Passive House windows are not like the typical windows that we are used to in Australia. They require double glazing and sometimes triple glazing, and they open and close in different ways.

Glass windows and doors are an integral part of building design, functionality and energy efficiency and they always take a large portion of the budget. So it's critical to know what you're working with before you get started.

In today's episode, I talk to Paul Gerrard, the owner of Energy Efficient Windows, about the uPVC windows he manufactures for Passive Houses and high performance homes all around Australia. You'll learn:

• The different window and door types that can be used in a Passive House,
• The answers to your questions about UPVC window frames,
• Plus heaps of other practical info to help you understand how windows work in a Passive House.

Australian Architects can claim formal CPD hours for these podcasts.

MORE INFORMATION

Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website.

www.renovationcollaborative.com.au

• PODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource links
• FREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A.
• CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and
• COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process.

KEY POINTS SUMMARY

1. Passive House windows are different to the typical windows that we're used to in Australia. The main Passive House options are tilt and turn windows, lift and slide doors and hinged swing doors. These opening types comply with the airtight requirements. They lock the entire perimeter of the window and really compress the seals.

2. Passive House windows need to be double or triple glazed. The option that's correct for your climate zone will be determined through your PHPP calculations.

3. The window frame material is also part of the window energy equation, not just the window glass. It needs to be insulated and airtight and thermal bridge free, meaning that the heat energy can't transfer through the window frame from inside to out, or outside to in.

4. uPVC windows are the most cost effective Passive House window option. Other options include timber thermally broken aluminium and timber aluminium composite.

5. The window brand and type you choose doesn't need to be a certified component through the German Passive House Institute. As long as the required data on the window glass and the frames is available, the PHPP calculations can be balanced with everything else in the house to achieve the Passive House standard.

6. A few facts about uPVC windows:

• uPVC doesn't off gas like a vinyl floor.
• It has a very long lifespan.
• It won't break down in the sun because it contains a special tropical mix for the hot Australian climate.
• It's 100% recyclable in bushfire areas,
• It can go up to BAL40 in bushfire zones and
• It's unaffected by coastal salt air environments.

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

00:00 Introduction

01:06 Can you give us some background about Energy Efficient Windows?

01:43 What types of windows do you manufacture at EE Windows?

02:41 How are Passive House Windows different to standard windows?

03:45 What types of window can be used in a high performance building?

04:28 What are the challenges of installing triple glazing?

06:00 Do flyscreens get used on Passive Houses?

06:34 How does uPVC affect heat transfer through the frame?

09:19 Does the brand of Passive House windows you select have to be a certified component?

10:36 Can you tell me more about uPVC?

14:50 Can you provide any advice on Passive House window installation?

17:51 How does the cost of uPVC Passive House windows compare?

20:12 Are there any other concerns with uPVC windows?

IN THE NEXT EPISODE

Next week I speak to very experienced Passive House builder Matthew Carland from Carland Constructions in Melbourne.

Matthew shares his insider knowledge about what happens on site while constructing a Passive House. Plus you'll hear heaps of other insights based on Matthew's years of experience.

RESOURCE LINKS

Energy Efficient Windows

Paul Gerrard www.eewindows.com.au

International Passive House Association

www.passivehouse-international.org/

Certified Components Database www.database.passivehouse.com/en/components/

Australian Passive House Association

www.passivhausassociation.com.au/

GET IN TOUCH

If you've got any comments or questions or there's any topic you'd like to know more about, please send me an email at [email protected].