The BBC recently reported a surge in interest amongst homeowners for windows with low U-values, signifying a shift towards greater energy efficiency awareness.
One Sheffield homeowner’s story, featured in the report, illustrates this trend. They chose triple glazing instead of double, contrary to local installers’ advice. The decision has led to substantial energy bill reductions and improved home comfort. The homeowner expressed, “This decision has paid big dividends.”
While the current Building Regulations in England & Wales stipulate a maximum U-value of 1.4 W/m2K for windows, many homeowners are opting for more efficient solutions. This pursuit of quality is evident in the rising demand for windows that surpass the regulatory minimum.
Experts in the industry predict a future reduction in U-value standards to possibly 0.8 W/m2K. The last amendment to Approved Document L in 2023 only slightly reduced the U-value limit for windows from 1.4 to 1.2 W/m2K, but the general trend indicates an increase in thermal performance expectations.
Homeowners now have access to a wide range of high-performance glazing products, including triple glazing and advanced double glazing solutions with U-values of 1.0 W/m2K or lower. Planitherm One by Saint-Gobain Glass is an example, offering reduced heat transfer and solar gain control, suitable for various windows and doors.
Planitherm One has gained popularity for its clear vision and light transmission properties and is increasingly used in both double and triple glazed units to achieve U-values as low as 0.7.
Products like Planitherm One and Planitherm Total Plus, a leading glass product for standard double glazing in the UK, have significantly contributed to the industry’s enhanced performance.
While emerging technologies like vacuum glazing offer great potential, their high cost limits mass market appeal. In contrast, Planitherm’s versatility, including its application in integral blind units, makes it a practical choice for achieving high energy efficiency standards.
Morley Glass, a leading UK manufacturer of bespoke integral blinds using ScreenLine® systems, incorporates Planitherm in many of its products, aligning with the trend towards energy-efficient and aesthetically pleasing homes.
For detailed insights into selecting the right glass for low U-value windows and doors, visit www.morleyglass.co.uk.
