THE EVOLUTION OF INSULATING GLASS
Insulating glass includes all types of glass that provide better insulation than single glazing. As a rule, insulating glass consists of several layers of glass with air, gas or a vacuum in between. Although insulating glass often consists of two layers of glass, there are also variants with three layers of glass, known as triple glass.
SMART INVESTMENT IN INSULATED GLASS
Glass covers a large part of the entire building envelope. Poorly insulating glass is therefore often found to be one of the weakest links. Which can lead to high energy costs and poor living comfort. By choosing insulating glass with the best insulation value, a major step forward can be made in the energy label or the BENG standard can be made more conclusive sooner.
INSULATING GLASS THROUGH TIME
Insulating glass is divided into three categories:
- Double glazing: standard double glazing (Thermopane)
- High-efficiency insulating glass: HR, HR+, HR++ and HR+++ (Triple) glass
- Vacuum glass ( BENGglas )
Below we briefly explain the differences.
DOUBLE GLASS
STANDARD DOUBLE GLASS (THERMOPANE)
Double glazing became the first step after single glazing and is also one of the most common types of insulating glass in older buildings. Popularly, the old double glazing is also called Thermopane, named after the brand that was the first to market the type of insulating glass.
CONTRUCTION AND STRUCTURE
The glass consists of two panes of approximately 4 to 5 mm thick with a cavity filled with air in between. Air conducts heat better than a gas filling or a vacuum, which means that the insulation value is less good than with other types of insulating glass.
HIGH-EFFICIENCY INSULATING GLASS
High-efficiency insulating glass became the next step in insulating glass after standard double glazing. By replacing an air filling with a gas filling, the conduction from inside to outside was reduced. This resulted in an immediate improvement in the insulation value.
By applying heat coatings to the window, another step in insulation performance was achieved (HR+, HR++). These reflect the heat back into the home. By expanding the entire package with a third pane, the insulation performance was improved again, also known as HR+++ or triple glazing.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF HIGH EFFICIENCY INSULATING GLASS
HR++/+++ glass insulates considerably better than standard double glazing, but quickly becomes very thick and heavy. Because these types of insulating glass do not fit into the existing window frames and hinges and locks, it is often essential to replace both, which can lead to high costs.
In addition, the insulation value cannot compete with that of vacuum glass (U=0.40) and slowly increases over the years due to cracks in the frame. not the case with vacuum glass The lifespan of HR++/+++ glass is also shorter than vacuum glass (20-40 years versus 25-50 years).
VACUUM INSULATING GLASS
BENGglas is the latest step in the development of insulating glass. By not using air or gas between the two panes, but instead creating a vacuum, conduction is kept to a minimum. This allows much better heat insulation, but also much better sound insulation, to be achieved with less material.
+ comfortable and quiet living
+ the preservation of the existing window frames and hinges and locks (ultra-thin)
+ a longer lifespan
+ 15% natural light compared to triple glazing
APPEARANCE
SPACERS
Spacers are small dots found between the two glass plates. These are intended to distribute the pressure on the glass during the vacuum process. Without spacers the glass would break. BENGglas has a very low number of spacers compared to other brands. This means you can enjoy the best results BENGglas
ABSORPTION POINTS OR STRIPS
These are intended to extract moisture between the glass for a long time.
This way the vacuum is kept intact. Depending on the production process, you will be dealing with an absorption point or absorption strip. At BENGglas we work with slim absorption strips as standard, with the exception of BENGglas +. These strips fit neatly behind the window slats.
VACUUM CAPS
Vacuum caps were used to extract the air between the two windows. However, technology is continuously developing. This now also makes it possible to extract air from the edges. Vacuum caps are therefore no longer necessary. BENGglas therefore offers a wide range without vacuum caps. This way you always enjoy an optically beautiful result.
OPTIONS INSULATING GLASS
Additional functions can be assigned to (vacuum) insulating glass by applying additional finishing processes such as coatings, foils, extra panes or by applying unique product techniques.
This includes burglar-resistant, fall-proof, fire-resistant, sound-insulating, monumental and sun-resistant glass. Such post-processing is also possible with BENGglas .
Inquire about the options by emailing info@bengproducts.nl or consulting a dealer near you!
THE BENEFITS OF INSULATING GLASS AT A GLANCE
To make an old home or building with old double glazing more sustainable, the choice quickly falls on HR++, Triple or vacuum glazing. However, by choosing vacuum glass you immediately save on the purchase of new window frames and on new (heavier/more expensive) hinges and locks. You immediately start with long-term savings in your energy bill of 25 to even 50 years. Where the insulation value of high-efficiency glass increases slowly due to leakage and has a shorter lifespan of between 20 and 40 years.
PRICE INSULATING GLASS
vacuum glass is more expensive to purchase than HR++/+++ glass, but the value of the glass goes directly into improving your energy label and saving materials. That is why it is not smart to only look at the base price, but to take into account potential increases in value and savings. Therefore, always request a no-obligation cost comparison from one of the BENGglas dealers to make a well-considered choice.
- ABOUT INSULATING GLASS
Glass was invented accidentally by heating glass grains in sand to create glass beads. These pearls were originally worked for beads, but later crafted into larger shapes from 1,500 BC. The Romans invented the casting process around the first century AD and made it possible to produce the first "flat glass". The glass was not really transparent. And due to the lack of lime, these windows were still very vulnerable.
Around the Middle Ages (approximately 1,000 AD), production techniques were significantly improved and it became possible to produce clear glass using coal and advanced furnaces.
As a result, quality increased and the existence of the first large glass concerns began.
In the following centuries, the techniques and compositions of glass were greatly improved and the possibilities with glass are now endless.
There are different types of insulating glass available, each with its own properties and applications. Some of the most common types of insulating glass are:
- Double glazing or Thermopane: This is the most common type of insulating glass and consists of two glass panels with an air space (cavity) between them. The air space may be filled with air or an insulating gas such as argon or krypton. It is commonly used in homes and commercial buildings. Air conducts better than noble gas, which does not improve insulation performance. Small cracks can develop in the edge seal, causing the insulation performance to decrease over the years.
- High-efficiency glass: HR++ and HR+++ (also called triple glass) is double glazing with a coating and insulating glass between the glass plates. This achieves better insulation. HR+++ (also called triple glass) achieves better insulation performance than HR++ because the construction consists of three glass plates. Small cracks can develop in the edge seal of both types, causing the insulation performance to decrease over the years.
- Vacuum glass : This type of glass consists of two thin layers of glass that are hermetically sealed so that virtually no heat loss can occur. In a vacuum, virtually no (heat) conduction can take place. What is heated indoors retains its heat. The heat from outside also stays outside. It offers the best thermal insulation of all types of insulating glass and retains its insulation value compared to traditional insulating glass due to the advanced edge seal.
The choice of the right type of insulating glass depends on the specific needs. Additional functions can also be assigned to the glass with additional films or coatings. Consider functions such as: sun-resistant, fire-resistant, burglar-resistant or, for example, extra sound insulation. Such applications are possible with BENGglas . Complete the contact form to request the options.
Traditional insulating glass (HR++, HR or triple glass) has a lifespan of approximately 15 to 30 years, but gradually loses its insulation value due to cracks in the sealing edge. For comparison: the expected lifespan of BENGglas is between 25 -50 years (or even longer), while retaining its insulation value.
It is important to note that the lifespan of insulating glass can vary depending on conditions and maintenance.
Regular maintenance and careful installation can extend the life of all types of insulating glass. BENGglas has a warranty period of 15 years BENGglas Traditional insulating glass has a warranty period of 10 years.
HR++/+++ glass offers significantly better insulation compared to standard double glazing. However, it quickly becomes thick and heavy, making it unsuitable for existing window frames and hinges and locks. It is often necessary to replace both the glass and the window frames, which can lead to significant costs.
In addition, the insulation value cannot compete with vacuum glass (U=0.40), and over time this value slowly increases with HR++/+++ glass due to cracks in the frame. This problem does not occur with vacuum glass. In addition, the lifespan of HR++/+++ glass is shorter than that of vacuum glass (20-40 years compared to 25-50 years).
vacuum glass is more expensive to purchase than HR++ or triple glass, but the value of the glass goes directly into improving your energy label and saving materials. That is why it is not smart to only look at the base price, but to take into account potential increases in value and savings. Therefore, always request a no-obligation cost comparison from one of the BENGglas dealers to make a well-considered choice.
MORE INFORMATION?
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