What is Vacuum Insulated Glass (VIG)?
Vacuum Insulated Glass (VIG) is a relatively new technology that is being adopted by the Australian market though its concept was pioneered in the University of Sydney in the mid-1980's. It even took almost a century for the first vacuum glass units to be commercially produced in Japan by 1996.
Basically, vacuum insulated glass is like a laminated glass but is usually separated by a vacuum gap in between the panes. This engineering marvel isolates the external from the internal environment thereby acting as an excellent insulator.
Vacuum insulated glass is more thermally and acoustically efficient as compared to double glaze or even triple glaze units. This is because most vacuum glass produces a U-value south of 0.50. Our glass, on the other hand, is rated even below that at U-value = 0.45.
Uses of VIG - Heritage Retrofit
The benefits are apparent when you consider the thickness of the profile you can use using VIG. Heritage retrofitting is regulated here in Australia especially in areas where a large concentration of colonial-style architecture exists. Double-glazed units cannot be retrofitted into these existing frames because of its sheer size, let alone triple glaze. For most people, the only option they have are laminated glass which has very small to zero insulating properties. Unbeknownst to them, the BEST option is right around the corner - vacuum insulated glass.
Uses of VIG - Passive House
Vacuum glazing's exceptional insulating properties is very much desirable for passive housing. Passive house is all about insulation and thermal regulation, maximizing energy use where it is desirable in the home and eliminating energy exchange where it is not. Since vacuum glass has the best thermal and acoustic properties of any glazing system, it is perfect for designing and use for passive houses.
But how about the thickness of the walls? Isn't it true that vacuum glazing will enable you to minimize the thickness of your walls? And wouldn't it have a negative effect on the thermal performance of the walls? Indeed, the side profile can be reduced using vacuum glazing but that need not to be the case. In reality, VIG can be paired with another laminated glass, or even IGU giving the optimal performance of any window system.
Vacuum Glass Australia - the Compete Vacuum Glazing Package
Vacuum glass Australia have your glazing requirement whatever the need is. Be it heritage retrofitting, or passive house builds, we have the right product for you.
