Our builder says that the gas required by the latest regs. & used in double glazed units today does not last as long as the gas that was previously used. He recommends using the previous gas. Which is the best gas to use and is this allowable under current building regs?
2007-01-07 09:17:31 · 10 answers · asked by John Maynard Keynes 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
looks like the builder may be more knowledgable than contributors here.............
2007-01-07 09:29:13 · answer #1 · answered by Mark J 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The gas is either nitrogen, argon or krypton and none of them will wear out or escape any easier than any other gas. If the seal goes on the thermopane, it will end up being plain old air, which is a mix of gases. Argon filled is the most common gas used. Nitrogen is "old tech", and is not as good.
Window efficiency is usually measured by "U" Value, which is a measure of the ability to tranfer heat. You can convert U value to R value by dividing the U value into 1.
Single glazed windows are about U-1 (about R-1)
Double glazed (nitrogen filled) are about U-.5 (R-2)
Argon filled double glazed are about U-.3 (about R-3)
Argon filled double glazed with Low-E coatings are about U-2.5 (about R-4)
Unless you get triple glazed, R-4 is about the best to expect from a window. The differences in the frames and seals will improve the overall performance of the whole window, but the glass is pretty much stuck at about R-4.
A triple glazed Low-E, argon filled window is about R-5.
2007-01-07 10:11:35 · answer #2 · answered by roadlessgraveled 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you've got no subsidence issues nor had any objects hit the glass hard enough to crack it, then there's a problem. See, the glass you're talking about is either annealed(made soft enough for to withstand different inside/outside temperatures) or tempered(harden so that when it breaks it shatters into small pieces that will not hurt you when you step on them or pick them up in your hand). Either way, the glass shouldn't crack unless you've hit it OR there's some form of structural damage to the physical property itself. The "low pressure effect due to temperature/pressure difference" sounds like a load of horse puck-y if you ask me. Why? Because my mom's house has double paned windows and they go through a lot of temperature/air pressure changes all the time and they've never had problems with the window they have. And they've got the good windows also.
2016-05-23 04:33:30 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you under the impression that the builder puts the gas in? He/she does not, it is done in the factory when the window is built. It is not possible to do this in the field.
There are a lot of different materials used for windows. Each has it's own advantage and disadvantage. Some of the factors are cost, others are efficiency and longevity.
It would be worth your while to do some reading about these materials and their trade offs. That way you will get the window that best suits your desires and not just the builder's profit margin.
2007-01-07 12:31:41 · answer #4 · answered by DSM Handyman 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are basically filled with any inert gas (not just mixed air or it will condensate when it's hot inside & cold out / vice versa). The important part is the Seal that keeps the gas in - if it's your commonal garden bathroom silicone - the seal will perish and let the gas out/air in = condensation. Go for a wide gap between inner and outter windows - air generally is a good insulator (as in your eider down quilt??) so the more of it the better - but the more sealant & gas is used the wider the gap Therefore more expensive..... Which particular gas is not as relevant as long as it's inert and won't have any adverse effects if it gets out.....The Building Regulations must be complied with - or you leave yourself open to a variety of problems if you do not comply - mainly when you come to sell - or if something bad happens - insurers will hide behind any get out clause you give them....
2007-01-08 02:11:24 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the past dry air was used within a double glazed unit, now they still use it but also use argon gas for it's insulation properties. You should take a look at Pilkingtons web site.
2007-01-07 10:06:43 · answer #6 · answered by gmcb_1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Argon gas is what you use, but if the seal is broken and letting gas escape your wasting your time. It would be best to replace the glazing and be done with it. And for heavens sakes don't trust just one source, shop around and that includes your builder.
2007-01-07 09:54:07 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thats a tough question. Theoretically, a total vaccum would be best for insulation, but since you dont want your windows to implode, only a partial vaccum is used. I think the industry standard is argon, because it doesnt degrade the seals over time like oxygen in air does, and it's relatively cheap, and has acceptable thermal and physical properties. I.e it has low specific heat and poor thermal conductivity
2007-01-07 09:33:56 · answer #8 · answered by WOMBAT, Manliness Expert 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Xenon, wire up a small electric charge and presto, something for your neighbours to talk about.
2007-01-07 09:20:38 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
double glazed units have air in them, they have never ever had anything else in, he's making a fool out of you.
2007-01-07 09:21:24 · answer #10 · answered by cedley1969 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋