Useful Information about Architectural Glazing
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What is ventilative cooling?
Ventilative cooling is a natural or mechanical cooling strategy that utilizes outdoor air to remove heat from a building or a space. It is a sustainable and cost-effective cooling technique that works in temperate or mild regions.
Exchanging heated indoor air for cooler exterior air is the foundation of the ventilative cooling theory. In order to reduce the temperature and produce a comfortable climate, air must be moved through a structure or area. Ventilation can be mechanically aided by fans or ventilation systems, or it can happen naturally through windows, doors, or other openings.
Architects factor in heating, cooling and ventilation from the outset of a project, creating intelligent, sustainable buildings using thermal mass as a design strategy.
What are glass rooflights?
Glass rooflights are architectural fixtures built into the roof or ceiling to let natural light into the area below. They are often made of glass or other glazing materials, and they are built to be waterproof and sturdy.
Glass rooflights are available in a variety of sizes and designs, from small skylights to large roof windows or light wells. Depending on the required level of ventilation and access to the outside, they may be fixed or moveable. Operable glass rooflights may have sliding or hinged opening and closing mechanisms.
The tangible benefits of ventilative cooling with glass rooflights
In today's post pandemic world, more people have opted for hybrid working sharing their time between office and working from home. To enhance productivity, air quality within the home is key. This can be improved tenfold using glass rooflights as part of your ventilative cooling strategy for your building design.
Properly designed, glass rooflights can be combined with other natural ventilation methods to facilitate the movement of air through a building. This helps remove heat buildup and enhance thermal comfort, particularly in spaces prone to solar gain. Ventilative cooling techniques can reduce the reliance on mechanical heating cooling and ventilation systems, thus saving energy and reducing environmental impact. In addition to being good for human health, improved air quality is also good for the environment. By lowering greenhouse gas emissions and supporting sustainable practices, it can assist in preventing climate change. Clean air also promotes ecosystems and preserves biodiversity.
Glass rooflights also offer occupants a visual connection to the sky and the outdoors. This connection with nature can have positive psychological effects, such as reducing stress and increasing productivity. It also enhances the aesthetic appeal of interior spaces, making them more inviting and visually pleasing, all of which help to create happier living and working environments.
Important considerations when choosing glass rooflights for ventilative cooling
When considering the installation of glass rooflights, it is important to ensure design and placement to maximise their effectiveness. Factors such as orientation, size and glazing properties should be carefully considered to optimise daylight while reducing potential drawbacks, such as excessive heat gain or glare. C
Opening glass rooflights offer the best ventilative cooling and are designed to provide both natural light and ventilation. They can be manually or electronically operated and can be hinged along one side or have a central pivot.
Consulting with an architect or a building professional experienced in sustainable design can help ensure the best results.
Our dedicated technical designers at IQ Glass are on hand to advise on glass rooflights for ventilative cooling and will weigh up all the considerations to deliver the best possible outcome for a more sustainable and energy-efficient design.
Interested in learning more about sustainability in glazing? Download our new Sustainability e-Book here
Working on a project with glazing requirements? Contact us today on 01494 722880 or email: hello@iqglassuk.com