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Worked Compliance Workflow

Put the checks together in the same order you would use on a real project.

8 minFenestration Fundamentals
Diagram for Worked Compliance Workflow
Fenestration Fundamentals Worked Compliance Workflow
How to use the diagram Read the visual first, then connect each label to the lesson text and your calculator inputs. The aim is to make every assumption visible before you calculate.

Learning Objective

By the end of this lesson you should be able to run a clean first-pass fenestration assessment and know what to adjust when it fails.

Recommended workflow

Start with project location and building classification, then define storeys, nett floor areas, orientations, fenestration areas and performance values. Run glazing percentage first, then weighted U-value and SHGC checks.

If the project fails

Do not guess. Identify the failing group and adjust one variable at a time: reduce glazed area, improve glazing performance, add compliant external shading, change frame/glazing specification, or revisit the design route with a competent person.

Document the decision

A useful compliance report should show assumptions, storey areas, orientation groups, product values and the pass/fail result. Keep drawings and supplier data aligned with the numbers used in the calculator.

Practice Task

  • Create a one-storey sample project in the calculator.
  • Enter at least three fenestration elements with mixed orientations.
  • Export or save the result and list the evidence still needed.

Calculator Tip

Use the report as a checking document, not just an output. Review every assumption before sending it to a client or authority.

Worked Example: First-Pass Fenestration Check

Scenario

A single storey has 52 m2 nett floor area and three glazed elements: 1.8 m2 at U 2.8 / SHGC 0.32, 5.0 m2 at U 2.2 / SHGC 0.25, and 1.1 m2 at U 3.0 / SHGC 0.35.

Calculator Entry

Enter each glazed element with its area, orientation, U-value and SHGC. Use the result cards to check glazing percentage and weighted performance.

Step-by-step method
  1. 1Add the three glazed areas to get total fenestration area.
  2. 2Divide total fenestration area by nett floor area to get glazing percentage.
  3. 3Calculate weighted U-value and SHGC using area x value products.
  4. 4Compare the results to the applicable SANS 10400-XA:2021 route and document supplier evidence.
Expected conclusion

The important decision is not only whether the numbers pass, but whether every value can be traced to drawings and supplier data.

Common Mistakes

  • Using glass-only U-values or SHGC values instead of whole-window values.
  • Mixing solar and non-solar orientation groups in one weighted average.
  • Calculating glazing percentage across the whole building instead of per storey.

Quick Knowledge Check

1. What should you confirm before applying this lesson to a project?

Can every input be traced to a drawing, schedule or supplier value?

2. Which piece of evidence should support the main input in this lesson?

Create a one-storey sample project in the calculator.

3. What is the safest action if the information is incomplete?

Flag the missing evidence, use a conservative assumption where appropriate, and avoid claiming compliance until the information is confirmed.

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