Glazing Installation in Belgium: Standards and Essential Information
Glass installation in Belgium is governed by strict standards that guarantee safety, thermal insulation, and visual quality. Whether you're in the Flemish region , Brussels-Capital Region , or Wallonia , understanding these regulations is essential to ensure compliant and efficient installations. Here's a comprehensive guide to key standards and information regarding glass installation.
Belgian and European Standards for Glazing
1. Visual Quality: Standard NBN EN 1279-1
The NBN EN 1279-1 standard , published in August 2018, defines the criteria for assessing the visual quality of insulating glazing. It specifies in particular:
- A standard viewing distance of 3 meters.
- Specific tolerances for linear defects (such as scratches) and point defects (such as bubbles).
This standard ensures that the installed glazing provides optimal transparency and minimizes visible imperfections.
2. Security: NBN S23-002 Standard
The NBN S23-002 standard is crucial for determining the type of glazing to use depending on the area of activity. It replaces the old STS 38 standard and aims to prevent the risk of defenestration , particularly in public or residential buildings.
In addition, the revised versions NBN S23-002-2:2020 and NBN S23-002-3:2020 of the calculation methods for determining the minimum thickness of glazing in facades and roofs, taking into account wind load. These standards are essential to ensure the durability and safety of installations.
3. Safety glazing: Standards NBN EN 12600, NBN EN 356 and NBN EN 1063
Safety glazing must meet specific requirements to protect against various types of risks:
- NBN EN 12600 : Assesses resistance to shocks (human or object impact).
- NBN EN 356 : Determining resistance to manual attacks (break-in).
- NBN EN 1063 : Guarantees protection against bullets, used mainly in secure contexts.
These standards are particularly relevant for buildings requiring enhanced protection, such as banks or public buildings.
Thermal Insulation: Energy Performance
Thermal insulation is a key criterion for exterior windows in Belgium. Regulations require an overall U-value of less than or equal to 1.5 W/m²K . This means that:
Traditional double glazing is often insufficient to achieve this performance.
The use of high-performance glass or triple glazing is becoming necessary to meet modern energy requirements.
These solutions not only reduce heating losses, but also improve indoor comfort and reduce heating costs.
Bonuses for Window Renovation
In Belgium, government incentives are available to encourage window renovations. This financial aid is subject to strict conditions:
- Frames and glazing must meet high thermal performance standards.
- The work must be carried out by certified professionals.
These premiums vary by region (Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels-Capital) and can cover a significant portion of renovation costs. For more information, consult the official websites of the regions concerned.
Summary of Requirements for Glazing Installation in Belgium
In summary, the installation of glazing in Belgium must meet several essential criteria:
- Safety : Compliance with standards NBN S23-002, NBN EN 12600, NBN EN 356 and NBN EN 1063.
- Visual quality : Compliance with standard NBN EN 1279-1.
- Thermal insulation : U-value ≤ 1.5 W/m²K, with preference for high-performance glass or triple glazing.
- Financial assistance : Take advantage of bonuses for renovations that comply with energy standards.
Why Are These Standards Important?
Complying with these standards is not only a legal obligation, but also a guarantee of quality and durability. Properly installed glazing that complies with regulations offers:
- Better safety for occupants.
- Optimal thermal insulation, contributing to a reduction in energy costs .
- Impeccable visual quality, improving the aesthetics of buildings.
Conclusion
Glazing installation in Belgium is a complex field, regulated by strict standards to ensure safety, thermal insulation, and visual quality. Whether you're considering a new installation or a renovation, it's essential to be informed about these requirements to make informed choices.
If you have additional questions or would like to explore any aspect in more depth, please feel free to consult official resources or contact certified professionals.
