Glasswork is extremely aesthetic for a reason. However, with the advancement in the industry, now there are many types of glass that are safer, more efficient and work best against breaking.
Many architects are now choosing glass work unlike the traditional cement and mortar choice due to the sustainability of glass.
Insulated Glass is yet another type of glass that is mainly in use for construction projects. Its robust performance and properties makes the preference evident.
While people are choosing differ types of glass, insulated one is still not known when you talk about its advantages and uses. So in this blog, we will exclusively talk about what are the benefits of insulated glass and where it is being used.
What is Insulated Glass?
Insulated glass is a type of glass that is built featuring the combination of two or more glass panes. The glass is spaced with each other and then sealed with a sealant to form a singular unit.
Therefore, insulated glass is also known as double glazing glass. As the name suggests, insulated glass is best to reduce heat loss and the solar heat entering in the building and offices. It also reduces visible light transmission.
Thickness and Size
Talking about its size and thickness ranges, insulated glass has the thickness as 11 mm to 25 mm for Residential & Commercial use whereas the maximum thickness as 33 mm for sloped glazing!
What is the process of insulated glass manufacturing?
Insulated glass is manufactured when two glass panes are placed along the side of the spacer bar and then applied pressure using an automatic presser. After that a secondary sealant for example polysulphide or silicon is applied along the sides of the whole unit. To clear and cut back the moisture, Desiccants are used.
Where is insulated glass used?
The uses of insulated glass are mainly windows especially where efficiency is needed the most. For example, in double hung windows, picture windows, casement windows and skylights, insulated glass works best and blocks the heat.
Benefits and Advantages of Insulated Glass
Keeps Sound Insulated
With insulated glass you get minimal sound loss and its best for optimal acoustics. The inert gas in the layers of the glass works better and never lets the noise pass through.
Added Energy
Insulated glass is best for increasing energy efficiency in building. The minimal heat transfer means lowering of the electrical power consumption. Insulated glass is best for cutting down electricity, power consumption and best for extreme heat and cold situations.
Reduce Heat Gain and Heat Loss
Insulated glass has numerous advantages for its performance and properties. The major advantage is minimising the heat gain and heat loss. Moreover, more layers in the glass with gas influx make it ideal for protecting windows and building from heat loss
Reduce Sunlight
Insulated glass works to reduce sunlight and UV rays in the room. Therefore, you don’t get exposure to the sunlight through the window and paintings, photographs and curtains rarely fade. The sofas, fabrics and other things remain safe from UV light exposure.
Durable and Best for Security
Insulated glass is highly durable and it’s very much difficult to break it. Moreover, it takes hours to crack or break the insulated glass which makes it better for the security of the house and offices.
Disadvantages of Insulated Glass
- Very much expensive
- Have to be careful to seal with silicone to prevent leakage. If there is any leakage, it will result in condensation and damage the whole insulated glass unit
Properties of Insulated Glass
The properties of insulated glass are evident for the glass industry. Earlier, insulated glass held the purpose of protecting the glazed areas from excessive heat loss or gain.
Ideally, insulated glass has the property to block sun heat from getting in rooms and in winters, the inside heat cannot go outside. It keeps the interior insulated from outside temperature and its eco-friendly glazing option.
Insulated Glass Applications
Insulated glass is in use for multiple reasons as you have read above. Its benefits are evident mainly because of the properties.
Tropical Countries
For example, insulated glass is used in many tropical countries where you see the high temperature ranges in day time, such as in Dubai. Insulated glass is used indoors with double glazed windows, glass roofs, etc. it’s used in exterior application of the building as windows and skylight.
Factories
Double-glazed windows of insulated glass are in use especially for factories where the humidity level is exceeding.
Commercial Usage
Insulated glass is in use for commercial curtain walls, glass facades of high rise structures, overhead and sloped glazing, skylights, canopies, etc. moreover, it’s also in use for safety glazing when incorporated with laminated glass.
In Conference room and Studios
Insulated glass is in fair use for windows where sound noise is not needed for example in conference rooms, recording studios, entertainment centres etc. Overall, an insulated glass unit is flexible and offers best durability. For winters, the double glazed glass works best as it does not let the heat out. So rooms remain warm and cozy.
What colors are available for insulated glass?
Color selection in insulated glass comes as clear, bronze and black anodized, and mill finish aluminium.