Trend windows

June 2011

 

EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 2011 - NEW HOMES & LARGE RENOVATIONS REQUIRES A SIX STAR ENERGY RATING

Effective May 1, 2011 under the new Building Code of Australia all new building work and large renovations, will now require a minimum of 6 star energy ratings (or equivalent). This means the whole building envelope must rate to a six star energy rating.

 

New projects will need to obtain an energy efficiency assessment and stars rating from an accredited assessor.  The assessor will carry out building energy ratings assessments also known as thermal performance assessments.

 

Six-star rating on the building envelope is the measure of how much energy leaks through the outer part of the building.  Energy star ratings take into account the heating and cooling requirements of the whole building. The key elements that assessors test is thermal performance, ie, heating and cooling of the building, walls, floors, roof, eaves, windows - glazing, insulation and building orientation.

 

An estimate of up to 40% energy lost in a home is through glazing (the windows). The greatest percentage of glass should face between 30 degrees east and 20 degrees west of north where solar gain and loss may be controlled to the greatest advantage. It is important to understand that energy ratings can be improved through the use of better glazing options, eg double glazing, low-e, toned, solar glass and so on.

 

Things to consider when building or renovating using Trend Windows & Doors to obtain a 6 star energy efficiency rating:

 

 

The more energy efficient the building the higher the star rating obtained.  Remember you can achieve more higher than 6 star rating for your project, depending on what energy efficiency solutions you use these can assist in lowering your energy usage for heating and cooling, in turn helping lower your energy bill costs. Trend Windows & Doors have energy efficiency solutions to help you achieve your six star energy ratings on your windows and doors for your project.

April 2009

 

XTREME BUSHFIRE WINDOWS & DOORS

With Australia’s urban areas increasingly being pushed closer to bushfire prone areas, the awareness and understanding of building loss through bushfire has taken a high priority position with authorities and researchers.

Trend Windows & Doors in conjunction with the Bushfire – CRC at CSIRO have undertaken extensive research and development to advance the design of window and door systems to enable them to withstand the extreme heat of bushfires.

In houses, windows and doors are considered the most susceptible area to damage from bushfires.  Many houses destroyed in bushfires in fact survive the passing of the fire only to burn down later from attack by embers and flaming debris borne on the wind.

This may occur up to some hours after the fire-front has passed.  Damage from either glazing failure or window system failure, allows for the debris to enter the building to cause ignition.  The design of houses and buildings has remained unchanged over the years and until now little thought has been given to the materials used in housing, and how these react to exposure to bushfires.

The Xtreme range of products are the first window and door systems in Australia designed to withstand heat flux up to 40kW/m2 without failure from either the glazing or the window system itself, thus helping to prevent internal ignition of the house and loss of precious possessions.

It is important to point out that the entire system needs to be considered when designing a house to resist a bushfire.   It is not one component i.e. frame, seals, sash or glass etc that is critical, but how these perform as a whole. 

Trend has combined the technologically advanced Quantum XP Window system with Pyro-Protec™ seals and 5mm standard toughened glass or toughened double glazing to produce Xtreme Windows and Doors.  This window system is a cost efficient solution to a problem that is fast becoming a national challenge.

The Xtreme Window and Door System, features break-through technology with the Patented Van Door and Pyro-Protec™ Sealing systems which act to protect the home against air infiltration and bushfire penetration. 

Extensive testing at CSIRO laboratories, has shown that the Xtreme product range of windows and doors withstands the extreme heat generated by extreme range fires (40kW/m2) and passes the relevant testing regime.   This testing which was done in conjunction with whole of house research, is outlined in the report produced by the Bushfire CRC.

To obtain the relevant test report refer:
http://www.bushfirecrc.com/research/d11/publicdocuments.html and refer to
Report on Window and Glazing performance
Window and Glazing Exposure to Laboratory-Simulated Bushfires [pdf 1.7 Mb]
Xtreme Windows & Doors also meets the requirements of Section 8 – Construction for Bushfire Attack Level 40 (BAL - 40), Radiant Heat Level 40kW/m2, AS3959 (2009)

Features of Xtreme Windows and Doors

• Xtreme windows and doors can withstand 40Kw/m2 heat flux.
• Van Door and Pyro-Protec™ Sealing  Systems act to protect the home against air infiltration and bushfire penetration and as a result improving the performance of the window and door beyond required standards.
• Uniquely smooth sill inhibits the collection of dust and debris which facilitates a smooth sliding action and enhances the aesthetic appeal of the window.
• Wide range of high performance locking options, including keyed locks, deadlocks, ventlocks and locks designed for egress in emergency situations.
• Unlike most aluminium windows and doors, all Xtreme windows are manufactured with a sturdy 65mm frame and doors with a 100mm frame to provide greater strength and security.
• Smooth lines and rounded profiles gives Xtreme the edge with superior aesthetics.
• Flush fitting optional fly screen and security screen or compulsory metal screens are designed to compliment the Xtreme window and door.
• Glazing standard is 5mm toughened glass
• Energy efficient double-glazed options in 16mm 5-6-5 toughened Integrated Glazing Unit
• Available in full range of powder coated finishes
• Bifold Doors and Windows are available in the Xtreme Range
• Xtreme is also available in Crestlite Aluminium Commercial Range
• Available in Decowood timber grain powdercoated finishes
• Complies fully to AS2047

• Xtreme Windows & Doors also meets the requirements of Section 8 – Construction for Bushfire Attack Level 40 (BAL - 40), Radiant Heat Level 40kW/m2, AS3959 (2009)

For further information on Trend Xtreme Windows and Doors please contact David Richardson – National Marketing Manager at Trend Windows & Doors on 02 9840 2000 or 137274