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Thermal insulation

The role of thermal insulation today

Thermal insulation is one of the most important elements of modern architecture. The purpose of thermal insulation is to minimize the building's heat loss in winter and reduce heat gain in summer. This keeps the building's internal temperature more balanced and requires less energy for heating and cooling.

Benefits of Thermal Insulation:

  • Energy Savings: Proper insulation reduces energy consumption, as less energy is needed to heat and cool the interior. This means lower heating bills and a more environmentally friendly home.
  • Increased Comfort: Well-insulated buildings have a more even temperature, enhancing the comfort of the occupants. There will be no cold corners or overheated rooms.
  • Noise Insulation: Thermal insulation not only keeps heat in but also keeps noise out. A well-insulated house is quieter, which can be particularly beneficial in busy urban environments.
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How to Choose the Right Insulating Glass?

When selecting the right insulating glass, important considerations include:

  • U-value: The lower the U-value, the better the insulation. It is advisable to choose glass with a low U-value.
  • Functionality: Consider what extra features you need, such as UV protection, sound insulation, or extra security.
  • Costs: While high-quality insulating glass may be more expensive, it pays off in the long run through energy savings.
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Calculating the Uw Value of Windows and Doors

For windows, we can distinguish between three different U values:

  • Uw value (w = window) - overall heat transfer coefficient of the window (applies to the entire window, influenced by the Uf and Ug values)
  • Ug value (g = glazing) - heat transfer coefficient of the glazing
  • Uf value (f = frame) - heat transfer coefficient of the frame
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The following formula should be used to calculate the Uw value:

Uw = (Ug * Ag + Uf * Af + Ψ * L) / (Ag + Af)

Explanation of values:

  • Ug - heat transfer coefficient of the glazing. The measured and calculated heat transfer coefficient does not apply to the entire glass surface; it only gives the U value in the central area!
  • Uf - heat transfer coefficient of the frame
  • Ag - glass area
  • Af - frame area
  • Ψ - linear heat transfer coefficient of the insulating glass edge connection (depending on spacer bar, number of glass layers, and window frame)
  • L - size of the inner edge of the frame profile

3 important factors that improve the Ug value:

  • Multi-layer glass (3-layer insulating glass)
  • Optimal air gap selection between glass layers
  • Soft metal coating (Low-e, Super Low-e)
  • Noble gas-filled air gaps (Argon, Krypton)

Warm edge spacer

Every edge seal of insulating glass constructed with spacer bars that provide significantly better parameters than aluminum. These include stainless steel (inox), steel-coated plastic, and solutions made entirely of plastic.

This is based on the simple principle that materials with lower thermal conductivity insulate better. Our informative diagram on thermal conductivity values:

For more specific data, psi values, and their impact on Uw values, please contact our sales representatives! By using warm-edge technology, beyond improving the Uw value, the condensation on the inside perimeter of the glass can be reduced! This can have health significance, in addition to comfort, for those sensitive to allergies or asthma.

The warm-edge spacers used by CE Glass also offer a variety of colors, which can further enhance the aesthetic value of window structures! For information on currently available products, please consult our sales representatives!

Comparison of the thermal conductivity of the warm edge spacer with other materials

Available spacer sizes

TypeAvailable colorsAvailable thicknesses (mm)PSI value
Layer numberAluminum structurePVC structureWooden structureWood/aluminum structure
ALUAluminum gray5,5 / 6,5 / 7,5 / 8,5 / 9,5 / 10,5 / 11,5 / 13,5 / 14,5 / 15,5 / 17,5 / 19,5 / 21,5 / 23,520,1110,0770,0810,092
30,1110,0750,0860,097
Chromatech UltraRAL 90049,5 / 11,5 / 13,5 / 15,5 / 17,5 / 19,520,0510,0410,0410,045
RAL 70359,5 / 11,5 / 13,5 / 15,5 / 17,5 / 19,530,0450,0380,040,043
RAL 704011,5 / 13,5 / 15,5 / 17,5 / 19,5
MultitechRAL 900411,5 / 15,5 / 17,520,0350,0310,030,031
RAL 703515,5 / 17,530,030,0290,0280,029