Climate Change is with Us

THIS YEAR has shown that climate change is no longer a future concern, with England experiencing an almost unprecedented heatwave in 2026, that is likely to surpass the record high temperatures set just a year earlier in 2025. As periods of extreme heat become more frequent, architects, specifiers and building owners are increasingly looking for products that can protect buildings from high temperatures, whilst maintaining fire safety, durability and comfort.

Good Ventilation can come at a Price

With temperatures this summer often reaching in excess of 35 ° C, the UK Government has highlighted the importance of ventilation during periods of extreme heat. However, opening windows and doors can allow all manner of insects into buildings – such as flies, wasps and mosquitoes; plus non-native venomous spiders such as the False Widow. Indeed, the UK Health Security Agency has warned of the risk that insect and spider bites pose, particularly in relation to occupants of hospitals and care homes, as well as vulnerable groups such as the elderly and infants.

Innovation to Combat Climate Change

Envirograf ® has considerable expertise in producing fireproof ventilation grilles, so naturally saw an opportunity to integrate a new insect defence screen into their latest patent pending TaktaVent range of grilles produced with combatting the effects of climate change in mind. The new TaktaVent grilles are available in a variety of configurations and are designed to fit traditional, modern, transom and casement windows. They make excellent direct replacements for smaller top opening windows, but can be installed into many existing windows by cutting and resizing the glass as necessary. The grilles are suitable for uPVC, metal and timber windows. They provide adjustable ventilation ranging from fully open to completely closed, plus have an internal intumescent material which will expand when exposed to flame providing up to 65 minutes fire integrity, causing the grille

taktavent

Get fresh air without bugs or fire risk

to seal without the need for any human intervention, preventing the spread of fire and dangerous fumes. Insect mesh is also integral to the grille – keeping unwanted, potentially disease spreading, bugs out.

The Energy Efficient Solution

Unlike fans or environmentally unfriendly air-conditioning units, TaktaVents require no electricity, resulting in reduced energy output at a time of ever-increasing energy prices. Externally, the grilles feature ventilation slots to allow air to flow through, with subtly installed insect-mesh and intumescent material inside. Internally, a small control handle allows air flow to be adjusted as required. The TaktaVent grilles for metal and wooden windows externally feature a large open square pattern, whilst the grilles for plastic windows feature a smaller flower pattern aesthetic.

Four Decades of Expertise and Product Development

Envirograf boasts over 40 years of experience in passive fire technologies, a specialist niche sector within the wider fire safety industry that is often more focused on reactive fire-retardant measures, such as fire extinguishers and fire alarms. Established in 1983 by Managing Director Derek Ward, Envirograf employs over 120 people in Kent at its Barfrestone HQ, where Derek still plays an active role in the business, continuing to personally develop new products( even having recently turned 94). Envirograf’ s technical experts based at the company’ s Kent headquarters, which is still the primary manufacturing base, are always happy to answer any questions and regularly arrange educational training sessions.

Extensive High-Quality British Manufactured Product Range

Envirograf’ s British manufactured range is one of the most extensive in the passive fire protection sector, with over 150 variations including fire-resistant grilles, barriers, fire door systems, intumescent coatings, sealants and specialist fire prevention solutions. Products are regularly fire tested at accredited testing facilities, with innovative new products being systematically developed to meet ever changing regulatory requirements. Operating under an ISO 9001-accredited quality management system, door manufacturers, specifiers and glaziers can be confident in seamless product integration, performance and quality when it counts the most.

Envirograf – The Glaziers One Stop Fire Protection Shop

With over 150 specialist passive fire protection products, combined with their track record of over 40 years of proven British excellence, innovation, expertise and manufacturing, Envirograf is a one stop fire protection shop for the glazing, door and installation sector.

Contact Envirograf by email at sales @ envirograf. com or call 01304 842 555 to talk to one of their fire safety experts today.

Door Industry Journal Autumn 2026