Changes To The 'Approved Document Q - Security - Dwellings'

The current edition of ‘Approved Document Q - Security – Dwellings’ supports requirement Q1 of Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations 2010. Requirement Q 1 applies only in relation to new dwellings and provides that reasonable provision must be made to resist unauthorised access to any dwelling; and any part of a building from which access can be gained to a flat within the building. The approved document sets out reasonable standards for doors and windows to resist physical attack by a casual or opportunist burglar by being both sufficiently robust and fitted with appropriate hardware.

Changes coming into effect in October 2015

The new ‘Approved Document Q’, came into effect on 1st October 2015 for use in England*. All window and door products that are installed into New Dwellings, must now comply with the new higher security standards. This does not however, apply to work started before 1st October 2015, or work subject to a building notice, full plans application or initial notice submitted before that date - provided the work is started on site before 1st October 2016. Document Q also does not apply to New Build Extensions, Replacement & Refurbishment Projects or Commercial Projects.

How To Ensure That You Comply

In order to comply all easily accessible windows should be made to PAS 24 standards and all easily accessible doorsets, which allow access to be gained into the dwelling must either meet the security requirements of PAS 24 or be designed and manufactured in accordance with specific standards outlined in document Q. Specifying doors or windows with equivalent or better standards is also acceptable.

Who Is Liable If Products Do Not Comply

If you are building a new dwelling or are having a new dwelling built for you; It is your responsibility as the company or person(s) ordering the new windows and doors to ensure that that you specify that all applicable windows and doors are to comply with the new Approved Document Q requirements. The supplier of the products will not be familiar with your project and will not know where the windows and doors are to be installed. It is the suppliers responsibility to ensure that if you order Doc. Q compliant products that they supply comply, and are fully tested and certified.


Doc. Q was only introduced in October 2015 and currently many products do not and cannot comply with these new higher security requirements, and are now simply not suitable for use in these applications. Some products may be able to comply, but do not comply as standard. So unless you specify that the windows and doors you have ordered need to comply to the new Doc Q. security standards and request certificates to prove that they comply, there is no guarantee that they will. Even as more and more window and door systems are tested and improved in order to comply with these new tougher regulations you can not simply assume that the windows and doors that you order comply.

Composite Aluminium / Timber Windows

Creating sustainable, energy efficient buildings is the cornerstone of most architectural designs. That is why Duration Windows is now offering a new range of Duratherm composite windows. They combine the advantages, long life and low maintenance of aluminium externally - with all the warmth and natural beauty of timber internally.

These composite windows are environmentally friendly and fully compliant with BS ENISO 9001, BS EN ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 standards. Designed and manufactured within the UK, they are made from 100% PEFC UK accredited timber and 100% recyclable aluminium. That’s wood accredited by The Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification. They are thermally efficient and exceed all current standards, making them an ideal solution for both new-build and refurbishment projects. It’s the best of both worlds.

Internally, this Hybrid system features either natural or painted timber. There is a choice between either natural spruce or traditional oak woods, or spruce timber painted in a large range of water based paints. Externally, it comes in a choice of polyester powder painted aluminium - virtually any RAL colour in either a gloss, satin or matt finish. A silver anodised external finish is also available. 

There is a wide selection of hardware options, including advanced security options, performance tested to BS7950.  These windows are highly thermally efficient, achieving fantastic U values inline with the current building regulations and excellent weather ratings in accordance with the requirements of British Standards. 

The Duratherm range is renowned for combining strong sustainability benefits with proven, effective design innovations.

Find Out More at: http://www.duration.co.uk/Aluminium-And-Wood-Hybrid-Windows.asp

Edit: Please note we no longer offer this product due to a lack of interest and commercial viability (i.e. they were very expensive). Although we no longer sell this product we would recommend a visit to the website of 'The Greener Window Company' who continue to sell composite windows. 

What is 'A Rated' Glass?

Whether you are a domestic customer or trade customer you may have heard the term 'A Rated Glass' being used. There is however no such thing.

This term is becoming frequently used in the uPVC industry to describe a glass specification that will allow a window to achieve an 'A' rating. The actual glass specification they are referring to is:-

4mm Clear Float - 20mm Argon Gas Filled Spacer (90%) with Swiss V (or similar) Thermal Spacer Bar - 4mm Low-e (softcoat). This glass make-up achieves a centre pane U-value of 1.2 W/m2K.

In the majority of uPVC window systems this glass allows the window to achieve an Window Energy Rating of A, hence why it is being increasingly referred to as 'A Rated Glass'. Unfortunately, it does not always result in an overall A rating when Glazed into window systems and it is becoming more and more confusing for the end customer and trade alike.

The Window Energy Rating (WER) system applies only to windows, it also only applies to the window as a whole. Individual components cannot themselves have a window energy rating, i.e. the glass or frames.

This so called 'A Rated' glass specification we use as standard for the majority of our products. Using this so called ‘A’ Rated glass in one of our aluminium Smarts 47 windows (for example), achieves an overall 'C' Rating. Although this is still fully compliant with current building regulations, it may not be what the customer is expecting.

Find out more about WER’s here: http://www.duration.co.uk/Window-Energy-Ratings.asp

Internally or Externally Glazed

The glazing bead is the aluminium profile that secures the sealed units (or glass) into the aluminium window frame or opening vent. When inserting glass into a window system (often referred to as Glazing the window) the glazing bead and wedge gaskets are the last pieces of the window that you fix into place. Some windows are externally glazed (also known as “externally beaded”), while some are internally glazed (also known as “internally beaded”). Some window systems will use a mix of internally glazed and internally glazed sections within a single window.

There have been many arguments over the years as to whether internally glazed or externally glazed windows are better for security. With people using arguments such as: “If you glazed a window from the outside then you can de-glaze it from the outside. Therefore externally beaded windows cannot possibly be secure.” Along with counter arguments such as “Internally beaded PVC windows can simply have their glass units forced in”.

The majority of people in the industry once considered externally glazed windows to be less secure. This is simply due to the fact that internally glazed windows were developed, introduced and advertised as the more secure option. This is no longer the case due to the fact that the majority of externally glazed windows use modern technology, which means that the external glazing beads simply cannot be removed without removing the internal wedge gasket first.

The simple fact is that both internally beaded and externally beaded aluminium windows are secure and the industry standard tests are there to prove it. Therefore if a window system can pass these tests they are deemed to be secure. If a window can pass the British Standard 7950 and also the Police Preferred Secured by Design Standard, it is considered to be highly secure. So in the absence of any other even more stringent tests and standards, which should you choose, Internal or external glazed?

Key Points About Internally Beaded Windows:

• Can make installation far easier by allowing the installer to fit the frame from inside the building, without the need for scaffolding.
• Once considered to be more secure than externally beaded windows, however due to modern technology and the strength of aluminium, externally beaded aluminium windows are just as secure.

Key Points About Externally Beaded Windows:

• Externally beaded can provide a slimmer sight-line than internally beaded.
• From inside, the window may look neater as there are no bead lines.

Both external and internal beads on a single window:
Often you will find that a window system will mix internal and external beads on a single window. This is generally due to the fixed lites being externally glazed. Windows that do not open (otherwise known as fixed lites) are generally glazed from the outside directly into the window frame. Therefore, a window which is made up of an opening sash next to a fixed pane - would be internally beaded on the opening vents and externally beaded on the fixed pane. This gives the best looks and slimmest sight-lines. If you wish to have internally glazed through-out your windows you would normally have to opt for dummy sashes or a double beaded window frame. Dummy sashes provide equal sight-lines, as all the fixed lites are created by fixing opening vents into the outerframe, and are internally glazed.

Visit www.duration.co.uk for more information on glass and glazing.

Glass... What are my options??

We at Duration Windows found this interesting artical in the July addition of Build It Magazine and thought you might be interested in its content.

From energy-saving coatings to self-cleaning panes, there’s plenty to choose from when specifying your home’s glazing, says Chris Bates.

Glazing has come on leaps and bounds in recent years. There’s a product out there to suit almost any application. But with so much choice available, how can you go about specifying the right product? In some cases, the decision is simple – safety glass is an essential for stair balustrades, for example. In others, you’ll need to weigh up which option is best suited to the lifestyle you want your new home to deliver.  

Comfort & efficiency 

For most homeowners, saving energy and keeping running cost down is the basic starting point when specifying glazing. The importance of energy efficiency is reflected in Building Regs, too, which require a minimum ‘C’ window energy rating (WER) for all new units.

All efficient glazing is referred to as ‘low emissivity’ (Low-E), but there are subtle differences between products. Some feature a ‘soft’ thermal coating that favours heat retention and offers low U-values. These include Pilkington’s Optitherm and Saint Gobain’s Planitherm. Others feature a ‘hard’ coating that, while still providing good heat retention, puts more emphasis on solar gain (g-values). Pilkington’s K glass falls into this category. In our mild climate, there’s relatively little to choose between soft and hard coats. For that reason, the WER system considers both U-values and g-values, so A to C grades can be achieved with either type of Low-E glass. But there is choice within each category. As well as the standard K Glass, for example, there are two additional types. The S version offers better U-value but poor g-value, while the OW spec matches the standard U-value but gives a clearer glass and a slightly better g-value. On a typical double glazed unit, the inner pane carries the Low-E coating (on the cavity side). The outer pane can either be of clear glass to allow the maximum possible amount of daylight to filter through, or could be treated with a solar control or other type of coating. The gap between the panes is filled with gas (argon is most economical, krypton more efficient) or fitted with warm-edge spacer bar – or both for maximum heat retention.

Minimal maintenance

Washing down windows can be a real chore, especially if your new home features vast swathes of glazing or hard-to-reach features such as skylights. You can take a lot of the effort out of maintenance by specifying self-cleaning glass, such as Saint Gobain’s Bioclean or Pilkington’s Activ. Its external coating uses UV rays from daylight to break down organic dirt and prevent other types adhering to the glass. The coating also causes rainwater to ‘sheet’ down the glass rather than forming droplets, giving the whole pane a natural wash. Self-cleaning glass won’t take all the legwork out of maintenance, but will mean you can wash windows less frequently and should make the job quicker, too.  

Safe and Secure

If you’re keen to provide the best possible protection for your home, laminated security glass could be a wise investment. It’s made up of sheets of glass held together with clear plastic film – in the event of a breakage, the fragments adhere to the film to slow or even prevent entry. Simpler laminated products – perhaps using just one or two films – can also be used as safety glass.

Toughened glass is more commonly specified for applications where safety is paramount (such as for stair or balcony balustrades). It’s heat treated during manufacture to produce a product around five times stronger than normal glass and, in the event that it does break, shatters into tiny fragments with dulled edges.

Noise reduction  

New double glazed units provide a measure of in-built sound insulation via the draught proofing. But if you’re building near a busy road or railway line, or you want to introduce some sound deadening for internal glazed partitions, you can upgrade to acoustic glass. This is a laminated product, with two sheets of glass sandwiching a sound-reducing inter-layer. You can cancel out even more noise by opting for different thicknesses of glass in double-glazed units.  

Light and privacy

Maximise natural light levels internally is, understandably, a major goal for many self builders. The first step is to use glass for the outer pane of your home’s double or triple glazing. For even better views you can switch to extra-clear, low-iron products such as Saint Gobain’s Diamant, Which is suitable for everything from windows and external doors to internal partitions and stair balustrades.  Bear in mind, though, that allowing too much daylight – and its associated UV rays – into your home can lead to overheating in summer. That’s where solar control glass comes in. Pilkington’s Optifloat Tint reduces both heat and light penetration, which can be desirable in certain areas of contemporary glass-filled homes where privacy is important. At the other end of the scale, the company’s Suncool range filters out solar heat while still allowing high levels of natural light pass through.

Hope you found this artical helpful when talking about glass and U-values. Please check out some of the pages below from our website for more useful information:

Glass Options: http://www.duration.co.uk/GlassOptions.asp

Window Energy Ratings: http://www.duration.co.uk/WindowEnergyRatings.asp

Aluminium Windows: http://www.duration.co.uk/AluminiumWindows.asp

Points Of Interest.

We at Duration like to keep informed about whats happening in the world of windows and doors so when we found this article about Sapa Aluminium Systems who we are once again working with we thought we would share it. Hope you enjoy.

Supporting sustainable building

PART OF THE WORLDWIDE SAPA GROUP AND ONE OF EUROPE'S LEADING SUPPLIERS OF ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE AND ENERGY-EFFICIENT ALUMINIUM BUILDING SYSTEMS, SAPA BUILDING SYSTEMS DESIGNS ALUMINIUM FENESTRATION SYSTEMS.

Sapa offers architects and specifiers a wide range of innovative aluminium systems for curtain walling, doors, windows and specialist applications. In the last year it has moved to imposing new premises in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, bringing together operations from three locations into one new facility. The move has underlined Sapa's commitment to the future and helped cement the company's perception within the design community.

Looking to the bright future that Sapa Building Systems' new premises and improved product offering will facilitate, Sapa's commercial director, Jon Palethorpe says: "Over the past couple of years we've attracted new customers and specifiers, growing both our fabricator network and our market share, and we believe that trend will continue.

”Our newer product ranges are beginning to penetrate, as evolutions of the Dualframe range of window and door systems with enhanced thermal performance and our new unitised curtain wall system, are brought to market. Another of our strengths is that we are very well balanced across the various market sectors, selling into education and commercial projects as well as health care and affordable housing sectors."

Bringing benefits to buildings

There are many benefits to using aluminium; its light weight means it's easier to handle which can reduce the environmental impact and cost of transport; it's very strong and corrosion resistant; its durability provides architects with endless design possibilities; and its innovative design from Sapa Building Systems offers high insulation with low maintenance and almost 100% recyclability. Therefore, with environmental policies continuing to drive demand for sustainable and recycled building materials, it's perhaps unsurprising that the use of aluminium in architecture and construction is growing in popularity.

Sapa's range of aluminium curtain walling systems, doors, windows and facades takes advantage of these characteristics to provide architects and specifiers with the most effective visual and technical solutions for today's buildings. In fact, environmental performance and energy efficiency play a key role in the development of its new products.

For example, Sapa's new Dualframe Si range utilises thermal break technology which achieves exceptional thermal performance.

Sapa has also just launched its largest high performance, thermally insulated sliding door system. The Contort 160 is a sliding door with a large glass surface and minimal sightline, designed for high end spaces it can also provide total insulation, helping to reduce building's energy consumption.

Due to advances in the thermal efficiency of its products, Sapa's systems have been specified for use in several BREEAM rated buildings around the world.

Sapa Building Systems in action

The Welsh Assembly Government office in Llandudno Junction, North Wales was designed to meet the BREEAM Excellent rating required by the Welsh Assembly for all publicly procured buildings in Wales. It officially opened in October 2009 and now accommodates more than 530 staff over four storeys of open plan office space.

Demonstrating best practice and innovation in office environments, it is the first central government building in the UK to incorporate a designated public access area. Members of the public are able to come in to the area, known as 'Y Bont,' and find out more about Welsh Assembly Government services, access the internet for free, speak to the trained members of staff on hand to resolve their queries or just use the cafe.

Safety and security

The £20 million development mixes traditional, locally sourced materials with sustainable technology and architects Austin-Smith: Lord were faced with the challenge of reconciling this mix of materials with the building's modern form.

Following an earlier design by concept architects, the glazing needed a radical redesign to make it blast-resistant to meet government security requirements. The original design of flush, frameless glazing could not be made blast-resistant. Instead, Austin-Smith: Lord adopted the Powerframe system by Sapa Building Systems, which is approved under the international standard IS016933.

Sapa Building Systems was one of the few companies able to supply a blast resistant glazing system robust enough to meet the stringent security standards required. The glass is laminated with polyvinyl butyl membrane, which safely retains the glass splinters caused by a blast and is firmly clamped in position by aluminium frames supported by steel sub-frames.

The glazing effectively acts as a crumple zone in an explosion which can deflect up to 300mm to reduce the blast pressure and load on the rest of the building.

Environmental performance

While security was a key factor in the design of the Welsh Assembly building, it was also crucial that Sapa's Powerframe system performed from an energy efficiency point of view. As part of achieving the BREEAM Excellent rating, the system was required to meet the standards set out in Part L of the Building Regulations. This in itself is quite difficult to do as characteristically systems that are blast resistant include a high metal mass and are usually installed in large sections. In this instance, the mullion sizes were ten times heavier than a conventional system. Despite this, the Powerframe system is able to perform a dual function; offering the highest level of protection in addition to good thermal performance.

As one of the largest and most exposed office buildings in North Wales and only 40 metres from the shoreline, its position also presented challenges with weathering. The Powerframe system with robust design and weathering details provided architects, Austin-Smith: Lord and the main contractor Pochin Construction with both a technical and environmentally sound solution that also contributed substantially to the BREEAM Excellent rating.

Sapa Building Systems Ltd

Artical taken from: Specification Magazine March 2012 

Don't Be Left Behind - Evolve with Smarts Evolution Windows

Our Evolution Window

There are many types of projects that come under the banner of ‘Heritage’ and listed building restorations. Our Heritage window range has been designed specifically as a thermally efficient, secure and maintenance free alternative to steel windows, and is a fraction of the cost.

We offer Smarts Systems Evolution Windows as our basic steel replacement windows. They are very slim, authentic windows that will maintain the character, integrity and classic looks of your property and replicate traditional metal windows. They have a stepped profile inspired by the original W20 Crittall steel windows.

We also offer a putty-line vent and can provide additional upgrades that are exclusive to Duration; including traditional glazing options, authentic handles, working and dummy butt hinges and our unique Chelton Secure™ locking.

For more information please check out our heritage window page: http://www.duration.co.uk/HeritageSteelReplacementRange.asp

Understanding Energy Efficiency

We at Duration understand that energy efficiency ratings can be complicated to understand - so we have put together a guide to help resolve the mystery of energy efficient windows.

It is widely known that a large percentage of the heat from your home is lost through the windows - that is why understanding energy efficiency can come in handy, helping you to save money when heating your home.

The guide explains the ratings and how energy efficient windows work. There is also some useful information on what to look out for when buying energy efficient windows.

Follow the link to see the guide:

http://www.duration.co.uk/brochures/misc/Energy%20Efficient%20Windows%20Guide.pdf

Window Configurator Improved

We at Duration Windows always endeavour to make things better and easier for you our customers to use. We have recently reviewed our window configurator and made a few improvements which we hope will benefit you when using it. We have added some more useful information about handles to help you with your choices. We have also added images of the handle when displaying your result to show you a complete overview of your choices before you download the comprehensive PDF which shows your selections with some technical information.

Improved Configurator

Improved Results

We hope you find our improvements and the configurator useful in selling or purchasing our products.

Follow the link before to use our improved configurator:

http://www.duration.co.uk/Smarts47AluminiumWindows-3DConfigurator.asp

Smarts 47 Aluminium Windows - 3D Visualisation Showing Combinations

We at Duration Windows want to make it easier for our customers. So we are introducing our all new window builder. Pick a handle, frame, sash and bead and see your window design or if you are undecided about some features choose the any option on one or more sections to show a range of different combinations.

To try it for yourself go to: http://www.duration.co.uk/Smarts47AluminiumWindows-3DConfigurator.asp

Screen Shot of the Window Builder

An Example of the Results Given After Selections Are Made

Secondary Glazing and How It Can Help You.

Are you worried about the ever increasing energy costs?

Windows can account for up to 30% of the heat lost from your home. It is important in this day and age to reduce energy consumption in our buildings. Single glazed windows are poor insulators and heat loss is exacerbated if the window does not have effective seals. With energy cost having an astonishing 20% increase within the coming year where does that leave the humble home owner. These escalating cost show no sign of coming down so what do we do? 

Well we at Duration Windows have a cost effective solution to help you keep these ever increasing costs down. Our secondary glazing range is perfect to help keep the precious heat in. Our secondary is slim and discreet (you wouldn’t even know it was there) but has all the functionality needed to help keep that all import heat in. Our secondary glazing costs from around £50 and can help you save 10%-20% (Savings depend on household and how much you pay for heating fuel).

Secondary Glazing Install



Secondary Glazing Install



For more information on our secondary glazing visit: http://www.duration.co.uk/SecondaryGlazing.asp

Dual Colour Bi-folding Doors and Heritage Windows.

Are you looking for something different? Need that heritage look but what a modern interior look?

Well look not further with Duration Windows dual colour products.

Durafold 1000 Bifold Doors

Our Durafold 1000 bi-folding door can be produced with different colours inside and out.This gives you the unique opportunity to create a bespoke bifold door with white on the interior and any KL colour (such as grey or black) to the exterior.This white inside/KL outside is currently offered at the same price as white- but do hurry as this deal could expire at any time.

For more information on the Durafold 1000 Bifold door: http://www.duration.co.uk/Durafold1000Bi-foldingDoors.asp

Below is a sample list of the KL colour range:

Standard white: KL9010 Gloss

Black: KL9005 Matt

Brown: KL8014 Gloss

Dark Grey: KL7016 Matt

Light Grey: KL9007 Metallic

For more information on colours: http://www.duration.co.uk/Durafold1000Bi-foldingDoors-GlazingAndColours.asp#tabs

Heritage Windows

Our Heritage window range at Duration Windows is now available in a dual colour of white on black.

With dual colour windows you can achieve that period feel needed for the exterior of your property - but still have a more modern feel to your interior. Black outside with white inside is currently offered at the same price as an all-white window – but hurry as this deal could expire at any time.

For more information about the Heritage window range: http://www.duration.co.uk/HeritageSteelReplacementRange.asp

New Handle range currently only available at Duration Windows

Are you bored of standard Espag handles? Are you looking for something different to suit your home? Well look no further than Durations new handle range.

The new handle range for our aluminium windows consists of three distinctly designed handles that will blend into any aesthetic of your choice. For that old period charm we have the Monkey Tail Handle, for that elegant look we have the Art deco handle and for the modern period we have the Modern Slim-line Handle.

Modern Slim-line Handle

Durations patented Chelton® Slim-line Handle looks like no handle you have ever seen before. Blending into the window frame, it's discreet, curved, slim-line design looks great on your new windows.

The flush design barely protrudes into the glass sight-line and will not catch on your nets, blinds or you.

Art Deco Handle

Durations patented Chelton® Steel Handles have been designed to look like traditional steel window handles. They have an art deco style that fits in nicely to any period property, and for example when replacing old steel windows.

 Monkey Tail Handle

Durations patented Chelton® Monkey Tail Handles have been designed to replicate old Monkey Tail handles. A Classic design that will give your windows an olde worlde charm.






For more information on our Chelton handle range: http://www.duration.co.uk/CheltonHandleRange.asp

Or for information on our aluminium windows: http://www.duration.co.uk/AluminiumWindows.asp