Lovell Proposes that Overhangs Be a Trade-Off for SGHCs

Vicki Lovell of InterCode Inc., representing the Association of Industrial Metallized Coaters and Laminators, spoke before the International Code Council’s Building and Energy Conservation Code Committee on Monday to propose that fenestration with a projection factor of ≥ 0.50 should not be required to meet the solar heat gain coefficient requirements in the International Residential Code and the International Energy Conservation Code.

“We believe that if a shading device is part of an architectural structure that credit should be given,” said Lovell, who referred to this change as mainly editorial.

However, others in attendance argued that it was more than editorial.

Garrett Stone of Cardinal Glass Industries brought up several concerns—including the difficulty in enforcing the code, the complexity of calculating the projection factor and the fact that overhangs cost more than energy-efficient windows. He also brought up the issue of high-impact areas.

“The other problem that I wonder about is impact glazing. This is basically a prescription to put wings on buildings,” he said. “Let’s put a big wing on it and protect it from having to install energy-efficient windows.”

Mike Fischer, code consultant for the Window and Door Manufacturers Association, argued that Lovell makes a valid point, but this shouldn’t be added to the code.

“Are these things worth consideration?” Fischer asked. “Of course. Do they belong in a prescriptive code? Not in this form.”

Fischer added that due to the movement of the sun, the projection factor would change throughout the day.

“The overhang only covers the window 100 percent when it’s noon,” he said.

However, Lovell stressed that this would only be an option, not a requirement.

Darrell Smith of the International Window Film Association also spoke out—noting that several glass manufacturers were against the modification as it would allow consumers to utilize clear glass in their windows with overhangs.

“If I elect to have an overhang that effectively blocks all the solar energy that I want it to, why shouldn’t I be allowed to have clear glass?” he asked.

Thomas Zaremba of Roetzell and Andress agreed.

“You don’t have to sell or provide to a consumer a more costly [glass] product if the window is completely shaded,” he said.

William Koffell, speaking on behalf of the Glazing Industry Code Committee, added, “This is an option. It’s not mandating anything … I think it’s a good, solid concept.”

The committee voted 10-1 to approve the proposal as modified.

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