6.7 Doors, windows and glazing
This chapter gives guidance on meeting the Technical Requirements for doors, windows and glazing, including where coupled door and window frame assemblies are contained within a single storey.
Coupled door and window frame assemblies (including spandrel panels) which are:
- one storey or more in height, or
- not contained between a structural floor and ceiling
should be designed in accordance with Chapter 6.9 Curtain walling and cladding.
This chapter does not provide guidance on compliance with Building Regulations. Work shall comply with all relevant Building Regulations covering:
- weathertightness
- thermal performance
- fire safety
- safety from impact
- ventilation
- security.
Definitions of this chapter
Air and vapour control layer (AVCL) | Continuous layer of material with a high resistance to water vapour to control the movement of air and water vapour. |
Air barrier | A barrier to control air leakage into and out of the building envelope (for framed walls, this is usually in the form of a membrane). |
Breather membrane | Continuous layer of material with a low resistance to water vapour to allow vapour movement but impermeable to water. |
Building envelope | External wall or roof construction that separates the habitable parts of a building from the external environment. |
Coupled door and window frame assemblies | A glazed wall formed by combining pre-assembled doors and/or windows (the window frames may be supported directly by brackets fixed to the primary structure or may be supported by horizontal and vertical framing members). |
Doors | A complete door assembly, assembled on site or delivered as a complete assembly, consisting of the door frame, door leaf or leaves, essential hardware and any integral side panel or fanlight. |
Fixings | Component that is used to secure separate parts of a window or door to each other, to secure an item of hardware to a window or door part, or to secure a completed window or door into the structure of a building. |
Frames | Outer frame, mullion and transom components of doors and windows. |
Glazing | Glass component of a door or window. |
Glazing material | A material which provides a bedding for the glass and forms a joint between the glass and frame (including glazing compounds, sealants, putties, glazing strips and tapes, and gaskets. |
Impregnated foam tapes | Impregnated foam weatherproofing strip: flexible, elastic, preformed material that constitutes a linear seal when compressed. |
Insulating glass unit (IGU) | Assembly consisting of at least two panes of glass, separated by one or more spacers, hermetically sealed along the periphery, mechanically stable and durable. |
Sealant | Wet applied compound, applied in an unformed state to a joint which seals it by adhering to appropriate surfaces within the joint. |
Structural opening | Opening in an external wall or roof into which a window or door is to be installed. |
System manufacturer | Company that designs, manufactures and supplies a system. |
Thermal bridging | Weak points (or areas) in the building envelope that allows heat to pass through more easily. |
Weathertightness | Performance in respect of air permeability, watertightness and resistance to windload. |
Window | Building component or multiple components for closing an opening in a wall or roof that may admit light and/or provide ventilation. |
Clauses for 6.7 Doors, windows and glazing
- 6.7 Figure reference table
- 6.7.1 Compliance
- 6.7.2 Provision of information
- 6.7.3 In-service performance
- 6.7.4 Coupled door and window frame assemblies
- 6.7.5 Glazing
- 6.7.6 Security
- 6.7.7 Timber doors and windows
- 6.7.8 Non-timber doors and windows
- 6.7.9 Ironmongery
- 6.7.10 Material storage and protection
- 6.7.11 Installation
- 6.7.12 Completed work
Last updated: 2nd January 2025