Performance Requirements
Thermal Insulation: The climate in the UK is changeable. Winters are quite cold, and there are occasionally hot days in summer. Therefore, doors and windows need to have good thermal insulation performance to reduce the heat loss indoors and the heat influx from outdoors, and to lower the energy consumption for heating and cooling. For example, broken bridge aluminum profiles can be used, and the thermal insulation strip in the middle can cut off the cold and heat bridge; three-layer insulating glass can be configured, and some can also use Low-E coating technology and fill with inert gas, which can effectively enhance the thermal insulation effect. Thermal insulation performance is a rigid demand because customers have a rigid need for thermal insulation. In winter and summer, air conditioning and heating are used alternately, so the interior must have good airtightness, and there are high requirements for the thermal insulation of doors and windows.
Sound Insulation and Noise Reduction: For houses facing the street or in noisy environments, residents hope that doors and windows can effectively isolate external noises, such as the sound of traffic and wind and rain, to create a quiet and comfortable indoor environment. For example, insulating laminated glass has a PVB adhesive layer that can absorb high-frequency noise. When combined with a three-layer glass structure, it can isolate traffic noise above 60dB. Another requirement for doors and windows is that sound insulation and noise reduction are very important. Because the sounds of horns on the street and the hustle and bustle of traffic are very noisy, such sound-insulating doors and windows can provide good sound insulation.
Sealing and Waterproofing: The UK often has windy and rainy weather, so doors and windows need to have good sealing performance to prevent rainwater leakage and cold air backflow. High-quality doors and windows will use automotive-grade sealing strips, and some high-end doors and windows will also adopt the glue injection process to ensure that there is no air leakage and water seepage for a long time.
Safety and Sturdiness: The UK sometimes faces harsh weather such as strong winds. Therefore, doors and windows need to have sufficient strength and stability, be able to withstand large wind pressure, and not be easily deformed or damaged. At the same time, to ensure family safety, doors and windows also need to have good anti-theft performance. For example, thickened profiles and high-quality hardware accessories can be used, and some doors and windows will also comply with relevant safety standards and certifications.
Appearance Requirements
Style Matching: There are various architectural styles in the UK, including traditional Victorian style, Tudor style, and modern minimalist style. Customized doors and windows need to be integrated with the overall architectural style. For example, for traditional-style buildings, doors and windows with wooden or imitation wooden exteriors and decorative lines may be suitable; modern-style buildings tend to prefer doors and windows with minimalist narrow frame designs and large glass areas to achieve a large lighting surface.
Color and Texture: Aluminum alloy doors and windows can usually be surface-treated by powder spraying, fluorocarbon spraying, etc., providing a rich selection of colors and different textures, such as matte and glossy finishes, to meet customers’ personalized needs for the appearance color and texture of doors and windows, and to make them coordinate with the architectural appearance and interior decoration.
Specification and Size Requirements
Accurate Measurement: The walls of old houses in the UK are often irregular. Therefore, a professional measurement team is required to conduct accurate measurements to ensure that the size of doors and windows precisely matches the building structure and avoid problems such as installation gaps. For some special-shaped windows, such as round and arched windows, precise measurement and customized production are also required.
Meeting Special Requirements: According to the functions and usage requirements of different rooms, there may be some special specifications for doors and windows. For example, higher floor-to-ceiling windows can be used in the living room to increase lighting and the view; smaller windows can be used in the bathroom to ensure privacy and ventilation.
Regulatory and Certification Requirements
UK Standard Certification: Products need to comply with a series of UK standard regulations, such as BS 644 (Standard for Factory-Assembled Windows) and BS 6375 (Performance Standard for Windows, including wind resistance, waterproofing, etc.). In addition, a UKCA mark is required, indicating that the product meets the manufacturing requirements for sale in the UK, replacing the previous CE mark.
Safety and Ventilation Standards: Doors and windows need to comply with fire safety standards, such as maintaining a certain degree of integrity and thermal insulation in case of a fire. At the same time, ventilation requirements need to be met to ensure indoor air quality. In addition, safety requirements such as preventing people from falling, colliding, and being impacted need to be considered, especially for windows and glass doors on lower floors.
Safety Certification: Safety-related certifications, such as PAS 24:2022, involve the safety performance of doors and windows and demonstrate enhanced safety functions related to UK regulations and the “Secured by Design” program. If installed by installers certified by FENSA (Window and Door Self-Assessment Scheme), it can ensure that the installation of doors and windows complies with building regulations.
Hardware Accessories Requirements
Quality and Durability: Hardware accessories such as hinges, handles, and locks need to have high quality and good durability, and be able to withstand frequent use and long-term opening and closing operations. Common high-quality brands include Roto and Siegenia from Germany. The hardware accessories of these brands operate smoothly and have a long service life. Quality should be emphasized because only products of excellent quality can circulate in the market. Moreover, customers themselves will require the selection of high-quality products. High quality means a long service life and sturdiness.
Functionality: According to the opening methods and usage requirements of doors and windows, hardware accessories need to provide corresponding functions, such as smooth sliding and (swinging open) functions, as well as reliable locking functions to ensure the safety and convenience of using doors and windows. In the use of doors and windows, functionality is a basic requirement because the functionality of doors and windows is mainly for anti-theft and ensuring home safety.