 |
25/11/2006 - Accreditation News - Warm Edge Spacers |
Warm edge spacers, soft coat glass is just a few of the terminologies used when it comes to BFRC ratings, U-values and glass specifications. Accreditation Newsletter #6 gives you a brief guide to help you on your way.
Argon Gas:
Replaces the air between the double glaze unit. Described as being a Heavy gas, it is relatively cheap compared to other gases, non toxic, non reactive, odourless and clear and most importantly provides increased thermal performance. Other gases used comprise of Xenon and Krypton, but are more expensive.
Aluminum Edge Spacer:
Used around the perimeter of a double glazed unit to form the air gap between the panes of glass. Popular due to low costs, however aluminium being a highly conductive material means greater heat loss through the glass unit and higher possibility of condensation.
BFRC Rating:
The energy efficiency of a window, giving a rating between A G (A being best) taking into account the solar gain g value, U-value of the window and the amount of air leakage.
Double Glazing:
Two thicknesses of glass (normally 4mm or 6mm panes) separated by an air space and sealed airtight (hermetically) around the perimeter using a spacer bar providing insulation, sound reduction and reduced possibility of condensation.
Krypton Gas:
An inert (non reactive), odourless, colourless, non toxic gas which is approximately 12 times more dense than air. Krypton gas can be used to replace the air between a
double glazed unit to reduce heat transfer. Krypton has a higher thermal performance level than Argon, therefore a higher energy efficiency rating. The downside is, Krypton is more expensive than Argon gas.
Laminated Glass:
Two or more sheets of glass with an inner layer of transparent plastic which the glass adheres to if broken, therefore reducing shards of glass and risk of injury to people. Commonly known as safety glass, it also can provide sound reduction properties, however the units can be heavy.
Low E Glass (Softcoat):
Glass which has low emissivity (Heat transfer) due to a metallic or film coating on or between the glass panes to reduce radiant heat transfer / loss. This type of glass provides the highest level performance but is more expensive than hard coat.
Low E Glass (Hard Coat):
Also known as pyrolytic coating, the coating is sprayed on to the surface of the glass at very high temperatures during the float glass process. Hard coat, one of the earliest types of coated glass reduces heat loss and allows high levels of solar heat gain. Hard coat is catergorised as a medium performance glass.
Obscure Glass:
A textured finish to the glass, used for privacy, light diffusion or decorative effect. (i.e Frosted, etched, fluted)
Single Glazed:
Single sheet of glass. Although this type of glass allows maximum daylight transmissions, it is offset against greater heat loss and energy transfer, therefore making double glazing the more desirable option.
Solar Heat Gain (g Value):
Measures the solar radiation transferred through a window to the interior of a house. The lower the Solar heat gain g value, the less heat is transmitted into the house.
Toughened Glass:
Another type of safety glass which has been heat treated so that if broken separates into to very small pieces. Commonly used on doors or areas where safety is of importance, however weight is an issue.
U-Value:
The measurement of heat transmission through the building element. The lower the U value the better the insulation properties.
Warm Edge Spacer:
Used to create a double glazed unit. The spacer is constructed using a low conductivity material which has very little or no metal content. This acts as a thermal break therefore eliminating condensation on the inner glass panes. This type of spacer is more expensive than an aluminium one. Alternative warm edge spacers made from stainless steel are available in the market as the stainless steel has low conductivity properties.
Xenon Gas:
An inert (non reactive), odourless, colourless, non toxic gas which can be used to replace the air between a double glazed unit to reduce heat transfer. Xenon has a higher thermal performance level than both Argon and Krypton, however is very expensive and is therefore not as cost effective as the other gas types.
|
|
.jpg)
.jpg)
