Double Glazing Units.

Q. What is U-value?

A. The rate of heat loss per square metre for a temperature difference of 1 degree Kelvin, or Celsius between the interior and exterior.

Q. What 'U' values can be achieved?

A. In double glazing we offer a low 'U' value of 1.1 w/m2K, based on 16 or 20mm cavity Argon Gas filled.  In triple glazing we offer a love 'U' value of 0.5w/m2K incorporating Krypton Gas filled cavities.

Q. What is the "greenhouse" effect?

A. Clear glass will allow heat from the sun to enter the building, contributing significantly to internal temperatures.

Q. What standard are the units made to?

A. BSEN 1279 Parts 2 & 3. All out units have the standard printed on the spacer bar.

Q. How can I improve the U-value?

A. By using either a softcoat low-e glass with Argon Gas in the cavity if necessary.

Q. Can heat be kept out?

A. Solar heat gain can be reduced by using a solar control glass.

Q. Does the thickness of glass improve the insulation value?

A. No

Q. Is there a self cleaning glass?

A. There are clear and tinted self cleaning glass produced by manufacturers with a hard hydrophyllic coating to help the removal of dirt when it rains or hosed down. There are other applications available that are applied to the surface of the glass prior to installation, the life of which should be checked with the manufacturers.

Q. What cavity widths (1) are available and what colours (2)?

  1. 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 16mm, 18mm & 20mm.
  2. SILVER, WHITE, BRONZE, BLACK & GOLD. Some cavities and colours are only available on request.
  3. Edgetech Superspacer - 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 16mm, 18mm & 20mm (available in black only).

Q. If I do not specify a spacer colour, what will I get?

A. Superspacer.

Q. Are there inserts available to go into the cavity?

  1. Georgian Bar - Straight or curved in White or White / Woodgrain foil, 25mm / 18mm x 8mm.
  2. Gold Victorian Grill - Please submit your enquiry.
  3. Duplex Bars - The pitch, the dimension of the flat of the bar to be applied is required. Duplex Bars are only incorporated in units that are constructed from toughened glass to minimise risk of thermal fracture.

Q. Can units be leaded?

A. A self adhesive lead strip is applied to the inner and outer surfaces of the outer leaf of the double glazing unit. In squares, diamonds and colour film designs, full details with any necessary drawings and colour references are required. Standard designs are available.

Q. Are there special requirements for glazing glass in a roof?

  1. The outer leaf is normally toughened to resist thermal fracture.
  2. The inner leaf can be toughened or laminated depending on the application. If laminated it must be stepped back to be within the building to resist thermal fracture.
  3. If the bottom edge of the double glazing unit is exposed, the edge should be exncapsulated by a U-channel or the top leaf should be longer than the bottom leaf to run water clear of the seal. Alternatively a silicone edge seal can be used to seal the unit.
  4. Both top and bottom leaves must be "stopped" in the rebate to prevent the glass sliding down.

Q. Can I have a cat flap in a double glazing unit?

A. Yes, buy a cat flap with a round hole for fitting into glass.