KOMO promotes sustainable repair techniques

This article has been published in BouwTotaal 6

Extending the lifespan of products contributes greatly to achieving sustainability goals. A good example is Infinity Repair. This is a KOMO certified total system for repairing damaged wooden window frames. The result is a renewed window frame with a lifespan extension amounting to as much as 40 years.

Infinity Repair’s renovation system consists of a prefabricated partial component that is used to replace the damaged or most vulnerable part of an existing wooden window frame. This partial component is factory assembled and processed on site according to the KOMO product certificate Filler for Wood. “Our concept provides for the replacement of affected parts. The new parts are fitted to the existing window frame using a specially developed dowel joint. The new parts are made of sustainable and custom-milled Accoya® wood: that is modified wood with FSC® certification. This wood is coated on all sides with a primer system from PPG/ Sigma Coatings. Each partial component is fitted with a chip making each repair traceable,” says Nico Heijmen, Managing Director of Infinity Repair BV.

Sustainable Training

“Not having to produce a new window frame every time means our concept contributes to achieving environmental targets in terms of reducing CO2 emissions and raw material waste. The target is a 75% reduction in CO2 emissions instead of needing to produce a new wooden window frame,” Nico says.

The renovation system was developed for the professional tradesman (painting, property maintenance and contracting companies) who becomes a licensee by means of training and education. Only a licensee can offer or is permitted to offer, supply and/or install Infinity Repair’s total system. The training courses are conducted by Infinity Repair.

Innovation certificate as booster

According to Nico, when developing the Infinity Repair total concept in 2016, not only pricing but also demonstrability of the quality level was decisive. “In close cooperation with KOMO, we took up the challenge of being able to assure and demonstrate quality also in an innovative phase. In 2018, this resulted in the first KOMO innovation certificate being issued to Infinity Repair.”

KOMO director Ton Jans: “The KOMO innovation certificate was created at the time specifically to encourage building innovations. It offers companies the opportunity to offer highly innovative products or building processes under KOMO certification quickly and without the competition ‘looking in’. We like to encourage sustainable repair technology.”

Frame Repair Plan

Infinity Repair BV doesn’t sit still, because on 4 March 2024 a cooperation covenant Frame Repair Plan was signed with Sigma Coatings, BUVA and Saint-Gobain Glass. Sustainability, quality and lower overall costs come together in this initiative. Nico explains: “The cooperating manufacturers within the overall concept Frame Repair Plan are joining forces to renovate existing window frames in a high-quality and smart way. By putting together coordinated products and incorporating Infinity Repair’s working method in the existing window frames, a top quality product is guaranteed. The process involves integral matching of the products Accoya® and IsoStone, windows, doors, glass and ventilation grids.”

Nico concludes: “Meanwhile, the KOMO innovation certificate has been merged into a regular KOMO certificate. We are still very proud of this successful and sustainable renovation system. As a result it gives or has given very many ‘old’ wooden window frames a second life. But I am also proud of the fact that we managed to develop the very first KOMO innovation certificate in collaboration with KOMO .”