Emphasis on window specification urged

Architects, specifiers and developers have been urged to place more emphasis on window specification in a bid to eke out the marginal gains required to secure planning permission and legislative compliance for commercial buildings.

The advice comes from Rehau, which has published a downloadable guide detailing the ways in which windows can play a vital role in helping a building to perform to its full potential.

From sound attenuation and thermal insulation, to fire safety and exterior aesthetics, modern windows are capable of enhancing a number of characteristics concerning both the performance and appearance of large residential and non-residential buildings.

By considering factors such as the World Health Organisation’s guidelines for community noise, Parts B, F and L of the Building Regulations, and the growing pressure on developers to secure a sustainable supply chain, windows specifiers can ensure they select products capable of maximising the performance and durability of the buildings they work on.

Steve Tonkiss, commercial manager at Rehau, said: “As it becomes increasingly challenging for developers to achieve the performance levels required of their commercial buildings, fixtures such as windows are emerging as pivotal players in our bid for higher performance.

“A high-quality window is capable of impacting sound attenuation, energy performance, ventilation, and fire safety – not to mention the overall appearance of a building. As such, it is vitally important that architects, specifiers and developers pay close enough attention to the performance characteristics of the windows they put forward.”