A high-performance side press window only delivers on its promises when installed correctly. The TS130 side press window from ALPES combines the space-saving convenience of a sliding design with casement-level sealing performance — but that eight-point locking system and side-pressure rubber strip seal can only work as engineered if the frame is perfectly plumb, level, and square in the opening. Even the best aluminum sliding window supplier cannot compensate for installation shortcuts that leave the frame racked, inadequately secured, or improperly sealed against weather.
This guide walks through the complete TS130 installation process, from pre-installation planning through final commissioning. Whether you are a professional installer, project manager, or homeowner researching a renovation, you will learn how each step contributes to the window's structural integrity, weather resistance, and long-term operational smoothness.
Key Point: The TS130's side pressure sealing mechanism delivers casement-level water and air resistance — but only when the frame is installed with precise alignment so the side-pressure rubber strip compresses uniformly along its entire length.
Before diving into installation, it helps to understand what makes the TS130 different from a standard sliding window. The "side press" mechanism uses a special handle-operated system that pulls the sash firmly against the frame's sealing surface on the side — similar to how a casement window compresses its weatherstripping — rather than relying solely on the sash's weight and track friction. This design gives sliding-window space efficiency plus casement-window sealing performance.
The TS130 supports two standard configurations: "one fixed + one movable" for simpler openings, and "middle fixed + two sides movable" for wider openings where maximum ventilation is desired. When planning your installation, confirm the configuration with your aluminum sliding window supplier before fabricating the rough opening, as the fixing points and mullion locations differ between layouts.
Proper preparation prevents most installation problems. Before the window arrives on site, verify the rough opening, gather tools and materials, and review the project-specific details that affect how the frame goes in.
Measure the rough opening at three points across the width (top, middle, bottom) and three points down the height (left, center, right). The opening should be approximately 10–15mm wider and 10–15mm taller than the window frame to allow for shimming, leveling, and thermal movement. Also measure the diagonals — they should match within 2mm to confirm the opening is square. If the opening is out of square, address it before attempting to set the frame; forcing a square frame into an out-of-square opening will cause operational problems and premature seal wear.
Check the sill for level and the jambs for plumb. The rough sill must be flat and structurally sound — remember that the TS130 sash with glass can be heavy, and the sill must distribute that load evenly into the wall structure. Any soft or rotted framing at the sill must be repaired before installation proceeds.
Carefully remove the TS130 from its packaging, keeping protective film on the frame surfaces until installation is complete to prevent scratches. Inspect the frame for any shipping damage — dents, bent corners, or scratches through the finish. Verify that all components are present: the main frame, sash panel(s), screen mesh (80# S/S or 40# S/S depending on specification), hardware set, and installation accessories. Test the side-pressure handle operation on a flat surface to confirm it moves smoothly before installing.
Clean the rough opening of all debris, dust, and loose material. Apply flashing tape to the sill pan first, extending it up the jambs approximately 150mm on each side. The tape should integrate with the wall's water-resistive barrier (building wrap or weather-resistant membrane). Press the tape firmly, eliminating wrinkles, and roll it with a J-roller to ensure full adhesion — any gap in the flashing tape is a potential path for water intrusion.
For new construction, the sill flashing should follow the shingle principle: the bottom layer goes on first, then side layers lap over it, and the head flashing laps over the sides. This ensures that any water traveling down the drainage plane continues downward and outward, never being directed behind the wall cladding.
With at least two people, lift the TS130 frame into the rough opening and center it left-to-right and front-to-back. Place packers under the sill at each corner and at intermediate points spaced no more than 600mm apart. Start with the sill — get it perfectly level first, because everything else builds on a level sill.
Once the sill is level, shim the jambs for plumb and the head for level. Check the frame diagonals to confirm it is square — the two diagonal measurements should match within 2mm. For the TS130 specifically, pay extra attention that the vertical jambs are perfectly straight (not bowed) because the side-pressure sealing strip depends on a flat, parallel sealing surface. Use a straightedge against each jamb to verify.
Important: Never shim only at the corners on wide openings — the frame can bow between fixings. Space shims at each fixing point location and at mid-span to maintain frame straightness.
The fixing method depends on your wall construction:
Do not over-tighten fixings — this can bow the frame, which will cause the side-pressure seal to bind unevenly. Tighten just enough to seat the fixing without deforming the profile. After each fixing is installed, double-check plumb, level, and square, and readjust shims as needed before moving to the next fixing point.
With the frame securely fixed, it is time to install the operable sash. Lift the sash carefully — the insulated glass unit makes it heavy — and guide it into the upper track first, then lower it onto the bottom track rollers. The TS130 uses 200kg load-bearing pulleys, so the sash should roll smoothly with minimal effort once properly seated.
Next, adjust the roller height to ensure the sash sits level and the gap between sash and frame is uniform along the top and bottom. Most side press window hardware allows adjustment at each roller — turn the adjustment screw clockwise to raise that corner, counterclockwise to lower it. Check the side gap on both the lock side and the hinge side; the gap should be parallel and consistent from top to bottom.
Test the side-pressure locking mechanism. Operate the handle through its full range — it should move smoothly and engage all eight lock points without binding. If the handle is stiff or does not fully engage, the frame may be slightly out of alignment, or the sash height may need adjustment. The ROTO hardware on the TS130 is designed for smooth, reliable operation; resistance during locking almost always indicates an alignment issue that should be corrected before proceeding.
Proper sealing is essential for the TS130's performance. The window has a four-sided continuous sealing strip and upper rail frame sealant built in, but the frame-to-wall junction is where many installations fall short. Start by installing backer rod into the gap between the frame and the rough opening — push it in so it sits approximately 8–10mm back from the exterior face, creating the correct joint profile for the sealant.
Apply neutral-cure silicone sealant in a continuous bead on the exterior side only. Tool the bead with a caulking tool or a wet finger to create a smooth, concave profile that sheds water. The interior side should remain unsealed or be finished with a non-hardening sealant — this allows any moisture that gets past the exterior seal to dry to the interior rather than being trapped, which prevents hidden corrosion and mold growth.
On the head (top) of the window, install head flashing that integrates with the wall's drainage plane above. The flashing should lap over the building paper or wrap above the window and extend down over the top of the frame. For the jambs, ensure the jamb flashing tapes are lapped correctly under the head flashing and over the sill flashing — following the shingle principle throughout.
The TS130 comes with stainless steel screen mesh — either 80# black/gray S/S mesh or 40# black S/S mesh depending on your specification. Install the screen panel by fitting its top edge into the upper screen track first, then angling the bottom into place. Verify it slides smoothly and latches securely. The screen is designed for insect protection while maintaining good airflow and visibility; do not apply excessive force when operating it.
Before declaring the installation complete, perform a thorough check of every function:
An out-of-square frame causes the side-pressure mechanism to bind and the seal to compress unevenly, leading to premature wear and reduced weather resistance. Always check diagonals before drilling any fixing holes.
Over-tightening screws or anchors can bow the aluminum profile, especially on longer spans. A bowed frame creates an uneven sealing surface that defeats the TS130's side-pressure design.
It can be tempting to seal every opening for weather protection, but weep holes are intentional drainage paths. Blocking them traps water inside the frame, leading to corrosion, seal failure, and even frozen glass in cold climates.
Flashing must follow the shingle principle — always lap upper layers over lower layers. A common mistake is installing head flashing before jamb flashing, which directs water behind the jamb tape rather than over it.
Acetic-cure (acidic) silicone sealants release acetic acid as they cure, which can corrode aluminum profiles over time. Always use neutral-cure silicone specifically formulated for exterior aluminum window applications.
A properly installed TS130 side press window will give decades of service with minimal maintenance. A few simple practices will keep it operating smoothly:
The TS130 side press window delivers an unusual combination: the space-saving practicality of a sliding window with the superior sealing performance typically associated with casement designs. But that performance advantage only materializes when the window is installed with attention to alignment, proper fixing technique, and careful weatherproofing detailing.
Whether you are comparing casement window vs sliding window options for a project or ready to specify the TS130 for your build, working with an experienced aluminum sliding window supplier that provides both quality products and solid installation guidance makes all the difference. ALPES manufactures the TS130 with 6060-T66 aluminum profiles, German ROTO hardware, and rigorous quality control — and a professional installation ensures every engineering detail in the product translates into real-world performance on your project.
