Saving energy with Selectaglaze secondary glazing Systems
26 April 2007
Energy efficient secondary glazing systems
Saving energy with Selectaglaze’s secondary glazing Building owners and managers need to consider ways of reducing energy usage. Windows in older buildings are often a major source of heat loss not only because of the poor insulation offered by single glass but also the drafts through ill-fitting frames.
Secondary Glazing offers a very effective solution and can provide insulation levels in line with current building regulations, thus saving money and improving environmental credentials. A fully independent purpose made window, fitted to the room side, traps an insulating layer of air and efficient seals to the perimeter frame and opening panels will minimise drafts. This ensures a reduction in heat loss and a more comfortable environment.
The windows are designed to complement the existing window, arrive fully assembled and are fitted with minimum disruption. Secondary glazing is particularly suited to traditional buildings and those in conservation areas. As secondary glazing does not involve a change to the external window it is not governed by “Part L” of the Building Regulations. It does however provide significant levels of thermal insulation (estimated U-value 2.8 – BS 62662-2:2005, table 9) and allows buildings, particularly listed or within conservation areas, to enhance thermal insulation levels. And, of course, English Heritage and conservation officers prefer the use of sympathetically designed secondary glazing to replacement windows.
With the rapid rise in energy costs, many clients and their specialist advisors are now demanding greater energy efficiency and closer adherence to Part L standards. In order to meet this challenge, secondary glazing specialist Selectaglaze Ltd. has worked with a number of key clients to develop a range of units which will accommodate Part L compliant sealed units with measured U-values.
A second key benefit of secondary glazing is noise insulation. By increasing the space between the inner and outer glass to between 100mm and 150mm, noise reduction in excess of 45dB is achievable whilst still reducing heat loss. This double benefit can be very important for buildings close to major sources of noise such as main roads, airports, and city centre nightlife.
The sound reduction capabilities are considerably higher than standard double glazed units and Secondary Glazing is often specified into new buildings to provide triple glazing. A more recent application for secondary windows concerns safety and security and Selectaglaze is at the forefront of research and development. The company’s units have been tested for resistance against blast, physical attack, ballistic attack and fire resistance and a range of hinged, fixed and sliding units have been certified to LPS117, Levels 1, 2 and 3 by The Loss Prevention Certification Board, offering a secure option to bars and grills. This will allow buildings, both commercial and residential, to gain discrete protection whilst at the same time benefiting from high levels of noise insulation and reduced heat loss.
Secondary windows are generally constructed from aluminium sections with permanent paint or anodised finishes to complement the interior décor. A range of operating styles including sash, hinged and sliding, together with the ability to shape and curve the frames, allows almost any window to be sympathetically treated.
Selectaglaze can be contacted on 01727 837271
or e-mail: enquiries@selectaglaze.co.uk
or visit their website: www.selectaglaze.co.uk
