Header

1 October 2010 - A Date for the Diary

The use of aluminium spacer bar in IG units relies essentially on 1960s and 1970s technologies. It is not surprising that aluminium has had such a long run, as it has excellent mechanical properties and has been relatively economical to use. Unfortunately, aluminium is an excellent heat conductor and the aluminium spacer used in most systems represents a significant thermal drain at the edge of the unit and this significantly downgrades the benefits of double glazing. The increased heat loss at the colder edge is also prone to condensation.

With carbon emissions high on the global agenda and the current high cost of fuel, consumers are looking for ways to make their homes more energy efficient. Indeed, laws will soon be in force to ensure that any IG unit meets at least a 'C' rating in the National Energy Ratings System (see below.) Compulsory 'C' rating or above is due to come into force in UK Building Regulations in October 2010.

In response to these issues, manufacturers have developed a series of innovative edge systems including solutions that depend on material substitutions as well as radical new designs. DGS are at the forefront of being aware of and stocking these exciting new products.

Take me more about the energy rating system

Opens in a new window

Go to top

Aluminium Substitution

One approach to reducing heat loss has been to replace the aluminium spacer with a metal that is less conductive, e.g. stainless steel, and change the cross-sectional shape of the spacer. These designs are widely used in windows today. Examples are Rolltech's Chromatech Plus stainless steel bar available from DGS.

Go to top

Complete Elimination of Metal

Another approach is to replace the metal with a design that uses materials that are better insulating. DGS's Super Spacer range is a no-metal, pre-desiccated, structural foam spacer system, helping to deliver windows of very high standards.

Go to top

Hybrid Designs

DGS can also offer hybrid designs that incorporate thermal breaks in metal spacers. Our latest introduction is Swisspacer V® from Saint-Gobain This is a thermally optimised spacer bar made from a highly insulating composite plastic. Extremely thin metal membranes, consisting of either aluminium or stainless steel, guarantee both leak tightness for the filling gases and water vapour and an excellent adhesion for all insulation glass sealing compounds. We believe that using SWISSPACER V® will enable you to offer to your customers the very best thermal spacer available on the market. This product has passed all tests as per DIN EN 1279, parts 2, 3 and 6.

It complies with all of the requirements associated with the comparison test in line with the ift Guideline WA-08/1 of the Bundesverband Flachglas, has been approved along with the SWISSPACER and confirmed as the best thermal spacer available.

Another spacer in the DGS range, Chromatech Ultra from the Alupro Group of companies. uses a combination of polycarbonate and stainless steel. This combination gives a very low PSI Value and workability on all known bending machines. Furthermore, it does not exhibit problems with static electricity. The polycarbonate has the advantage that it can be bent in the cold condition and does not spring back after bending. The use of stainless steel ensures that this spacer gives excellent corners and straight sides.

Go to top

DGS Suggests

DGS offer you a choice of warm edge spacers:

• Swisspacer - the best performer for 'A' ratings - our best seller - traditional 'cut and key.'
• Chromatech Ultra - 'A' ratings possible - newly launched - bendable on standard bending machines.
• Super Spacer - Flexible foam for 'A' ratings - requires special equipment.

Only Part of the Equation

The use of warm edge spacer bar is only an incomplete solution to achieving a 'C' rating or higher in the Energy Rating Index. Other factors are choice of glass, gas filling and frame design.

Take me to Gas Filling Machines

Energy Saving Trust

On the 13 January 2010, the Energy Saving Trust announced their intention to change the requirements for their accreditation of windows from a 'C' rating to a stricter 'B' rating. From 1st August 2010, all manufacturers of glazing will begin product re-registration with the Scheme. This process will take two months and from 1st October 2010, only products meeting the new criteria will be endorsed by the scheme.

Quotation from the Energy Saving Trust.
Quote:"

In line with Scheme procedures, the development of the new endorsement criteria went through a consultation and peer review process. The Energy Efficiency Partnership for Homes Glazing Strategy Group were consulted on proposal and representatives of businesses, test houses and other stakeholders attended a consultative forum in order to discuss the proposal, which was then presented to the independent Energy Saving Recommended Endorsement Panel for review. The Endorsement Panel, a body of independent environmental, regulatory, certification and enforcement experts recommended to the Energy Saving Trust that the criteria for endorsement of glazing be changed as proposed. The Energy Saving Trust will be implementing this recommendation. The new criteria are detailed below.

• Window Energy Rating label of B or above from British Fenestration® Rating Council (or equivalent).
• Commitment from member to supply annual sales of endorsed products.

From 1st August 2010, all manufacturers of glazing will begin product re-registration with the Scheme. This process will take two months and from 1st October 2010, only products meeting the new criteria will be endorsed by the scheme.

Unquote

Take me to the Energy Saving Trust Website

(Opens in a new tab or window)