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R-Factor: A measure of the
resistance to heat flow. A window with a high R-Factor indicates a
high resistance to heat flow and thus, a higher insulating value
than windows with lower R-Factors.
The concept seems simple, but there are many things to consider when
designing the right glass package for your windows.
You've already decided to go with vinyl windows, which provide
better insulating values than aluminum, and comparable performance
to wood without the inevitability of decay and maintenance. Now it
is time to decide on the proper glass configuration.
Before I do, let me clear up the term U-Factor. U-Factor is
essentially the same as R-Factor with an important
difference?they're opposite! Hey, wait a minute, the same but
opposite? U-Factor is defined by the inverse of R. That means that a
R-10 window has a U value of 0.1. (Here's the math: R of 10 equals U
of 1/10, or 0.10). A bit confusing?yes?but that's the scientists for
you. Just make sure you always use the same scale. For windows,
typically the R-Factors are weighed. In that case, bigger is better.
If you were using U-Factors, then the lower number would be
better?like golf, or age, or number of times you've been chased by
an angry dog. OK - we're getting off track.
Glass in a window is comprised of what we call an "Insulated Glass
Unit" or "IG". Pieces of glass are sealed together into this IG
using various technologies. With different IG configurations come
different insulating abilities.
The components of the IG are: Glass, Spacer system, Coatings, and
Gas Fill.
Glass: We are all familiar with glass?a truly
amazing material with properties that make our lives rich through
sensory experience. Man-O-Man...I love glass! Did you know glass was
a liquid? Yep?a supercooled liquid that exists in a solid phase at
our normal temperatures and pressures. That's what gives glass such
amazing properties.
Spacer System: Sometimes people refer to dual pane
glass as "thermal pane". When windows started using more than one
pane of glass, the Insulated Glass Unit was born. The concept is to
increase the insulating properties of a window by incorporating more
than one piece of our miracle substance?glass. In order to put these
pieces of glass together, there has to be a 'skeleton' if you will.
That framework is the spacer system?and there are many options.
Vista uses two types of spacer systems. The Intercept system is our
standard, and Super Spacer is our upgrade option. Each has great
insulating properties that contribute to the overall R-Factor of a
window. More details are here.
Coatings: Low-E to be exact. You can read more on
Low-E here.
Gas Fill: There are essentially three gases used in
insulated glass units today. Air, Argon, and Krypton. Each is inert,
and will not react adversely to the glass unit that it is contained
within. Argon is a more dense gas, although still transparent, which
makes it a good insulating alternative to air. Krypton is even more
dense, and is even better yet. The density matters because the gas
inside an IG acts as a blanket to stop heat from escaping your home
during the winter and penetrating your home during the summer.
Using these four factors, Vista has come up with 5 different IG
configurations to give you the widest choice when designing a window
solution.
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Performance Values |
U-Factors |
| Seal smart
standard |
R-2* |
.49 |
| Seal smart
plus |
R-4* |
.25 |
| Seal smart
triad a |
R-5* |
.20 |
| Seal smart
triad k |
R-6.25* |
.16 |
| Seal smart
extreme |
R-10* |
.10 |
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* Center of Glass Values as determined by lawrence Berkely
Laboratories Window 4.1 Modeling Software
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These important factors should be weighed when choosing windows for
your home. They all interact with one another to create a harmonious
product that is right for you. For instance, Seal Smart Standard
lets in great amounts of visible light, which is desirable. However,
it only has an R-2 and a U of .50..so it's not the best choice for
energy savings.
When you look at Seal Smart Extreme, at a phenomenal R-10, you may
note that it only transmits 57% of the visible light. This tells you
that windows with Seal Smart Extreme will have a much darker tint
that those with Seal Smart Standard.
It is best to see samples before making a choice and design the
right solution with your window professional. If you have more
questions, feel free to call us!
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