How Wall Thickness Affects Belgian Profile Window Selection

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Wall thickness determines how deep the window frame sits, how the reveal and sill are finished, and which profile depth and fixing method will work. In thick masonry walls, the frame must be matched to the actual wall depth and opening so the window seals well, opens freely and looks right from both sides.

Why wall thickness matters for profile windows

Thick masonry walls, common in older buildings in Israel, create a deep opening between the outside face and the inside face. A Belgian steel-look profile window has to fit that depth with enough overlap on both sides to hold it firmly and keep water and air out.

If the frame is too shallow for the wall, the gap at the edges becomes visible and harder to seal. If it is too deep, the window can sit awkwardly and reduce the usable opening.

Measuring the opening correctly

Measurement starts with the rough opening, not the old window. We check the width and height at three points, because thick walls are rarely perfectly square. We also measure the wall depth at the top, middle and bottom of the opening.

Clear width and height at several points
Wall depth from outside face to inside face
Condition of the sill and lintel
Position of any shutter box or blind housing

Choosing the right profile depth

The profile depth should suit the wall. In a thick wall, a deeper frame can sit well inside the opening and give a neat reveal, while a shallower profile may leave a large exposed gap. The choice also affects how the sash opens and how much glass fits.

We discuss options with the client and show how the frame will sit in the specific wall before production begins.

Drawing and written specification

After the on-site measurement, we prepare a drawing and a written specification. These show the frame depth, the position of the window within the wall, the reveal dimensions and the finish. This document is what the client approves before anything goes into production.

Clear approval at this stage prevents surprises later, especially where the wall depth or the opening is not uniform.

Production and finishing in the factory

Once approved, the profiles and sashes are produced in our Tel Aviv factory at 37 Rival Street. Steel components are finished with hot-dip galvanizing and powder coating, which protects them against moisture and the coastal air common in the area.

Producing the frame in the factory means the fit is checked against the drawing before it reaches the site.

Installation and sealing in thick walls

Installation in a thick wall needs care around fixings, insulation and the sealing of the gap between frame and masonry. Our team sets the frame plumb and level, fixes it securely and seals the perimeter so the window performs as intended.

Finishing the reveal and sill properly keeps the window looking clean from inside and outside.

Frequently asked questions

Does wall thickness change the window I should order?

Yes. The wall depth affects the frame depth and how the window sits in the opening, so it is measured before the window is designed.

Can a thick wall use the same frame as a thin wall?

Not always. A frame that suits a thin wall may leave a visible gap or weak fixing in a thick one, so the profile is matched to the actual depth.

Why do you measure in several places?

Older thick walls are often uneven, so measuring at several points shows the true size and helps the window fit without forcing.

Is there a standard for railings that also applies here?

Railings in Israel follow the general standard SI 1142, and we check exact requirements with the engineer. Window specifications are confirmed the same way during the drawing stage.

Common mistakes to avoid

A common mistake is ordering a window from the old frame size without measuring the wall depth and opening at several points. This often leads to poor sealing and a window that does not sit correctly.

Our recommendation

Measure the wall depth at top, middle and bottom before ordering, and approve the drawing that shows the frame in the actual wall. This single step prevents most fitting problems in thick masonry.

Summary

Wall thickness shapes frame depth, measurement, reveal and installation, so it should guide every step from survey to fitting.

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