All new windows and doors fitted by 4Ever Windows comply with Part L Building Regulations, to archive this we use Pilkington K Glass low emissivity glass (low E). Pilkington K Glass usually forms the inner pane of a double glazing unit, and has a special low E coating which is a good reflector of long wave radiation (heat). This allows less heat to escape through your windows, because it reflects heat from fires and radiators back into your home. At the same time Pilkington K Glass lets the sun’s heat through your window contributing to its energy efficiency. This free heat from the sun is known as passive solar gain and Pilkington K Glass offers the UK’s leading, performance in this aspect. So whilst offering positive benefits for the environment, this also has great benefits for you such as:

 

Save on your heating bills
KGlass not only saves energy and vital natural resources, but also saves you money over the long term. Its unique properties and superior insulation keep your home warmer, which means you can run your heating system for a shorter period and still remain just as comfortable – thus saving on your heating bill.

Eliminates cold spots and condensation
Whereas ordinary glass offers poor insulation, with uncomfortable cold spots close to windows, insulating glass units (IGUs) incorporating Pilkington KGlass offer a total solution. By making the inner pane of your window much warmer, cold spots are eliminated – giving you more usable floor space. And because it’s warmer, the glass reduces the internal condensation, which is normally produced when warm, moist air comes into contact with a cold surface, such as conventional glass. 

Perfect for conservatories
It is the ideal choice for a conservatory too –as thousands of satisfied customers can testify. Better insulation and no cold spots mean it will typically keep an unheated conservatory comfortable for a greater part of the year than ordinary double glazing – so you can make the most of your conservatory all year round. The glass can also be toughened to provide impact safety, laminated for additional security and impact safety or combined in an insulating glass unit with other products such as Pilkington Activ self-cleaning glass.

A neutral appearance
Pilkington KGlass has high light transmission and appears virtually the same as clear float glass. In certain circumstances, all low emissivity coatings may produce transient visual effects. In oblique lighting the coating may look like a transparent film or produce a haze, i.e. a cloudy look to the surface. When light coloured objects such as net curtains are placed close to the glazing they will look slightly darker.

Why Low E glass required under the Part L building regulations
To help reduce the amount harmful greenhouse gases as required under the Kyoto agreement, the Government has committed to reduce the amount of these gases the UK produces. One way has been through stricter Building Regulations concerning energy efficiency. ‘Low emissivity’ (low E) glass such as Pilkington KGlass is designed to reflect heat back into a building, greatly improving its thermal efficiency and also maximising the use of the available heat from the sun, thereby helping to meet these new regulations.

When investing in replacement windows, low emissivity glass, K-Glass is recognised by the Energy Saving Trust as significantly reducing heat loss. It can help windows achieve the Window Energy Rating level C that they need to obtain Energy Saving Recommended status. Energy Efficiency is an Energy Saving Trust Initiative backed by Government