What is Solar Gain?

Filed under: CaseStudies,CaseStudies,CaseStudies,CaseStudies,Commercial,Contract,Production,Trade — Posted by Matthew Garnett on June 16, 2011 at 2:27 pm

It is said that often specifiers, architects, engineers, facilities managers, homeowners etc do not understand the fundamental processes of why buildings get hot and therefore cannot make the link as how awnings, blinds and shutters could reduce the amount of energy required by buildings.

So here is the explanation for you to use. One simple, (6B) and one more complex, (6C) dependant on audience.

Guidance Note 6B

To understand the need for shading we need to understand how the Sun’s rays work. The Sun is constantly flooding the Earth with its energy. The amount of energy reaching the surface can vary due to cloud cover and absorption in the atmosphere. However, even though the Sun’s energy is changing we require a relatively constant and therefore comfortable temperature inside our buildings. This constant internal temperature can be achieved through mechanical heating and cooling, using insulation in the roof and walls and also through shading. Shading can help to lower the energy cost required to achieve a comfortable environment within our buildings.

The Sun & Solar Radiation

1. The Sun’s rays enter the Earth’s atmosphere as shortwave radiation.

2. Some of the radiation is reflected by the atmosphere and by the Earth’s surface.

3. At the same time the Earth’s surface absorbs some of the radiation and re-radiates it as heat at a longer wavelength.

4. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere such as carbon dioxide absorb additional radiation and it becomes trapped within the Earth’s atmosphere. The Earth becomes hotter as a result.

Incoming solar radiation is made up of three main bands: UV radiation, visible light and IR radiation. The Earth’s atmosphere absorbs a large proportion of the incoming UV and IR radiation before it even reaches the surface. The radiation that reaches the Earth’s surface is predominantly visible light with only 5% being UV.

*nanometer – is a length of measure equal to one billionth of a meter.

Solar Radiation Entering Buildings

Glass allows visible light (shortwave) and shortwave infrared radiation to pass through into a building. The glass reflects some of the shortwave radiation back to the atmosphere however a large percentage is transmitted into the building. For single glazing, around 87% of the energy hitting the window is transmitted to the inside. 

Once the radiation is in the building it is then absorbed by objects such as walls, floors, chairs, desks, people etc. These objects are all constantly absorbing and radiating energy. The absorbed shortwave radiation changes to heat (longwave radiation). This occurs by the shortwave being readily absorbed by objects and then re-radiated at a longer wavelength. (more…)

James Robertshaw – Walking For Charity!!

Filed under: CaseStudies,CaseStudies,CaseStudies,CaseStudies,Commercial,Contract,Production,Trade,Uncategorized — Posted by Matthew Garnett on June 13, 2011 at 4:54 pm

Part of the managment team of James Robertshaw will be attending The Manchester Midnight Walk, which takes place on Saturday 25 June from Manchester Central and follows a 10km route around the city centre, on behalf of St Ann’s Hospice charity. With an exciting birthday vibe and plenty of entertainment planned throughout the evening, it really will be a night to remember.

St Ann’s Hospice cares and helps around 3,000 patients (over the age of 16) and their families and carers every year who are affected by cancer and non-cancer life limiting illnesses. They deliver care that is special and unique to each individual person. Around 40% of inpatients at St Ann’s Hospice return home after treatment.

Where do they care?

St Ann’s Hospice provides care on 3 sites and in people’s own homes, working in partnership with acute hospitals, primary care trusts, community services and voluntary organisations.

When do they care? Many of St Ann’s services are provided 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Who provides the care? St Ann’s services are provided by specialist staff. We employ around 400 members of staff and are helped by around 800 volunteers.

What does it cost? Care is free of charge but St Ann’s Hospice has to raise £16,000 every day so our specialised staff can provide the highest quality care. We are lean and we are efficient – over 92p in every £1 raised is spent on patient care and the services that support it.

How old are they? St Ann’s Hospice is 40 years old in 2011, one of the oldest hospices in the country – they have a record of delivering first class care for 4 decades.

It is easy to donate online with a credit or debit card – please click on our page:

http://www.justgiving.com/Lesley-Sharrock

Just Giving sends your donation straight to St Ann’s Hospice and automatically reclaims Gift Aid if your a UK taxpayer, so your donation is worth even more! I hope you will join us in supporting St Ann’s Hospice. 

Upon completion of the walk photographs will be posted!

Tommyfield Market, Oldham

Filed under: CaseStudies,CaseStudies,Commercial,Contract — Posted by social on June 6, 2011 at 2:19 pm

Tommyfield MarketTommyfield Market used to be one of the largest open air markets in the North West and is still regarded as one of the best with an impressive variety of goods on sale.

Oldham MBC invested in the regeneration of Tommyfield Market to boost local trade and entice the public to re-visit local businesses. The agenda for the new look market was very clear – clean, uniform and tidy – previously all the units varied . The MBC was very keen to incorporate their corporate colours of green and white onthe project. As exisiting market stall folding-arm awnings were already used, the traders requested that new, updated and more robust  folding-arm awnings were specified for the refurbishment. With budget, time scale and specification in mind, we proposed a quantatiy of 57 Jagaur folding-arm awnings, the strongest non-cassette folding-arm awning system manufactured in the UK, with side blinds and corner infills. At wind resistance class 3, even at a massive 4500mm projection, the Jaguar is CEN accredited with TUV and CE marks as standard. As the Jaguar is a commercial based awning, with the system required to fit into a recess area within each market stall, the Jaguar was the perfect market stall awning for both the market traders and Oldham Council! 

The tender was won through the north-west portal, The Chest. Constructionline accrediatation was a prerequisite for Oldham MBC.

Introducing the Bobcat – Entry Level / Budget Patio Awning System

Filed under: Production,Trade — Posted by social on June 3, 2011 at 3:53 pm

James Robertshaw are pleased to launch its new entry level folding-arm awning system into its envied awning range – the Bobcat. 

The search for a good quality, yet competitively priced, entry level awning system has been a long and precise exercise. Our trade client base requested an alternative choice to the quality products within the existing James Robertshaw portfolio. With the recession biting the economy severely, combined with the import of cheaper and non comparable quality products, we were set the task to produce and manufacture a cheaper product, whilst maintaining our quality and service we are known for. To maintain the quality of the product we required the patio awning to be certified to the stringent CEN standards our other products adhere to, whilst being competitive with the other products available within the market. Manufacturing using both Somfy and Giovanardi products within the new system was also an important condition for two reasons – stock holding and quality. It was important to both ourselves and our valued trade client base to not produce any cheap system, but to manufacture quality at budget costs. The search led to the Bobcat patio folding-arm awning which meets both our and our client’s requirements.

Great value combined with quality, at a budget price. Manufactured exclusively within the UK, we believe that the Bobcat’s specification is greater than other entry level  awning system within the marketplace. This wind resistance class 2 rated domestic patio awning is the strongest entry level system manufactured within the UK, and is ideal if the client is requiring a quality system but is only able to afford budget prices.

  • The strongest entry level awning system, manufactured in the UK.
  • Lateral end fix, full cassette system.
  • Maximum size: 4500mm (w) x 2500mm (p).
  • Conforms to both European (CEN) and James Robertshaw quality and safety standards.
  • Wind class 2 certified.
  • Somfy automation and Giovanardi fabric collection (300gsm, Teflon treated to Schmerber tests), as standard.
  • 7-10 working day delivery.
  • Pitch inclination adjustment of between 15-80 degrees.
  • Easy to install.
  • Guaranteed for a 5 year period, subject to terms.
  • The best quality budget / entry level awning system, manufactured in the UK.

Standard automation and fabrics are supplied by market leaders Somfy and Giovanardi. With over 150 colours and patterns available within the acrylic fabric collection, there are many styles and colours to choose from! With a very quick and efficient manufacture and delivery turnaround of 7-10 working days, the Bobcat is indeed the ultimate entry level, budget, folding-arm patio awning, available within the UK.

Why settle for an inferior system or supplier? (more…)

Redcliffe Hotel, Devon

Filed under: Commercial,Production,Trade — Posted by social on May 16, 2011 at 4:26 pm

The Redcliffe Hotel is a prominent building set on the sea front at Paignton in Devon. It was developed and built as a private home in 1856 and in 1904 was converted into a hotel and has been working hard ever since to please the many visitors that have passed through its doors.  The hotel is a popular destination amonst tourists and also cater for weddings, corporate events, themed weekends and large parties.

The current owner and director of the Redcliffe, Steve Twigger, was aware for the need and requirements to shade and shelter his clientele efficiently. Another prestigious hotel within the area had previously had terrace awnings and umbrella systems manufactured, supplied and installed by James Robertshaw, Steve decided that this was what he needed to cover his patio area, at the Redcliffe Hotel. Upon consultation with the Palace, Steve contacted James Robertshaw’s local partner and distributor to arrange a consultation meeting and full site survey service.

After the initial contact, the requirements of application and the budget at the client’s diposal, terrace awnings were advised for the Redcliffe application. Steve was very keen to be able to offer his client’s the flexability of alfresco dining and socilising, whilst protecting them from both moderate weather conditions as well as the potentially harmful UV rays of the sun.

Upon acceptance of the proposal forwarded, James Robertshaw were able to offer a 3-4 week manufacture and installation turnaround, ready for the important spring season. The patio area spanned a massive 15,900mm width x 4500m system projection! 3 x Somfy fully automated Tigress terrace awning systems were installed, with rain gutters to join each system, creating 3 independant fully operation systems with the required weather proof area when extended. Completion of installation took a full day, with the whole project completed and signed off within a 4 week period! 

Steve was very happy with the completed project and how it has improved both the asthetics and functionality of the hotel. He can now offer his guests the alfresco lifestyle required, whilst overlooking the beautiful views the Redcliffe has to offer, as well as being a little competitive with his neighbours!

For further information regarding the Redcliffe Hotel, please visit www.redcliffehotel.co.uk

Improving the thermal performance of traditional windows with internal and external solar shading solutions

Filed under: Commercial,Contract,Production,Trade — Posted by Matthew Garnett on May 11, 2011 at 4:53 pm

Internal and external solar shading solutions can not only save energy from buildings during summer months, they are also very effective at reducing heat loss from a building during cold weather, therefore saving on heating bills.
The guidance notes below summarises a study carried out by Glasgow Caledonian University where research was undertaken to assess how the energy performance of traditional single glazed windows could be improved by the use of blinds, shutters and other methods. The study was commissioned by English Heritage and Historic Scotland and with an estimated 30% of all windows in the UK still being single glazed represents an opportunity.

Introduction

Historic Scotland and English Heritage both commissioned research at Glasgow Caledonian University to investigate improving the thermal performance of single-glazed traditional windows by using blinds and shutters. The objective was to propose an alternative to replacing traditional timber windows with UPVC.

 Approximately 27% of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions come from domestic buildings, so improving the energy efficiency of the UK’s housing stock could significantly reduce national CO2 emissions.

Traditional, single glazed windows can often be a large source of heat loss for period properties. In some cases the windows are protected by planning restrictions and/or homeowners wish to keep the traditional windows or cannot afford to upgrade to new glazing units such as double or triple glazing.

Heat transfer through windows

Heat is transferred (lost) through a window by four main mechanisms:

1. Conduction – direct loss of heat through the window to the outside.

2. Convection – heat loss through the warm room air reaching the colder surface of the glass.

3. Radiation – the colder surface of the glass absorbing infra-red radiation and therefore heat from the room.

4. Air leakage – heat lost through cracks in the frame or from around ill-fitting glass.

Results

The reduction in heat loss is relative to the amount of heat lost through a single glazed window. For example 40% less heat is lost through a single glazed window when it has a roller blind covering it than when only the glass is present.

Building Regulations

The 2010 Building Regulations state that windows installed in new buildings, extensions or major refurbishments must have a U-value of 1.6 W/m2K or below.

U-value is a measurement of the rate of heat loss through a material. The higher the U-value the poorer the material is at insulating.

The results table above shows the U-value decreasing when an insulating layer such as a blind is added to the single glazing, helping windows to meet building regulation compliance. This demonstrates that installation of double or triple glazing is not the only way to improve the thermal performance of windows, blinds and shutters can help too! In this study a window with a large amount of frame was considered, typically a small window. It should be noted that U-value will vary depending on the amount of frame.

Summary

A roller blind can reduce heat loss through a single glazed window system by 40% and internal shutters combined with secondary glazing can reduce heat loss by 62%.

Figures from the EU 2011 Energy Efficiency Plan and the Glass and Glazing Federation estimate that 80% of EU and UK homes have single glazing or first generation double glazing.

Reflective blinds – the energy saving solution that insulates the transparent parts.

More information

Baker, P (2009). Research into the thermal performance of traditional windows: timber sash windows. Glasgow Caledonian University and English Heritage.

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/professional/research/buildings/energy-efficiency/thermal-performance-of-traditional-windows/

All data in this guidance note has been taken from the report by P.Baker (2009)

Solar Shading Glossary

Filed under: Commercial,Contract,Production,Trade,Uncategorized — Posted by Matthew Garnett on at 12:28 pm

Performance Indicators

g value
The ratio between the solar energy which is transmitted conducted and emitted into the interior and the total incident energy. Expressed as a percentage, the lower the value the less heat gain. For a single sheet of float glass, g=0.87.

gtot
The solar factor (total solar energy transmittance) entering a building through a window and shading device combined. It is the ratio of total energy hitting the building and the amount that gets through the glazing and shading. The lower the gtot value the lower the heat gain to the building.

DET (Direct Energy Transmission)
Percentage of solar energy transmitted directly through the glass with spectral distribution between 300nm and 2150nm

lx
Lux – the amount of illumination on a surface. The light at night from a full moon is about 0.1 lux; whereas bright sunlight is about 100,000 lux (One lux is roughly equivalent to the light transmitted from a standard sized wax candle).

Openness Co-efficient
The ratio between the area of the opening and the total area of a fabric. This is expressed as a percentage.

U value
A measure of a building element’s ability to conduct heat. Usually expressed as Watts per metre squared Celsius (W/(m2 oC)) – the lower the value the lower the heat gain and loss.

Tv (Light Transmittance)
The fraction of visible light transmitted through the shading material – usually expressed as a percentage. Light levels can also be measured in lux or candelas/m2.

Ts (Solar Transmittance)
This gives the fraction of solar energy transmitted through the fabric. A low value means that the fabric performs well at reducing solar energy transmission.

Rs (Solar Reflectance)
The fraction of solar energy reflected by the fabric. A high value means that the fabric performs well at reflecting solar energy.

As (Solar Absorption)
The fraction of solar energy absorbed by the fabric. A low value means that the material absorbs little solar energy.

SC (Shading Coefficient)
Ratio of solar gain passing through a window unit (gtot) to the solar energy which passes through 3mm float glass (0.87). Expressed as a value between 0 and 1. The lower the value the more effective the fabric is at reducing heat flow.

Fc (Shading Factor)
This is the ratio of solar factor of the combined glazing and solar shade (gtot) to that of the glazing alone (g).

qi (Secondary Heat Transfer Factor)
Resulting from heat transfer by convection and long wave infra-red radiation of that part of the incident solar radiation which has been absorbed by the glazing. I.e. absorbed radiation that will not go back through the glass.

SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Co-efficient)
This is the North American term for g-value (see above).

Visual Comfort
Probability rating expressed as a percentage of the people who will find a window free of glare and excessive contrast. Refer to EN 15251 for comprehensive information.

James Robertshaw or BBSA are not responsible for the content of external websites referred to in this document.

Version 1.1

7th February 2011

The BBSA President’s Charity Ball 2011

Filed under: Trade — Posted by Matthew Garnett on May 10, 2011 at 4:55 pm

This year’s BBSA President’s Charity Ball takes place at the beautiful venue of the Castle Green Hotel, Kendal on Saturday 14 May.

A luxury 4 star hotel set in the stunning Lake District countryside, the Castle Green Hotel offers the height of comfort and sophistication with its 99 rooms decorated in cosy yet contemporary decor. There is a fully equiped gym, swimming pool and the ‘Green Room’ spa and beauty salon for guests to enjoy.

The Castle Green Hotel is situated near to the attractive town of Kendal with easy access to many of the area’s attractions, such as Windermere, Grasmere and Bowness.

The director’s of James Robertshaw will be attending this exciting annual event and look forward to seeing you there!

New Union Hotel, Manchester

Filed under: Commercial — Posted by social on May 6, 2011 at 5:00 pm

The New Union Hotel & Showbar is a lively bar and hotel focused on providing a fun, entertaining place to enjoy a drink as well as a convenient, great value place to stay in the heart of Manchester City Centre. The bar has a truly engaging atmosphere with awesome DJ’s, regular karaoke, drag cabaret, theme nights and amazing drink deals. Situated on the corner of Canel Street & Princess Street, the New Union is a friendly mixed bar.

During the end of 2010 the current owner, Bob Ramsbottom, decided that the building’s fascia required a revamp. As The New Union was built in 1865 (nearly as old as ourselves) and had not had any external cosmetic work for several years so he thought it was about time to do something about it!

Bob contacted the commercial sector  of James Robertshaw and from the initial site meeting, Bob’s requirements for the New Union application became very clear. The guidelines set stated that the solar shading blinds were to be the best quality available, fully automated with sensors, manufactured locally within the UK, whilst remaining stylish and cutting edge. Folding-arm awnings became an option for the lower levels and fixed canopies for the upper. With the specified brief, the Cougar (the strongest full-cassette awning manufactured in the UK) was proposed for the lower level application. The New Union required the versatility for its clients to be able to sit outside enjoying their drinks and atmosphere, whilst remaining protected from both the sun and light rainfall.

Fixed canopies were also advised for the upper level elevation. The canopies required to be asthetically pleasing in keeping with the buildings traditional theme whilst retaining the strong brand that has developed over the years.

Working closely with the client making sure that the design and products ended up exactly how specified, through the initial concept, design, in-house manufacture, installation and sign-off, Bob was very happy with both the product and service James Robertshaw were able to provide.

For further information on the New Union, please click here.

 



Exhibition at the CUBE, Wednesday 18th May 2011

Filed under: Contract — Posted by social on at 9:12 am

James Robertshaw are proud to present and launch our latest energy saving solar shading products at a Construction Needs Innovation event, at the CUBE in Manchester city centre.  The event, which is showcasing both ourselves and two other businesses, will take place on the 18 May 2011, starting at 4.00pm and concluding at 6.30pm.

The host of this exciting event, the Centre for Construction Innovation, are giving the opportunity to three North-West based manufacturing businesses to present their latest sustainable building offerings.  The Centre’s aim is to openly invite clients, architects, engineers, designers and constructors the chance to take a look at and explore new and beneficial innovative carbon efficient products.

Our new energy saving solar shading products are designed to prevent the sun from overheating a room or building, and therefore reduce the need for energy wasting air conditioning by as much as 50% – 70%.  This would decrease the carbon footprint by hundreds or even thousands of kg every year, even in buildings where cooling has already been installed, the solar shading product could pay for itself within a five year period. 

What is the CUBE?

The CUBE is one of Europe’s most exciting art, architecture and design centres, dedicated to broadcasting the ideas and issues that lie behind the buildings, spaces and cultural networks that make up our built environment.  CUBE is the only dedicated space for exhibitions and informal learning related to architecture and the built environment within the North-West.  It’s known for providing the opportunity to highlight economic and social benefits of knowledge transfer and networking between public, professionals and policy makers through a focused and dedicated organisation.

CUBE, 113-115 Portland Street, Manchester, M1 6DW

Spaces are limited so register now for free by emailing hannah.kavanagh@ccinw.com

« Newer Posts — Older Posts »
Memberships
Quality