Celsius Puts Standard Glass In The Shade

K2 has revealed that its market-leading thermal performance glass, Celsius, has become so popular as a roofing option that it is making headway as a complete glazing option for conservatory windows and doors as well.

Explains Jack Nowicki, Creative Services Director at K2: "It seems an obvious application for Celsius now but, because we had only ever had roofing orders for Celsius, that's where we marketed the product. The idea actually came when I was having my own conservatory installed; I visited my neighbours who were sitting in their conservatory wearing sunglasses because of the glare through the glass!" "As a result, I decided to have Celsius throughout my installation, because it not only cuts out glare, which is common on south facing conservatories - cutting out the need for blinds, it ensures a temperate environment, as well as having an aesthetic appeal because of its subtle blue tint."

Though most homeowners install blinds to reduce glare and heat in their conservatory, K2 points out that this solution reduces the light and open feel of a conservatory. Explains Dave Bradshaw, Managing Director of K2 Glass: "The main advantages of a conservatory for most homeowners are that it adds a spacious additional element to the house and opens up views of the garden which can be enjoyed from inside. If you then install blinds, the spacious feel is immediately reduced and who wants to sit in a conservatory with the blinds closed on a sunny day? With winter approaching, a conservatory completely glazed with Celsius is the perfect way to enjoy those very sunny but freezing cold days."

Celsius Performance Glass reflects 72% of total solar energy; outperforms standard glass units by 50% in terms of thermal insulation; and reduces glare by 44% all year round compared to a standard double-glazed unit. Its subtle blue tint provides a sunnier aspect even on cloudy days. Dave Bradshaw continues: "Installers may have shied away from specifying Celsius before because they felt it would be too expensive for a complete installation. However, if you consider that it removes the need for blinds it looks much more cost effective. Some installers are also finding that they can really sell it on the usability factor - homeowners that want to use their conservatory all year round want to make the most of their investment and can see the benefits of thermal protection and glare resistance."

K2 Glass can produce bespoke sealed units to any specification with precision cutting equipment that provides accuracy within 1 millimetre. Because the glass is processed from start to finish at the company's Lancashire headquarters, orders are typically available for delivery within 5-7 days. Dave Bradshaw adds: "Since we launched Celsius Glass around 18 months ago we have had to increase production to fulfil demand and with the new trend to install performance glass throughout the conservatory we have put plans in place for further sustainable expansion."