IGU Information Sheet

Argon Gas
Argon gas is a colorless, odorless, non-flammable, non-reactive, low-conductivity inert gas that slows down convection inside the air space of a glass unit.  Test data shows gas fill concentration is generally about 90% with 0.5 to 1% evaporation per year, which means up to 20 years of durability.  The low cost and good performance of inert gas fills should make use mandatory whenever a low-e coating is used in a glazing unit. The low-e coating reduces radiative heat loss and the inert gas fill reduces convective heat loss, so the two technologies used in combination are an effective barrier to heat loss.

Benefits:

• Reduces wintertime heat loss
• Reduces summertime conduction heat gain
• Improves insulation 6 – 16% over air filled IGU units
• Helps with sound transmission

Edgetech Super Spacer (The true warm edge spacer)
The number one reason for demanding Super Spacer Structural Foam is to resist the opportunity for condensation. Condensation often causes expensive water damage to windowsills and frames, curtains and carpets, and even paint and walls. At the very least it degrades the view through the window.
Furthermore, visible mold can often be found in poorly insulated windows. Mold is linked to a child’s asthma as well as increases in general respiratory illness, allergies and outbreaks of fungal diseases.
The edge spacer has an effect that extends beyond the physical size of the spacer to a width of about 2 ½ inches wide. This affects approximately 20% of the overall window. Glass edge effects are more important for smaller windows, which have a proportionately larger glass edge area. Thermally improved spacer could result in temperature increases of 6 –8 degrees F a point one inch in from the sightline.

Benefits:

• Clearly resisting condensation, mold and mildew
• Reducing energy costs through increased insulation
• Five times longer life expectancy than single sealed glass units
• Maintaining their attractive appearance
• Reducing outside noise distractions
• Adding both comfort and value to the home

Double Strength Glass
Double strength glass is a standard feature with SIMONTON, LBL, CASCADE THERMAL PRO and other quality windows we have marketed. Some of the advantages are reduced sound transmissions, less breakage from impact, improved wind load and safety.

Metal Spacers
Metal spacers that are commonly used in the windows marketed in this area are highly conductive. Cold still transfers from the outside glass to the inside glass across the metal.  This makes the inside glass cold and sweat with condensation, frosting and aides in the growth of mold and mildew. Based on an outside temperature of 0 degrees and an inside temperature of 70 degrees, the use of metal spacers can lose up to 50% of its efficiency compared to Edgetech SuperSpacer on the edge of glass units. Our research indicated that metal spacers are used to reduce production time and costs.

Use of Internal Grilles (Grids)
It is “assumed” that glass units will have the same U-valve as identical products without internal grilles, although the use of internal grilles can cause the indoor glass surface to be colder. Therefore there is more opportunity to have room side condensation. We found this statement very interesting.  (Cardinal IG Company Bulletin # IG08 – 07/04)