Pultruded fibreglass by Sovereign Windows & Doors
In an Australian first, Sovereign Windows recently launched a range of
high performance windows with pultruded fibre glass frames. The new range offers
cutting-edge solutions to the ever increasing issues of energy conservation and noise.
Colin Bath, Executive Director of Sovereign Windows, talks more about this revolutionary
method of producing window frames.
"First Patented in 1946 and further refined in the 1980's to an architectural specification,
'pultrusion' refers to the process used to manufacture composite materials. With access to
this patented technology and after several years of international installation, Sovereign
Windows now offers Australians the chance to benefit from these latest advances in window
technology.
"Sovereign series windows have been incorporated into projects from above the Artic circle
to the blazing heat of the sub-Sahara," Colin said, "...so we have a track record at meeting
the energy demands of differing climates and environments. As Australia has its own weather
extremes, this places us in a good position to develop products specifically for the
Australian market".
The pultrusion process involves two forms of continuous fibre glass reinforcements (roving
and mat), which are impregnated with a resin. They are then drawn into a heated die that
polymerizes the resin and determines the cross-sectional shape and finish of the final
product.
The resulting product, 70% glass profile, is so strong that it is load bearing like aluminium
and timber, and is not susceptible to thermal distortion or UV light. Therefore, larger
windows and glazing screens can be produced without the thermal disadvantages of the traditional
window.
"Pultrusion brings high performance space-age composites within the reach of the Australian
home", says Colin Bath, "...and because of the high glass content of the frame, Australian home
owners can now experience a 'glass on glass' effect enjoyed by so many home owners around
the world."
Benefits of the new range include:
- Increased home resale value due to the lower energy costs and aesthetic appearance.
- Smooth operation and prolonged life expectancy due to the lack of stress on hardware mechanisms. A 15 year guarantee is offered for the frame.
- Maximised sunlight and viewing area, while maintaining the classic window design.
- No need for metal reinforcement which could diminish energy efficiency and introduce rust or corrosion making Sovereign Windows ideal for coastal areas.
- The ability to design large window units without compromising load conditions.
- High levels of wind load resistance to meet extreme weather conditions.
- Greater resistance to forced entry and increased security.
- Lower installation costs as our windows do not require on-site painting.
Pultruded fibre glass has been incorporated into window design for over 20 years in many
countries, the full potential of this leading material is now recognised world wide.
"All our products have been tested to the applicable Australian standards AS2047 for wind load,
water and air infiltration together with deflection under load," Colin confirms. "The glass
also meets AS1288 standards and is locally sourced. A 5 star WERS rating is also a feature of
our windows."
As a member of the Australian Windows Association (AWA) Sovereign Windows is helping to advance
the quality and performance of windows and doors in Australia.
More About WERS:
With funding and support from the Australian Greenhouse Office, the Australian Window Association
(AWA) developed the Window Energy Rating Scheme (WERS). Independent of any one manufacturer or
industry group, WERS acts as a simple, fair and credible way of testing the performance claims
of windows.
WERS incorporates the percentage improvement that the window product provides (compared to a
typical window) in heating or cooling climates. Similar to the system used for white goods, a
star system easily identifies a particular window's energy rating.
WERS is the only energy rating scheme that is supported by the Australian Greenhouse Office and
takes into account the whole window system, i.e. the seal and frame as well as the glass.
For further information on WERS visit www.wers.net or www.awa.org.au, or contact the AWA by phone
on 02 9498 2768 or via email at info@awa.org.au.
For further information contact:
Sovereign Windows & Doors
phone: (02) 9630 8190
fax: (02) 9890 7133
web: www.sovereignwindows.com.au
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