Technal launches Modal 
Technal, has launched Modal – the UK’s first low rise facade system to achieve such a high level of security, performance and thermal efficiency as standard.
Technal believes that this rapid-build modular solution is also the only low rise glazing system to be tested to BS 7950 – the British Standard for the enhanced security performance of windows.
Modal features a number of new innovations which allow it to achieve an unprecedented level of security without the need for any modification to the standard system. This makes it ideal for applications such as schools, and for projects to be specified and fabricated to meet Secured by Design criteria. The innovations include:
Both glaze-in and glaze-out fixed lights that can be used on the same elevation without any alteration to the sight lines. An industry first, this feature offers maximum security and ease of glass replacement wherever needed on the facade.
A four-point bi-directional espagnolette locking system. The mushroom-shaped point of the lock prevents the Modal opening vent from being lifted from the outside to disengage the lock.
A specially-designed screw for the integral opening vent has been developed to prevent removal of the bead and glass from the outside, and yet still allow easy glass replacement for maintenance.
A glaze-out security kit for Modal fixed light glazing makes the facade even more secure.
Safety guards fitted to the top corners of the open-out vent reinforce the hinges of the vent frame for additional protection against intruder access.
Modal has also been developed to deliver the highest level of thermal efficiency for low rise glazing and will exceed Building Regulations requirements – both current and likely revisions.
The standard system is fully thermally broken and will achieve exceptional thermal performance and low U-values – whether the specification is for a fully glazed facade, or incorporating the Modal integral opening vents, or Technal’s GXi sliding window and balcony door.
For example, Modal will comfortably attain a U-value of 1.0W/m2K with a combination of 50% fixed light glazing and 50% insulated panels, using a glass specification of 1.1W/m2K.
Modal has also been successfully tested to both curtain walling and window standards (British and European) – BS EN 13830 for curtain walling and BS EN 14351-1 for windows – giving specifiers further reassurance of the system’s superior weather resistance and outstanding performance.
