Glazing frame comprising a wood-plastic composite material

Abstract

A glazing frame 300 comprises a glazing unit 111 and a frame member 332, wherein the frame member is formed from a wood-plastic composite material. The wood-plastic composite material comprises a mixt

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention relate to a glazing frame comprising a wood-plastic composite material. In particular, but not exclusively, they relate to a rooflight comprising a wood-plastic composite material. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Over time, window frames have transitioned away from traditional timber frames to plastic frames or metal frames. Modern plastic or metal frames are more durable and more resistant to warping than timber. Metal window frames, such as aluminium frames, are considered aesthetically attractive by some customers. The strength of aluminium allows thin frames to be created. Aluminium can also be extruded into complex geometries at a moderately low cost. However, aluminium has a high thermal conductivity, so a thermal break is provided between interior and exterior aluminium frame members, to minimise heat transfer therebetween. This involves the use of additional thermally insulating materials and manufacturing steps. The first design objective for minimising heat loss is to provide a large gap from the interior aluminium frame member to the exterior aluminium frame member and / or to the glazing, without excessively weakening the frame. The second design objective is to fill any gaps between aluminium frame members with thermal breaks. A thermal break typically comprises a low 1 thermal conductivity material such as resin, silicone, polyamide, or expanded polystyrene. A combination of thermal breaks may be provided, including a load-bearing thermal break (e.g., polyamide) and a low-density thermal break (e.g., expanded polystyrene). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a glazing frame comprising a glazing unit and a first frame member (frame member), wherein the first frame member is formed from a wood-plastic composite material, and wherein the wood-plastic composite material comprises a mixture of wood particles and plastic particles. Wood-plastic composite (WPC) material is a material composition comprising wood particles, plastic particles, and optional additives. WPC material has a high strength and can substitute aluminium or timber. WPC material has a low thermal conductivity compared to aluminium. Therefore, the use of WPC material can obviate the need for additional thermal breaks. WPC material also has a high resistance to rot and decay unlike timber. WPC material can also be formed from recycled plastics and wood waste, therefore obviating the need for virgin wood and virgin plastic. WPC material is also less prone to warping, cracking, or splitting compared to timber. WPC material can also be configured to mimic the appearance and texture of natural wood. Optionally, the wood particles (organic wood particles) comprise 30-60% of a composition of the wood-plastic composite material, the plastic particles comprise 20-50% of the composition, and optional mineral fillers comprise 10-30% of the composition. An advantage is a rigid durable material with low thermal expansion. Optionally, the first frame member formed from the WPC material comprises a first connector extending longitudinally along the first frame member. Optionally, the first connector comprises a socket, such as a groove. Optionally, the first connector is located in a first face of the first frame member. Optionally, the first connector is located to a first side of the first frame member. Optionally, the first side is a laterally outboard side of the first face of the first frame member. Optionally, the first frame member further comprises a second connector extending longitudinally along the first frame member. An advantage of the two connectors is providing the option of securing second and third frame members to the first frame member, alongside each other. Optionally, the second connector comprises a socket, such as a groove. Optionally, the second connector is located to a second opposite side of the first frame member. Optionally, the second side is a laterally inboard side of the first face of the first frame member. Optionally, the grooves extend parallel to each other. Optionally, the first and second connectors are spaced from each other across the first face of the first frame member formed from the WPC material. Optionally, the grooves are formed in the first face of the first frame member. Optionally, the first face of the first frame member, comprising the connector(s), faces the glazing unit. Optionally, the first face is separated from the glazing unit by an air gap and / or by a less dense solid material than the WPC material. In examples where the glazing frame is a rooflight frame, the first face is an upper face of the first frame member, facing upwardly. Optionally, the first frame member has a rectilinear cross-section shape. Optionally, the shape is rectangular. Optionally, a cross-section shape of the first frame member comprises flanges and webs defining a closed cross-section having a hollow internal space. 3 Optionally, an average material thickness of the flanges and webs is selected from the range 3mm to 6mm, or from the range 2mm to 8mm. Optionally, the cross-section shape of the first frame member further comprises an internal divider separating the hollow internal space into a plurality of air filled cavities. The internal divider may interconnect a pair of the webs. This improves stiffness when the webs are long. Optionally, the glazing frame is a rooflight frame, wherein the first frame member formed from the WPG material has an upper side and a lower side, and wherein a load path from the glazing unit passes through the first frame member. Optionally, the lower side of the first frame member formed from the WPC material is mounted to a building frame member beneath or alongside the first frame member, to cover a roof aperture of a building. Optionally, the first frame member formed from the WPC material is located beneath the glazing unit and laterally inboard of a perimeter of the glazing unit. Optionally, the first frame member formed from the WPC material is located beneath the glazing unit and laterally inboard of a perimeter of the glazing unit, wherein the glazing unit is supported by a different frame member (e.g., a glazing support profile) formed from a different material than the first frame member, located outboard of the first frame member and supporting the perimeter of the glazing unit, and wherein the load path from the glazing unit passes through the different frame member to the first frame member formed from the WPC material. Optionally, the different material comprises metal. The WPC material is a thermal insulator having a lower thermal conductivity than the metal of the different frame member. Optionally, the different frame member (e.g., a glazing support profile) comprises a downwardly extending water drip lip positioned laterally outboard of the first frame member formed from the WPC material. Optionally, the glazing frame comprises a second frame member configured to be secured to the first connector to secure the second frame member to a first side of the first frame member. Optionally, the second frame member comprises a plug extending longitudinally along the second frame member, which is connectable to the first connector (socket / groove). Optionally, the glazing frame comprises a third frame member configured to be secured to the second connector to secure the third frame member to a second opposite side of the first frame member. Optionally, the third frame member comprises a plug extending longitudinally along the third frame member, which is connectable to the second connector (socket / groove). Optionally, the second and / or third frame member is formed from a different material than the WPC material. Optionally, the different material has an equal or greater strength than the WPC material and a greater thermal conductivity than the WPC material. Optionally, the different material comprises a metal. Optionally, the metal comprises aluminium. Optionally, the metal (or coated metal) is directly connected to and in direct contact with the WPC material (may be coated or uncoated). Optionally, the second frame member is shaped to wrap around an edge of the first frame member formed from the WPC material and extend along at least part of a second face of the first frame member, to a laterally outboard side of the first frame member. Optionally, the third frame member is shaped to wrap around another edge of the first frame member formed from the WPC material and extend along at least part of a third face of the first frame member, to a laterally inboard side of the first frame member. 5 Optionally, the metal (or coated metal) of the second frame member is in direct contact with the first face and / or with the second face of the first frame member. Optionally, the metal of the third frame member is in direct contact with the first face and / or with the third face of the first frame member. Advantageously, a separate thermal break or air gap is not required, due to the thermal insulating properties of the WPG material. Optionally, the first frame member formed from the WPC material is an interior frame member. Optionally, the second frame member is an exterior frame member. Optionally, the third frame member (if provided) is an interior frame member. The terms ‘exterior’ and ‘interior’ refer to the building exterior and interior, and define the wet (outboard) and dry (inboard) sides of the frame. Therefore, the second frame member may be more exposed to water and moisture than the first (and third) frame members. Optionally, the exterior, second frame member is formed from a different material than the WPC material. For example, the second frame member may comprise aluminium, such as coated aluminium. For example, the second frame member may comprise a polymer powder coated aluminium section. Optionally, the third frame member comprises the same material as the second frame member. Optionally, the first frame member is of extruded form. Optionally, the second frame member is of extruded form. Optionally, the third frame member is of extruded form. Optionally, the glazing support profile is of extruded form. Optionally, the glazing frame comprises an openable assembly and a fixed assembly, wherein the openable assembly is openable relative to the fixed assembly. Optionally, the openable assembly is connected to the fixed assembly by a hinge assembly, and by an optional window opener. 6 Optionally, the glazing frame is a rooflight frame configured to be secured to a pitched roof or configured to be secured to a flat roof. Optionally, the glazing frame is an openable rooflight frame comprising the openable assembly and the fixed assembly as described above. Optionally, the openable assembly comprises the glazing unit and a structure supporting the glazing unit. Optionally, the structure supporting the glazing unit comprises a glazing support profile, wherein the glazing support profile is secured to a periphery of the glazing unit. The glazing support profile may be the same profile mentioned earlier. In summary, an openable rooflight frame may comprise three or four frame members, excluding seals, including the first, second, and optional third frame members of the fixed assembly, and the glazing support profile of the openable assembly. Optionally, in examples where the glazing frame is an openable rooflight frame configured to be secured to a pitched roof, the openable assembly is configured in a closed position to seal against a sealing member, wherein the sealing member is secured to one of the fixed assembly or the openable assembly. Optionally, the sealing member is secured to the fixed assembly. The sealing member may be formed from a less dense solid material than the WPC material. Optionally, the sealing member is positioned on the upper face of the first frame member when the openable assembly is in a closed position on the fixed assembly. Optionally, the sealing member is positioned between the first and second connectors of the first frame member when the openable assembly is in the closed position. Optionally, in examples where the glazing frame is an openable rooflight frame configured to be secured to a pitched roof, the second frame member optionally 7 comprises a drainage projection extending laterally outboard from the glazing unit. Optionally, the drainage projection is a flashing apron. Optionally, when the glazing frame is viewed in cross-section, the drainage projection is located to the first side of the first frame member and projects laterally outboard beyond a perimeter of the glazing unit. Optionally, the drainage projection is connected to the first connector, wraps around the edge (upper edge) of the first frame member, extends down the second face of the first frame member in abutment with the second face, and then extends laterally outboard from the first frame member. Optionally, the drainage projection provides a drainage channel for water runoff. Optionally, the drainage channel follows a roof drainage slope when the rooflight frame is secured to the pitched roof. Optionally, the drainage channel comprises a U-shaped cross-section. Optionally, the third frame member comprises a cover connector to position a cover to the second side of the first frame member. The cover may comprise plasterboard, for example. The plasterboard may be separate to the cover connector. Optionally, in examples where the glazing frame is an openable rooflight frame configured to be secured to a flat roof, the second frame member optionally comprises a cover connector to position a cover to the first side of the first frame member. Optionally, the third frame member also comprises a cover connector to position a different cover to the second side of the first frame member. Optionally, the second and third frame members are separate parts each comprising a cover and cover connector as a single integral part. Optionally, the second frame member is shaped in cross-section to connect to the first connector and wrap around an outboard side of the first frame member. Optionally, the third frame member is shaped in cross-section to connect to the first connector and wrap around an inboard side of the first frame member. The first frame member may be layered between the covers. Optionally, the covers 8 are in abutment with corresponding webs of the first frame member. Optionally, the cover of the second frame member comprises a drip lip protruding below a base edge of the first frame member. Optionally, the first frame member comprises an open channel section for at least part of its length, and wherein the glazing frame comprises a window opener housed in the open channel section. Optionally, the window opener comprises an actuator and an output arm connected at its distal end to the openable assembly. Optionally, the first frame member formed from the WPC material comprises a longitudinal discontinuity to define the open channel section in which the window opener is housed, and wherein at least one of the first and second connectors is continuous through the longitudinal discontinuity. In other examples, the glazing frame is optionally a fixed (non-openable) rooflight frame, such that the glazing unit is positionally and rotationally fixed relative to the first frame member formed from the WPC material. Optionally, the second frame member secured to the first connector of the first frame member comprises the glazing support profile as defined above. The glazing support profile may be directly secured to the first frame member in this example such that the glazing frame is fixed and non-openable. In summary, a fixed rooflight frame may comprise two or three frame members, including the first (WPC) frame member, the glazing support profile, and the optional third frame member. Optionally, in examples where the glazing frame is a fixed rooflight frame, the second frame member optionally comprises a drainage projection extending laterally outboard from the glazing unit. Optionally, the drainage projection comprises a drip skirt which is sloped away from the glazing unit when the rooflight frame is viewed in cross-section. Optionally, an underside of the drip skirt comprises a downwards-facing pocket to receive an upturned edge of a roof membrane. Therefore, the drip skirt protects an underside of the roof 9 membrane from water ingress. Optionally, the drip skirt is an integral portion of the glazing support profile. In other examples, the glazing support profile comprises the downwards-facing pocket without comprising the drip skirt. Optionally, in examples where the glazing frame is a fixed rooflight frame, a cross-section shape of the second frame member comprises a fixing recess shaped to allow a mechanical fixing to extend through the lower section of the outer web and through the flange into a substrate. Optionally, the cross-section shape of the second frame member comprises a flange and an upstanding outer web extending up from the flange, wherein the outer web comprises an upper section and a lower section, wherein the lower section comprises the fixing recess. Optionally, the substrate comprises the first frame member. Optionally, the substrate further comprises a building frame beneath the first frame member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of various examples of embodiments of the present invention reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 illustrates a first cross-section of an example openable pitched rooflight frame; FIG. 2 illustrates a second cross-section of the openable pitched rooflight frame of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 illustrates a first cross-section of an example openable flat rooflight frame; FIG. 4 illustrates a second cross-section of the openable flat rooflight frame of FIG. 3; and FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-section of an example fixed flat rooflight frame. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-section of a glazing frame 100 comprising a glazing unit 111 and various frame members. The various geometric features described herein are cross-section features unless implied or stated otherwise. The depicted frame members may be straight linear frame members, which may be interconnected at their ends to define a window frame having a rectangular or other shape. The glazing frame 100 of FIG. 1 is an openable rooflight frame configured to be secured to a pitched roof. The cross-section of FIG. 1 is representative of a left side, right side, and up-slope side of the glazing frame 100. The cross-section of a portion of the down-slope side of the glazing frame 100 is as shown in the separate cross-section of FIG. 2. FIG. 1 also illustrates building components to demonstrate how the glazing frame 100 interfaces with them. Specifically, FIG. 1 also illustrates a building frame member 108, plasterboard 104, a roof aperture 102 defined by building frame members 108, a roof tile 106, and a flashing membrane 109 underlying roof tiles 106. It would be appreciated that the glazing frame 100 may be compatible with a range of roof constructions not limited to the construction shown. If the cross-section is taken through the left or right side of the glazing frame 100, the illustrated building frame member 108 may be a sloped roof joist. If the cross-section is taken through the up-slope side of the glazing frame 100, the building frame member 108 may be a trimmer joist interconnecting two sloped roof joists. For simplicity, FIG. 1 does not illustrate roof felt or batons on the roof felt. The glazing frame 100 comprises an openable assembly 110 and a fixed assembly 130, wherein the openable assembly 110 is openable relative to the fixed assembly 130. The openable assembly 110 is connected to the fixed assembly 130 by a hinge assembly (not shown), and by an optional window opener 202 (FIG. 2). The fixed assembly 130 of the glazing frame 100 comprises a WPC profile 132 (first frame member), a flashing apron profile 158 (second frame member), a plastering trim profile 172 (third frame member), and a compressible thermal insulator sealing member 131 adhered to an upper face 142 of the WPC profile 132. Each of these parts is elongate in a longitudinal direction and may be of extruded form. The longitudinal direction refers to the direction in which the perimeter of the glazing unit 111 extends, which is rectilinear in some but not necessarily all examples. The openable assembly 110 comprises a glazing unit 111, a glazing support profile 120, an edge sealant 118, and an underseal 128. The edge sealant 118 and underseal 128 each connect the glazing unit 111 to the glazing support profile 120. The glazing support profile 120 and seals 118, 128 are elongate in the longitudinal direction, and may be of extruded form. The illustrated glazing unit 111 is triple glazed, with three panes 112A-112C spaced by spacer bars 114 to create a pair of interior cavities 116 filled mostly or substantially with an inert gas (e.g., argon, xenon, etc). Alternatively, the glazing unit 111 can comprise a different number of panes. The illustrated glazing support profile 120 is an aluminium or other metal profile, which may be polyester powder coated for oxidisation resistance. The glazing support profile 120 comprises an upper web 122, a lower web 124, and a flange 127. The webs 122, 124 and flange 127 may be T-shaped as shown. The flange 127 extends in a laterally inboard direction, and is located between the vertically extending upper and lower webs 122, 124. An ‘inboard’ direction refers to a lateral direction in the plane of the illustrated cross-section which is towards the centre of the glazing frame 100, whereas ‘outboard’ refers to the opposite lateral direction. The glazing support profile 120 is secured to the periphery of the glazing unit 111. Specifically, the upper web 122 of the glazing support profile 120 is connected to the perimeter (side face) of the glazing unit 111, by the edge sealant 118. The edge sealant 118 may comprise a hot melt material such as butyl rubber. The edge sealant 118 is connected to the edges of the panes 112A-112C and the outboard faces of the spacer bars 114, as well as to the upper web 122 of the glazing support profile 120. The flange 127 of the glazing support profile 120 is connected to the interior pane 112C (bottom pane) of the glazing unit 111 by an underseal 128. The underseal 128 may comprise any appropriate compressible sealing material. The underseal 128 defines a secondary seal smaller than the primary edge sealant 118. The lower web 124 of the glazing support profile 120 extends to a downwards-facing tip which acts as a water drip lip 126, preventing water droplets from reaching the underside of the flange 127. The drip lip 126 drains into a later-described drainage channel 170. When the openable assembly 110 is in a closed position as shown in FIG. 1, the interior pane 112C of the glazing unit 111 abuts against the sealing member 131. The sealing member 131 provides a cushion as well as thermal insulation 13 by blocking an air gap between the tip of the flange 127 of the glazing support profile 120 and the interior of the building. The sealing member 131 comprises a low-density compressible thermal insulator material. The sealing member 131 is low-density and compressible relative to the aluminium and WPC used in the frame members. The sealing member 131 may be adhered to a horizontal deck 154 of the upper face 142 of the WPC profile 132, so it is not visible when the openable assembly 110 is in an open position. FIG. 1 further illustrates an example geometry of the WPC profile 132. The WPC profile 132 is located beneath the glazing unit 111, and laterally inboard of the perimeter of the glazing unit 111. In FIG. 1, the centroid of the WPC profile 132 is laterally inboard of the inboard tip of the flange 127 of the glazing support profile 120. The WPC profile 132 comprises a composite mixture of wood particles and plastic particles. The composition of the WPC profile 132 may comprise: - wood fibres or wood flour comprising 30-60% of the composition; - thermoplastic particles (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride) comprising 20-50% of the composition; - optional mineral fillers such as rock dust, comprising 10-30% of the composition, to increase rigidity and reduce thermal expansion; and - optional additives in small quantities such as coupling agents, stabilisers, colourants, flame retardants, etc. FIG. 1 illustrates the WPC profile 132 having a hollow rectangular cross-section shape, defined by a pair of webs 136, 137 and a pair of flanges 134, 135. The webs 136, 137 comprise an inner web 137 and an outer web 136, laterally outboard of the inner web 137. The pair of flanges 134, 135 comprise an upper flange 134 interconnecting the tops of the webs 136, 137, and a lower flange 135 interconnecting the bottoms of the webs 136, 137. The exterior surfaces of the flanges 134, 135 and webs 136, 137 define an upper face 142, outboard side face 144, inboard side face 146, and lower face 148 of the WPC profile 132. The faces are connected by edges. The upper flange 134 defines the upper face 142. The outer web 136 defines the outboard side face 144. The inner web 137 defines the inboard side face 146. The lower flange 135 defines the lower face 148. The WPC profile 132 also comprises an internal divider 138 parallel to the flanges 134, 135, interconnecting central portions of the webs 136, 137. The internal divider 138 divides the hollow internal space of the WPC profile 132 into a lower cavity 140 located in a lower side of the WPC profile 132, and an upper cavity 141 located in an upper side of the WPC profile 132. The cavities 140, 141 are air-filled. The cavities 140, 141 mean that an average material thickness of the flanges 134, 135 and webs 136, 137 may be selected from the range 3mm to 6mm, or from the range 2mm to 8mm. This allows weight reduction to assist with manual handling of the glazing frame 100. The lower side of the WPC profile 132 is positioned alongside the building frame member 108, which may be a roof joist or trimmer joist. The building frame member 108 is positioned laterally outboard of the WPC profile 132, against the outer web 136 of the WPC profile 132. The lower side of the WPC profile 132 is connected to the building frame member 108 by a laterally extending mechanical fixing 178, such as a screw. A weight load path from the glazing unit 111 passes through the sealing member 131, through the WPC profile 132, and to the building frame member 108. The upper flange 134 of the WPC profile 132 has a W-shaped profiled upper face 142, comprising a pair of parallel grooves which act as first and second connectors 150, 152 for the flashing apron profile 158 and plastering trim profile 172, respectively. The first connector 150 is located to a laterally outboard side of the WPC profile 132, and the second connector 152 is located to a laterally inboard side of the WPC profile 132. The first and second connectors 150, 152 are separated from each other by a central horizontal deck 154 to which the sealing member 131 is adhered. The flashing apron profile 158 is now described. The illustrated flashing apron profile 158 is a drainage projection comprising a U-shaped drainage channel 170. The flashing apron profile 158 may be formed from the same powder coated aluminium as the glazing support profile 120. The flashing apron profile 158 is hooked into the first connector 150 of the WPC profile 132. The flashing apron profile 158 comprises at its upper end a downwardly extending plug 160 (web) protruding into the first connector 150 (groove / socket) of the WPC profile 132. A flange 161 of the flashing apron profile 158 extends laterally outboard from the plug 160, along the upper face 142 of the upper flange 134 of the WPC profile 132 to the edge between the upper face 142 and the outboard side face 144 of the WPC profile 132. The plug 160 and flange 161 of the flashing apron profile 158 may be seated in / in direct contact with the upper flange 134 of the WPC profile 132. The flange 161 of the flashing apron profile 158 is connected to a web 162 of a U-shaped drainage channel 170 of the flashing apron profile 158. The drainage channel 170 comprises an upright inboard web 162 and an upright outboard web 166, interconnected by a laterally extending channel flange 164. The inboard web 162 extends down the upper side of the WPC profile 132, abutting 16 against the outboard side face 144 of the WPC profile 132. The height of the inboard web 162 may be less than half the height of the WPC profile 132, due to the proximity of the building frame member 108. The laterally extending channel flange 164 of the drainage channel 170 of the flashing apron profile 158 extends beneath the drip lip 126 of the glazing support profile 120, so that water droplets from the drip lip 126 are received in the channel 170. The drainage channel 170 has a sufficient width to cover most or all of the top of the building frame member 108. The outboard web 166 of the drainage channel 170 of the flashing apron profile 158 comprises a tile support lip 168 at its upper end, such as a small plinth / flange. A vibration-deadening foam strip (not shown) may extend along an upper surface of the tile support lip 168. An upturned edge of the flashing membrane 109 and an overlying edge of a roof tile 106 both rest on the tile support lip 168 of the flashing apron profile 158. The height of the outboard web 166 means that the tile support lip 168 is slightly elevated relative to a plane of the roof, such that the edge of the roof tile 106 is sloped slightly upwardly to drain water laterally away from the glazing frame 100. The plastering trim profile 172 is now described. The illustrated plastering trim profile 172 is a sideways C-shaped profile, located to the inboard side of the WPC profile 132. The plastering trim profile 172 may be formed from a metal such as aluminium. The plastering trim profile 172 comprises a laterally extending flange connected to downwardly extending inboard and outboard webs at its ends. The outboard web is a plug 174 hooked into the second connector 152 (groove / socket) of the WPC profile 132. The flange extends in a laterally inboard direction along / against the upper face 142 of the WPC profile 132, and is cantilevered beyond the edge of the upper face 142 of the WPC profile 132. The cantilevered 17 portion of the flange, and the inboard web, define a plasterboard engaging hook 176 to receive the top edge of the plasterboard 104. Therefore, the plasterboard 104 can be positioned against the inboard side face 146 of the WPC profile 132. FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section of the down-slope side of the glazing frame 100 of FIG. 1. This depicts the lower / down-slope frame members which form the down-slope side of the glazing frame 100 and which extend across the slope of the roof. The building frame member 108 in FIG. 2 is a lower trimmer joist extending transversely between sloped roof joists. FIG. 2 does not illustrate the pitch of the glazing frame 100. The cross-section is slightly modified to accommodate a window opener 202 for opening and closing the openable assembly 110 between the closed and open positions. At least a central section of the upper flange 134 of the WPC profile 132 have been removed (e.g., cut off) to create an opening at the upper side of the WPC profile 132, such that the upper cavity 141 is now converted from a closed channel section to an open channel section 241. The connectors 150, 152 may extend to each side of the opening in the upper flange 134, to provide continuous support of the various parts attached thereto. A window opener 202, such as an electric chain actuator, is seated on a floor of the open channel section 241, such as the internal divider 138. The window opener 202 comprises an actuator 204 (e.g., electric motor unit) and an output arm 206, such as a flexible chain. The distal end of the output arm 206 is connected to the openable assembly 110, such as the flange 127 of the glazing support profile 120. If the window opener 202 is wide, then one of the webs 136, 137 may be cut along part of its length to accommodate a wider window opener 202. If the window opener 202 is narrow as shown, it may not be necessary to cut down one of the webs 136, 137 of the WPC profile 132. A lower flashing apron profile 258 and plastering trim profile 172 are shown connected to the respective connectors 150, 152 of the WPC profile 132. Although not shown in FIG. 2, the glazing frame 100 would be tilted so that water runs down from right to left on the page. To prevent pooling, the lower flashing apron profile 258 in FIG. 2 is a modified profile relative to the profile 158 of FIG. 1. The outboard web 166 and tile support lip 168 are omitted in this profile 258, so that water can run off the channel flange 164 and onto the roof. The channel flange 164 is positioned above a lower flashing membrane 209 of the roof, such as lead flashing. Therefore, water will run off the channel flange 164 and onto the lower flashing membrane 209, before passing to a guttering system of the roof. FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section of a different glazing frame 300 than the one shown in FIGS. 1-2. Only the differences are described. The Figures may show additional differences even if they are not explicitly described. The glazing frame 300 of FIG. 3 is an openable rooflight frame configured to be secured to a flat roof. The cross-section is representative of most sides of the glazing frame 300. However, one of the sides of the glazing frame 300 is as shown in the separate cross-section of FIG. 4. A flat roof has a flat roof structure 307 of unspecified form, covered by a roof membrane such as roof felt. A roof aperture 102 is cut into the flat roof structure 307, to receive the glazing frame 300. Building frame members 308 are assembled on the flat roof structure 307 into a frame (‘kerbing’) onto which the 19 glazing frame 300 can be laid. The building frame members 308 may be formed from timber. The frame is slightly sloped to provide drainage. Therefore, although the roof is flat, the glazing frame 300 may be slightly sloped. FIG. 3 shows that a WPC profile 332 may have a shorter height than that shown in FIGS. 1-2. Therefore, the WPC profile 332 may lack an internal divider 138 and lower cavity 140. The WPC profile 332 comprises a single cavity 141. The WPC profile 332 is positioned directly above the building frame member 308. The WPC profile 332 has a width generally equal to that of the building frame member 308. The lower flange 135 of the WPC profile 332 is secured to the top of the building frame member 308. The weight load path from the openable assembly 110 passes down from the openable assembly 110, through the sealing member 131, through the WPC profile 332, through the lower flange 135 of the WPC profile 332 and into the underlying building frame member 308. The flashing apron profile 158 and plastering trim profile 172 are replaced with different parts in FIG. 3. The WPC profile 332 is layered between an outer cover profile 358 (second frame member) and an inner cover profile 372 (third frame member) each formed from aluminium, e.g., powder coated aluminium. These provide a metallic finish to the glazing frame 300. Regardless of their material, they also support the WPC profile 332 for strength. The outer cover profile 358 comprises an inverted J-shaped profile, which comprises a plug 360, flange 361, and covering web 362 similar to the elements 160, 161, 162 of the flashing apron profile 158. The covering web 362 acts as a cover to conceal the outboard side face 144 of the WPC profile 332, The plug 360 and flange 361 act as a cover connector to connect the covering web 362 to the first connector 150 of the WPC profile 332. 20 Unlike the flashing apron profile 158, the outer cover profile 358 lacks a drainage channel 170 so the parts 164, 166, 168 are omitted. The covering web 362 of the outer cover profile 358 has a height greater than the height of the outboard side face 144 of the WPC profile 332, so that a lower tip of the covering web 362 is below the lower flange 135 of the WPC profile 332. The lower tip of the covering web 362 acts as a drip lip 364 to prevent water droplets from reaching the WPC profile 332. The drip lip 364 is located below a top face of the building frame member 308. The web of the outer cover profile 358 is located inboard of the lower web 124 of the glazing support profile 120, and extends downwardly and parallel to the lower web 124 of the glazing support profile 120. The inner cover profile 372 is connected to the second connector 152 of the WPC profile 332. The inner cover profile 372 comprises an inverted J-shaped profile, which comprises a plug 374 and flange 375 (cover connector), and a covering web 376 (cover) to abut and conceal the inboard side face 146 of the WPC profile 332. The covering web 376 may be shorter than the covering web 362 of the outer cover profile 358, because a drip lip 364 is not required. The illustrated inner cover profile 372 has the same geometry as the outer cover profile 358 but faces a symmetrically opposite direction, is located to an inboard side, is connected to the second connector 152 of the WPC profile 332, and is shorter in height. FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-section of the one side of the glazing frame 300 of FIG. 3. If the glazing frame 300 is slightly pitched relative to the flat roof, then the side is a down-slope side. The cross-section is slightly modified to accommodate the window opener 202. Specifically, most or all of the upper flange 134 of the WPC profile 332 has been removed (e.g., cut off), such that 21 the cavity 141 is now an open channel section 441. The window opener 202 is seated on the lower flange 135 which is a floor of the open channel section 441. As with FIG. 2, the open channel section 441 may extend over part of the length of the WPC profile 332, but not the whole length. Therefore, the first and second connectors 150,152 extend for some of the length of the WPC profile 332. Therefore, the outer and inner cover profiles 362, 372 (dashed lines) can be included. FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-section of a different glazing frame 500 than the one shown in FIGS. 1-4. Only the differences are described. The Figures may show additional differences even if they are not explicitly described. The glazing frame 500 of FIG. 5 is a fixed (non-openable) rooflight frame configured to be secured to a flat roof. Therefore, the glazing unit 111 is positionally and rotationally fixed relative to a WPC profile 132. Either of the aforementioned \NPC profiles 132, 332 from FIGS. 1-4 could be used for the glazing frame 500. Therefore, a single WPC profile geometry is compatible with multiple types of glazing frame 100 / 300, 500. A modified glazing support profile 520 is provided. The glazing support profile 520 is fixedly secured to the WPC profile 132, to prevent opening of the glazing unit 111. The glazing support profile 520 comprises an upper web 522. The upper end of the upper web 522 is additionally shaped into a laterally extending drainage projection, in the form of a drip skirt 526. The drip skirt 526 comprises an inverted U-shape, and is sloped away from the glazing unit 111 to promote water runoff. The inverted U-shape provides a downwards-facing pocket 530 to receive an upturned edge of a roof membrane such as roof felt. 22 The glazing support profile 520 further comprises an integrally formed lower section below the upper web 522 and integrally formed with the upper web 522. The lower section 523 comprises an outer web 524 (outboard), and an inner web 528 (inboard), a bottom flange 529, and a top flange 527. The top flange 527 connects the outer web 524 to the inner web 528. The bottom flange 529, if provided, may extend inboard from a lower end of the outer web 524. The glazing support profile 520 further comprises a drip lip 532 extending downwardly from a lower outer edge of the lower closed section 523. The lower outer edge is where the bottom flange 529 meets the outer web 524. The inner web 528 of the glazing support profile 520 extends down from the top flange 527, and has a tip which extends into the first connector 150 of the WPC profile 132. The inner web 528 and top flange 527 may collectively define a downwardly-facing hook shape. The second connector 152 of the WPC profile 132 may or may not be used. Furthermore, the outer web 524 of the glazing support profile 520 comprises an upper section extending vertically to the top flange 527, and a lower section extending in a sideways outboard-facing V-shape to define a fixing recess 525. The V-shaped fixing recess 525 comprises a sloped surface of the outer web 524 which is inclined at an acute angle relative to horizontal (e.g., relative to the flange(s) 527, 529). This allows an inclined mechanical fixing 578 (e.g., screw) to pass through the sloped surface of the fixing recess 525 of the outer web 524, and into a substrate such as the outer web of the WPC profile 132, and optionally further into the building frame member 308. Therefore, the mechanical fixing 578 provides a primary fixed attachment for securing the glazing support profile 520 directly or indirectly to the building 23 frame member 308. This prevents opening of the glazing frame 500. An additional connection of the glazing support profile 520 to the first connector 150 of the WPC profile 132 provides a second connection point to the WPC profile 132, above the mechanical fixing 578. Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. For example, a WPC profile could be a different shape than those shown. A WPC profile could have a different number of connectors. A WPC profile could be employed for different types of glazing frames than rooflights. Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described. Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not. Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not. Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and / or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. A glazing frame comprising a glazing unit and a frame member, wherein the frame member is formed from a wood-plastic composite material, and wherein the wood-plastic composite material comprises a mixture of wood particles and plastic particles.

2. The glazing frame of claim 1, wherein the frame member is of extruded form.

3. The glazing frame of claim 1 or 2, wherein the frame member formed from the wood-plastic composite material comprises a first connector extending longitudinally along the frame member, and wherein the glazing frame comprises a second frame member configured to be secured to the first connector to secure the second frame member to a first side of the frame member.

4. The glazing frame of claim 3, wherein the second frame member comprises at least one of: a drainage projection extending laterally outboard from the glazing unit; a cover connector to position a cover to the first side of the frame member formed from the wood-plastic composite material; or a glazing support profile.

5. The glazing frame of claim 3 or 4, wherein the first connector is located in a first face of the frame member formed from the wood-plastic composite material, and wherein the second frame member is shaped to wrap around an edge of the frame member and extend along at least part of a second face of the frame member.

6. The glazing frame of claim 3, 4, or 5, comprising an openable assembly and a fixed assembly, wherein the openable assembly is openable relative to 25the fixed assembly, wherein the openable assembly comprises the glazing unit and a structure supporting the glazing unit, and wherein the fixed assembly comprises the frame member and the second frame member.

7. The glazing frame of claim 6, wherein the openable assembly is configured in a closed position to seal against a sealing member secured to one of the fixed assembly or the openable assembly.

8. The glazing frame of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the glazing unit is positionally and rotationally fixed relative to the frame member formed from the wood-plastic composite material, wherein the second frame member secured to the first connector of the frame member comprises a glazing support profile, and wherein the glazing support profile is secured to a periphery of the glazing unit.

9. The glazing frame of claim 8, wherein a cross-section shape of the second frame member comprises a fixing recess shaped to allow a mechanical fixing to extend through the lower section of the outer web and through the flange into a substrate.

10. The glazing frame of any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the first connector of the frame member formed from the wood-plastic composite material comprises a groove.

11. The glazing frame of any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein the frame member formed from the wood-plastic composite material is an interior frame member, wherein the second frame member is an exterior frame member, and wherein the second frame member is formed from a different material than the wood-plastic composite material.

12. The glazing frame of claim 11, wherein the different material comprises a metal, optionally aluminium.

13. The glazing frame of claim 12, wherein the metal is directly connected to and in direct contact with the wood-plastic composite material.

14. The glazing frame of any preceding claim dependent through claim 3, wherein the frame member formed from the wood-plastic composite material comprises a second connector extending longitudinally along the frame member.

15. The glazing frame of claim 14, comprising a third frame member configured to be secured to the second connector to secure the third frame member to a second opposite side of the frame member formed from the woodplastic composite material.

16. The glazing frame of claim 15, wherein the third frame member comprises a cover connector to position a cover to the second side of the frame member formed from the wood-plastic composite material.

17. The glazing frame of claim 14, 15, or 16, wherein the first and second connectors each comprise a groove, wherein the grooves extend parallel to each other, wherein the first and second connectors are spaced from each other across a face of the frame member formed from the wood-plastic composite material, and wherein the face of the frame member faces the glazing unit and is separated from the glazing unit by an air gap and / or by a less dense solid material than the wood-plastic composite material.

18. The glazing frame of any preceding claim, wherein the frame member formed from the wood-plastic composite material comprises an open channelsection for at least part of its length, and wherein the glazing frame comprises a window opener housed in the open channel section.

19. The glazing frame of claims 17 and 18 in combination, wherein the frame member formed from the wood-plastic composite material comprises a longitudinal discontinuity through the face, and wherein at least one of the first and second connectors is continuous through the longitudinal discontinuity.

20. The glazing frame of any preceding claim, wherein a cross-section shape of the frame member formed from the wood-plastic composite material comprises flanges and webs defining a closed cross-section having a hollow internal space.

21. The glazing frame of any preceding claim, wherein the glazing frame is a rooflight frame, wherein the frame member formed from the wood-plastic composite material has an upper side and a lower side, and wherein a load path from the glazing unit passes through the frame member.

22. The glazing frame of claim 21, wherein the lower side of the frame member formed from the wood-plastic composite material is mounted to a building frame beneath or alongside the frame member, to cover a roof aperture of a building.

23. The glazing frame of claim 21 or 22, wherein the frame member formed from the wood-plastic composite material is located beneath the glazing unit and laterally inboard of a perimeter of the glazing unit, wherein the glazing unit is supported by a different frame member formed from a different material than the frame member, located outboard of the frame member and supporting the perimeter of the glazing unit, and wherein the load path from the glazing unit passes through the different frame member to the frame member formed from the wood-plastic composite material.

24. The glazing frame of claim 23, wherein the wood-plastic composite material is a thermal insulator having a lower thermal conductivity than the different material of the different frame member.

25. The glazing frame of claim 23 or 24, wherein the different frame member comprises a downwardly extending water drip lip positioned laterally outboard of the frame member formed from the wood-plastic composite material.

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