What is a U-Value
A U-value is the measurement of the amount of the rate of heat loss through a material. The value is calculated as heat lost per hour per square metre (W/m2K); a low U-value therefore indicates a more thermally efficient building material.
Document L (Document J in Scotland) is part of the Government’s Building Regulations. Revised October 2010, following the Regulatory Impact Assessment, which controls the acceptable U-value of your home – in general terms, an average U-value of 1.8W/m2K is now required.
All new housing and replacement doors and windows must comply with Document L (Document J in Scotland), unless specifically excluded. If you are planning any new building or renovation work, it is always advisable to contact your local planning office for advice on how the building regulations affect you and your project. Although SKG London can offer general help and assistance based on past experience, we are not an authority on the building regulations and are unable to offer professional advice.
Low ‘e’ (Emissivity) glass
Our standard quotation includes the application of low ‘e’ (emissivity) to the inside of the inner pane that reduces the amount of heat loss through the glass. In addition, an inert argon gas can be added to the cavity between the glass sheets, thereby reducing the u-value by a further 0.15W/m2K. A ‘soft coat’ low ‘e’ (emissivity) glass represents a revolutionary development in so far as improved thermal performance providing an environmentally friendly solution, given the lower CO2 emissions associated with reduced energy consumption and a considerable reduction in heating bills, when compared to the tradition ‘hard coat’ low ‘e’ glass.
Warm edge spacer
Our standard quotation also includes warm edge spacer. Up to 80% of energy loss through a window occurs due to the spacer bar being a conductive material, a warm edge spacer reduces these thermal heat losses which is good news to the environment and even better news to you, further benefits include up to 70% reduction in condensation and improved noise reduction.
Solar control or comfort glass
The sun can make glass roofs, conservatories or south facing elevations quite unbearable in the depths of the summer months like stepping into a greenhouse. A solar control glass is a glass with a special coating designed to reduce the amount of heat entering a building. It reflects and absorbs heat as well as filtering light for reduced glare. Using a solar control glass can reduce the need for air conditioning and blinds. Please ask for further details.
Toughened glass
We include as standard a double-glazed unit comprising of 4mm toughened glass complying with BS6206. The glass has been heat hardened (tempered), increasing its strength over ordinary annealed glass by up five times. There is also an added advantage that, should it break, it would shatter into hundreds of tiny non-sharp fragments.
Laminated glass
The benefit of laminated glass is that, if broken, the glass cracks while still remaining attached to the plastic interlayer rather than falling and possibly causing injury; it also provides secure protection from unwanted visitors. In addition, laminated glass reduces bleaching of carpets, curtains and furniture by reducing the amount of ultra-violet rays that penetrate the glass.
Improved visual qualities
Due to the heat-tempering process used, 4mm toughened glass can sometimes suffer a slight visual rippled distortion. Although this is acceptable under British Standards, using 6mm toughened glass helps to reduce this distortion or 6.4mm clear laminate will eliminate the distortion altogether.
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Conservatories
