Insulated Glass Specification for Aluminum Windows and Curtain Walls: Low-E, Argon, Laminated and Triple Glazing Explained for Energy Code Compliance
By TOTTME Technical Team ยท
An insulated glass unit combines lites, cavities, coatings and spacers. Double and triple units can use air or argon; warm-edge spacers can reduce edge heat transfer. Laminated and toughened glass are selected for the relevant safety, security and acoustic requirements.
U-value, SHGC and Low-E
In double glazing, Low-E surface #2 faces the cavity on the outer lite and #3 faces the cavity on the inner lite. Coating type, orientation and complete assembly determine performance. NFRC 100 and 200 provide whole-product rating procedures; EN 673 calculates glazing thermal transmittance, not whole-window U-value. Confirm local energy-code targets and rating boundaries.
What should the RFQ include?
Send glass thicknesses, cavity widths, Low-E type and positions, fill gas, spacer, U-value, SHGC, acoustic and safety targets, project location and adopted code. Report numbers, test scope, system configuration, glass build-up, finish and project compliance documents are confirmed per project.
See Sunrooms & Glass Rooms, System Aluminium Windows, Curtain Wall Systems, and the wind load engineering guide.
References
- NFRC fenestration ratings
- BSI EN 673
- Australian Government YourHome glazing guidance
- Vitro Architectural Glass Low-E coating placement
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Architects, contractors and developers: send drawings, elevations, schedules, performance criteria, project location, quantities and target standards for review.
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