The standard gas in insulating glass units is dry air. The space between the glass panes can be filled with other gases that have different properties that improve the thermal resistivity. Argon and krypton are the most likely alternatives. Krypton is beneficial if the space is limited. Typically argon reduces the Ug value by approximately 0.2 W/m2K depending on the cavity size.
A Window Energy Rating (WER) is measurement and category for the efficiency of a window system as a whole. It considers the frame, the centre pane U value, the solar transmission of the glass, the effect of the spacer around the edge of an insulating glass unit and the air permeability of the window. It can be used to demonstrate compliance with the building regulations for energy efficiency and the simple code allows consumers to know the relative efficiency between products.
Triple glazing can be used to create more opportunities for solar and thermal control but it is heavier, thicker and offers little in terms of acoustic performance if all glass sheets are of the same thickness. In some cases adequate performance can be achieved with double glazing.
The building regulations require Ug values for the complete window and not the centre pane Ug value for the glass. Generally good timber or PVCu frames with a centre pane Ug value of 1.1 W/m2K for the glass will suffice but you will need to liaise with the window manufacturer to be precise.
For more information about regulations you need to search on local goverments website in the country you spcify the product for.
Energy balance is the measurement of the efficiency of the window as a whole. The solar gain through the glass is measured as a positive contribution and the heat losses as a negative. The net result is the effective U value for the window. This is a far more realistic way of looking at the contribution of glass to a building and given the right choice of products the window can be energy neutral i.e. it lets as much heat in as it loses over the year for a given location.
Condensation forms when moisture laden air meets a cold surface where the surface temperature is at or below the dew point. At the dew point moisture will condense from the air. Warm air will hold more moisture than cold air. Keeping the air temperature up changes the dew point and keeping the humidity down. Ventilation helps to keep the humidity down and fitting low e glass raises the internal glass temperature so condensation is less likely to occur. Low e glass also reduces the outer pane temperature which can lead to external condensation on the glass, but the best result can be achieved with
Pilkington Anti-condesation Glass. External condensation is less of a problem for windows and can be seen as evidence that the glass is providing thermal benefit.
Soft coats are applied off-line i.e. away from the float line where the glass is produced. Chemicals are deposited on the glass under controlled conditions and they are often vulnerable to damage and oxidisation once made. The glass is always used as part of an insulating glass unit. Hard coats are more durable and made in line with the float glass manufacturing process. The coatings are applied whilst the glass is still hot and bonds to the surface. Pilkington
Activ™ and Pilkington
K Glass™ are examples of hard coats. Pilkington
Suncool™ and Pilkington
Optitherm™ are soft coats.