Thermally Insulated Windows IGUnit Glass

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IGUnit Glass  
   

Architecture is the learned game, correct and magnificent, of forms assembled in the light.
-- Le Corbusier

 
       
 

or Double Glazing is described as two or more lites of glass spaced apart and hermetically sealed to form a single glazed unit with an air gap between each lite.
As the name suggests, the most important function of and IGU is to improve the thermal performance of glass when used in architectural applications. It is common to find two panel of glass and they are therefore also referred to as double glazing units. Triple glazing are rare but serve their owners well in very cold climates. Insulated glazing may be framed in a sash or frame. IGU made of glass is called insulated glass.

A more technically correct term, though, is insulating glass, since the glass itself has no insulative properties. It is actually the air space between the glass layers (lites) that provides the insulative qualities. The air space between the lites may be filled with air or an inert gas like argon or krypton which would provide better insulating performance.

Typically the spacer is filled with Desiccant to prevent condensation and improve insulating performance. (Desiccant is a hygroscopic substance that induces or sustains a state of dryness (desiccation) in its local vicinity in a well sealed container.) Less commonly, most of the air is removed, leaving a partial vacuum, which drastically reduces heat transfer through convection and conduction. This is called evacuated glazing. Often the insulating quality is used in reference to heat flow where the gap between glazed sheets is the insulating medium. The air gap between the panes is generally between 8mm to 22mm thick.

The thickness has a substantial impact on the insulating properties. A 16mm air gap is considered the optimum thickness and is usually recommended by most users. Insulated glass may not be cut to size in the field like plate glass but must be manufactured to the proper size in a shop equipped with special equipment.

   
  • Spacer performs the role of keeping the glass panes apart as well acts as a housing for the desiccant.
  • Desiccant or the drying agent performs the most important role in an IGU; that of absorbing the moisture from the hermetically sealed space.
  • Silicon Sealant is applied on the outside of the unit. It performs several roles, chief among them of providing structural strength.
  • Butyl Sealant is the first line of defence for the hermetic seal.

There are many benefits of utilizing insulated window and door products in your home. They not only lower one’s energy costs, but also make homes cozier by improving comfort, decreasing condensation, as well as, diminish the effects of fading. Insulated units are also highly effective in reducing unwanted sound transmission.

In the summer, heat is transmitted through the glass and is absorbed by the walls, furniture, floors, etc. By using window and door products with a low solar heat gain coefficient, the solar radiation coming into one’s home is decreased. This reduces the amount of heat entering the home, thereby improving one’s homes’ comfort level and lessening the amount of energy needed for cooling during warm weather months. Moreover, during the cooler seasons, or in mountain climates insulated products create warmer interior glass surfaces, reducing frost and condensation from forming.

Another benefit is that during daylight hours, sunlight is transmitted through the glass and is absorbed by the walls, furniture and flooring. Many materials, such as carpet, curtains, upholstery, artwork and wood may fade upon exposure to sunlight. Window glass selection influences the type and intensity of ultraviolet (UV) rays, which causes fading and degradation.

The heat and sound insulation of glazing may also be improved through the use of a film or coating applied to its surface. This film is typically made of polyester or metal, and may give a reflective appearance and one-way mirror effect to the window, and may improve both heat and sound insulation. This may be used on single-glazed windows as an alternative to insulated glazing, or on the outside layer of insulated glazing to further improve its effectiveness. Such coatings may reduce fading of fabric and improve safety in the case of breakage.

Secondary glazing is sometimes used as a cheaper alternative. This consists of a layer of glazing placed retrofitted inside the window, to provide sound and heat insulation. Plastic sheet may be used for heat insulation, but may only last for one season.



Key Performance Requirements

Thermal Insulation:    The primary reason for using IGUs is to cut down on thermal heat coming from outside. Thermal insulation primarily depends upon the dryness of the air inside the IGU, as well as the quality of the hermetic seal. Working Principle: IGUs work on the principle of reducing conduction and convection heat transfer across the unit. Dry air is a poor conductor of heat. Due to the air-gap, the conducted heat through glass is reduced significantly as it reaches the second pane.

Structural Strength:    IGUs are typically extremely heavy. For example a 2m x 1m IGU using 6mm +4 mm glass weighs around 60 kg. Additionally in certain applications like structural glazing, IGUs often act as structural members of the building. It is paramount that the strength (direct and shear strength) of IGUs is maintained. This strength is primarily a function of the type of spacers, number of spacer joints, type of spacer joints (corner joints Vs side joints), type & quality of the secondary sealant, and adequate quantity of the secondary sealant.

Fogging IGU’s:    Provide better protection against fogging than a single pane of glass. However, IGU’s made without proper quality control, poor desiccant filling practices, inadequate quantities or incorrect type of desiccants, or a poor hermetic seal are more prone to fogging.



Key quality areas

Appropriate Type & Quantity of desiccant:    Desiccants perform the most important role of absorbing moisture and keeping the air inside the IGU’s dry. The glass processor must use the correct type and quantity of drying agent inside the IGU. Not using the correct quantity or type of desiccant is one of the ways for a glass processor to significantly cut costs by cutting corners.

Appropriate Type & Quantity of Desiccant:    The main issue is that the drying agent should never make contact with ambient air during the process of filling the desiccant inside the spacers. As soon as the desiccant makes contact with air, it starts absorbing moisture reducing life cycle performance.

Number of joints in the Spacers:    Ideally the spacer should have no joints. Joint-less spacers are structurally stronger. However, cost & performance tradeoffs require that an automatically bent spacer system in a single piece assembly with one side joint be used. Many processors use 4 corner joints for the spacers. This reduces the structural shear strength of IGU’s. The practice is not allowed by many European standards.

Enclosed Environment:    IGU’s should be made in an enclosed & conditioned environment; ideally at a relative humidity of less than 62% and an ambient temperature of less than 24 C. This prevents excess moisture being absorbed by the IGU’s during production, as well as prevents dust from entering the units.

Secondary Sealant Quantity:    The secondary sealant along with the spacer provides the unit with rigidity. The gap between the spacer and the edge of the glass pane that controls the amount of secondary sealant to be filled should be appropriate for the size of the insulated glass unit.

Equipment:    IGUs should be made using the proper IGU manufacturing line. A manually made IGU by sticking 2-panes together will not perform over the lifecycle of glazing.

Spacer Thickness:    All our IGUs are made in accordance with local requirements and exceed the expectations of our customers and specifiers. 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 18, 24mm available in stock.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 

Float Glass

 

Is the most cost effective option because the features of this type of glass are rather basic. Float glass refers to a completely flat plane of clear glass. The term float is derived from the production method, and this type of glass is also often referred to as flat glass.   Extra information about double glazed float glass can be found here

 
     
 

Toughened Glass

 

Also known as tempered glass, it is a type of safety glass that has increased strength and will usually shatter in small, square pieces when broken. It is used when strength, thermal resistance and safety are important considerations. At home you are likely to find toughened glass in the shower and sliding glass patio doors. For commercial structures, it is used in unframed assemblies such as frameless doors, structurally loaded applications and where there is a danger of human impact. Toughened glass is typically four to six times the strength of annealed glass.   Great suggestions and more on double glazed toughened glass can be found here

 
     
 

Laminated Glass

 

Is a sandwich made of one thin layer of plastic Poly Vinyl Butyral between two or more sheets of glass. The PVB sticks with the glass, forms chemical as well as mechanical bonds. When laminated with annealed glass, the layer maintains the geometric integrity of the pane in case of breakage.
Also, it gives acoustic insulation as well as providing protection against damage caused due to UV radiation because it cuts almost 99% of UV radiation present in the sunlight.   Supplementary advice on double glazed laminated glass

 
     
 

Tinted Glass

 

Ordinary tinted glass is popular because it reduces heat gain and carbon emmissions, although it also marginally reduces visible light transmission. High Performance or Low-e tinted glass or spectrally selective tinted glass reduces solar heat gain to below that of ordinary bronze/ gray tint but has a visible transmittance closer to clear glass. The tint has little effect on the U-factor but reduces solar gain considerably, which can reduce the need for air conditioning in the summer. Tinted glass is useful in controlling glare - especially for those windows facing east or north east. Return the sunlight not glare into your home.   Get all the facts on double glazed tinted glass

 
     
 

Low E Glass

 

Low-e glass brings out the best that technology has to offer for improving your views and comfort! A cool, metal oxide coating is applied to clear or tinted glass, so that the appearance and performance are the same regardless of glass thickness. Low-e glass is recommended by many energy efficiency experts as a result of high performance combined with aesthetics. Low-E glass typically cost about 15% more than ordinary glass, but they reduce energy use by as much as 30-50%, by using most of the heat gain in winter but keep the harmful UV rays out during the summer, and when used in insulated glass units - can have even better benefits.
For hot climates, low-E coating should be applied to the outside pane of glass. If the windows are designed to provide heat energy in the winter and keep heat inside the house typical of cold climates, the Low-E coating will maximise benefit by being on the inside pane of glass.   For supplementary material on double glazed low e glass click here

 
     
 

Glass Warranty

 

Irrespective of the type of glass you choose for your windows and doors, you will be reassured of high quality through our warranty committment to you. All the glass we use in our windows and doors comply with Australian standards. We will repair or replace the insulated glass unit found to be defective within the applicable period and in accordance with the purchase contract.   Get the answers on your questions on double glazed glass warranty on this page

 
     
 

Double Glazed Windows and Doors Pty. Ltd.

 
       
  0423 221 942  
  contact@doubleglazedwindows.net.au  
 
 
     
 

Tilt & Turn Door

 

When design and utility are a priority, our cutting edge technology is sure to impress! For exceptional thermal and acoustic performance coupled with trouble free maintenance and ingenious design, this Door will exceed your expectations. The inward swinging Tilt and Turn Double Glazed Door, operates in the same way as the Tilt and Turn Double Glezed Window, and is built with the same care and precision that any window and door deserves. Special high quality hardware allow a single handle to operate all three functions: multiple security locking points for safety when locked, special hinges allowing the window to tilt inside for gentle air flow, and of course, the fully opening 'turn' function for maximum air flow and ventilation.   To obtain additional information on double glazed tilt & turn door

 
     
 

Stacker Window

 

Self sufficient and allowing for maximum natural ventilation, Double Glazed Stacker Windows slide and fold effortlessly demonstrating the refined taste of an intelligent consumer. Double Glazed Stacker Windows can create a vast amount of space along with an inviting contemporary character, and re-create a glass wall effect because they are not constrained to the same limitations of casement, awning and tilt & turn windows where the openings are restricted. The Double Glazed Stacker Window has two or more (upto six) panels, with one panel sliding past another, and all of the panels resting or being 'stacked' on one or two sides. They are a great alternative to Bifold Double Glazed Windows, when the client prefers the sliding style over the Bifold, or when space is at a premium, since with Stacker or Sliding Double Glazed Windows you need not worry about furniture placement or possible exterior obstacles. These windows feature ease of operation and maintenance, and a universally appealing design that will complement any modern home.   Supplementary advice on double glazed stacker window

 
     
 

Stacker Door

 

The Double Glazed Stacker Door has two or more (upto 6) panels, with one panel sliding past another, and all of the panels resting or being 'stacked' on one or two sides. They are a great alternative to Bifold Double Glazed Doors, when the client prefers the sliding style over the Bifold, or when space is at a premium, since with Stacker or Sliding Double Glazed Doors you need not worry about furniture placement or possible exterior obstacles. These doors feature ease of operation and maintenance, a universally appealing design that will complement any modern home.   Greater detail on double glazed stacker door can be found here

 
     
 

Fixed Window

 

Continuity, refinement and reflection of light will bring out the many benefits by the use of our Double Glazed Fixed Panels. They are cost efficient and offer the ultimum level of high performance in acoustic and noise insulation, since they are non-openable. Our approach deals with important aspects of architecture - the cultural and the natural environment. Combine together with other window and door types to allow the play of light and shadow in your home, or for breathtaking surrounding view, and improve the energy efficiency, sound insulation and comfort qualities in your home. Fixed panels have universal appeal and can be used in any style of home! They are environmentally friendly since they are recyclable and contribute to reduction in carbon emissions.   Additional information on double glazed fixed window can be found at this location

 
     
 

Bifold Door

 

Embrace the beauty and sophistication of our Bifold Double Glazed Door carefully crafted with uncompromising expertise and unsurpassed quality The Double Glazed Doors are the ideal choice for the aspiring or an expert entertainer, offering an awe inspiring effect of an unobstructed opening onto a pool deck, garden, private beach, bushland or conservatory. The superior performance features are maintained in this style, offering acoustic insulation of upto 40 dB, with excellent energy efficiency rating measured by a u-value of 1.8, all while being corrosion resistant and environmentally friendly.   Continued on the double glazed bifold door page

 
     
 

French Door

 

Make a grand entrance to your outdoor living area and impress your family and friends with our traditional and carefully crafted Double Glazed French Doors that add charm and elegance to any home! Double Glazed French Doors open and close like conventional doors, and with an outswing design can save interior space, where it is limited. Combine with a wheelchair accessible threshold, a sidelight/ fixed panel or colonial bars that add the classic look of divided light, and Double Glazed French Doors will become a stunning feature of your home!   Supplementary advice on double glazed french door

 
     
 

Bay Window

 

Nothing can maximise cross ventilation without crating a draft like Bay Windows. They are more than just a period feature - when strategically placed they can replace air conditioning and provide a lovely feature for your home. They also make the room feel more spacious and appear larger, so they have been known to increase the value of a property. Typically, the bay windows are very large, even covering almost the entire distance from floor to ceiling. The effect of prolific natural light and stunning outdoor views from any angle in the room can be filtered or softened with window treatments.   Additional information on double glazed bay window can be found at this location

 
     
 

Sliding Door

 

for a natural and continuous entry into the outdoor entertaining area, which defines any modern home, choose Window Factory Double Glazed Sliding Doors. Functional, intelligent and convenient are the defining characteristics of our Double Glazed Sliding Doors. All our doors are quipped with high quality hardware for effortless opening and closing enhance all these aspects. We combine efficient technology for Double Glazed Sliding Doors with sophisticated design creating that indispensable convenience for your home. Popular with contemporary homes, our Sliding system offers additional benefit of saving space and when used with mirrored glass, can even serve as a room divider for guest privacy.   Get the answers on your questions on double glazed sliding door on this page

 
     
 

Bifold Window

 

Combining the mastery of old world craftsmanship and progressive German engineering technologies, we create the most sophisticated upvc windows for the intelligent consumer who has the capacity to discern between a cheap imitation which creates disappointment, and our exceptional double glazed windows which will please and delight for years to come. Specified by architects as attributes of buildings, bifold windows bring out qualities of creativity, intelligence and magnificence that are easy to recognize but difficult to quantify or replicate by an inferior product. By making choices one transfers to the material assemblage of a building those attributes which really belong to one's personality. It is inevitable that qualities that feature in the buildings' owners' characters are read into architecture. What do your windows say about you?   For a detailed discussion on the subject of double glazed bifold window click here

 
     
 

Casement Window

 

Casement windows are an excellent choice for consumers concerned with acoustic, thermal and safety performance. The difference is obvious at a glance - the frame and sash look sturdy and substantial when compared to ordinary aluminium and wooden windows. You can have a beautifull home, but if you install inexpensive windows, the strucure of the home can feel cheaply built.   More info on double glazed casement window

 
     
 

Noise Insulation

 

Noise pollution is often overlooked as a hazard to health, yet numerous studies have linked prolonged exposure to high levels of noise can be detrimental to your hearing, but also can increase stress and blood pressure, cause gastric problems as well as headaches, migraines and anxiety or depression. Get rid of unwanted noise and enjoy many other benefits of Upvc Double Glazed Windows, boasting potential noise reduction of 45dB, they will prove more effective than sleeping pills for an undisrupted well deserved rest! Consult with us about your acoustic insulation needs, and our expert staff will recommend the most efficient glazing and window style to meet your requirements and maximize value for money. There are thousands of glazing combinations which can affect insulation performance significantly, here you can learn about noise, its effects, how to manage it and in order to make a more informed choice of windows and doors for your home.   Examine all the facts on double glazed noise insulation page

 
     
 

Profile Systems

 

First impressions count and every effort has been taken to achieve the correct balance between form and functionality - visual appeal and practicality. From the strategic positioning of hardware, unrivalled surface finishing quality to the colour options - the Rehau Prestige Design leads the market in double glazed windows and door systems. Rehau is a German plastics manufacturer with world class facilities and unlimited polymer solutions. Get all the facts on double glazed profile systems.   To obtain additional information on double glazed profile systems

 
     
 

Waterproof

 

uPVC Double Glazed Windows and Doors are constructed with the highest precision to keep out water during the rain, storms and even cyclones and have been used many times in marine applications, where their quality is heavily tested. They are far more waterproof than other types of windows as they don't absorb moisture. They will not leak a common complaint of many owners of aluminium sliding windows nor will they be damaged by water and rot a potential problem with wooden windows.   Supplementary advice on double glazed waterproof

 
     
 

Delivery Schedule

 

Double Glazed Windows and Doors strive to deliver your order of double glazed pvc products in the shortest possible time to maintain high standards of service and efficiency. Normally delivery occurs 2-6 weeks after order, at an agreed date, however delivery times are dependent on size & complexity of your order as well as your location. Customers are also welcome to make their own arrangements to pick up the double-glazed windows and doors from our pvc window and door manufacturing facility.   More info on double glazed delivery schedule

 
     
 

Euroslide Staker

 

The all-round customer-friendly double glazed products offer an enhanced appearance as well as superior fabrication ease and performance. Together, the advanced form and function of sliding window system ensure lasting high quality, simple installation and satisfied customers. The Rehau Euroslide Design can be used to make a wide variety of upvc sliding double glazed windows and doors. Three main categories of pvcu window and door design can be fabricated.   Examine all the facts on double glazed euroslide staker page

 
     
 

PrestigeD Z84

 

Rehau quality stands for ambition and power, and these ideas are represented well in the Prestige casement upvc window and door system. The thickness of glazing ranges from 5mm to 33 mm. This double glazed window and door system comes with an overlap that measures 8 to 10 mm located between frame and sash, and this overlap not only helps to eliminate water infiltration and dust penetration, but also aids in saving energy consumption. Design optimisation of reinforcement chambers makes the double glazed window and door made of this profile highly resistant to high wind pressure.   For a detailed discussion on the subject of double glazed prestiged z84 click here

 
     
 

Bushfire Resistance

 

With a changing environment, bushfires have noticably increased their ferocity leaving many families devasted. Take control and protect your home by choosing Upvc Double Glazed Windows and Doors which are non-combustible and self extinguishing. Upvc Double Glazed Windows and Doors are an excellent alternative to wood for those cusotmers who live in bushfire prone areas. In fact, one of the few homes to have survived the Marysville bushfire in Victoria had upvc windows, in addition to the upvc windows, pvc was extensively used in other parts of the home.   Examine all the facts on double glazed bushfire resistance page

 
     
 

Clading

 

Awning windows have both federation and contemporary architecture applications. Our windows are more than just apertures for light and ventilation - they can be a major spectacle offering a connection to heaven and earth. With the right advice about placement and size, our windows can improve comfort, utilize daylight and natural ventilation for improvement in overall health and well being.   To obtain additional information on double glazed clading

 
     
 

Delivery Areas

 

Delivery of double glazed windows, doors and products within 100km of the Sydney Metropolitan Region does not attract a fuel surcharge. If your order is comprised of only a few double glazing items, we can operate a multi drop delivery system to save you money. This method allows us to service multiple customers in the same area who share the truck and the delivery cost. This is optional and customers who have urgent needs for delivery of their double glazed upvc windows and doors can always opt for a direct delivery. Check the Delivery Schedule page for more information.   More info on double glazed delivery areas

 
     
 

Warranty

 

Double Glazed Windows and Doors recognizes every purchase is a significant investment in your home, and we do everything to ensure the double glazed windows and doors you purchase pay for themselves long after you are so comfortable you forget they are there. Double glazed windows and doors will not require replacement for many years and to guarantee superior performance we use only high quality profile, double glazed units and hardware. Our relationship with clients doesn't end when the job is complete, Double Glazed Windows and Doors are available to you for any help. Additional information on double glazed warranty can be found at this location.   Greater detail on double glazed warranty can be found here

 
     
 

Secondary

 

Installation of Secondary Double Glazed Windows and Doors involves installing the new Double Glazed Window behind the original window frame, which is retained, so the secondary window becomes adjacent to the existing window.
Installations of Secondary Double Glazed Windows usually take less time than replacement double glazed windows depending on window size, shape and glazing and without the inconvenience that can occur during window replacement such as delays on site because of architrave removal/replacement, other site works such as painting etc.   For a detailed discussion on the subject of double glazed secondary click here

 
     
 

Replacement

 

Installation of replacement double glazed windows and doors or for new constructions includes removal but not disposal of existing windows, and includes glazing, which involves fitting glass into the frame.
If you hired a builder to manage the installation, but they are unfamiliar with upvc, we provide consulting services to ensure the windows installation is trouble free.   Get the answers on your questions on double glazed replacement on this page

 
       
 

Double Glazed Windows and Doors Pty. Ltd.

 
  0423 221 942  
  contact@doubleglazedwindows.net.au