Background
In recent years, a number of projects to improve the energy ef f iciency of blocks of flats, detached houses, and townhouses have taking place. Additional insulation of facades, attics, and in some cases addi t ional internal insulation of external walls has been done. As part of the energy retrofitting, panes are usually replaced with double-glazed and triple-glazed units and during the retrofitting the building envelope is made more airtight. All this of course reduces the energy demand for heating purposes. However, it also influences fire safety negatively. Increased insulation can in some cases result in a lower thermal inertia, for example if heavy concrete or masonry walls are covered with insulation and plasterboard. As a result, the surrounding structures do not absorb as much heat from the fire as they would have before retrofitting.
Project content
The project aims firstly to investigate and document whether the most commonly used energy windows break earlier or later than conventional double glazing in a fire. Based on this knowledge, it is assessed whether the fire safety for persons and structures is compromised as a result of installation of Insulating Glass Units (IGU´s). If the energy-efficient unit do not break as easily as traditional double layered IGU’s, then personal safety could be affected in the early course of the fire because the fire will result in higher temperatures. The structures will be affected by long-term fire, due to a reduced access to oxygen and a resulting lower burning rate and prolonged fire durations. Tests can be included in the project.