The AGDA Committee has received on-going feedback from Members about the detrimental effect the Energy Efficiency 5 Star Ratings Scheme has had on our industry. It appears that to achieve the 5 star rating, there is an emphasis placed on double glazing as a product which helps to gain this rating.
Our research shows that manufacturers of double glazed window systems are less than enthusiastic about finding a way to incorporate our product into their windows. Builders have found the same attitude, and therefore are discouraging clients from having leadlights in their double glazing as it tends to be a time consuming and difficult task for builders to achieve this result for their clients.
Aesthetically it is not always a good look either - the double glazing detracts from the leadlight, "deadening" or "flattening" the look so that the textured and multi dimensional effects are lost and the leadlight looks very artificial. Thus losing the point of having it as a period feature in the first place.
The AGDA committee has been aware of this problem for some time and is currently researching a simple system that allows for double glazing on our terms. We will continue to search for ways to reduce the impact of this problem, including the continuation of the lobbying we have undertaken with the Australian Building Codes Board to have our concerns addressed.
If you have examples or relevant information regarding this issue we would like to hear from you.
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