As a property owner, you want a comfortable and sustainable building. Installing insulated glass units is one way to ensure your commercial or residential structure achieves these standards. 

All You Need to Know About an Insulated Glass Unit

An insulated glass unit (IGU) is a double-paned window consisting of two glass panes separated by a spacer filled with inert gas and sealed around the edges. The design creates an insulating barrier that reduces heat transfer, making IGUs ideal for improving your building’s energy efficiency. 

The two glass panes in an IGU contain float glass, a high-quality glass produced by floating molten glass on a bed of molten metal. The glass panes’ thickness varies depending on the application, but the most common thicknesses are 1/8 inch, 5/32 inch, and 3/16 inch.

Once the glass constructors get the desired cut of the panes, they thoroughly clean and dry them to remove contaminants. A low thermal conductivity material such as aluminum or fiberglass gets placed on two sides of the glass plane, which will face the spacer side. The constructor fills the space with air or a low-conductivity gas, such as argon or krypton in the spacer, which prevents heat from passing through the window. After the glass panes get assembled, their edges get sealed with a sealant that provides an airtight and watertight seal to ensure the insulating gas remains inside the window and prevents any moisture or condensation from entering.

The Benefits of an IGU 

Reduced Heat Transfer 

The inert air or gas trapped between the glass panes in an IGU creates an insulating barrier that reduces the heat passing through the window. During the summer, the heat from the sun cannot penetrate the building. In winter, the heat generated inside the building gets retained, reducing energy consumption from your heating and cooling systems. 

Low Thermal Conductivity 

We choose the materials in the construction of the IGU, including the spacer and the sealant, for their low thermal conductivity. Their inability to conduct heat easily helps maintain the temperature inside the building. 

Enhanced Energy Efficiency 

The IGU is energy efficient because an IGU reduces heat transfer in your building. The window lowers your energy consumption bills and your building’s carbon footprint. 

Noise Reduction 

In addition to its insulating properties, an IGU can also help to reduce noise pollution from outside. The air or gas trapped between the glass panes acts as a buffer, absorbing sound waves and reducing the amount of noise that enters the building. 

Enhanced Safety and Security 

It is more difficult to break than a single-paned window because an IGU includes two glass panes. Additionally, the sealed construction of an IGU reduces the risk of injury from broken glass, making it a safer option for buildings in high-traffic areas. 

Factors to Consider When Selecting an IGU

• Thermal performance – the glass type and thickness, insulating gas, and the U-factor, which measures the heat loss rate in the IGU, determine its thermal performance. The lower the U-factor, the more energy efficiency.
• Visible transmittance (VT) – The VT measures the amount of visible light that passes through the window and is a significant consideration for maintaining natural light levels in a building. 

Get your IGU at 24hr Sliding Door Repair Today 

At 24hr Sliding Door Repair, we specialize in replacing and servicing custom IGUs. Call us today at 877-299-9179 or leave us a message for inquiries.