Since 25 to 35 percent of the energy used in American buildings and homes is wasted due to inefficient windows and glass, it is important that we know what options are available.
Dual Pane Glass was first Patented in 1865 ( that’s right 1865)
The DOE’s Energy Star Program has set energy requirements that have helped improve window performance for over 10 years. However most Manufacturer’s Dual Pane Windows barely meet the new standard of .30 U factor and .30 Shgc. As a result, Energy Conscious Homeowners, builders and architects have looked at more Energy Efficient options.
Triple-Pane Glass
Triple-pane glass consists of three panes of glass and two low-e coatings. Using a third pane creates a second insulating cavity. Inert gas such as Argon or Krypton is filled in the insulating cavity to slow the transfer of heat or cold air through the window thus creating an energy efficient window superior to Dual Pane.
However, triple-pane glass units are 50% heavier than standard insulating glass and this leads to functionality issues as well as design constraints.
Issues with Triple-Pane Glass:
- Increased project costs (more labor, sturdier frames, stronger building design)
- 50% heavier than standard insulating glass
- Aesthetic and design limitations due to size constraints imposed on the glass and window units
- More stress on frame potentially creating gaps that will allow air, water and dust infiltration
- Amount of natural light in the overall design may be reduced
- Additional stress on operable portions of the window and window hardware
- Wider glass packages may not fit framing systems or window
Suspended Coated Film (SCF)
Suspended Coated Film (SCF) is one of the most significant technologies critical to improving insulation and achieving higher performance across a broad spectrum of glazing characteristics – without any of the design limitations typical of triple-pane glass systems.
Benefits of Serious Glass Insulating Glass Units:
- HVAC savings due to downsized equipment and lower annual operating costs
- Directional tuning ( using Hshg options) to enhance daylighting with morning warmth and afternoon coolness
- 99.5% UV protection — reduces interior fading and damage
- Reduced outside noise
- Improved occupant comfort and health
- Architectural freedom to include more glass in the design
- Reduced condensation
- Decreased project costs when compared to triple-pane glass
- LEED contribution of up to 19 points
Features of SeriousGlass Insulating Glass Units:
- Super-insulating glass packages with 2 to 3 air spaces (Multiple SCF)
- R-values from R-5 to R-11
- Wide range of glass packages with SHGC from 0.21-0.60, VT from 39-70%
- Less weight – no need for specialized framing systems
- Triple edge seal technology around the edges of the glass units provides the most reliable, strongest glass packages in the market
- Long lasting glass units that weigh the same as typical double pane insulated glass
- Choice of glass packages to meet your design needs
- Larger air spaces than triple-pane glass in the same glass pocket for significantly better thermal performance
For nearly three decades, Serious Materials has successfully installed millions of square feet of SCF architectural glass and windows in over 10,000 projects. In addition, Serious Materials has been tested and IGCC certified for both polyurethane and silicone sealants for the past 27+ years. The design, longevity and reliability of Serious Materials’ SCF glass packages are unmatched in the industry.
Joe Yosso Is your Serious windows Dealer in the Portland and seattle area. visit www.northwestenergysavers.com for more information.
