Products

How to calculate the thermal coefficient of a window?

The thermal coefficient of a window is an essential point

 

The main interest in choosing quality PVC windows in renovation or new construction, is the gain in comfort and energy savings achieved. This translates into a good thermal coefficient of the joinery and glazing.

The use of double glazing is the minimum today.

Tending towards triple glazing will allow the standards of tomorrow to be met. The IDEAL 6000 profile in triple glazing is referenced in the catalogue of standard products to meet the PASSIV HAUS label.

What do the 3 numbers on the glazing mean?

The glazing offered is from the Pilkington brand, which is known worldwide. The glass used is du4/16/4. This means two 4mm panes spaced 16mm apart. The glazings offered all contain argon and no air between the panes.

This places the glazings in the category of "Low Emissivity Argon Enhanced Double Glazing". This is the best in terms of thermal insulation.
Other glazing is available for specific needs. Contact us.

What is the edge effect?

The thermal interaction between the glass pane, the window frame and the spacer at the junction of a multi-pane adjustable sunshade is referred to as the "edge effect".

When energy losses between the outside and inside of the window are low, in northern latitudes this is referred to as the "edge effect" due to the generally lower outside temperature.

Until the 1990s, aluminium spacers were used in insulating glass units. Since aluminium has good thermal conductivity, the edge of the pane cools significantly when outside temperatures are low.

When a TGI® spacer known as WARMEDGE with low thermal conductivity is used, this cooling is only moderate. The overall window coefficient (Uw) can therefore be improved by 0.1 to 0.2 W/m².°C depending on the type of frame material used and the dimensions)

 

How useful is the edge effect?

The airflow in the vicinity of the window is significantly reduced by the "edge effect".The immediately visible benefit of an "edge effect" is the reduction in the formation of condensate at the edges of the window.

The improved insulating performance of the spacer means that less condensation water settles on the inner edge of the window frame, preventing mould growth, colour fading and water staining of the window frame.

These benefits are also reflected in the longevity of the window.

In addition, energy saving potentials are exploited, resulting in reduced heating costs. (Source Pillkington)

Why the use of TGI® (WARMEDGE)- spacer is the best choice

TGI®- ("edge effect") spacer is a product with extremely low Psi coefficients at the edge of the glazing for different frame materials. This results in outstanding Uw coefficients.

The TGI® spacers are made of stainless steel. In addition, the synthetic material polypropylene, known for its low thermal conductivity, is used both as a reinforcing material and to ensure better thermal separation.

The perfect symbiosis of stainless steel and polypropylene allows for very low thermal transmittance at the junction of the glazing edges for high diffusion density.

 

FE-Wamedge-edge-effect

All models offered are available with the TGI di WARMEDGE spacer.

We strongly recommend its installation to improve thermal performance but especially to avoid condensation in the corners of your windows.

 

 

U coefficient of thermal conductivity?

The U coefficient of insulation (coefficient of thermal conductivity in W/m².°C) is made up of the Ug for the glazing and the Uw for the window as a whole. A low coefficient means that the window is efficient.

The regulations distinguish between new and renovation of existing buildings. To access the tax credit the 2009 values for PVC joinery are Uw < 1.40W/m².°C.

As a comparison wood joinery is 1.60 and aluminium joinery is 1.80. The regulations are therefore more demanding with PVC.

 

FE-formule-UW

 

Here are the Uw coefficients of the PVC windows proposed by the manufacturer partner of Lacentrale-eco.com:

IDEAL 2000: Uf =1.5 W/m².°C coupled with double glazing having a Ug = 1.0 W/m².°C, this generally results in a Uw of less than 1.4 for the majority of the formats, types and sizes. (2009 Standard)

IDEAL 4000: Uf = 1.3 W/m².°C with double glazing having Ug = 1.0 W/m².°C (Meets RT2012)

IDEAL 6000: Uf = 1.1 W/m².°C with triple glazing having Ug = 0.7 W/m². °C (Passiv Haus)

Calculations made for a 1480x1280 window

The IDEAL 2000 profile is the PVC profile that has been the best-selling in Europe for the last 10 years. Its reliability is exemplary. The IDEAL 4000 and 6000 profiles have been developed with the same rigour to meet the thermal requirements of today or tomorrow...