Richard Williams of FMB partner, VELUX spoke to delegates about how his company’s products can help FMB members take full advantage of the retrofit market.
The message that the Government has set a steep target for a reduction in CO² emissions by 2050 is something we all know and we also acknowledge that part of this reduction will be down to the construction industry. 20 percent of the current housing stock was built before World War I and this stock accounts for a vast proportion of CO² emissions. Retrofitting the stock with appropriate insulation, windows and new technology will help, but there is an increased public concern with all environmental issues so as a manufacturer, VELUX has to keep ahead of the game. Daylight is free so let it in! The more daylight we use the less power we consume for lighting. Of course we can’t go without lighting completely – imagine 4.00pm on a winter afternoon without it!
VELUX is a company whose values are built on daylight, fresh air, and quality of life and creating healthy places to live and work. For us, sustainability influences everything we do. Our windows are designed to keep heat loss to a minimum, to make the most of solar thermal gain and let in natural daylight and fresh air. Used on their own, or in tandem with our new solar hot water systems, they can play a key role in helping your customers reduce their fuel bills and CO² emissions.
Installation
If you are replacing a standard roof window for example, VELUX electric and solar powered roof windows are ideal for out-of-reach situations. They are easy to install and come with a pre-installed, hidden motor. Electric and solar powered roof windows come with a fully programmable remote control which uses a secure radio frequency to operate individual or groups of roof windows, blinds and roller shutters from anywhere in the building. When specifying VELUX products it’s important to consider first the orientation of the building so the choice of windows may mean double glazed units on a south facing elevation but triple glazed units on an elevation facing north to take advantage of passive solar gain. When placing units you should also consider ventilation, houses now are designed to maintain a constant temperature, so with extensions, conservatories and sun rooms the size of the unit is a major consideration as well. Internal and external sun screen products are available which can be operated remotely and automatically as the sun moves round.
These products all help with the overall running costs of a home and the energy efficiency of the building as a whole.
VELUX is beginning to tackle the flat roof market and can now offer a double-glazed, insulated polycarbonate cover which adapts very well to the industrial market.
Training
To help keep you up to date with new VELUX products and developments, as well as providing installation skills, VELUX offers a training package designed to boost both the image and profitability of your company.
The training is offered in one or two day courses at the VELUX Academy in either Kettering or Glenrothes and includes sections on the entire VELUX product range as well as practical sessions on installing products into various roofing materials.
Our aim is to offer you an opportunity to improve your knowledge, confidence and ability with VELUX products. Installation time can be reduced whilst quality is improved, thus increasing the professionalism and profitability of each installation.
The training is focused on the practical use and installation of VELUX products with a link to the requirements of the Building Regulations and offers solutions utilising various products including GPL windows, BFX underfelt collars and lining systems.
Once training has been completed you will receive a diploma in your name and that of the company. This diploma will further enhance your company’s image with prospective customers.
