An insulated glass unit (IGU) is composed of two or more glass panes that are separated by a cavity filled with air or a noble gas. The purpose of this design is to minimize heat transfer and enhance building insulation. By serving as a barrier to unwanted noise and heat, insulated glass is an effective means of regulating indoor temperature.
Components of Insulated Glass Unit (IGU)
The major components of insulated glass are:
Glass panes: Two or more glass panes are used in an IGU, which are typically made of float glass.
Spacer: A spacer is a component that is used to separate the glass panes in an IGU. It is typically made of aluminum or other low-conductivity materials, and helps maintain the distance between the glass panes.
Gas fill: The space between the glass panes in an IGU is often filled with air or a noble gas such as argon or krypton, to reduce heat transfer and improve insulation.
Sealant:The edges of the glass panes in an IGU are sealed together using a sealant material, typically a silicone-based sealant or polyisobutylene (PIB) tape.
Desiccant: A desiccant material is often included in the spacer to absorb any moisture that may enter the unit and prevent fogging or condensation.
Low-E coating: A low-emissivity (low-E) coating may be applied to the glass panes to reduce energy loss by reflecting heat back into the room.
Features of Insulated Glass Units (IGUs)
Insulated glass units (IGUs) are designed to minimize heat loss through glass doors and windows by creating an insulation layer in the cavity between two or more glass panes. This insulation layer is typically filled with air or a noble gas, which diffuses heat transfer and improves energy efficiency. In addition to improving energy efficiency, IGUs also provide increased strength and durability for residential, commercial, and industrial structural glazing units. High-strength IGUs are more resilient, secure, and long-lasting, making them an ideal choice for applications where safety and performance are a top priority.
Insulated glass units (IGUs) are designed to provide enhanced strength and durability against extreme wind forces and severe weather conditions due to the multiple layers of glass panes. The additional layers of glass enhance the overall strength of the unit, making it more resistant to impacts and stresses caused by adverse weather.
Based on the type of glass used for panes, it can be tempered glass, low-E glass, tempered glass, etc.