Paul Higgins of TuffX explores glazing options for meeting the demands of Part O but also the upcoming Future Homes Standard, on aesthetics and function
During an era of change in the construction, we are also at a pivotal moment when it comes to glazing – and there are now a variety of glazing options which have been specifically designed to be future-focused. The latest Building Regulations, including Document L, Document O and the incoming Future Homes Standard (FHS), are part of an ongoing and focused drive towards net zero in 2050; ultimately, the performance of our glazing products is only going one way – up.
The relatively new Approved Document Part O, designed to tackle overheating, is driving change. The Document seeks to ensure that the design and construction of new residential buildings limit unwanted solar gain in summer and, if required, provide adequate means to remove heat from the indoor environment. This is becoming more of an issue with the heatwaves the UK has experienced in recent years.
Solar glass solutions
To deliver the comfortable ambient interior temperature occupants are looking for, without the need for air cooling technologies, high-quality solar glass products will play an essential part in achieving new standards.
With solar control glass, the amount of solar energy entering a building is controlled using a tinted coating on the outside of the glass. In short, solar glass products can reflect heat away from the inside of the home to help ensure the space doesn’t get overheated. Solar glass is also a much more cost-effective solution to the problem than specifying air cooling technologies, and it’s possible to specify solar glass, which is designed to reflect twice as much heat as standard glass.
The heated glass revolution
From a FHS perspective, one solution which can be a direct replacement for traditional radiators is heated glass for bi-fold doors, which enables natural daylight and thermal comfort to be enhanced simultaneously.
Composed of a sealed unit layered with an intelligent conductive coating that is electrically heated to convert electric power into radiant heat yet has no visible trace of a heating system inside. The coatings used are completely undetectable, so from a homeowner’s perspective, the glass will look the same as in any other bi-fold door. An energy-efficient solution, the glass units are also thermostatically controlled, creating ambient temperatures perfect for installation within aluminium bi-folding door systems.
Multifunctional & maintenance-free
Opening up even more possibilities with roof glazing, heated glass infill panels are also available, meaning that the roof glazing will not only illuminate the space throughout the day but also provide a radiant heat source for the space in the colder months, enabling both natural daylight and thermal comfort to be enhanced simultaneously.
Heated glass dramatically reduces condensation, preserving uninterrupted views and potentially contributing to a healthier indoor environment. Plus, no ongoing maintenance is required,
providing a hassle-free heating solution compared to systems that need regular servicing, further adding to the benefits of heated bi-fold glazing.
Paul Higgins is commercial director at TuffX