The majority of window makers offer a number of types of glazing. The types differ substantially in insulation worth of the window and the possibility of condensation forming on the glass. Glazings can be sealed (thermal pane) or unsealed. Sealed glazing systems remove condensation between glazings.

All windows should be at least double-glazed. If you have problem figuring out the number of glazings in a particular window, hold a light beside the glass and count the reflections, which will correspond to the variety of glazings.

Air Area Size & Insulation Value

Glass by itself is not a great insulator. Nevertheless motionless air in between panes of glass enhances thermal resistance (resistance to heat flow).

The width of air space between 2 panes of glass affects the insulation worth of the glazing.

Insulation values are determined in RSI (metric) and R (royal): the higher the worth, the much better the material insulates.

Normal double-glazing with air space width of 12mm (1/2') gives an insulation value for RSI.35 (R-2). In contrast, double-glazing with a 6mm (1/4') air space supplies just RSU.26 (R-1.5). Avoid glazings with an airspace of less than 10 mm (1/2"), unless the space is filled with argon gas as this improves the glass to be more energy efficient.

Standard Sealed Units

A standard sealed system includes 2 sheets of glass spaced about 12 mm (1/2") apart. A desiccant (moisture-removing compound) is consisted of in the edge spacer to soak up moisture and the unit is sealed around the outdoors edge to prevent air or moisture from getting in the air space.

If moist air finds its way into the sealed air space, condensation might form in between the glazing. This is usually caused by a malfunctioning sealant and can be remedied just through replacement of the sealed unit, it does not require the entire window being changed, just the sealed system.

Before buying, you can identify whether a standard sealed system is most likely to perform well by:

Guaranteeing that the edge spacer at the perimeter of the glass, or in some cases, the glass itself is engraved with IGMAC (Insulated Glass Manufacturers Association of Canada) label. New technology in edge spacers such as Super Edge performs much better and business using it usually provide a better service warranty.

Make sure that the air area between glazings is no less than 12mm (1/2").

Examining the guarantee period; A lot of makers ensure sealed units for five years, some provide a prolonged guarantee.

Enhanced Sealed Systems.

Not long ago the only method to make basic sealed glass more thermal resistant was to upgrade to triple glazing. Now numerous new technologies use enhanced efficiency. Rates differ, so look around for the high performance products described below.

Requirement Triple Glazing.

Triple glazing increases the insulation worth of a sealed system by including additional air area. Both air spaces in a standard triple glazed must be 12mm (1/2") large.

Glass Coatings.

Low-emissivity (Low-E) finishes increase the insulation value of glazing by lowering glowing heat loss through the glass. They show convected heat discharged by room temperature items and people. These coverings are invisible (or practically invisible) and a layered double-glazed system has about the same insulation worth as an uncoated triple-glazed unit. The lower the emissivity of a particular unit, the more efficient it is at reflecting convected heat. Glass with Low-E finish need to be labeled Low-E2.

Gas Fill.

The insulation value of a sealed system is greater if an inert gas (argon or krypton) is used to fill the area between the two panes of glass. Argon is cheaper than krypton however the latter is effective in air spaces as narrow as 1/4". If you order gas filled units make sure the producers label suggests this.

High Performance Triple Glazing.

Standard triple glazing has been mainly replaced by Low-E double-glazing. However, additional high performance glazing is possible utilizing Low-E triple glazing and gas https://www.abacusglazing.co.uk/bear-cross/ fill. Some makers use plastic film with Low-E finish as the middle glazing to lower the weight of the unit and increase the amount of solar energy that can go through glazing.

Improved Edge Seals.

Aluminum edge spacers conduct heat rapidly and can significantly decrease a window's insulation worth.

Non-conductive spacers such as butyl-metal or insulated spacers lower heat loss and the capacity for border condensation (I.e.: warm edge spacer).

Picking The Right Glazing.

It may not be easy to decide which type of glazing is ideal for your windows. Improved sealed units will increase comfort and energy effectiveness, however it may be lots of years before their additional cost is repaid through energy savings.

If you remain in doubt follow these rules:.

Large north facing windows or very exposed windows need to have improved sealed units.

If your favorite chair beings in front of a window, consider setting up a high performance system for increased comfort.

Standard double-glazing might offer sufficient convenience and energy effectiveness in mild environments specifically in south dealing with windows.

Abacus Glazing

69 Kingswood Place, 55 – 59 Norwich Avenue W

Bournemouth BH2 6AB

01202 287066