Glass for windows and sunrooms

Introduction
There are now many high tech glass units available, with careful choice and research these stunning new ranges of ‘coated’ smart glass give user comfort in windows and conservatories. Glass that keeps homes cool in summer and warm in winter, whilst offering other benefits such as minimal maintenance, Real self cleaning and much more besides.
Impressive technological features combined with a subtle blue, clear or bronze tints in the glass helps ensure that unwanted glare is kept to a minimum allowing for all year round enjoyment of the conservatory. Other features mean heat from inside the home is reflected back into the property, whilst excessive solar heat is deflected away. Franklin Solartech is one of the few glazings on the market to offer this unique combination of heat reflection and thermal insulation. All glass products are not the same!
Glass Temperatures

Year-round thermal comfort is a result of warm glass temperatures in the winter, cool glass temperatures in the winter, cool glass temperatures in the summer, and the blockage of oppressive solar heat gains.
Solar Blockage - 68% means 68% of solar heat is reflected off the roof, a lower reflective glass is often put in the frames to maximize winter heat gain.
The units do not have a mirror effect as you might expect.
Lower reflective units are available according to your needs.

Thermal insulation

In an age where energy efficiency is paramount, our product outperforms standard glass units by 50%, thereby reducing potentially expensive heating bills. The U-value is an impressive 1.1. Reducing your heating bills dramatically. It will mean the difference of either using your room or not on colder days.

Light Transmission

Solartech offers the best combination of aesthetic appeal along with performance and occupant comfort. Franklin select the best unit for your requirements ie location, shading requirements and reduced light in attached rooms.
Visible light transmittance
Clear = 74% meaning more light into room
Tints = 50 - 55%

Sound Reduction

Dramatically improved sound reduction compared to 1″ polycarbonate. Using the natural properties of glass, double glazing and gas filling make this dramatic reduction possible.

Wooden Windows

Introduction
Timber is one of the oldest materials used in construction, lately there has been strong growth in the window, door and conservatory market, this is likely due to a strong desire by most people to avoid uPVC, it has not proved to be the everlasting product promised in earlier years. Franklin use hardwood on a daily basis from renewable sources. This is used mainly to fabricate windows, doors and conservatories with an Aluminium exterior (see fact sheet 14) Franklin however use solid hardwood frames use on listed buildings where other materials have been rejected by the local conservation team, or the client requests this. There are good reasons for its use and some negatives in terms of maintenance. Using modern micro porous paints can limit the regularity of such maintenance and protect pressure treated hardwoods well.

Material Properties
• Very versatile and can be moulded to most shapes
• Can be painted any colour or stained various shades
• Light hardwoods very much in vogue
• Modern locking and hinge systems can be incorporated
• Pressure treating protects for around 20 years
• Renewable sourcing is environmentally friendly
• Traditional product for older buildings

Aluminium Windows

Introduction
Aluminium has always been the preferred choice in the commercial sectors and is specified by most architects, its strength, lightness, durability, environmental friendliness and availability make it an obvious choice for shop fronts, car bodies and patent glazing along with many other uses. Its ability to cope with heat means it can be powdercoated. This coating is one of the most economical, longest lasting and durable finishes available. It is more resistant to chipping, scratching, fading and wearing than any other finish. Colour selection is virtually unlimited with high and low gloss, metallic and clear finishes available.

Material Properties
• Very environmentally friendly and very recyclable
• 28 times stronger than uPVC and 3 times life expectancy
• Increased security
• Limited expansion and contraction due to weather, leading to longer life and comfort
• Unlike uPVC air pollution or UV light does not damage surface coating
• A choice of over 1700 colours
• 15 – 25 year guarantee on adhesion and colourfastness depending on colour and gloss content
• Aluminium extrusions conform to BS EN 755-9
• Powder coating conforms to BS 6496
• Thermally broken to prevent condensation and increase thermal performance