With the latest building regulations, ensuring your new house, extension, or refurbishment project achieves low U-values is crucial for enhancing thermal efficiency. U-values measure how well building elements such as walls, floors, roofs, and windows prevent heat from escaping. As qualified architects, Karenna Wilford, East Sussex Architects, we design structures that not only meet these regulations but also provide you with a more energy-efficient home.
Simple Ways to Reduce Heat Loss
Reducing the energy needed for heating is an effective way to cut down on energy bills. Windows are often a significant source of heat loss, and one of the easiest ways to enhance thermal comfort is to address draughts from poorly fitting windows and doors. Replacing single-glazed windows with well-fitted double glazing can eliminate draughts, improve thermal efficiency, and reduce energy consumption.
The Benefits of Triple Glazing
There's a growing trend towards triple glazing, which, although more expensive than double glazing, offers superior U-values. It's essential to choose high-quality doors and windows since the additional weight of the glass increases wear and tear on hinges and tracks. Note that the opening sizes for triple-glazed windows tend to be smaller due to the added weight.
Managing Solar Gain and Overheating in East Sussex Architect Designs
Large glass areas can cause overheating in the summer, especially if they face south or west. In such cases, consider using low-emissivity (low-e) glass, available in soft or hard coats. Hard coat low-e glass has a greyish tint, while soft coat low-e glass has a slight green tint, both of which help reduce solar gain.
Choosing the Right Window Frames
Plastic glazing frames have seen significant improvements in recent years. They now come in various colours and finishes and are more economical than aluminium. However, plastic frames cannot be recycled at the end of their lifespan, contributing to waste. In contrast, aluminium frames are durable, require minimal maintenance, and are 100% recyclable. Impressively, about 75% of all aluminium produced since the 1980s is still in use today.
Conclusion
Improving your home's thermal efficiency can significantly reduce energy costs and enhance comfort. By focusing on high-quality glazing and frame materials and considering factors like solar gain, you can create a more energy-efficient and sustainable living space. Whether you're building new, extending, or refurbishing, we can help you achieve a thermally efficient home that meets current regulations
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