Weather performance and sliding doors: what to consider
We manufacture modern ultra-slim aluminium sliding doors with minimal sightlines and sleek aesthetics that appeal to homeowners and architects. But it’s also our job to design doors and windows with exceptional weather performance so that they maintain your home’s thermal performance, and don’t let in draughts or water or collect condensation.
When you begin your journey with ODC Glass, you’ll find weather performance is right at the top of any discussion with our design team. Our wide range of products, over six sliding door systems and five types of bi-folding doors, plus a choice of slimline and standard aluminium windows, have been developed to suit all styles of homes and perform in different locations.
However, all our products meet the exacting standards for weather performance set by Building Regulations within the UK. They have been independently tested and certified to ensure they perform in challenging weather conditions over time.
A cliff-top home with super-insulated windows and a superb view
What gives aluminium doors and windows the best weather performance?
When we create door and window specifications for your project, we include components and features we know will ensure your glazing performs in all weathers. These will include:
- Wind load and resistance
- Thermal performance
- Air permeability
- Water resistance
Wind Loading for Architectural Glazing
Wind loading is the technical term for the degree of wind pressure that glass within an aluminium door or window frame must be able to resist.
When calculating wind resistance, our designers take into account the dimensions of the glazing, its position in relation to other structures, (Is it facing the prevailing winds, for example?) and the geographical location of the building. Local wind speeds and gusts matter as wind can damage architectural glazing; a Welsh clifftop house will be exposed to very different wind speeds and pressure to a terraced house in the London suburbs.
ODC designers are experts at designing architectural glazing for wind loading and know which variables need to be calculated. They will refer to Building Regulations Approved Document A details which dictates the maximum height of your new home depending on its location and average wind speeds in the area.
Thermal Performance for Architectural Glazing
Thermal performance is an essential calculation for your new build, extension or renovation, and is a highly technical aspect of architectural glazing design. When calculated accurately, glazing with the right thermal performance plays a central part in maintaining your home’s comfortable living and working temperatures.
Glazing for new builds has slightly different standards to those for glass extensions. Highly glazed structures, with more than 25% glazing need specific calculations. Replacement glazing and glass conservatories again have their requirements for thermal performance. And there are exemptions if you live in a listed house or within a conservation area.
Building Regulations Approved Document L Volume 1 Uw values for glazing on new build houses and extensions
| Windows, roof windows and curtain walling | Uw value 1.4 W/m2K |
| Rooflights* | Uw value 2.2 W/m2K |
| Glazed doors (over 60% glazed on internal face) | Uw value 1.4 W/m2K |
| External fire door sets | Uw value 1.8 W/m2K |
ODC designers have expertise in calculating thermal performance and can advise on achieving optimal temperatures throughout your home.
A beachfront home prepared for the elements in every season
Window and Door Air Permeability
ODC doors and windows are engineered, constructed and sealed to prevent airflow through the systems when closed. This ensures maximum comfort inside and stops heat from escaping to the outside.
The European Standard for Air Permeability in windows and doors is EN 12207, and the benchmark for our door and window designs. They are tested in laboratory settings by licensed testing facilities where they are graded for air permeability against these standards.
Water resistance in sliding doors and windows
Water resistance is important; it stops water ingress, rusting and general system failure. When systems are tested for wind resistance and air permeability, they are also exposed to heavy rain simulations to ensure seals, thresholds and joints all withstand extreme wet weather. When designing glazing for buildings in exposed locations, our designers select systems with higher specifications that they know can withstand these types of conditions regularly.
ODC300 sliding systems perfect for this Dorset home overlooking Studland Bay
ODC Glass systems quality standards
We provide data sheets which explain how each specific system will perform in a variety of environments.
In this ODC quick read, you can read more about glazing with solar control and glazing to achieve passive solar heating.
We welcome visits and factory tours so you can see the quality components and processes that result in exceptional high performance UK-manufactured glazing.
