Glazed curtain walling is increasingly popular for all types of building. Velfac’s CWCT-compliant products are built to withstand extreme conditions without compromising style or performance
Extensive curtain walls and large window screens are no longer reserved only for landmark buildings, but have become a feature in projects of every shape and size, from major commercial buildings to residential projects. Specifying window walling is complex however, especially in the context of regulatory compliance, and expertise is required to minimise the real - and expensive - risk of non-compliance.
When it comes to window walls there are good reasons to specify a system that has been independently tested and accredited to the specific requirements of the Centre for Window and Cladding Technology. CWCT figures show that the facade is the most common cause of failure on a new-build so CWCT testing, combined with good design and installation, will give reassurance that a product will deliver the performance levels expected. CWCT uses various testing methods to determine the level of serviceability of a window, facade or cladding system when subjected to different levels of water and air pressure and solid object impact.
CWCT compliant glazing is essential for many building types, especially residential projects that have to meet the demands of third-party building insurers such as LABC or Premier. CWCT compliance is also relevant to projects featuring window screens of any size, especially those built in exposed locations.
In the UK, Velfac recently launched the Velfac Window Walling system, a new and simple system of parts and profiles that ensures a scalable, repeatable and predictable installation to the correct quality in combination with the standard Velfac 200 triple glazing system.
Using the Velfac Window Walling system ensures CWCT compliant performance of a screen, as well as conforming to third party insurance company requirements such as those of the NHBC (chapter 6.9). The new Window Walling system has been recently installed at Poolhead Lane, a development of three luxury houses in Tamworth in Arden by developer Vivo Living. Each house features a triple glazed window walling screen installed around an internal courtyard and rising the full height of the building.
Why specify the Velfac CWCT-compliant Window Walling system?
• No need to compromise on facade design or function: Thanks to its innovative frame and seal design, the Velfac system achieves CWCT compliance without requiring any modification to its frame. Fixed and opening units can be combined.
• Versatility: Windows and casement doors used in Window Walling aesthetically match standard windows so that punched openings and screens maintain the same sightlines. Window screens formed of coupled Velfac units are also CWCT compliant.
• De-risk your project: Meet the demands of leading third party insurers right from the start of your project, with no need for expensive remedial work post-installation in order to achieve CWCT compliance, which is required for final sign off.
• Expert support and guidance: The Velfac system is backed by an expert in-house consultancy team, which can help you successfully navigate building standards and compliance issues, saving time and budget across the build.
‘A rare achievement for a window manufacturer’
‘The Velfac system combines performance, style and competitive pricing and is also one of the very few systems available with full CWCT test results that can satisfy Chapter 6.9 of the NHBC Standards,’ says Andy Cook, commercial director at Velfac.
‘This is particularly relevant to any area of glazing that passes over floor slabs and has to demonstrate CWCT-specific levels of weatherability performance,’ he comments, adding: ‘Velfac and CWCT have worked closely together over many years to develop testing rigs and testing sequences designed to push the Velfac product range to its limits, thereby generating impressive performance data that meets NHBC Chapter 6.9 Standards, a rare achievement for a window manufacturer. This means that the Velfac system can withstand even those climatic conditions defined by NHBC as ‘very severe’ in terms of air, wind and water resistance.’
Velfac is also the only composite wood/aluminium window manufacturer able to provide a CE-mark for glazed window walling that incorporates its purpose design and engineering and features a wide range of opening functions. CE marking for curtain walling (called window walling when produced through an assembly of windows) is a legal requirement under BS EN 13830:2003.
For more information and technical support, visit velfac.co.uk/commercial
Contact:
01223 897100