What is BS EN 1279-1 to 6 Glass in Building – Insulating Glass Units?
BS EN 1279-1 is a part of BS EN 1279 series of European standards that provide specifications and testing methods for insulating glass units, which are commonly used in buildings to improve thermal insulation and also energy efficiency.
The different parts of BS EN 1279 cover various aspects of insulating glass units, including:
- BS EN 1279-1: Generalities, definitions, and requirements – This part provides general information, definitions, and essential requirements for insulating glass units.
- BS EN 1279-2: Long-term test method and requirements for moisture penetration – This standard specifies a long-term test method to assess the moisture penetration resistance of IGUs.
- BS EN 1279-3: Test method for gas leakage rate and for gas concentration tolerances – This part outlines the testing procedures for determining the gas leakage rate and gas concentration tolerances in IGUs.
- BS EN 1279-4: Methods of test for the physical attributes of IGUs – This standard covers various physical tests, including dimensions, edge seal durability, and mechanical strength of insulating glass units.
- BS EN 1279-5: Evaluation of conformity – This part deals with the evaluation of conformity to the requirements outlined in the previous standards of the series.
- BS EN 1279-6: Factory production control and periodic tests – This standard specifies the requirements for factory production control and periodic testing of IGUs to ensure consistent quality and performance.
These standards are part of the European harmonized system, aiming to establish common requirements and testing methods for insulating glass units to ensure safety, reliability, and quality across different European countries. Manufacturers, suppliers, and users of insulating glass units refer to these standards to ensure compliance with the specified requirements and to maintain the desired performance levels of the products.
Requirements of BS EN 1279 Glass in Building
Here are some of the key requirements from each part of the standard:
- BS EN 1279-1: Generalities, Definitions, and Requirements
- The standard defines terms related to IGUs, such as insulating glass, primary seal, secondary seal, desiccant, and edge seal.
- It specifies requirements for the constituent materials used in IGUs, including glass panes, edge sealants, and desiccants.
- The standard provides guidelines for edge clearance, gas filling, and desiccant filling during the assembly of IGUs.
- It establishes the minimum requirements for the mechanical properties of the glass and edge seal durability.
- BS EN 1279-2: Long-term Test method and requirements for Moisture Penetration
- This part outlines the long-term test method to assess the moisture penetration resistance of the IGUs.
- It sets specific requirements for the IGUs’ resistance to moisture penetration over an extended period.
- BS EN 1279-3: Test method for Gas leakage rate and for Gas Concentration Tolerances
- The standard defines test procedures to determine the gas leakage rate from IGUs.
- It specifies tolerances for the gas concentration inside the IGUs.
- BS EN 1279-4: Methods of test for the Physical Attributes of IGUs
- This part covers various physical tests to evaluate the performance of IGUs.
- It includes tests for dimensions, visual quality, mechanical strength, resistance to temperature changes, and edge seal durability.
- BS EN 1279-5: Evaluation of Conformity
- The standard provides guidance on how to evaluate the conformity of IGUs to the requirements specified in the previous parts of the standard.
- It outlines the documentation and information required for conformity evaluation.
- BS EN 1279-6: Factory Production control and Periodic Tests
- This part specifies requirements for the factory production control of IGUs.
- It outlines the procedures and frequency of periodic tests to ensure ongoing compliance with the standard.
Furthermore, complying with these requirements is essential for manufacturers, suppliers, and users of IGUs to ensure that the products meet the necessary safety, quality, and performance standards. Adhering to the standard helps to enhance the energy efficiency, thermal insulation, and overall reliability of insulating glass units used in buildings.
Benefits of BS EN 1279-Glass in Building
- Enhanced Energy Efficiency: IGUs are designed to improve the thermal insulation of buildings, reducing heat transfer through windows. Compliance with the standard ensures that IGUs meet specific requirements for edge seals, gas filling, and overall construction, maximizing energy efficiency and reducing heating and cooling costs.
- Improved Comfort: Buildings equipped with IGUs that meet the standard’s requirements offer improved indoor comfort by minimizing temperature fluctuations near windows. Which also results in a more stable and pleasant indoor environment.
- Condensation Control: Properly manufactured and sealed IGUs help control condensation on glass surfaces, reducing the risk of mold growth and potential damage to building materials.
- Enhanced Sound Insulation: IGUs can significantly reduce external noise transmission into the building, providing occupants with a quieter and more peaceful indoor environment.
- Compliance with Safety Standards: The standard ensures that IGUs meet specific mechanical strength requirements and other safety criteria, reducing the risk of breakage and potential harm to occupants.
- Durability and Longevity: Adhering to the standard’s requirements ensures the use of high-quality materials and proper manufacturing processes, leading to IGUs with improved durability as well as longer service life.
- Quality Assurance: Compliance with the standard involves rigorous testing and evaluation procedures. This leads to consistent quality across different batches of IGUs, giving confidence to consumers and users in the product’s performance.
- Regulatory Compliance: In many regions, compliance with the standard may be a legal requirement for manufacturers and suppliers of building materials. Considering to implement the standard helps businesses ensure they are compliant with relevant regulations and also building codes.
- Environmental Benefits: IGUs that meet the standard’s energy efficiency requirements can contribute to reduced energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and a smaller carbon footprint for buildings.
- Building Certification and Rating Systems: Many building certification and rating systems, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), recognize and reward the use of energy-efficient and high-performance building materials, including compliant IGUs.
Overall, adherence to BS EN 1279 helps promote sustainable and energy-efficient building practices, leading to improved building performance and a positive impact on the environment and occupants.
Who needs BS EN 1279 Glass in Building?
BS EN 1279 is relevant to various stakeholders involved in the production, supply, and use of insulating glass units in the building industry.
The following groups of people and organizations typically need to consider this standard:
- Manufacturers of Insulating Glass Units: Companies or factories involved in the production of insulating glass units also must adhere to the requirements outlined in BS EN 1279-1 to 6. Compliance with the standard ensures that the IGUs meet specific quality, performance, and safety standards.
- Suppliers and Distributors: Suppliers and distributors of insulating glass units need to ensure that the products they offer to customers meet the requirements of the standard. This ensures that the IGUs are of high quality and deliver the intended performance benefits.
- Construction Companies and Contractors: Builders and contractors who incorporate insulating glass units into their construction projects should specify and use IGUs that comply with the standard. This ensures that the buildings have energy-efficient as well as high-performance windows.
- Architects and Building Designers: Professionals involved in building design, such as architects and building designers, may specify the use of insulating glass units in their plans to meet specific energy efficiency and thermal comfort requirements. Compliance with the standard ensures that the specified IGUs meet the necessary criteria.
- Building Owners and Facility Managers: Building owners and facility managers who are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of buildings benefit from IGUs that meet the standard’s requirements. These units offer enhanced energy efficiency, which can lead to cost savings in heating as well as cooling expenses.
- Regulatory Authorities and Building Inspectors: Regulatory authorities and building inspectors may refer to BS EN 1279-1 to 6 when assessing the compliance of construction materials with relevant building codes and regulations.
- Certification and Rating Systems: Building certification and rating systems, such as LEED and BREEAM, often require the use of energy-efficient building materials. Compliance with the standard can support the achievement of higher ratings and certifications.
Therefore, It is important to note that the specific application of the standard may vary depending on regional regulations and market practices. In the European Union and countries that adopt European standards, BS EN 1279-1 to 6 is widely recognized as a benchmark for insulating glass units used in buildings.
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