the smart windows handbook
15Pages

Capral Limited 1300 366 517 I www.capral.com.au ABN 78 004 213 692 Engage a professional and qualified energy expert to assist with your project. Recognised sustainable energy building consultants can be found through the following member-based organisations: www.absa.net.au Proud industry membershipswindowsthe handbook a guide to energy efficient windows and doors by Capral aluminium - the smarter choice for windows and doors smart windows HANDBOOK Vol. 1 smart windows HANDBOOK Vol. 1

SMART WINDOWS

Capral is committed to the development of sustainable window and door systems. This encompasses the ongoing research and development of thermally efficient residential and commercial glazing systems. This development is being further augmented by a life cycle analysis of aluminium as a building material in order to improve the understanding of its environmental impacts and benefits. Capral’s commitment to Sustainability 04 Introduction 05 Window Energy Ratings 06 Passive Design 09 Understanding the Australian Climate 10 The Benefits of Aluminium Windows 11 High Performance Glass 12 The Part...

SMART WINDOWS Introduction As climate change causes increasing concern we are all becoming more environmentally aware. Capral is committed to making its products as energy efficient as possible. Capral’s broad range of high performance windows provide optimal weather-sealing, functionality and aesthetics, and can help your home meet or exceed energy efficiency standards. Using high performance Capral windows and doors is one of the easiest ways to improve the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. Knowing where to start and what to look for can be difficult. With this in mind Capral...

WINDOW ENERGY RATINGS The Window Energy Rating Scheme (WERS) is managed by the Australian Window Association. It provides a system for rating and comparing the energy performance of windows and doors against one another, in a similar fashion to the rating system commonly used for white goods. To participate in WERS, window fabricators must obtain energy ratings for their products from a rating organisation accredited by the Australian Fenestration Rating Council (AFRC) and rated windows must meet all relevant standards. In order to determine window performance data, WERS uses a window’s U...

SMART WINDOWS WINDOWS & GLAZING Windows and glazing are a critical element of Passive Design as up to 49% of heat loss and 87% of heat gain occurs through windows with 3mm single glazing. Passive Design takes advantage of this by keeping winter heat indoors and excluding excessive summer heat from entering the building. Appropriate placement of windows and doors is another important consideration; as well as minimising reliance on artificial heating and cooling, windows aid ventilation and importantly, a healthy living environment. Single glazed high performance glass can stop up to 40% of...

LAYOUT Areas that are used for relatively short periods of time such as bathrooms, laundries and garages are best positioned on the west to provide a buffer against the extreme summer heat. To ensure you enjoy the maximum benefits of solar heat, position rooms that generally require heating, such as living areas, on the north side of the house. INSULATION Whether it be the roof, walls, doors or windows, it is imperative that premium insulation is achieved and that all gaps are filled to keep wanted air in and unwanted air out. High performance windows and doors provide superior insulation...

SMART WINDOWS

important, particularly if the home is air conditioned. In these situations double glazing can deliver significant benefits and also provide further improvement in solar heat gain coefficient. HEATING CLIMATES In heating climates the aim is to retain heat and to maximise the penetration of solar energy in winter. Selecting windows that insulate well ensures unwanted heat loss is minimised. Windows with a low U Value and high SHGC indicate effective insulation properties and are preferable in cool climates. Double glazed windows with spectrally selective or Low E glass coating provide...

10 SMART WINDOWS AFFORDABILITY Aluminium frames can be significantly less expensive than other framing options, providing a strong yet economical window and door solution, while also achieving excellent energy outcomes. DESIGN FLEXIBILITY The inherent strength and flexibility for aluminium to be manufactured to exacting specifications means you are limited only by your imagination. With an endless array of systems, finishes and glass options, aluminium offers a vast range of possibilities from the economical to most elaborate systems while also delivering excellent thermal performance....

11 THE ALUMINIUM ADVANTAGE Meets or exceeds energy standards when combined with energy efficient glass. Low maintenance and durable; won’t swell, crack, split or warp. Reduced carbon footprint with energy savings outweighing initial energy input by over 100 times. Corrosion resistant qualities and resistant to weathering under a range of harsh environmental conditions. Economical framing solutions that can be less expensive than other framing options. Strong and durable providing a range of long lasting design options. Environmentally sustainable material with one of the highest recycling...

12 SMART WINDOWS The part Capral aluminium windows and doors play VENTILATION Capral aluminium windows and doors offer a great way to naturally ventilate your home. Different styles of windows and doors offer a range of ventilation options. Maximum ventilation is achieved through windows with wide openings such as Capral’s range of sliding windows, while other styles such as casement windows and louvre windows give you greater control over the direction and strength of air entering your home. Doors that offer wide openings such as Capral folding or stacking doors offer unobstructed airflow...

13 High performance glazing Selecting a window or door that combines high performance glass with a quality frame and long-lasting weather resistant seals will result in a high performance, long lasting window and door. CHOOSING THE RIGHT GLASS Accounting for up to 90% of the thermal performance of windows and doors, glass is the most influential factor in determining window and door energy efficiency. Not all glass products are created equal and it’s vital to select the appropriate glass for your specific purpose. From self cleaning glass to glass that turns from transparent to opaque with...