Solar control glass reduces the amount of solar heat entering a building while allowing natural daylight through, preventing overheating on south-facing elevations and in rooms with large glazed areas. Available as an option on all Nordvest windows and doors, with g-values tailored to the building's orientation, climate zone and energy target.
Modern highly insulated buildings are designed to minimise heat loss, but the same airtight, well-insulated envelope that keeps heat in during winter can cause overheating in summer, particularly on south facing elevations and in rooms with large glazed areas. In southern England especially, solar gain through windows is an increasingly common cause of summer discomfort in otherwise well performing buildings.
Solar control glass addresses this directly by reducing the amount of solar energy (heat) that passes through the glazing, while still admitting natural daylight.
A solar control coating is applied to one surface of the glass unit. The coating reflects and absorbs a proportion of incoming solar radiation — specifically the infrared heat component — while allowing visible light to pass through. The result is a lower g-value (total solar energy transmittance) without a proportionate reduction in light transmittance.
The trade-off is that as the g-value decreases, the glass becomes progressively darker. Selecting the right g-value involves balancing heat rejection against light transmission and interior appearance.
Three values govern glazing performance for energy-efficient buildings:
For low-energy buildings, the goal is a low U-value, a controlled g-value, and the highest practical light transmittance, but these are in tension with each other. Nordvest's technical team can advise on the right combination for your project.
The table below shows typical g-values for common glazing specifications:
| Glazing type | Typical g-value | Typical application |
|---|---|---|
| Standard double glazing (clear) | 70–80% | Cold climates, passive solar gain |
| Low-E double glazing | 60–70% | Balanced heating and cooling |
| Low-E triple glazing | 50–65% | Energy-efficient builds in cooler climates |
| Triple glazing with solar control | 30–45% | Passivhaus, south-facing façades |
| Solar control glass (advanced) | 20–35% | High overheating risk, warm climates |
Solar control glass is most commonly specified on south-facing elevations, in rooms with large glazed areas, and in commercial buildings where occupant comfort is a priority. It is also increasingly relevant for Passivhaus and low-energy projects in central and southern England, where overheating risk must be assessed as part of the energy model. In Scotland and northern England, where solar gain is lower, standard low-E triple glazing is often sufficient.
Solar control coatings are available on double and triple glazed units across the full Nordvest window and door range. Both standard and advanced coating specifications are available. For projects where thermal performance is also a priority, solar control coatings can be combined with our triple glazing units, including the 50mm passive grade units used on Passivhaus projects. Contact our technical team to discuss the right g-value for your project's orientation and energy target.
Nordvest's most popular window. The top swing fully reversible opens outward at the top and rotates fully so the outer face can be cleaned from inside, no ladders, no additional hardware. Supplied complete with night lock, and child restrictor as standard.
Nordvest tilt and turn windows offer two opening modes in one, tilt at the top for controlled ventilation, or turn on the side hinge for full access. Designed and manufactured in Norway, they are a popular choice for new builds, self-builders, and renovation projects across the UK.
The classic European outward-opening window, built to Norwegian standards. Nordvest side hung casement windows suit period, heritage, and cottage-style properties where the traditional sash aesthetic matters without compromising on thermal performance, security, or longevity.
Fixed frame windows offer the highest thermal performance and maximum glazed area of any window type. Whether specified as a single large picture window to frame a view, a Passivhaus-grade thermal unit, or a glass-to-glass corner, Nordvest fixed frames are available in any shape or size, in timber or aluminium-clad.
Aluminium-clad timber windows give you the best of both materials: a powder-coated aluminium exterior that needs no painting or maintenance, with a warm natural timber reveal on the inside. Nordvest alu-clad windows are built for a 60-year lifespan and are available across the full window range, in any RAL colour, double or triple glazed.
Nordvest main entrance doors are manufactured in Norway to the same exacting standard as the window range. Available in timber or aluminium-clad, inward or outward opening, in fully glazed, full panel, or mixed configurations. Suited to new build, renovation, commercial, and Passivhaus projects across the UK.
Tilt and turn doors open inward in two modes: tilted at the top for controlled ventilation, or fully turned on the side hinge for unobstructed access. Most commonly specified as Juliet balcony doors on first floor and above, they are available as single or double leaf in timber or aluminium-clad.
Nordvest balcony doors are outward opening French doors supplied as single or double leaf, in full height glass or with a solid lower panel. Every door comes with three-point espagnolette locking, a friction stay to hold the door open at any position up to 90°, and a choice of hardwood or low-level threshold in timber or aluminium clad.
Nordvest sliding doors use a lift-and-slide mechanism where the door lifts slightly on its track to slide, then drops back down to seal when closed, giving a weathertight performance that conventional sliding doors cannot match. The ideal solution for large, glazed openings where an outward opening door is not practical.
Aluminium clad timber doors give you a powder coated, maintenance free exterior with a warm natural timber finish on the inside. Available across the full Nordvest door range; entrance, balcony, lift and slide, and tilt & turn, in any RAL colour, double or triple glazed, built for a 60-year lifespan.