An insulating glass unit (IGU) is a modern laminated window unit that consists of two or more panes of glass hermetically sealed together. Between the panes is an air or gas space that enhances heat and sound insulation. Double-glazed windows are a crucial element in window design, providing comfortable conditions indoors. Their advantages include:
- The gas space improves heat transfer, making the window energy efficient.
- “Double-glazed” or “Double-pane Glass” windows reduce energy costs in the home.
- Despite the double glazing, the windows offer excellent light transmission, keeping the room bright.
If you want to make your home brighter without sacrificing energy efficiency, you should consider insulating glass units (IGU). An IGU consists of two panes of glass with an insulating layer between them, helping homeowners save money.
Why is it Called a Unit?
The glazing unit is considered a single unit due to the sealed connection of the panes around the perimeter. This is achieved with special sealants and spacer frames that maintain the proper distance between the panes. Sealing prevents moisture and contaminants from penetrating the unit, ensuring its durability and reliability. This allows the insulating glass unit to retain its performance characteristics throughout its service life. Another commonly used term for double-glazed units is double glazing or double-glazed windows.
Components of Double-Glazed Windows
The main components of a double-glazed window include:
- Glass: The primary component of a double-glazed unit. Different types of glass can be used—plain, tempered, tinted, energy-saving, etc.
- Spacer Frame: Placed between the panes of glass, it sets the required distance. The width of the spacers depends on the gas used for insulation and the type of window. Generally, the wider the spacer, the more efficient (and expensive) the window. Spacers can be made of aluminum, steel, or plastic materials.
- Sealant: Provides a tight seal around the perimeter of the panes. Usually, two layers of sealant are used—primary and secondary.
- Absorber (Dehumidifier): Built into the spacer frame, it absorbs moisture, preventing the windows from fogging up inside.
- Window Frame: Insulated glass is used in many types of windows where efficiency is required. Bi-folding windows, panoramic windows, swing windows, and skylights use insulating glass to prevent heat loss.
- Gas: Located between the panes of glass in the units, it is an inert gas—argon, krypton, or a mixture of both—that creates an insulating barrier between the interior and exterior.
Performance Characteristics of the Insulating Glass Unit
The performance characteristics include:
- Thermal Insulation: Double-glazed windows effectively retain heat in the room, reducing heat loss and providing a comfortable microclimate. Depending on the design and type of filling of the interglass space, double-glazed windows can have different coefficients of thermal insulation.
- Noise Insulation: Due to their multilayer structure and the presence of an air or gas layer, double-glazed windows significantly reduce the level of noise entering the room from outside.
- Strength and Safety: Double-glazed windows, especially those using tempered or triplex glass, have high strength and resistance to mechanical damage, increasing operational safety.
- Energy Saving: The use of energy-saving glass and special coatings can reduce heating and air-conditioning costs, making double-glazed windows economically viable.
- Durability: High-quality materials and production technologies ensure the longevity of insulated glass units, allowing them to last for several decades without losing their performance characteristics.
The efficiency of insulated glass is determined by its glass thickness and the width of the insulating gas layer. The reflective ability of the window can be improved by applying a special coating to its exterior, reflecting sunlight and preventing heat from entering the house, keeping the room pleasantly cool. If this coating is applied to the inside of the window, it helps retain heat in the house.
Location of an Insulated Glass Window
However, not all windows in the house need an additional coating. Windows facing south receive the most sunlight and benefit from reflective film. For north-facing windows, it is better to apply heat-absorbing and heat-storing films to help the house warm up and retain heat.
Maintenance of Double-Glazed Windows
Would you like to improve the performance of your custom windows with a coating? Is your glass fogging up or not closing properly? Or maybe it’s time to replace your single-glazed window and cut your energy bill? Contact the experts at Aurora Windows and Doors. We provide assistance at any time for an affordable cost.
You May Also Be Interested In:
