Key Design Considerations for Insulating Glass

1. The first seal of a double-sealed aluminum insulated glass unit uses butyl sealant, which has extremely low water vapor transmission. The second sealant mainly consists of polysulfide sealant and silicone sealant.

 

2. The spacer frame should preferably be a continuous long tube with bends, and the joints should be sealed with butyl sealant. If the spacer frame uses a four-corner interlocking type, all joints should also be sealed with butyl sealant. Insulated glass units made using this method have a shorter lifespan than the former.

 

3. Because of the use of sealant, the unit should not be used at temperatures of 70℃ or higher, otherwise the lifespan of the insulated glass unit will be significantly affected.

 

4. Changes in the internal pressure of the air layer in an insulated glass unit can cause glass deformation, leading to image distortion. Therefore, when using insulated glass at altitudes of 1000m or above, the air pressure in the air layer must be adjusted. This should be discussed with the glass supplier when placing the order.

 

5. The thermal insulation performance of a window is closely related to the window frame material; therefore, window frame materials with good thermal insulation performance should be selected.

 

6. If used as a skylight, the interior glass should use laminated or explosion-proof film.

 

7. For Low-E insulated glass, the film should be located on the second or third side, depending on design requirements. If the insulated glass must be of different pane sizes, the film must be on the third side.

 

8. The maximum allowable area for four-sided supported insulated glass is 1.5 times the maximum allowable area calculated based on the thickness of the two monopanes.

 

9. The following technical performance requirements should be specified in the architectural design: thermal insulation, heat insulation, sound insulation, light transmission, sealing performance, and weather resistance.