Innovations in Glazing – A Whole New World

Let’s see what she had to say…It’s not just modern, multi-storey skyscrapers that need to be thermally efficient, we also need to bring solutions to market for older or heritage properties that are in keeping with the style and age of the building.Vacuum glazingVacuum glazing is one of the most innovative solutions to this issue, as it allows for the use of the original frame in older buildings, while offering dramatically-enhanced thermal performance.Pilkington Spacia™, for example, can achieve a 1.1 U-Value – the thermal performance of double glazing – while being as thin as a single glazed unit at just 6.5mm.

Simply put, each vacuum glazed unit is made up of one pane of clear float glass and another of low-emissivity glass which are separated by a micro spacer grid of small pillars each measuring

just 0.5mm in diameter, set 20mm apart. The edges are then welded together to create a hermetic seal and the air is removed from the centre of the unit via a specially designed extraction point on the window.

Solar control solutions

When we think of energy efficiency, we typically think keeping heat in, not keeping it out. However, there are some situations where controlled cooler conditions are preferable.

Solar control systems such as the Pilkington Suncool™ Range have revolutionised the potential of glazing applications, and are particularly useful in buildings that would normally be air-conditioned, like a shopping outlet or an office block.

To find out more about how solar control products work, click here.

These are just two of the products that have been made possible by advances in glazing technology over the last decade.

In order to stay ahead of the market and anticipate customer needs, we are continually innovating and developing products that meet a full range of building and architectural requirements.

We’d love to know what your favourite glazing innovation is, and why. Leave us your comments below.

To read Kristian’s article in full, click here for the June issue of Windows Active.