a rock solid and proven durable material for providing a lifelong waterproof finish to windows on the outside. Moisture problems are always caused by the installation, in other words by sloppy mounting and by the place in the facade construction where the strips are mounted," says manager Luc Saey.

“There are two main causes of moisture problems. When installed horizontally at the top of the window, a fine gutter often forms because the glue, which is sprayed in beads, is not pressed on tight enough or the top edge is not finished watertight enough. In case of heavy rain a little water remains here, which can then slowly seep between the adhesive cracks behind the EPDM and eventually cause water damage. In addition, EPDM strips are often placed on the wrong side of the insulation package, increasing the risk of condensation and mold.”

5 reasons to choose this membrane

Thanks to the combination of several important properties in one membrane, this BelgaStormblocker is BelgaClima's new flagship product. According to the manufacturer, there are 5 reasons why this innovative window liner is the best choice for a storm-resistant and airtight finish:

1. Driving rain density
   Due to climate change, we are increasingly facing extreme weather conditions. If you want to guarantee durable waterproofing, the highest impact rain density is an absolute must. BelgaStormblocker achieves values of 1800 Pa and more, and this even at a long-term and continuous maximum load, as demonstrated in tests at MPA Hannover.
2. Adhesive strength
   A membrane must also adhere very strongly and fit 100% perfectly everywhere, even in the most difficult installation conditions. The specially modified adhesive used with the full-surface window connecting membrane achieves the highest values in adhesion strength: both at the start and after 6 hours, according to the manufacturer's test.
3. Moisture variable
   BelgaStormblocker is 100 % moisture variable, so it can be placed on both the cold and warm side of the insulation package.
4. Airtight
   This storm-resistant window connection film meets the highest required standards with an airtightness value of an < 0.01 (MPA Hanover).
5. Assembly time
   Since BelgaStormblocker is fully self-adhesive and can be processed very smoothly - even in the corners - the finishing of the window is much faster. Comparative tests on several construction sites showed that up to 40 % less time is needed for installation than for installation with a traditionally rill bonded EPDM strip. 

New high-quality adhesive primer in convenient spray can

BelgaClima also introduced the primer Belgaprimer All Weather. “It was a huge challenge to develop an adhesion primer that works on both damp and slightly frozen substrates and this - in combination with the powerful IGT adhesive layer - on various substrates,” Saey explains. “With Belgaprimer All Weather, the contractor can work with all our window connection films from the first working hour, even in the inclement autumn and winter months. This saves an enormous amount of time and generates additional returns.” This high-quality adhesion primer comes in a handy spray can with a rotating nozzle so that all areas can be reached effortlessly and without additional tools.