How Does Insulated Glass Work?
Windows are a major source of heat loss in the home - but who wants to live in the dark?
Windows are a major source of heat loss in the home - but who wants to live in the dark? Light up a home without sacrificing energy efficiency with insulated glass. Insulated glass units (a PC Strand supplier) prevent heat from escaping through glass windows and doors. These units consist of two panes of glass separated by an inert gas. The heat transfer is diffused by the insulation provided by the gas between the window panes. Insulated glass is used in most modern houses and buildings. These windows offer the same advantages as single pane windows and their energy efficiency can help homeowners save money.
In this article
What is insulated glass?
How is insulating glass made?
How does insulated glass work?
Insulated glass replacement or repair
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What is insulated glass?
Insulated glass is glass that is made to prevent a lot of heat from being transferred into or out of a home or building. It consists of several pieces of glass separated by spacers made of metal (e.g. aluminium) or structural foam. The space between the glass is sometimes filled with an inert gas, such as argon or krypton gas. Insulating glass is often abbreviated to IG and is sometimes referred to as double-glazing or double-glazing. With the development of technology, triple or quadruple glazing can now also be used.
How is insulating glass made?
Insulating glass undergoes a long process of double pane (and sometimes more). Two panes of glass are placed inside each pane, providing a double layer of insulation. It is then placed in a vacuum chamber to fill the two panes with argon gas.
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Finally, once the glass has been toughened and polished and cleaned, it is fixed in place using a high grade sealant on the parameters of the glazing unit. This prevents the escape of insulating gases and the ingress of moisture. Any excess sealant is scraped off from the edges.
Annealing the glass during the initial manufacturing process helps to further strengthen the glass so that it can withstand large temperature fluctuations without breaking. Colouring the glass also helps to reduce thermal stress cracking.
But insulated glass is still just glass, and if the thermal fluctuations are large enough it can break - although not so easily due to the strength of the double pane.
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How does insulated glass work?
Temperature travels along a thermal bridge, and this bridge can be anything that extends from one point to another. Wood, metal, glass and other solid materials act as thermal bridges and can easily transfer heat. As the name suggests, a thermal bridge is like a highway for heat transfer.
In the case of single pane windows, the glass itself is a great bridge. On cold winter days, when hot air from inside hits the inside of the glass panes, it passes through the glass and dissipates to the outside. The opposite applies to hot outdoor air in summer.
Insulating glass works by removing the thermal bridge between the inner and outer window panes. The space between the panes creates an effective gap that traps hot or cold air, thus preventing the bridging effect. In addition to insulation, the gas itself is a better insulator than air itself, as both krypton and argon are very dense and less likely to conduct heat.
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Insulated glass replacement or repair
Similar to most other glass repairs or replacements, there are some standard procedures that require the use of adhesives and epoxies. However, insulated glass is not easy to repair.
IGU repairs
Insulated glass units will naturally wear out over time, whether due to excessive humidity, atmospheric pressure, sunlight or other reasons. These types of double glazed windows cannot be repaired. Replacement is your only option.
IGU replacement
Rather than buying a brand new window unit, simply replace broken or distorted panes of glass with the help of a professional. Measure the width, height and thickness. Once you have removed the glass pan, take some silicone and line the pan, then insert the new glass. It's easy.
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If you would like more information about our company, our custom glass products, our glass fabrication capabilities, or if you are ready to discuss your particular project in more detail, simply contact our experienced team of glass professionals today!
