Industry Insights
Practical window and door Q&A for Australian projects.
Short answers on standards, glazing, energy performance, screens and project decisions, backed by selected industry sources and SMIRO project context.
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Understanding Window U-value
U-value measures how readily a window conducts heat, indicating the rate of non-solar heat loss or gain through the entire window assembly, including glass, frame, and seals. A lower U-value signifies greater resistance to heat flow, meaning better insulation and improved energy efficiency. This 'whole window value' is crucial for meeting National Construction Code (NCC) compliance and selecting appropriate windows for Australia's diverse climates.
AS 2047: Australian Window & Door Standard
AS 2047 is the Australian Standard for "Window and external glazed doors in buildings", setting mandatory minimum specifications for products used in Australia. It covers materials, construction, testing, installation, and glazing, ensuring compliance with performance criteria for structural integrity, air infiltration, and water penetration resistance. Adherence to AS 2047 is crucial for meeting National Construction Code (NCC) requirements for building projects.
Understanding Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measures how readily solar heat passes through an entire window or door system, including both the glass and frame. Expressed as a decimal between 0 and 1, a lower SHGC indicates less solar heat transmission, which is generally optimal for cooling-dominated climates, while a higher SHGC can be desirable in heating-dominated regions. This 'whole window value' is critical for NCC compliance and WERS ratings, influencing a building's overall energy performance and specification decisions.
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