Acoustic Windows and Doors 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.   Greater detail on 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.   Examine all the facts on double glazed toughened glass page

 
     
 

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.   A complete guide for double glazed laminated glass can be found here

 
     
 

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.   A complete guide for double glazed tinted glass can be found here

 
     
 

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.   Read more 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.   Read more on double glazed glass warranty

 
     
 

Double Glazed Windows and Doors Pty. Ltd.

 
       
  0423 221 942  
  contact@doubleglazedwindows.net.au  
 
 
     
 

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.   For more information double glazed bifold door

 
     
 

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

 
     
 

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!   Read more on double glazed french door

 
     
 

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

 
     
 

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.   Read more on double glazed casement window

 
     
 

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.   Greater detail on double glazed tilt & slide door can be found here

 
     
 

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

 
     
 

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

 
     
 

Sliding Window

 

Our Double Glazed Windows are more than just apertures for light and ventilation - they can be a major spectacle offering a connection to heaven and earth. Functional, intelligent and convenient are the defining characteristics of our Double Glazed Sliding Windows. All our windows are quipped with high quality hardware for effortless opening and closing enhance all these aspects. We combine efficient technology for Double Glazed Sliding Windows 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.   Great suggestions and more on double glazed sliding window can be found here

 
     
 

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.   A complete guide for double glazed bay window can be found here

 
     
 

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.   Great suggestions and more on double glazed clading can be found here

 
     
 

Double Brick

 

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.   For supplementary material on double glazed double brick click here

 
     
 

Climate Control

 

The power of the sun is generally underestimated. In one home, we measured 7kW of solar energy per hour on a sunny day in January, which is enough to some of your home appliances including air conditioners and heaters. This means that the same amount of energy is heating your home as you are using on an appliance to cool it! Upto 40% of heat or cold, depending on the season, can be escaping your home through badly insulated windows. Would you buy an appliance if you were told it could only operate at 60% capacity? And yet if your windows and doors have an inadequate u value score, you could be undermining your efforts to cool/ heat your home. Double Glazed Windows and Doors offer full control of your surroundings through a tight weather seal to insulate your home and make it energy efficient.   Read more on double glazed climate control

 
     
 

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.   Get the answers on your questions on double glazed draft proof on this page

 
     
 

PrestigeD T84

 

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.   Read more on double glazed prestiged t84

 
     
 

PrestigeW Z58

 

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.   Additional information on double glazed prestigew z58 can be found at this location

 
     
 

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.   Get all the facts on double glazed colours

 
     
 

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.   Examine all the facts on double glazed delivery schedule page

 
     
 

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.   Continued on the double glazed replacement page

 
     
 

Chemical Compatibility

 

Chemical stability is very common among substances containing halogens such as chlorine and fluorine. This applies to PVC resins, which also possess fire retarding properties, durability, and oil/chemical resistance. Plastic double glazed windows and doors have a versatility that helps people meet the various needs of modern architecture. In addition to new projects, vinyl double glazed windows and doors are also widely used in refurbishment where it often replaces traditional materials such as metals and wood. Examine all the facts on double glazed chemical compatibility page.   Great suggestions and more on double glazed chemical compatibility can be found here

 
     
 

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.   For a detailed discussion on the subject of double glazed noise insulation click here

 
     
 

Sizes and Dimentions

 

The total cost of delivery is directly related to the sizes and number of double glazing items in your order. If any of your double glazed windows or doors exceed a certain level in either height or width, we must use a bigger truck, which will raise the cost of delivery, even if you have only a single double glzing item. The first delivery level is 4m wide; the second delivery level is 6m wide. Of course, we always stack the items in a most efficient way to save space.   Examine all the facts on double glazed sizes and dimentions page

 
       
 

Double Glazed Windows and Doors Pty. Ltd.

 
  0423 221 942  
  contact@doubleglazedwindows.net.au