Glass in focus | October 24, 2023
In early 2024, BENGglas will introduce the largest size vacuum glass in the world. Where until now the dimensions were limited to a maximum of 1,500 x 2,500 millimeters, this will definitively come to an end. From early 2024, it will be possible to glaze with dimensions of up to 4.2 meters, enabling floor-to-ceiling glazing. This new step is characteristic of the rapid developments taking place within the 'world of vacuum glass'.
Vacuum glass was first described in a German patent from 1913, but it took until the mid-20th century before the technology was actually applied. The first commercial product was eventually launched in 1996 and was immediately available on the Dutch market from that moment.
In acceleration
In recent years, however, these developments have accelerated. BENGglas, one of the first entrants in the vacuum glass market, is driving this acceleration. This is clearly visible in the breadth of the assortment. Where BENGglas started with one variant of vacuum glass, it now has four variants in its portfolio. BENGglas MAX* is the most recent addition and is also the showpiece of BENGglas. BENGglas MAX* is unique due to a combination of properties. The glass is tempered (safety glass), has no vacuum valve, has barely visible spacers, achieves a U-value of 0.40 W/m2K, and will be available in sizes up to 4.2 meters from early 2024. BENGglas MAX* is exclusively supplied by BENGglas B.V
* As of July 2025, BENGglas MAX is now called BENGglas Single Coated or BENGglas Double Coated
BENGglas: best U-value on the market
BENGglas has been active in the Dutch market for four years and originates from Giga-Glas! B.V.; an international glass wholesaler with 30 years of experience. BENGglas is a brand of vacuum glass. Vacuum glass is an extremely thin type of insulating glass where two glass panes of at least 4 millimeters are separated by a vacuum cavity of at least 0.3 millimeters. This results in a total glass package thickness of 8.3 millimeters. Despite this thinness, U-values of no less than 0.40 W/m2K are achieved. To distribute the pressure of the glass over the glass surface and prevent the two glass panes from touching each other, micro-spacers are evenly distributed over the entire glass surface. These spacers are placed every 40 to 60 millimeters (depending on the type) and are hardly visible from 2 meters away. BENGglas has several advantages over regular vacuum glass. For example, BENGglas has up to seven times fewer spacers, is standardly tempered, and has the best U-value on the market. It is also by far the most cost-effective choice in vacuum glass.
"Actually, you don't see any difference"
In collaboration with Achterberg Schilders and BENGglas, the thermal and acoustic insulation of this 1930s house in Ede has been significantly improved. The single glazing (U=5.8 W/m2K) on the first floor and the old double glazing (U=2.8) on the ground floor have been replaced with vacuum glass from BENGglas (U=0.40). A strong improvement in insulation value.
The resident, Loet van Beurden, explains his choice for BENGglas. ‘In my 1930 house, I still had the original single glazing on the first floor. I kept postponing insulation glass because the wooden frames and windows were relatively light and thin. I was afraid that they would need to be replaced if I installed new glass. This turned out to be completely unnecessary. BENGglas is only 8 millimeters thick and therefore fits perfectly in old frames. You actually see no difference. However, the difference is clearly noticeable in both insulation and comfort. My gas consumption has dropped significantly. The windows no longer fog up on the inside during the winter months, and the indoor climate has become much more comfortable.’
*Photo for illustration purposes only due to privacy considerations
Because Loet lives on a relatively busy road, soundproofing was an important aspect of his choice for vacuum glass, in addition to thermal insulation. 'An additional advantage of the BENG glass is that it also dampens outside noises much more than standard insulating glass. At the back of the house, there is a relatively large main road where you used to always hear traffic noise. That's now completely gone with the windows closed, and it's fantastically quiet. In short, only major improvements.'
BENGglas, a smart investment!
Vacuum glass often wrongly has the image of being unaffordable. Besides the fact that prices have dropped significantly in recent years, there are numerous other aspects that make investing in BENGglas a smart investment. For instance, the glass reduces the energy demand of a home, resulting in the need for a less powerful heat pump or fewer solar panels. It also increases the property's value and in many cases saves on the replacement of window frames.
Source: Glass in view
Date: 24 October 2023
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