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Search Results for: trickle vent

Advice on ventilation when replacing windows

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Need to replace windows in your home? It’s important to consider your property’s ventilation requirements when selecting new windows.

cream orangery with open bifold doors

Modern replacement windows are built to ever increasing standards of performance – providing the homeowner with increasing levels of thermal insulation and almost eliminating draughts.

However, every house into which these products may be fitted is different and ventilation of the building is an important feature of performance that should be considered when choosing replacement windows.

Your home needs to breathe

When the windows or doors in a home are replaced, Building Regulations require that the levels of ventilation throughout the home not be made worse. This applies to both background and purge (rapid) ventilation.

If trickle ventilators are not fitted in the existing windows or there is no other means of background ventilation, it is good practice to review the ventilation requirements of your home when you are considering replacement windows.

Ways to ventilate your home

Ventilation opportunities which exist to ventilate your home include:

  • Trickle ventilators fitted in the window frame
  • Stack ventilation
  • Bespoke ventilation systems
  • Wall mounted ventilators
  • Heat recovery fan units
  • Night vent locking systems

Trickle ventilators and night vent locking systems are the easier methods for providing ventilation when replacing windows.

Where security is an issue or draughts will be a problem night vent locking systems are not recommended.

Benefits of adequate home ventilation

The advantages of properly ventilating your home include:

  • Fresh air can enter your property and stale air can escape keeping the indoor atmosphere healthier.
  • Potentially harmful airborne pollutants such as emissions from cleaning products, flooring and furnishings can escape from your home.
  • Odours and water vapour from cooking, washing, and bathing can be reduced.
  • There is likely to be a reduction in condensation and mould, which could reduce damage to your décor and reduce potential health problems for asthma and allergy sufferers.
  • Some ventilation systems can be left open to allow ventilation at night or while you are away from home

Controllable ventilation

Some ventilation systems are designed to be controllable, and these have the following additional advantages:

  • You can decide how much, or how little, air flow you need. Controls should be accessible and, if required, there are several remote control options available – ask your installer for details.
  • If you live in a noisier location, near a busy road, airport or industrial site, trickle ventilators allow you to ventilate your home without opening the windows, this can make a reduction on the impact of noise.
  • If you already have a problem with condensation in colder weather, or the air in any rooms, particularly bedrooms, does not seem as fresh as you would like – fitting new windows without suitable ventilation may make the problem worse.

A healthier home

Good ventilation in the home can ensure that the air is kept fresh inside your home, giving a healthy living environment, which is particularly important for the very young, the elderly or the infirm.

This can be most easily achieved simply by opening your windows for a short period of time.

For more information about replacing windows, get in touch with a local GGF Member company.

The basics of home ventilation

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Ventilating a home helps to create a healthy living environment – find out how and about the different ventilation strategies available to homeowners.

myglazing-house-ventilation-windows

What is ventilation?

Ventilation is the exchange of air between the interior and exterior of a dwelling. The main purpose of ventilation in a home is to remove polluted indoor air and replace it with ‘fresh’ outside air.

Why is it necessary in my home?

The circulating air reduces the risk of danger from harmful indoor pollutants being produced within the home. This helps to provide a healthy and comfortable internal environment for the occupants of a home.

The Building Regulations Advisory Committee in England and Wales require ‘that there shall be adequate means for ventilation provided for people in the building.’

In Scotland the Building Standards state that ‘all buildings require to be ventilated so that the air quality within the building is not a threat to the health of the occupants or the building itself.’

Main types of ventilation

Purge ventilation

Sometimes referred to as rapid ventilation, this is the rapid exchange of large amounts of air between rooms or between a room and the outdoors, and is usually achieved by opening a window or a door.

Benefits:
  • Assists with removal of occasional pollutants such as smoke and smells from cooking, or fumes from painting and decorating
  • Stops a dwelling from getting too hot and uncomfortable during warm summer periods

Extraction ventilation

This is the active extraction of air from rooms through mechanical means, usually with a fan or air conditioner.

Extraction ventilation is needed in rooms that are regularly exposed to pollutants or excess water vapour such as kitchens and bathrooms. Such rooms can use permanent or intermittent extraction.

Benefits:
  • Limits the spread of fumes and pollutants throughout a dwelling

Background ventilation

This is the passive flow of air into and out of rooms via vents, and is achieved by means of ‘a small ventilation opening designed to provide controllable ventilation throughout an entire building’.

Background ventilators should ideally be positioned 1.7 m above floor level to avoid noticeable draughts.

Trickle ventilators are ideal for meeting this requirement. Various devices can be used to open and close vents to suit the activities of the home’s occupants.

Benefits:
  • Background ventilation via trickle ventilators can provide a home with a secure, draught-free and consistent supply of ventilation even when windows are locked in a closed position
For more advice and information about ventilation for your home, contact a local GGF Member company.

Energy Efficient Glazing: A Useful Guide

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In any property heat will be lost through windows and doors, however this heat loss can be reduced when a home has energy efficient double or triple glazing.

window-top

Energy efficient glazing helps keep heat inside the home and, in combination with other home energy efficiency measures (such as cavity wall insulation, loft insulation and an energy-efficient heating system), can lead to a reduction in annual heating bills.

And that’s just the start. The benefits of having energy efficient glazing installed in your home can also include a reduced carbon footprint, improved home security and noise reduction.

If you’re considering investing in energy-efficient glazing, you’re certainly not alone. There’s a lot to gain from this home improvement, but of course there is also a lot to consider.

This short guide will take you through some key information that will help you make an informed decision.

What is energy efficient glazing?

windows_double

Energy-efficient glazing is the term used to describe glazing consisting of two or more glass panes within a sealed unit. This includes double and triple glazed windows and similar units found within doors.

Energy-efficient windows and doors consist of a framing material (timber, aluminium, PVC-U or composite) into which one or more glass sealed units are fitted according to the style of the window or door.

Energy-efficient glazing is rated according to its ability to reduce the amount of heat that can pass through the window, the capacity for sunlight to travel through the glass unit, and the capacity for air to move through the unit.

Commonly, the highest-rated glazing according to efficiency is made with Low-Emissivity Glass which has a special coating on the inner surface of one pane, enabling light to travel through whilst reflecting heat back into the room.

What is in between the glass panes of a sealed unit?

The air gap limits the amount of cold air able to get into your home. It does this by acting as an insulator and is completely sealed.

The space between the glass panes is filled with air or gas such as argon, krypton or xenon. These help reduce heat loss through the unit. When gas such as argon – which has low conductivity – is used within this space, the window is then even more efficient at keeping heat inside the property and also at interfering with sound waves from inside or outside the house, reducing noise pollution.

Sealed units also have a strip in between the panes, made from metal or polymer. This strip is called a spacer which can contain a drying agent that deals with any moisture that is trapped in the space between the sheets of glass.

The type of frame material used

As with the glass itself, the frame material used in energy-efficient windows and doors is also important.

There are several options here:

  • PVC-U has many benefits including performance longevity (usually 20 years or more) and is recyclable.
  • Wooden frames are environmentally friendly and are often specified for properties where the use of original materials is necessary, such as those within a conservation area.
  • Aluminium frames are an eco-friendly, modern choice because the creation of the material is low impact, recyclable and the slim look of the frames is desirable.
  • Composite frames are composed of a combination of wood and aluminium or plastic.

Energy rating and u-values

For ease of purchase, certain window manufacturers label the energy efficiency of their windows with an energy rating ranging from A++ to C, A++ being the most efficient. This rating system has been developed by the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) and it takes into consideration the entire window.

When this energy rating is given, a whole window u-value is also calculated. The u-value refers to how easily heat can pass through the unit. The u-value scale works in the opposite way to an energy rating, in that the higher the u-value, the more easily heat can pass through the window and the window is less efficient.

The benefits of energy-efficient glazing

There are many benefits of EEG, which are increasing all the time as technology and building techniques advance, and our eco-awareness increases.

Key benefits include:

  • Improved energy efficiency: Energy-efficient glazing may form part of a wider range of energy-saving measures. If your home also contains cavity wall insulation, loft insulation and an energy-efficient heating system, these can all work together to reduce the amount of energy needed to heat your home. As a consequence, you can enjoy lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint.
  • Reduced noise pollution: Sealed double and triple glazing can be effective at reducing medium to high-frequency noise, creating a more comfortable, private and peaceful home environment.

See more: Glazing and noise reduction in homes

  • Improved thermal insulation: Energy efficient glazing can help to keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. The air or gas gap between the panes of glass in a sealed unit provides an extra layer of insulation. This increased thermal resistance reduces the amount of heat that can escape the home during the colder months. In summer the reverse occurs, and the windows help keep the heat outside, keeping the home cooler.
  • Reduced condensation: Energy efficient windows and doors help reduce the risk of condensation which occurs when a cold surface and moist air meet. The resulting moisture can potentially damage the window frame and if it is particularly bad, may even affect other areas of the room.

See more: How double or triple glazing helps reduce condensation

  • Safety and security: As there are two or more panes instead of one, energy-efficient glazed windows offer a more secure barrier against unwanted entry than a single glazed window. The level of security can be enhanced further when laminated glass is used.
  • Cost savings: Assuming all other measures have been taken, Installing energy-efficient windows can save you money over the long term by reducing the amount of energy required to heat your home.The savings you gain from energy-efficient glazing will depend on a number of factors, including the size of the home, the type of windows you purchase and your energy supplier. For an indication of the potential savings, you could enjoy based on your home and windows.
  • A more comfortable living environment: Lower heat loss, plus reduced noise, helps toward a feeling of a much more comfortable home.
  • Increased home value: Making energy-saving improvements to your home has the potential to boost its value. Potential homebuyers are increasingly aware of the eco-credentials of any house they consider purchasing. According to a report conducted by the Government based on property sales made between 1995 and 2011, a homeowner making energy-saving improvements to their home could see a 14-38% increase in value as a result.

A note on the importance of ventilation

In newer dwellings with higher-efficiency insulation, a lack of adequate ventilation can increase the risk of condensation forming on internal surfaces – including on windows and other glazed surfaces. A way of reducing this risk is to ensure each room has adequate ventilation, such as trickle ventilators or other forms of ventilation.

Continuous improvements in frames, glass and gas combinations mean the consumer’s energy-efficient window choice is increasing all the time. Energy-efficient glazing is a beneficial addition to any modern

Glazing and noise reduction in homes

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Replacing or upgrading your windows can improve noise reduction in the home.

diagram showing sources of noise inside a home, sound waves

What is noise?

Noise is unwanted sound. In the home, this is any sound that distracts or disturbs the occupants.

This could be anything from nearby traffic or low flying aircraft to sounds coming from neighbouring properties such as music and loud conversation.

How it travels

Sound travels through the air (and solids and liquids) like the ripples seen on the surface of a pond when you throw a stone into it. Just like these ripples, the waves decrease in intensity as they move away from the source.

Sound intensity is measured in decibels (dB). A low dB value indicates a soft sound and a high dB value a loud sound.

How it affects us

The perception of noise will vary from person to person depending upon the source of the noise and the individual’s tolerance/acceptance of a given type of noise.

For example, a person living next to a busy road for a number of years may have become accustomed to it, whereas someone relocating from a quiet location to the same busy road may find the noise a nuisance.

How glazing can help reduce noise

One of the many potential benefits of replacing windows or installing secondary glazing in your home is that in doing so you can often also improve your property’s noise insulation.

The correct installation of good quality, well-made windows or secondary glazing systems can result in a noticeable reduction in noise levels.

Type of glass

diagram of laminated glass

The type of glass used within your replacement window could have an effect on the level of noise reduction. Glass is available in a range of thicknesses and typically thicker glasses reduce more noise.

Domestic windows usually use 4mm-6mm thick glass. Some window panes are made up of two or more pieces of glass that have been bonded together; these are known as laminates. Specialist, acoustic laminated glass is available from many glass manufacturers.

Thickness of glass

diagram of an asymmetric window unit

Different thicknesses of glass are effective at reducing noise at different frequencies. As a result, a sealed double or triple glazed unit with glass panes of different thicknesses (i.e. both 4mm and 6mm) will be effective at reducing noise across a wider range of frequencies than if both panes of glass were the same thickness.

Triple glazing

In addition to reduced thermal losses, triple glazed units can provide a reduction in noise. By increasing the combined thickness of the glass within the unit, the mass is increased. A reduction in noise transmission will result from this additional mass.

Air gap

The size of the air gap between the panes of glass in either a double or triple glazed window or a secondary glazing system makes a significant difference to the level of noise insulation. Typically a large air gap will improve noise insulation.

Secondary glazing

diagram of secondary glazing on a window

Secondary glazing is when another window or glazed screen is positioned within the window reveal of an existing window.

The extra glass pane and air gap now present in the window unit help to improve its noise insulation properties. In some cases, noise reduction can be further improved by lining the window reveal with sound insulation material.

The effect of ventilation and air gaps on noise reduction

To be effective in reducing noise new windows and secondary glazing systems must be fitted and sealed correctly. Any air gaps around your window will seriously affect its noise reduction properties.

It is also important that any opening window can be securely closed with a good quality seal. If the window does not close correctly noise will be able to infiltrate the property.

Bear in mind that many windows are designed to provide your property with a means of ventilation. Background ventilation through trickle ventilators can, if left in the open position, provide a passage for sound to travel.

Likewise, an open window, perhaps in the night lock position, will not aid sound reduction.

Glazing may only be part of the solution

Replacing or upgrading the glazed elements of a home may not singlehandedly solve the problem of excessive noise levels.

This is because noise entering the home via roofs, walls and floors will not be reduced as a result of changes to glazing. Depending upon the source of the noise and type of property, replacing or upgrading the glazing may only be part of the solution.

It is important to discuss your requirements and your expectations with the window installation company.

By explaining the source of noise that you are trying to reduce, the glazing company can advise you on what can be achieved.

The dB reductions possible using the various methods can be supplied by your glazing contractor. Any claim of noise reduction should be backed up by test evidence.

GGF Members will be able to advise you on the most suitable glazing option to reduce noise in your home – find a local GGF Member company.

Conservatories and energy efficiency

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A well-designed conservatory can be incredibly energy efficient – improving the level of comfort in your home, helping you save on your monthly energy bill and offering environmental benefits all year round.

A buffer zone for your home

Adding a conservatory to your home can help reduce your overall energy use by creating a ‘buffer zone’ between indoor and outdoor living areas.

Any heat that escapes through your home’s walls into the conservatory will help create a warm space on colder days.

That’s not all, the captured heat can then re-heat the main building on cold days when the doors between your home and the conservatory are opened.

This buffer effect of storing naturally produced heat is an easy way to be environmentally responsible and save on your energy bill.

Improved thermal efficiency

A conservatory can be designed with varying degrees of thermal efficiency. When planning your conservatory, talk to your local GGF Member about the following:

– External quality double glazed doors between your home and the conservatory can provide added thermal performance and security

– Low-emissivity coatings on the inside face of double glazed windows can reduce heat loss from radiators inside the structure. This is strongly recommended for north-facing conservatories.

– Solar control layers can control glare and the amount of the sun’s energy that is transferred into the living space. This is specifically recommended for south-facing conservatories.

– Heating appliances with their own thermostatic controls will allow you to separately control the conservatory’s temperature.

– Designing in natural ventilation such as trickle ventilators, top opening windows or roof vents is far more economical (and environmentally friendly) than air conditioning.

Green credentials of a typical conservatory

The materials typically used to build a conservatory feature a large percentage of recycled material. In addition, the key materials used within your conservatory are all recyclable at the end of the conservatory’s life.

– Aluminium (this can be the conservatory itself or its structural elements) is recyclable with up to 95% being reused.

– PVC-U profiles used in the side frames are 100% recyclable and can be reused numerous times.

– Timber can be fully recycled, and must be responsibly sourced.

– Glass is 100% recyclable.

Planning a conservatory – things to consider

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Planning your conservatory

With a wide range of conservatory types available, careful thought and planning can help you decide on the one that fits best with your home and suits the needs of everyone who will be using it.

Once you’ve chosen a conservatory style, here are some more things to consider when planning your glazed home extension.

Size

When deciding on the size of your new conservatory, make sure you’ll have enough space to enjoy it. A handy tip is to mark out the planned dimensions in your living room so you can see how much furniture you’ll be able to fit.

Sunlight

How much direct sunlight will your conservatory receive and at what time of the day? This could have a bearing on your choice of building location and also interior design decisions.

The orientation of your conservatory may mean that certain specifications of glazing are more appropriate than others because of the impact of solar heat gain from the sun (see ‘Glazing’ below).

Materials – general

You can choose from a wide range of materials for your conservatory, not only for the frames but also in the glazing, the roof and any masonry.

Think about the mood and texture you want to achieve. Some people like the ‘outdoor’ feel with tiled floors, patio-type furniture and bare brick or stone for the house wall; others prefer an ‘indoor’ character with carpeting, soft furnishings and wall coverings.

Materials – frame

Aluminium, with thermal breaks for enhanced heat insulation, is a popular choice and is available in a range of colours and finishes.

PVC-U is the most popular frame material with its long life expectancy and minimal maintenance, especially as nowadays a range of wood grain-effect finishes combine the authentic look of wood with all the toughness of PVC-U.

Wood is the natural choice for people who insist on the real thing.

Glazing

conservatory glazed extensions of homes with sunlight reflecting

Double glazing is a must nowadays to keep a conservatory comfortable all year round and by using low emissivity (Low-E) glass, it can cut heat loss even more.

If the conservatory is south or west facing it is advisable to consider the use of a modern solar control glass for the roof and side panels of the conservatory.

Solar control options range from ‘body tinted’ glass (where the colour in the glass absorbs heat from the sun) to ‘metallic coated’ glass products.

Modern metallic coated products have the advantage of being neutral in appearance, not obscuring views, while still reflecting the sun’s heat.

Roofing

There are two main choices of roofing – glass or polycarbonate.

Glass gives you a clear view through the roof – it can be supplied with solar control and self-cleaning coatings too. Laminated glass and safety filmed glass can add protection you from any falling debris on the roof glazing of your conservatory.

Polycarbonate creates a softer light effect in bright sun (however, it is slightly noisier in heavy rain or hail).

Ventilation

Ventilation is important. You need to be sure that your conservatory will let in fresh air and avoid condensation.

The internal environment can be carefully controlled with the correct specification of both materials and ventilation. Many roofs have built-in trickle ventilation and Building Regulations specify a certain area of opening windows per floor area.

Technological developments mean that you can have opening roof vents installed that can be thermostatically controlled with built-in rain sensors.

Sound control

interior and exterior shots of conservatory glazed extensions

Whether it be rain, music, lawn mower, traffic or aircraft noise, reducing the impact of environmental sound can enhance the enjoyment of your conservatory.

The use of laminated glass or enhanced acoustic insulation laminated glass can lessen the amount of noise transferring into or out of your conservatory.

In addition, laminated or acoustic laminated glasses have the extra benefit of reducing standard ultra-violet (UV) light transmission. This means sun bleaching of furniture or fittings is dramatically slowed.

Cleaning and maintenance

Consider what will be required to clean and maintain the glass throughout your conservatory.

Surface modified glass such as self-cleaning glass is available from many glazing companies and can reduce the need for cleaning the external window panes, particularly in difficult-to-reach roof areas.

Comfort and convenience

Comfort levels and environmental factors should be considered. You may wish to extend your home’s central heating, install a separate heater or go for an underfloor heating system, but remember careful specification, design of materials and the location of the conservatory itself can all lead to natural environmental control.

Similarly, you can have overhead wiring for lights built-in or simply a few wall sockets for a table lamp and other appliances.

 

For more advice on choosing the right conservatory for your needs, get in touch with a local GGF Member company.

Pulse Testing – Helping GGF Members Stay Compliant

Members News, News |

The Building Regulations update in June of last year introduced the changes to Approved Document F, which meant that Trickle Vents are now mandatory to be fitted in the majority of households.

The GGF are committed to keeping Members competent and up to date with all Building Regulations, and the discourse surrounding the new Building Regulations led us to create our Pulse Testing initiative, which is an alternative to fitting Trickle Vents.

What is a Pulse Test?

Pulse testing is providing the proof that the air infiltration to a building has been made no worse by the addition of trickle vents to your windows. A test is completed before the removal of the existing windows and after the installation has been completed.

Today’s replacement windows are so much better at retaining heat in the home than previous generations, however air tightness technology has not needed to improve in the same way.

The Pulse Test is carried out by a UKAS accredited organisation, such as RISA, and undertaken by a trained professional that is a member of an air pressure testing competent person scheme. The Pulse Testing process would involve an on-site test ‘pre’ and ‘post’ installation, fulfilled by a qualified Assessor.

Trickle Vents will still be required to be installed in a majority of windows and doors, Pulse Testing simply provides homeowners with an alternative.

You can book your test via the button below. The cost of the test is £405 + VAT but GGF Members are eligible for a 25% discount, which means it will cost just £295 + VAT.

If you wish to book multiple tests please email pulse@ggf.org.uk for a price on application.

Book Your Pulse Test Today

Building Regulations – What is Approved Document F?

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Buildings Regulations are government official guidelines for the construction industry that ensure all new buildings, conversions, renovations and extensions built are going to be safe, healthy and high-performing for homeowners.

Approved Document F of the Building Regulations covers Background Ventilation. It provides guidance on meeting building regulations and states that adequate ventilation needs to be provided to prevent excess condensation build up which could damage the structure of a property. 

What Do The Changes Mean?

The changes to Approved Document F require the majority of replacement windows and doors to be fitted with trickle vents.

What Is A Trickle Vent? 

A trickle vent is a device that allows fresh air to circulate naturally through a room and allow polluted air out. It creates a small hole in a window or door to provide permanent ventilation even when they are closed. They’re designed to improve the quality of air in a room.

Over the years, homes have become better insulated and windows and doors have improved so that homes are no longer naturally ventilated as they have been in past decades. This means pollutants can build up inside a home, as can condensation and mould as a result.

This is where trickle vents come in, they help avoid problems associated with poorly ventilated areas. Increased airflow throughout a home reduces pollutants and makes for a healthier environment.

When Do The Changes Come Into Effect?

The changes to Approved Document F come into effect from the 15th June 2022. Any window and door installation taking place from that date onwards must comply with the new building regulations.

Anything Else I Should Know?

 

These changes to the building regulations are for England ONLY. There are no current changes to the Building Regulations in Wales.

It is also important to note that disclaimers and indemnity policies are not valid and will not be taken into consideration by LABC (Local Authority Building Control).

Who Should I Speak To About My New Windows & Doors? 

Please speak to your installer about the upcoming changes and what they mean for your property. If the installation takes place from the 15th June 2022 onwards it will be expected to comply with the new building regulations.

It will be the responsibility of your window installation company to ensure your replacement windows and doors comply with the Approved Document.

What If I Don’t Want Trickle Vents Fitted?

The new building regulations state trickle vents will be required by law in the majority of situations. There are exemptions to the rule (eg listed buildings and conservation areas) and these should be discussed with your installer.

If your property does not fall under one of the stated exemptions then your installer will talk you through what will be required to be fitted to your replacement windows and doors. 

What Do The Government Say?

The government have produced the following guide on ventilation in homes and what the new building regulations require – Gov.uk – Existing Home Ventilation Guide 

We would recommend all homeowners read this guide and then speak to their installer to discuss the changes in more detail.

 

7 ways to stay cool in your home

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wooden two storey house on sunny day

Winter may well be coming, but summer is here! As the mercury rises we look at some simple ways you can stay cool and comfortable at home this summer.

1. Get the air flowing

On a warm and stuffy day, a breeze can be a lifeline. Luckily it’s one of the simplest things to create – simply open some windows or doors! Whether you have casements, tilt and turn or sash windows, French doors or wide-opening bifolds – even cracking these open a tiny bit can make a difference. If you’re worried about security at night, window locks can keep windows secure while allowing you to benefit from a cooling breeze.

For added effectiveness, strategically open windows or doors on opposite sides of your home. This should set up a corridor of airflow, getting the air moving and provide some cooling relief. It will also provide a healthy dose of ventilation for your home, helping to vent airborne pollutants and moisture, and bringing in clean, fresh air.

2. Throw some shade

Retreating to the shade is a perfect way to stay cool in your home. Using conservatory, door and window blinds and shutters during the warmer months can help keep your living spaces comfortable.

While the evenings may be nice and cool, if your home has spent the day warming up in the sun it can be tough coming home to a virtual greenhouse each night.

During the warmest hours, you can achieve more effective temperature control with blinds and shutters so come the end of the day, you can relax and enjoy the long summer evenings in comfort.

boiling pot on stovetop

3. Can’t stand the heat? Cook something different…

When the temperature soars outside, anything you can do to keep it cool inside helps. The kitchen is a good place to start, and the oven and stovetop in particular are common culprits. Nothing beats the warmth and aromas emanating from an oven on a winter’s day… in summer however, this can make the kitchen and adjacent living spaces uncomfortably warm.

Where possible, look to limit how much you use heat producing appliances like the oven on warmer days. If you have a barbecue outside this is the perfect time to make the most of it – open up those patio doors and fire it up in the fresh air – or prepare cooler meals and ones that require less prolonged warming.

4. Open those trickle vents

Opening windows and doors is a good way to actively and rapidly ventilate your home. However don’t forget the benefits of passive ventilation – like that provided by trickle ventilators.

This kind of background ventilation can provide a home with a secure and constant source of ventilation even when windows are locked in a closed position.

5. Install energy efficient light bulbs

Light bulbs give off heat as well as light, so switching to ones that radiate less of the former can make a difference. Energy efficient bulbs such as fluorescent and LED light bulbs generate significantly less heat than incandescent bulbs. If your house has more than a few of the latter, changing to eco-friendly bulbs could be a good idea.

Doing so could even save you money in the long term. According to Energy Saving Trust, by replacing all bulbs in your home with LED alternatives you could save around £35 a year on electricity bills.

living room furniture window light

6. Retrofit window film

Rooms with a high proportion of glazing – such as conservatories and orangeries – can be susceptible to overheating in summer. If this is a problem for you, you may want to consider window film as a potential solution.

Specialised solar control window film can help to dramatically decrease heat transfer across windows, keeping rooms cooler and reducing glare from the sun. This can increase comfort and can also be beneficial for furniture positioned next to windows or doors, which is often at risk of fading over time from exposure to UV radiation.

See more ideas: How to keep a conservatory cool in summer

7. Is it time to upgrade your windows?

If your home is overheating this summer, one of the reasons could be that your windows aren’t providing enough thermal insulation.

Normally when we think about energy efficient glazing such as double or triple glazed windows, we think about its ability to keep warmth inside a home and the cold out. Yet the same insulating properties that make this possible also help to reduce the impact of hot outside temperatures by keeping warm air out and the air inside a home cool.

Upgrading the windows in your home can lead to better thermal insulation, as well as reduced noise pollution and a more comfortable living environment. It can also help to lower your overall energy usage and fuel bills.

Talk to a local GGF Member company about how upgrading your windows could help improve the comfort of your home.

Making your home healthier

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From regular handwashing to reduced physical contact, people are adopting more and more ways to ensure they stay safe and healthy during the pandemic. But, did you know there are changes you can make to your home to help with this that go beyond basic hygiene and social distancing.

In our latest #StaySafeWithMyGlazing article, we’re going to look at how you can make your home as healthy as possible – helping to safeguard you, your family, friends and anyone that enters your property.

Health and wellbeing in the home are of increasing importance to homeowners now, yet despite this, some may still be surprised by the direct impact windows and doors and conservatories can have on their quality of life. For example, access to natural light and air quality are all affected by your glazing, especially if your windows, doors or conservatories are more than twenty years old.

The impact of natural light on personal wellbeing

During lockdown, 12% of people have made changes to their property to increase the amount of natural light in the home. This is largely due to its proven benefits for our mental health and wellbeing. Increased exposure to natural lighting can also reduce symptoms associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The body releases serotonin – the ‘happy hormone’ – during prolonged periods in natural light. Just 30 minutes a day is enough to meet the average daily requirements.

With this in mind, it is important to include sources of natural light into your home’s interior design. Choosing skylight, lightwell or fanlight windows for your will allow natural light to flood your loft or extension living spaces, as well as in difficult to light spaces such as hallways and staircases. Similarly, large windows that face the sun during daylight hours, bifold doors, conservatories and orangeries can help you to reap the benefits of natural light within your home.

Help establish a routine

Natural light is also one of the most effective tools for regulating the body’s internal clock. Allowing the sun to wake you up in the morning is one of the least disruptive ways of starting a new day. Having windows within the bedroom that face the direction the sun rises can help with this.

Of course, with early starts for work and darker mornings during the winter months, this isn’t always possible. Nevertheless, spending just one hour a day in natural sunlight can improve sleep quality and make your morning routine that much easier.

Energy savings in the home

Installing modern glazing can not only allow natural light into a room, it can also reduce your energy costs and provide many wellbeing benefits. Did you know that up to 24% of heat energy can leave a house through inefficient glazing? This means having energy-efficient windows and doors in a property significantly contributes to the warmth and comfort of a home further improving the health and lifestyle.

As well as preventing heat loss in your home, modern energy efficient glazing can also assist with heating your home. This is known as Solar gain and is an effective form of passive heating as heat rays from the sun is are able to pass through the glass in a window or door and heat the building itself, further contributing to energy savings in the home.

Ventilation

It’s important that your home has access to proper ventilation and a stream of fresh air during the pandemic. Whilst the summer months are great for opening up a window, when winter descends, temperatures drop and we experience more rainy days, cracking open a window just doesn’t seem neither appropriate or appealing.

Trickle ventilator at top of window frame with airflow

That’s why ensuring your windows have trickle vents can see you reap the benefits of fresh air and good ventilation. Trickle vents are small openings in a window that allow a small amount of air to pass from one side of the window to the other, enabling an easy air flow without having to open your window or door. They can also reduce condensation and moisture in the air which can lead to mould further impacting health and in particular respiratory illnesses.

If you are improving your home to make your home healthier, we’d love to see it, so make sure you tag us on Instagram and Twitter using @MyGlazing. And if you do need to hire a home improvement company, read our Safe Guide to ensure you keep you, your family, friends and your tradespeople safe during these unusual times.

How to keep a conservatory cool in summer

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Conservatories are bright, airy spaces you can enjoy in all seasons, however, an overheated conservatory can spoil the fun. Discover our tips to reduce heat and keep cool this summer.

timber conservatory everest

There is a reason the conservatory is so popular as a home extension – this versatile glazed extension has endless design possibilities and can be adapted to any lifestyle.

An abundance of glazed surfaces bathe the conservatory in natural light. Yet with sunlight comes heat! Energy-efficient glazing is designed to minimise heat lost through windows, however, if this heat becomes trapped overheating can become an issue.

Luckily there are several things you can do to ensure your conservatory reduces its heat and remains a cool and relaxing place over summer.

Ventilate your conservatory well

 

ventilate conservatory anglian

Air trapped in a conservatory is a surefire recipe for overheating. The most obvious way to reduce the chance of a ‘greenhouse effect’ occurring is to ensure air can circulate easily between the indoors and outdoors.

There are many ways to ventilate your conservatory – from the rapid purge ventilation of simply opening a window or door, to passive background ventilation via permanent roof vents or trickle ventilators in windows.

Adequate ventilation will help keep your conservatory cool in hot weather – but that’s not all it will do. It will also ensure airborne moisture and pollutants are regularly flushed out of your home.

This will keep the indoor air quality high, contributing to a healthier and more comfortable living environment (and helping lessen the chance of condensation).

Shade your conservatory from the sun

 

Conservatory by Ultraframe

Roof and window blinds, shades, awnings, and sails can shield a conservatory from direct sunlight and provide welcome respite at the height of summer.

Some strategic planting in the garden can have a similar effect. Trees planted adjacent to a conservatory can provide natural sun cover – deciduous trees can even still let the sun through during winter.

Install solar control or tinted glazing

 

Conservatory with solar control glass by GGF Member

The sun brings light but also heat. Special types of glazing can act as a filter between the two, accepting the light while reducing the amount of the sun’s heat transmitted into a conservatory.

Solar control glass allows sunlight to pass through but reflects and radiates away some of the heat. Using this type of glazing on the roof and windows of a conservatory can have a significant effect on the temperature within.

Retrofit window film to glazed surfaces

 

Solar bronze 20 film fitted to conservatory roof by Able Install

Don’t want to replace your conservatory glazing? Window film can provide similar reductions in solar heat gain.

Applied directly to the glass, specialised solar control window film can help to dramatically reduce overheating in conservatories. It can also help in reducing glare and provide UV protection that protects furniture and furnishings from fading.

Our advice: Plan ahead & combine strategies

Victorian conservatory by Kitson Windows

The best way to prevent a conservatory from overheating is to design it that way from the start. Talk to a conservatory professional about your options at the design stage to ensure your new glazed extension remains comfortable even at the hottest time of the year.

If you do find yourself with a conservatory that gets uncomfortably warm, consider all of the above options not just separately but in combination as well. As each conservatory design and location is different, the combination of strategies that will best tackle an overheated conservatory will be unique to each situation.

Glazing professionals can help you find the right solution for your conservatory – find your local GGF Member companies using the ‘Find a glazing company’ search above.

Related topics

– Planning a conservatory – things to consider
– The different types of conservatory
– Conservatories and energy efficiency
– How to go about getting a conservatory
– Top 10 tips before you buy glazing products

Glazpart Ltd

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Glazpart lead the way in the design and manufacture of Plastic Glazing Accessories for the Fenestration Industry with specialised knowledge in Glazing Accessory and Ventilation products to suit most needs. Glazpart offer a full service to facilitate customers individual needs from concept and design through to tooling and manufacture – Glazpart’s latest service is Surface Foiling of woodgrain effects and block colours which are proving to be extremely popular.

  • Trickle Ventilators
  • Flat, Bridge and Wedge Packers
  • Surface foiling – Vacuum and wood grain print
  • Plastic Window System Component Design
  • Bridge Packers

3 ways to bring more natural light into your home

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Spring has sprung and the sun is back! Make the most of it with these home improvement ideas designed to bring more refreshing natural light into your home.

Spring means lighter evenings, warmer weather and of course spring cleaning! And if you think your home could use a little more than a thorough once-over, now is a great time to think about home improvements.

Energy efficient glazing can make a huge different to your quality of living and to your energy costs. At a very basic level, however, glass does one thing better than pretty much any other material – it lets glorious natural light into your home.

A conservatory or orangery

A conservatory or orangery is a highly versatile space you can add to your home in a range of configurations. There are many choices of design and the ability to customise the shape, style and materials used means you can specify a conservatory or orangery that fits your purposes and your budget.

As they feature glazing prominently, these home extensions make the most of natural light. They can make excellent spaces for relaxing, studying, dining, recreation and horticulture – to name just a few.

Design galleries: Conservatories / Orangeries

More:
The different types of conservatory design
Planning a conservatory: Things to consider
How to design an energy efficient conservatory
7 steps to getting a conservatory for your home

Bi-folding doors

It’s easy to see why bi-folding doors are a popular option with homeowners – they offer an easy-opening and fully glazed door option that can open up living spaces to the outdoors.

Add to this a range of colour and material choices and you have an excellent way to bring natural light – and the ventilating benefits of fresh air in Spring and Summer – into your home.

Design gallery: Bi-folding doors

More:
A guide to door styles
A guide to home ventilation

Roof windows

Are there light-deprived parts of your home that you wish you could do more with? Adding glazing in strategic locations can help to transform such areas into light-filled, well-ventilated living spaces brimming with potential.

Roof windows, in particular, can be an excellent solution for places where standard vertical windows cannot be installed. These can include lofts, attics and home extensions.

Design gallery: Roof windows

More:
A guide to window styles
Advice on ventilation when replacing windows

GGF

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London, SE1 0RB
+44 (0)207 939 9100