Helping Housebuilders To Remain Compliant
In a recent interview with Housebuilder Magazine, Keylite’s Head of Technical, Colin Wells talks about how window manufacturers can help housebuilders adhere to the required uplift in energy efficiency. He also explores the benefits of specifying roof windows and the aesthetic properties of openings around the home.
Responses from Colin Wells, Head of Technical at Keylite Roof Windows
1. How can Roof Windows and Roof Lanterns help housebuilders meet new thermal targets, do U-values differ to those of conventional windows?
Keylite is the only manufacturer to offer an Integrated Expanding Thermal Collar as standard in all its roof windows, at no extra cost. This feature ensures the thermal integrity of the window and roof is as designed, thus removing the reliance on an additional thermal collar and helping achieve Approved Document L recommendations concerning thermal performance.
Whilst a product may say it meets Part L or has a certain U-value, this may not be the case once it is installed, therefore features such as our Integrated Expanding Thermal Collar help mitigate the gap between performance on paper and actual performance of a finished build.
Our patented thermal collar expands to fill and fully insulate the gap around the frame of the window to help eliminate condensation and cold bridging. It also improves airtightness, Psi Values for SAP and the overall thermal performance of the roof window – making it a huge hit with our housebuilder partners.
2. What are the benefits to homeowners of roof windows, for example, enhanced well-being etc?
The right balance of natural light, fresh air and the right temperature is vital for the wellbeing and comfort of a home and those who live in it. Healthy and comfortable spaces are integral to our modern homes of today. Our award-winning and innovative building solutions help create the perfect indoor environment, which has a significant impact on making homes better places to live.
3. Is there a danger of overheating in summer and cold in winter?
Good ventilation will support with temperature control. Part F requirements for background ventilation are supported through our cleverly designed top handle, allowing for controlled trickled ventilation when the window is fully closed and securely locked.
To provide peace of mind for those days where you just can’t predict the weather, our smart rain sensor will automatically close roof windows in the event of a downpour, even when homeowners are away.
4. What are the aesthetic opportunities?
The overall aesthetics of the core Keylite roof window range includes a traditional top handle and lower profile in the roof, which ensures a classic yet contemporary design to compliment any new home.
Keylite boasts a team of product developers who work tirelessly researching trends and developments. In recent years, all-white PVC windows have become more and more popular in new-build housing, which is why we designed our Polar White PVC Roof Window, made with premium-grade, 100% recyclable PVC.
The Polar range comes in a white finish that maximises natural daylight and blends in seamlessly with white ceilinged rooms and contemporary interiors favoured in new housing developments.