Grilled Thermal Glazed Units

ENERGY STAR Rated Thermal Glazed Glass Panels Fabrication

ENERGY STAR Rated Thermal Glazed Glass Panels are high-performance glass panels that meet the strict energy efficiency guidelines set by ENERGY STAR, a government-backed program. These panels are commonly used in windows and doors to enhance insulation and reduce energy consumption. The fabrication of these thermal glazed glass panels involves several key processes to achieve superior energy efficiency, durability, and performance.

Insulated Seal Units

Alliance Windows and Doors offers Insulated Glass Units for both residential and commercial applications all across Toronto, the GTA and surrounding area.

Understanding Insulating Glass Units

Insulating glass units, or IGUs, are designed to keep homes warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

An insulating glass unit commonly consists of two (sometimes more) panes of glass separated by a spacer material and sealed together at the perimeter. The insulating airspace is filled with air or a noble gas, such as argon or krypton inside. Each glass pane has two surfaces, so typical double-paned IGUs have four surfaces.

The major components of insulated glass are:

Desiccant: It is a drying agent used in IG to remove humidity and moisture present in between the glass panes. The most commonly used desiccants in insulated glass are silica and zeolites.
Spacer: The spacer determines the width of the gap between the two panes of glass in an insulated glass unit (IGU). It provides a fixed gap between two layers of glass and is made of aluminum or thermoplastic material. Desiccant rests between the spacers.
Sealants: Sealants are applied on IGU to make sure the insulated air doesn’t escape from the cavity. The most common sealant used in IGU units is butyl sealant.
Cavity: The insulation characteristics of IG are due to the air or gas-filled cavity. Air is commonly used in the cavity of double glazing glass. Argos, krypton, or other gases that slow the transfer of heat are also used to fill the cavity.

Key Aspects of ENERGY STAR Rated Thermal Glazed Glass Panels:

Multiple Glazing Layers:
- These panels typically consist of two or more glass panes (double-glazed or triple-glazed) separated by a space filled with air or inert gases (like argon or krypton). This design helps reduce heat transfer, providing better insulation.
Low-E Coatings:
- Low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings are applied to the glass to reflect heat back into the room in the winter and block infrared heat from entering in the summer. These coatings help maintain a consistent indoor temperature, reducing the need for heating and cooling.
Gas Filling:
- Inert gases like argon or krypton are often used between the panes of glass to enhance thermal insulation. These gases are denser than air, making them more effective at reducing heat transfer.
Spacer Technology:
- Spacers between the panes of glass keep them at the correct distance and help insulate the edges of the glass. Warm-edge spacers are often used in ENERGY STAR rated panels to minimize heat loss at the edges and prevent condensation.
Thermal Break Frames:
- In many cases, the window frames used with thermal glazed glass panels are also designed to reduce heat transfer. Materials like vinyl, fiberglass, or composite frames with thermal breaks enhance the overall energy efficiency of the window.

Fabrication Process:

- - Glass Cutting: Sheets of glass are cut to size based on the specifications required for the windows or doors.
  - Coating Application: Low-E coatings are applied to the glass to improve thermal performance.
  - Assembly of Glass Panes: Two or more glass panes are assembled, with spacers inserted between them to create a sealed air or gas-filled space.
  - Gas Filling: The space between the panes is filled with an inert gas like argon or krypton to improve insulation.
  - Sealing: The panes are sealed together to form an airtight unit, preventing moisture or air from entering and ensuring long-term thermal performance.
  - Framing: The glass panel is then fitted into an energy-efficient frame, such as vinyl, aluminum, or composite, with a thermal break to further reduce heat transfer.
  - Quality Testing: The completed thermal glazed panels are tested for energy efficiency, durability, and compliance with ENERGY STAR standards before being certified and sold.

Benefits of Thermal Glazed Glass Panel

Energy Savings: They reduce heating and cooling costs by minimizing heat transfer, improving insulation, and maintaining indoor temperature.
Increased Comfort: They help maintain a more consistent indoor temperature by reducing drafts and cold spots near windows.
Reduced Condensation: Thermal glazing helps prevent moisture buildup on the glass, reducing the risk of mold and mildew.
Environmental Impact: By improving energy efficiency, these windows help reduce a building’s carbon footprint.
Noise Reduction: The multiple layers of glass also provide soundproofing benefits, reducing external noise.

Key Aspects of ENERGY STAR Rated Thermal Glazed Glass Panels:

- Multiple Glazing Layers:
  - These panels typically consist of two or more glass panes (double-glazed or triple-glazed) separated by a space filled with air or inert gases (like argon or krypton). This design helps reduce heat transfer, providing better insulation.
- Low-E Coatings:
  - Low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings are applied to the glass to reflect heat back into the room in the winter and block infrared heat from entering in the summer. These coatings help maintain a consistent indoor temperature, reducing the need for heating and cooling.
- Gas Filling:
  - Inert gases like argon or krypton are often used between the panes of glass to enhance thermal insulation. These gases are denser than air, making them more effective at reducing heat transfer.
- Spacer Technology:
  - Spacers between the panes of glass keep them at the correct distance and help insulate the edges of the glass. Warm-edge spacers are often used in ENERGY STAR rated panels to minimize heat loss at the edges and prevent condensation.
- Thermal Break Frames:
  - In many cases, the window frames used with thermal glazed glass panels are also designed to reduce heat transfer. Materials like vinyl, fiberglass, or composite frames with thermal breaks enhance the overall energy efficiency of the window

Benefits of Vinyl Double Hung Windows

Energy Efficiency
Lead-free uPVC
Welded Corners
Security Locks
An integrated brick-mould ensures a perfect fit every time.

Spacer Types

IGMAC Approval and Certification:

IGMAC (Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance) certification indicates that the spacers have been tested and approved according to strict industry standards. This certification ensures that the spacers are durable, provide optimal thermal performance, and are reliable for long-term use.

IGMAC-certified spacers help ensure that the insulating glass units (IGUs) they are part of maintain their seal and thermal performance over time, preventing air leakage or moisture infiltration.