What Is an Insulated Glass Unit?

1. Insulating glass consists of two or more plies of glass enclosed by a spacer. Inherently, insulating glass increases a window's thermal performance by reducing the heat gain or loss.

• Insulated Glass Units (IGUs) feature two panes of glass separated by an inert gas
• The layer of gas diffuses heat transfer, which makes the window more energy efficient
• IGUs are also known as “double glazing” of “double-pane” glass windows

SYP? insulated glass units are sealed with a primary seal and a secondary seal of silicone. Insulating units are designed to absorb stress on the unit caused by thermal expansion and pressure, provide a barrier to water and moisture infiltration, provide a gas-tight seal to prevent loss of any specialty gas fill and create a barrier that reduces condensation.

2. Components of Insulated Glass Units

• Glass – The glass in IGUs can be a range of thicknesses or type. Laminated or tempered glass may be used in areas where safety or strength is a priority. IGUs can also contain up to three panes of glass where extra heat or sound insulation is required. Thicker glass is more expensive but more efficient.
• Spacer – IGUs utilize a spacer that separates the two glass panes where they meet at the edges / window frame. These spacers usually have some sort of desiccant to absorb moisture between the panes and prevent fogging. The width of the spacers depends on the gas used for insulation and window type.
• Silicon Sealant & PIB(Primary Seal)
• Gas – The gas used between the glass panes varies with each manufacturer. In general, an inert gas such as argon, krypton or a mixture of both creates the insulating barrier between the indoors and outdoors.