UK homes feeling the heat
In the UK, new windows and doors have traditionally been sold to homeowners on the promise that they will keep the cold air out, and all the warm air in.
But this summer, which will go down as the warmest on record with a mean temperature of 16.10 degrees centigrade (surpassing 2018’s 15.76) has demonstrated that keeping building occupants cool is now just as important.
This was demonstrated by residents of Leaside Lock, a new build development in east London, who resorted to putting signs up in their windows advising passers-by ‘Do Not Buy These Flats. Too Hot.’
That was in June 2024 and since then the UK has recorded its second warmest June and fifth hottest July since 1884.
The location of Leaside Lock, in a densely populated area of Tower Hamlets, means that it may be more susceptible to overheating in periods of warmer weather, and its close proximity to the A12 dual carriageway means it’s less likely that residents will want to open windows.
But it is unlikely to be a unique case. According to reports, only one in five reported overheating in our homes 14 years ago and now that has risen to more than four fifths.
It will also be interesting to see if the trend of hotter, longer summers is reflected in the Future Homes Standard. We’ve spent so long trying to keep homes warm in the winter, but we should now be thinking how to make them more comfortable when the temperature starts to rise as well.
Of course there are solutions to help combat the problem, ones that don’t have to include expensive and eco-unfriendly air conditioning, including high performance glass, and also external shading.
If you’re an installer and fabricator that doesn’t already have blinds, shutters or awnings on your product portfolio, now might be a good time to look into it…
In other news, I look forward to welcoming everyone who will be attending the Glass Times Race Day at Epsom Downs tomorrow, the second outing of the year following the Haydock Park in July – and one event where you will certainly not find anyone complaining of hot or sunny weather!