CertainTeed - Australia uPVC Framed Double Glazed Windows

Fire preparedness built in

 


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"

 

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.

     
sustainable windows prevent fire  

Read about the house that fought the Marysville fires using careful building and CertainTeed Windows.
Click here for 2 page PDF download

CERTAINTEED AUSTRALIA
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CertainTeed - Australia