48
feature
doors, windows, glazing & hardware
of triple glazing won’t just be a consideration but a necessity. In recent years, consumer trends
have started to closer align with the ever-tightening building regulations. Ensuring a building is designed for the future, constructed with sustainable materials and incorporates a wide range of energy effi cient systems is as important as the aesthetic appeal. With that in mind, the necessity of specifying trusted, energy effi cient and futureproof materials and systems cannot be understated. The vital need to manage solar gain and reduce heat loss Managing solar gain requires a balanced approach to window design. Openable windows must be provided and large expanses of glazing should be avoided, while the building orientation must be taken into account. Furthermore, security and the impact of night cooling strategies must be considered. Glazing with low G-values also plays a critical role. The lower the G-value, the more eff ective the solar gain management. The specifi cation of the right frame
material also plays a critical role in combating heat loss transmission. As a natural insulator, timber features a cellular structure composed of air pockets. Consequently, the frame resists acting as a conductor, limiting internal heat loss.
Additionally, while single-glazed windows have U-values as high as 6.0 W/m2K, triple-glazed windows can achieve U-values of less than 1.0 W/m2K – signifi cantly enhancing building insulation, reducing heat loss and ensuring regulatory compliance. Optimising airtightness to reduce energy consumption Specifying high-quality windows and frames from trusted manufacturers can play a pivotal role in limiting uncontrolled air leakage. Such frames can prevent air leakage through the opening joints, seals and gaskets, while multi-point locking systems apply uniform pressure around the window sash when closed, ensuring it seals eff ectively and tightly. Hermetically sealed triple glazed windows further prevent air and heat from passing through the glass unit, reducing energy consumption required for heating while improving occupant comfort and airtightness. Implementing trickle vents to aid ventilation With energy effi ciency demands seeing UK homes increasingly being designed with airtightness in mind, trickle vents off er a superb opportunity for architects to optimise ventilation, comply with Part F regulations and improve the level of comfort for end users. As background ventilators that are
integrated into window frames, trickle vents allow a feed of constant airfl ow from the outside to an internal space. This ‘trickle’ of air allows moisture to escape, preventing mould growth
and diluting indoor pollutants. Fabric effi ciency, long-term reliability and carbon reduction are increasingly becoming imperative in building design. As a result, the specifi cation of sustainable and durable materials, such as timber windows, will play a vital role in futureproofi ng the UK’s building stock. Plus, it will ensure architects and developers comply with ever-evolving regulations and end users are provided with comfortable and healthy living environments.
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