When security is priority, is laminated glass the best to use?
Bonding two panes of glass with an interlayer produces laminated glass, a catch-all term to cover the various combinations of glass and interlayer. Because the interlayer holds the glass even when broken, laminated glass is typically used where security is a priority, as well as in safety applications like overhead and walk-on glazing. By far… Read more
Spontaneous glass breakage is known to occur in toughened glass, due to the stabilising of nickel sulphide (NiS) present in the material. The risk of breakage is relatively low, but unpredictable – it could occur within weeks or years of manufacture, if at all. Heat soaking filters out about 95% of potential problem units. Toughened… Read more
Bonding two panes of glass with an interlayer produces laminated glass, a catch-all term to cover the various combinations of glass and interlayer. Because the interlayer holds the glass even when broken, laminated glass is typically used where security is a priority, as well as in safety applications like overhead and walk-on glazing. By far… Read more
We are delighted to announce that the full shortlist for the inaugural AJ Specification Awards has been released, and that two of our projects have been shortlisted in the ‘Windows and Doors’ award category. These new awards recognise the importance of the collaboration between architects, suppliers and manufacturers on each project and the positive impact… Read more
What are the benefits of natural light? Natural light is integral to the quality of our indoor environments. It creates a pleasing, stimulating and more productive environment, and happier people. Roof windows provide up to three times more light than the same area of vertical glazing, though it has to be done in the right… Read more
Appropriate building fabric specification One of the benefits of a ‘whole building’ approach to energy efficiency is the ability to compensate for poorer performing areas or elements by ‘beefing up’ others. There are limits to that, so a level of common sense is necessary. Building regulations stipulate worst-case U-values for new buildings, so a minimum level of… Read more
How is the thermal performance of roof glazing assessed? Although rooflights and roof windows make up only a fraction of the market compared to doors and ‘conventional’ windows, they nevertheless make a significant contribution to the overall performance of a building. Standards for assessing the performance of products, however, don’t acknowledge that contribution. The methods… Read more
How is building performance assessed? For new-build construction projects, building regulations take an inter-connected ‘package’ of measures into consideration when determining whether a building meets the targets for carbon dioxide emissions and/or energy consumption. A ‘good’ building relies on low U-values for the main building elements, and minimal heat transfer at junctions where those elements… Read more
What is ‘thermal performance’? When thinking about the energy efficiency of buildings, it’s easy to focus on heat loss through individual elements and forget the wider picture. It’s true that U-values often become the headline figures in a specification, but they are not the sole barometer of performance. There’s a reason for the relevant section… Read more
When looking to specify or purchase rooflights or roof windows, certainly terminology appears repeatedly. But the meaning or significance of that terminology is not always clear. This post explains three common features. Double, triple or quadruple glazed? These days, most people understand the benefits of having a glazing unit that is more than just single… Read more
In any construction project, having an early idea of likely material specifications is helpful to avoid last minute shocks and surprises. It’s particularly relevant to rooflights and roof windows, though, because designing a healthy building means not taking quoted U-values at face value. The composition of roof glazing units – including overall size, relative areas… Read more
If you’re trying to decide on the right rooflights for a project, be sure to take some time to consider the benefits of specifying frameless rooflights. After all, your choice of rooflight will have a big impact on the overall appearance of the property – both inside and out – as well as the amount… Read more
Having outdoor living space is an important consideration for modern homes. With space often at a premium, especially in urban locations, a roof terrace will allow you to make the most of an otherwise unused area and provide a desirable outdoor space, perfect for entertaining, growing food or just enjoying the fresh air and sunshine.… Read more
