GLAZING OPTIONS
Insulated Glass
Insulated glass unit (IGU) typically consists of a 1/4” thick outer lite, then a 1/2” Air Space (AS), over a varying thickness inner lite. The inner lite thickness will depend on what is specified and/or what the square footage of glass is dictating. The inner lite of insulated glass will be laminated with a plastic interlayer, or Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB) at a typical .060” thickness. Insulated glass improves thermal performance and significantly reduces heating and air conditioning costs. IGU can also reduce interior condensation in cold climates.
Laminated Glass
Laminated glass, also called safety glass, consists of two pieces of glass permanently bonded together with layers of a Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB) interlayer, under heat and pressure to create a single glazing construction. In the event that the glass should be broken while in its aluminum framing, the PVB will allow the glass to remain in the framing. Another interlayer type is SGP (Sentry Glass Plus), which is a specialized compound that is stronger and safer than the standard PVB. This interlayer is typically used in impact resistant projects. The SGP interlayer ensures glass is strong, without compromising on the appearance. SGP is tough and durable, yet still light and thin, making it extremely well suited to today’s architectural needs.
Standard insulated glass make up would be 1-5/16” I.G.U. – ¼” heat strengthened / ½” air space / 9/16” clear heat strengthened laminated with .060 PVB
Heat Strengthened Glass
Heat-strengthened glass is about twice as strong as annealed glass of the same size and thickness. It is less susceptible to spontaneous breakage, which makes this type of glass best suited for overhead glazing.
Fully Tempered Glass
Tempered glass is about four times as strong as annealed glass of the same size and thickness. The problem with tempered glass is that it’s susceptible to spontaneous breakage. This occurs when the nickel sulfide stone increases in size due to repeated heating and cooling.
Silk Screened Glass
Silk screened glass offers building designers different and exciting ways to customize exterior and interior glass. This glass is offered in standard and custom patterns in a variety of colors. The standard patterns are dots, lines, holes or full coverage patterns. Silk screened glass is offered in insulating glass units or as laminated glass providing beauty, safety and functionality.
Low-E Coatings
Low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings reflect the invisible long-wave infrared (IR) portion of sunlight, or the radiant heat portion. Low-E can keep radiant heat from entering or leaving a building depending on what surface the Low-E coating is applied. Low-E coatings are available in a hard coat or a higher performing soft coat version.
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Contact Acurlite to discuss your project.