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Many of the
features that make a house energy efficient also make it fire
resistant.
After the
Canberra suburbs fires of 2003, the government’s Home Energy
Advice Team published its recommendations, saying “Housing
designs that offer greater resistance to radiant heat and ember
attack during bushfires also incorporate many energy efficient
design principles.”
CertainTeed double glazing with uPVC frames helps
meet the advice team’s ideals in many ways. It’s a
serious and detailed subject so we recommend you spend some time
talking to our consultants, or attend one of our “Housing
Energy Solutions” seminars.
The Advice
Team makes the following points, quoted
in red italics, relevant to windows:
“The
real enemy is the embers that attack the house before and after
the flame front hits”
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CertainTeed uPVC window frames will not sustain
combustion like timber.
The uPVC frames have no paint and no
varnish which burn at relatively low temperatures and do not
conduct heat like aluminium.
Even if exposed to direct flame, uPVC could gain you precious
extra time to fight or flee a fire.
The double glazing increases your heat barrier and metal insect
screens help resist radiant heat.
“All
gaps around doors, windows and eaves should be sealed to improve
energy efficiency and reduce entry points for embers.”
One reason CertainTeed windows work so well is that they seal
effectively, keeping out ember bearing winds as surely as winter
draughts.
“Windows
designed for improved thermal performance protect the house
from heat transfer during a fire.”
Thermal performance is a major reason for CertainTeed’s
international success. (Another is acoustic performance).
If you are seriously concerned about the bushfire risk in your
area, we recommend you opt for toughened glass to further resist
sudden temperature changes.
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