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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.   For supplementary material on double glazed float glass click 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.   Get all the facts on double glazed toughened glass

 
     
 

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.   Examine all the facts on double glazed laminated glass page

 
     
 

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.   More info 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.   Get all the facts on double glazed low e glass

 
     
 

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.   Examine all the facts on double glazed glass warranty page

 
     
 

Double Glazed Windows and Doors Pty. Ltd.

 
       
  0423 221 942  
  contact@doubleglazedwindows.net.au  
 
 
     
 

Awning Window

 

Double Glazed Awning Windows allow the window sash to swing outward rather than inward or up and down, so they can be located in may places around the home and easily arranged next to other window types. The awning window is the ideal window type for homes in the temperate climate zone, or homes that are positioned to take advantage of natural ventilation or breeze. Double Glazed Awning windows are made with compression and weather seal and provide higher air-tightness, energy-efficiency and acoustic insulation than other window types such as sliding and double-hung windows. Double Glazed Awning windows have a variety of applications due to their versatility and durability, and are particularly attractive option for contemporary homes because our Awning windows are manufactured locally to an indisputably imposing standard, impressing even the most discerning clientele.   Additional information on double glazed awning window can be found at this location

 
     
 

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.   Greater detail on double glazed stacker window can be found here

 
     
 

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.   Additional information on double glazed bifold door 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.   Extra information about double glazed sliding door can be found here

 
     
 

Shape Window

 

All of your senses work to appreciate a building and its components and this involves time and space: thermal and acoustic and tactile sensations, as well as memories and associations. Uniquely designed windows can even bring about a whole repertoire of past experiences and future hopes, based on your emotions and tastes. Through compellingly perceptive rethinking of the configurations of members, joints and welding processes, we are able to manufacture almost any shape and size, only limited by your imagination! Ultimately, shape windows are a symbol of your creativity and individuality.   Continued on the double glazed shape window page

 
     
 

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.   Examine all the facts on double glazed stacker door page

 
     
 

Side Hinged Window

 

A meticulously controlled work process allows increased speed and economies of scale advantage in production and assembly. The design elements in the classic Side Hinged Double Glazed windows are sometimes subdued, but fundamentally enriching - aesthetically and through improved comfort. The classic design allows to emerge important elements such as a strong sense of mass, structural legibility and strength with clear proportional relationships between solid and void. Side Hinged windows are similar to Casement windows, but open out and provide the highest possible acoustic and thermal insulation. Side Hinged windows are uncomplicated and cost-efficient, and when combined with our double glazed units, and offer exceptional improvements in performance when compared against ordinary aluminium or wooden windows. With architect's help, the Side Hinged Double Glazed windows will no doubt encourage inhabitants or users to gain architectural delight from their serendipitous journeys throughout the home.   Examine all the facts on double glazed side hinged window page

 
     
 

Tilt & Slide Door

 

Our Double Glazed Doors 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 Double Glazed Tilt and Slide Doors can improve comfort, utilize daylight and natural ventilation for improvement in overall health and well being. Window Factory Tilt and Slide Doors are the most innovative and attractive deck/ garden or balcony doors available. Not only do they boast the tilt option of other popular styles, but the Tilt and Slide Doors were also designed to maintain our reputation for high performance.   For a detailed discussion on the subject of double glazed tilt & slide door 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.   Great suggestions and more on double glazed casement window can be found here

 
     
 

Composite Door

 

The Composite Door is gaining in popularity with great speed for clients wanting noise insulation, strength, durability and security. All our Composite Doors contain a solid interior, which is made with reinforced materials, allowing our clients to gain increased security over even a solid wooden door, and will no doubt keep the insurance provider pleased. Composite doors are extremely strong, so they don't buckle, dent or warp, because they are designed to look better and provide more security for a longer period, than wooden or glass alternatives, yet they are very price competitive. The surface contains a glass reinforced polymer material and will not fade or lose colour. Additional feature includes advanced properties that shield from the weather, to ensure you have value for money in a door that lasts for decades, not just a few years.   For supplementary material on double glazed composite door click here

 
     
 

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.   Continued on the double glazed prestiged z84 page

 
     
 

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.   Supplementary advice on double glazed secondary

 
     
 

Supplementary

 

Rehau double glazed window and door systems are enhanced by a large range of ancillary profiles including sills, and angled head drips, square baypoles and couplers as well as frame extensions, ensuring a fully compatible and integrated solution and an easier fit for any double glazing applications. The features built into the double glazed window and door profiles will not only guarantee many years of high performance, but each system has been engineered to ensure maximum efficiency, thus providing you with considerable energy savings and a total peace of mind.   Examine all the facts on double glazed supplementary page

 
     
 

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.   Get all the facts on double glazed delivery areas

 
     
 

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

 
     
 

Sealing

 

Many people have the impression that all silicone gels on the market are the same, but we have found that their properties and, therefore, suitability varies dramatically. Generally, the descriptions of silicone offer little information as to the correct grade and type for a given application, and because of performance variability, there is no one type of silicone sealant that should be used for everything. Using the incorrect silicone or improper use may cause joint failure, contamination of surfaces because of poor application, excessive movement in the sealed joint.   Extra information about double glazed sealing can be found here

 
     
 

Colours

 

We appreciate the need to live in harmony with one's surroundings, both architecturally and environmentally, that is why our extensive range of colour combinations attracts many professionals seeking the combination of an eclectic colour range with a cutting edge technology. Our double glazed window and door colour profiles can be manufactured so that the profile beneath the veneer is not white, but has been made to match the veneer colour. The advantage of this method is, that in the event of an accidental damage to the surface, white fragments will not be visible and the double glazed window or door retains its original aesthetic appearance. Read more on double glazed colours.   More info on double glazed colours

 
     
 

Safety

 

Double Glazed Windows and Doors are committed to protecting our staff, customers, associates and public from risk and injury associated with working with windows and glass products. Most accidents are preventable, and we provide extensive training for our staff to deal with various situations and armed with knowledge and experience, we are confident they are well prepared for uncertainty. Double Glazed Windows and Doors maintain an effective OH&S plan that not only complies with the law, but also is continuously improved as we try to uphold the highest level of safety that reaches beyond minimum legal requirements.   Greater detail on double glazed safety can be found here

 
     
 

Draft Proof

 

There are significant savings in electricity that will pay for your windows in 6-7 years and will reduce your CO2 emissions by about 100-150kg per year. For an indication of energy efficiency of a window or door, look for the U-value or R-value. U-value measures the overall heat transfer coefficient, or how well the window/door conducts heat and is also the inverse of the R-value. The lower the U-value, the greater a window's resistance to heat flow and the better its insulating value. Our windows boast a value of 1.8, which means they perform three times better than an aluminium framed window with a typical value of 5.4-5.6. And since windows can contribute to between 15-40% energy loss in a building, installing the most energy efficient windows available should be the intelligent homeowner's priority.   To obtain additional information on double glazed draft proof

 
     
 

Test Reports

 

Purchasing upvc double glazing is not simply a cosmetic improvement, it is about technical advancement, high performance, safety and security, so by having various of our vinyl double glazed products tested in a laboratory to Australian Standards and the building regulations, ensures your double glazed windows comply with the minimum expected from any manufacturer in Australia. In fact, the double glazed window products that were tested have been found to outperform the minimum levels, and sometimes even exceed these levels several times over. Supplementary advice on double glazed test reports.   To obtain additional information on double glazed test reports

 
     
 

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.   For supplementary material on double glazed warranty click here

 
     
 

Handling and Storage

 

After the double glazed windows are delivered to your home or the construction site, ideally they should be installed as soon as possible, to minimise the risk of accidental damage. However, we understand that this may not be practical if there are other renovation or construction work being completed - in this case, it is best to store the double glazed window/ door frames and glass separately and in an area with limited access, so that the upvc window frames and insulated glass units experience the least movement possible.   For more information double glazed handling and storage

 
     
 

High Performance

 

For windows and doors that do more than just open and close, but actually work for you to reduce your household or office energy bill by utilizing an energy efficient profile system and double glazing. Convenient and comfortable in many ways, they are an essential part of insulating your home or office, for a more sustainable living experience. A standard aluminium sliding window can add 40% heating/ cooling loss in the home. Would you purchase an appliance that can only ever operate at a maximum 60% capacity? But this is essentially what you are doing when your home is poorly insulated! The same high performance extends to acoustic insulation, with a potential reduction of 45dB in our casement, awning, tilt&turn and bifold range. The high-tech weather seal in combination with fusion welding of frames and sashes make the windows completely air and water tight - they have been tested to withstand even cyclone strength winds!   Extra information about double glazed high performance can be found here

 
     
 

Added Security

 

Our Double Glazed Windows and Doors are difficult to break and when they break, they create a lot of noise. Our window units also come equipped with security systems such as multi-point locks, double-locking handles and hinge-side security devices. Windows made out of upvc, can only be forced open from outside with a great deal of ingenuity, time and physical strength. This is because plastic provides a tighter seal around the glass and it does not shrink like wooden frames sometimes do.   Read more on double glazed added security

 
       
 

Double Glazed Windows and Doors Pty. Ltd.

 
  0423 221 942  
  contact@doubleglazedwindows.net.au