Various hotels inhabit traditional buildings with single glazed windows that provide poor insulation. Surveys show that roughly half of a hotel’s energy consumption is used for heating, so raising insulation levels will improve guest satisfaction and cut running costs. Selectaglaze secondary glazing includes two efficient draught seals and with a low emissivity glass, heat loss can be reduced by up to 65%
The UK tourist industry is flourishing, and nowhere more so than in our historical towns and city centres. Bars, restaurants and nightlife are the things that can make sleeping in a city centre hotel problematic. Guests want a good night’s sleep, so keeping unwanted sound out will be at the top of the agenda for any hotelier. A peaceful room that allows a good night’s sleep will result in contented guests. The recommended sound level for a hotel room is 30-35dB at night, but busy city centre locations can easily reach 70 -80dB. With an average window reducing sound levels by about 30dB, additional protection is vital.
Acoustic testing on secondary glazing systems
Acoustic testing of Selectaglaze secondary glazing systems demonstrates the high performance necessary to maintain room occupancy levels and avoid licences being revoked. Using standard glass noise levels can be reduced by 42-45dB and up to 50dB if higher performance glass is introduced. This will ensure the peace and quiet needed for that all-important period of sleep for all.
Accessible windows
In busy city centres, accessible windows can attract the attention of burglars. A secondary window fitted with simple locks and strengthened glass will act as a deterrent by presenting a second barrier to entry. Hotels near high-profile buildings may also have to exercise a duty of care by managing the possible aftermath of a bomb blast. An additional benefit of laminated glass is its ability to absorb UV light and so protect furnishings and fabric from fade.
Selectaglaze offers enhanced systems that are Police Preferred Specifications under the Secured by Design initiative, as well as being certified by the Loss Prevention Certification Board.
Comet’s multimillion-pound refurbishment
Formerly known as the Ramada Hatfield, the Comet’s multimillion-pound refurbishment, which began in 2017, is now complete. The works were entrusted with contractor ISG Bristol and designed by architect Stride Treglown. The hotel had retained the building’s original Crittall sash windows but this did not provide the required level of noise insulation to a number of the guestrooms, restaurant and function spaces for meetings and networking events.
Selectaglaze installed 104 secondary glazed units, with a cavity between the existing primary windows and the secondary units to significantly improve the level of noise insulation. The secondary windows were made bespoke to ensure the best fit and included four different systems, tailoring the units specifically to the project’s needs.
The Series 20 vertical sliding units were faceted on to the curved on plan original bay windows on the ground and first floors. The function room was fitted with the Series 15 three-pane horizontal slider, which can support thicker glass when higher levels of noise insulation are needed.
The majority of openings in the hotel guestrooms were treated with the Series 10 horizontal sliding unit, which is a versatile system that provides easy access to the outer window. In addition, four of the smaller windows on the first floor were treated with Series 45 side hung casements, with no new sightlines making it very suited to the hotel’s listed status.
Established in 1966, Royal Warrant Holder Selectaglaze is the leading specialist in the design, manufacture and installation of secondary glazing. Selectaglaze has vast experience in working on all building types, from listed offices to new build hotels.
Secondary windows precisely fit each window opening and are fully fabricated offsite.
Close cooperation with front of house and housekeeping allows frames to be fitted during room handover periods, thereby maintaining room occupancy and avoiding loss of revenue. A free technical advisory service is available, as well as RIBA-approved CPDs.
Selectaglaze
Tel: 01727 837271
Please note: this is a commercial profile.
