48 DOORS, WINDOWS & GLAZING SYSTEMS The hidden gem of sustainablity
PART L BUILDING REGULATIONS, IN CONJUNCTION WITH AN ON-GOING EMPHASIS ON THE CODE FOR SUSTAINABLE HOMES, MEANS SUSTAINABILITY CONTINUES TO BE A FOCAL POINT OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TODAY. GARY HUTTON, GENERAL MANAGER OF BLACK MILLWORK, CONSIDERS THE ROLE WINDOWS PLAY IN ACHIEVING THE DESIRED ECO CREDENTIALS SUCH LEGISLATION REQUIRES.
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mendments to Part L of the Building Regulations are expected to stipulate an additonal 25% improvement in
energy efficient requirements compared to 2006 levels, meaning specifiers will need to seek new and innovative ways to keep their developments’ energy consumption low. While methods such as insulation and solar panels remain hugely popular, specifiers should also be aware what fenestration can contribute significantly to a greener property.
Timber has long been seen as an aspirational choice when it comes to window specification. Its natural beauty provides a classic finish to any property, adding curb appeal to the exterior as well as fitting seamlessly into any interior design concept. However it’s timber windows sustainable qualities that really set it apart from its competitors.
Timber framed windows fair exceptionally well environmentally. Specifiers should look to source windows that have achieved a FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) certification. Such
endorsements guarantee that the timber has been reasonably sourced and is sustainable. Greenpeace has also gone on record to
promote timber’s sustainable benefits and stated that it is its product of choice when it comes to window specification.
Category One of the Code for Sustainable Homes aims ‘to future proof the energy efficiency of dwellings over their whole life by limiting heat losses across the building envelope.’ Not only do timber framed windows achieve a manufacturing process that is far less energy intensive than common PVCu windows, but research suggests that timber frames are the most effective in preventing heat loss, therefore contributing to credits in the aforementioned code category.
Good fenestration can also have a bearing over another section of the code, Category Seven - Health and Wellbeing. This section aims to improve the quality of life in homes through good daylighting and reduce the need for energy to light the home. With research suggesting that increased exposure to daylight improves health, there are timber window manufacturers producing slender frames, which ensure as much light as possible is allowed into the dwelling. In addition to improving the wellbeing of occupants, slim line window frames decrease the need for artificial light sources, reducing significant energy costs.
Low- E glass coating is the final essential tool when it comes to a windows energy efficiency. In the summer it allows the suns rays into a property whilst preventing the build up of heat, and in the winter, the Low E coating reflects a properties central heating back into a room.
To ensure its windows stay on trend and to meet increasing environmental demands, Black Millwork has launched its own range of narrow profiled, high quality timber windows,
offering the best in terms of strength and durability. The extensive portfolio includes casement, sliding sash, H-frame and tilt and turn window configurations.
All Black Millwork branded windows are manufactured from high quality, knot free engineered oak and engineered Blatic pine, which have been manufactured to ensure defect-free timber and eliminate the problems previously associated with the performance of wood in varying temperatures and humidities. In addition Black Millwork windows will not warp, split or shrink. All timber components are pressure impregnated to prevent against insect and fungal attack and supplied fully finished - with the Oak supplied with a unique clear uv resistant lacquer finish and the Baltic pine in white as standard, or to any RAL colour utilising a Scandinavian Grade Paint system. Black Millwork windows are supplied with Pilkington low E 24mm double glazing with 90% argon gas fill and an upgraded thermix spacer bar.
There is no doubt that the influx of sustainable building legislation is putting an increasing amount of pressure on specifiers to ensure the products they select reflect such requirements. Fenestration should not be overlooked when it comes to sourcing green materials, as it can add valuable points within the Code for Sustainable Homes, in addition to bringing properties into line with the revised Building Regulations.
For more information: Tel: 01283 511122
Email:
info@blackmillwork.co.uk Website:
www.blackmillwork.co.uk
Black Millwork Click here to request literature
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