Intura PGX A9 solar control glass: the ideal solution for a cool flat roof

Solar control glass filters out up to 60 per cent of incoming solar heat compared to standard double glazing. Many homes with flat roofs suffer from extreme overheating as soon as the sun comes out, quickly turning a bright room into a stifling space. This not only causes discomfort but also leads to high energy bills due to intensive use of air conditioning. Intura PGX A9 solar control glass offers the ideal solution here by allowing daylight in whilst effectively blocking out the heat.

You’ll probably recognise the frustration of an overheated home where the temperature just won’t seem to drop. We understand that you want to enjoy a light-filled living environment without compromising on your comfort. In this article, you’ll discover how this flat roof window helps you achieve a pleasant indoor climate whilst keeping your energy costs under control. We’ll discuss the functional properties of the solar-control HR++ glass and explain why this is the smart choice for anyone who wants to combine natural light with a cool and sustainable home.

Key Points

• Learn how to effectively prevent overheating caused by direct sunlight on your flat roof without darkening the room.
• Discover the technical benefits of Intura PGX A9 solar-control glass with HR++ coating for an optimal balance between light transmission and heat rejection.
• Gain an understanding of the difference between double and triple glazing so you can make the right choice for your specific insulation requirements and budget.
• Receive practical tips on correct sizing and the importance of a proper flashing for a durable installation on your roof.
• See how you can further enhance your home comfort by combining solar control glass with additional accessories for an optimal indoor climate.

Table of Contents

• Why choose solar control glass for your flat roof?
• The technology behind the Intura PGX A9 solar control glass
• Intura PGX A9 versus PGX B9: which one will you choose?
• Preparation and installation of your solar-control flat roof window
• Complete your daylight solution with Intura

Why choose solar control glass for your flat roof?

A flat roof offers a unique opportunity to transform a home with natural light. However, this type of construction presents a specific challenge. Unlike a pitched roof, where the sun often hits the tiles at an angle, a flat roof receives the full force of the sun’s rays when the sun is at its highest point. In many modern homes and extensions, this leads to an undesirable greenhouse effect. The heat penetrates the glass and remains trapped inside, causing the temperature to rise to uncomfortable levels during the summer months.

To prevent this, choosing the right glass is crucial. Whilst standard HR++ glass provides excellent insulation against the cold, it still allows a significant amount of solar heat to pass through. Opting for Intura PGX A9 solar control glass makes all the difference here. This type of glazing has been specifically developed to maintain a balance between maximum light transmission and minimum heat transfer. Furthermore, it directly contributes to improved energy performance in your home. A lower EPC rating is not only beneficial for the environment but also increases the market value of your property.

The effect of sunlight on your indoor climate

Sunlight consists largely of infrared radiation. When this radiation enters your home through standard glass, it is converted into heat that cannot escape. Many people try to solve this by using curtains or blinds on the inside. Although this helps to reduce glare, the heat has already entered the building by that point. For effective climate control, the heat must be stopped at the glass surface. To gain a deeper understanding of how solar-control glass works, it is useful to know that a special coating reflects infrared rays whilst allowing visible light to enter as normal. Preserving this natural daylight is essential; it improves your concentration and supports your natural day-night rhythm, which directly benefits your wellbeing.

Savings on your energy bills

Investing in Intura PGX A9 solar control glass pays for itself in the long term through your energy bills. As the indoor temperature remains up to several degrees lower in summer, you are less reliant on active cooling systems such as air conditioning. These appliances often consume a lot of electricity, particularly during heatwaves. In winter, you benefit from the high insulation value of the A9 series, with a U-value of 1.1 W/m²K. The heat from your heating system stays inside, reducing your heating costs. It is a sustainable solution that ensures a comfortable home in every season, without compromising on the aesthetics of a light and open interior.

The technology behind the Intura PGX A9 solar control glass

The core of the Intura PGX A9 solar control glass range lies in the advanced composition of the glazing. Instead of a standard pane, an HR++ construction specifically optimised for flat roofs is used. This system consists of two panes of glass with a noble gas filling in the cavity, which forms the basis for thermal insulation. What sets this window apart, however, is the precise balance between light transmission and heat rejection. You still get an abundance of natural daylight, whilst the uncomfortable heat of the sun is kept out.

The PGX A9’s design is completely flat, offering a significant advantage over the traditional dome. A flat glass panel not only looks more modern and sleek on your roof, but also offers better acoustic properties. The materials used by Intura are selected for their long service life and minimal maintenance requirements. The profiles are made from extruded aluminium and high-quality plastic. This combination guarantees a dimensionally stable structure that can withstand all weather conditions without the need for annual repainting or intensive cleaning.

How the sun-reflective coating works

The effectiveness of this flat roof window stems from an invisible metal layer applied to the glass during the manufacturing process. This coating acts as a selective filter. It allows the visible spectrum of sunlight to pass through, whilst reflecting the infrared radiation responsible for heating up your interior. The production process for coated glass is so sophisticated that the natural colours in your home are preserved. So you won’t be bothered by a blue or green tinge. An additional benefit is the reduction in UV radiation, meaning your furniture and carpets are less likely to fade in the sun.

Sustainability and insulation performance

With a U-value of 1.1 W/m²K, the Intura PGX A9 solar control glass delivers outstanding performance in terms of energy saving. This value indicates how well the window retains heat; the lower the figure, the better the insulation. In addition to thermal benefits, the thick safety glass also offers superior sound insulation. The typical sound of rain tapping on a plastic dome is now a thing of the past. The construction meets the strictest standards for air and watertightness, ensuring a draught-free and safe living environment. Would you like to know which size best suits your project? You can find all the specifications at intura.nl to help you make an informed choice.

Intura PGX A9 versus PGX B9: which one will you choose?

When choosing a flat roof window, you’re often faced with a dilemma: do you opt for the tried-and-tested performance of the A9 series, or do you invest in the extra insulation offered by the B9? The fundamental difference between the two models lies in the glazing. Whilst the Intura PGX A9 is fitted with high-quality HR++ double glazing, the PGX B9 features triple glazing (HR+++). Although triple glazing offers an even lower U-value, the PGX A9 is, in many situations, the most logical and cost-effective choice for the average Dutch home.

An important aspect that is often overlooked is the weight of the window. As the A9 series uses double glazing, the total weight is considerably lower than that of the triple-glazed variant. This not only makes installation easier and quicker, but also places less strain on the existing roof structure. In renovation projects where the load-bearing capacity of the roof may be a limiting factor, the lighter A9 series offers a safe and reliable solution without the need for major alterations to the roof beams.

When should you choose the Intura PGX A9?

The PGX A9 is ideally suited to homes that are already well insulated in accordance with standard building regulations. If you’re working to a budget but don’t want to compromise on quality and heat resistance, this model is the ideal choice. It offers the perfect balance between a competitive price and excellent sun-shading properties. Furthermore, at 2 to 3 working days, the lead time for the A9 series is considerably shorter than that of the triple variant. This is ideal for projects that need to be completed quickly without long waiting times.

Technical comparison at a glance

When we compare the specifications side by side, it is clear that the A9 series excels in terms of light transmission. Due to its thinner glass construction, light transmission is often slightly higher than with the thicker triple-glazed units. This creates a bright and airy feel in the space beneath the flat roof. Although the triple-glazed variant (B9) offers superior thermal insulation for passive houses or extremely energy-efficient new-builds, the Intura PGX A9 solar control glass remains the gold standard for standard residential construction. It delivers exactly what is needed for a comfortable home: a cool indoor climate in summer, good insulation in winter and an abundance of healthy daylight.

Frequently asked questions about the Intura PGX A9

What is the delivery time for an Intura PGX A9 solar control flat roof window?

The standard delivery time for the Intura PGX A9 solar control glass range is 2 to 3 working days for all standard sizes. As we supply these products from our own stock in the Netherlands, we can respond quickly to both renovation projects and new-build developments. For non-standard sizes or specific bespoke solutions, the delivery time may vary; in such cases, please contact us for an accurate estimate.

Is the PGX A9 also available in an electrically ventilated version?

Yes, the PGX A9 series is available in both a fixed and an electrically ventilated version. The ventilated version is ideal for rooms where extra natural air circulation is required, such as kitchens or bathrooms. The motor is discreetly concealed within the frame, preserving the sleek design of the flat roof window whilst offering optimum ease of use.

How much heat does Intura’s solar-control glass actually block?

The heat-reflective HR++ glass filters out up to 60% of incoming solar heat compared with standard double glazing. This is achieved through a special coating that reflects infrared radiation before it can heat up the room. As a result, the indoor climate remains significantly cooler on hot summer days, without compromising the amount of natural daylight entering the room.

Is the Intura PGX A9 burglar-resistant in accordance with Dutch standards?

The PGX A9 complies with the applicable requirements for safety glass and burglary resistance as laid down in the Building and Living Environment Decree (Bbl). The window is fitted with laminated HR++ safety glass on the inside; this not only protects against glass breakage but also provides an extra barrier against unwanted visitors. The robust extruded aluminium profiles contribute to the overall strength of the structure.

Do I need a special planning permission to install a flat roof window?

In most cases, installing a flat roof window at the rear of a property does not require planning permission. However, specific rules apply to listed buildings or properties within a conservation area. We always recommend carrying out a planning permission check in advance via the Omgevingsloket or enquiring with your local council to ensure your building plans comply with local regulations.

What is the best way to clean sun-control glass without damaging the coating?

You can clean the outside of the glass in the same way as you would regular windows, using a mild soapy solution and a soft cloth. This is because the solar control coating on the Intura PGX A9 solar control glass series is located on the inside of the cavity, meaning it cannot be damaged by cleaning or weather conditions. Never use abrasive cleaners or sharp objects to prevent scratches on the glass surface.

Can you walk on the glass in the PGX A9 range?

No, the PGX A9 series is not designed to be walked on. Although the window is very strong and meets all safety requirements for roof glazing, the glass surface cannot withstand the specific point load caused by footsteps. If you are looking for a solution for a roof terrace, we recommend the Intura PGX A5 walkable glass series, which has been specifically developed for this purpose.

What is the difference between solar control glass and heat-reflective glass?

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, the difference lies in the focus of the coating. Heat-reflective glass (hr++) is primarily designed to keep the heat from your heating system inside during the winter. Solar-control glass does this too, but has an additional coating that specifically blocks the sun’s heat in summer. It therefore offers dual protection for a stable indoor climate throughout the year.