In a place like Oman where you have different climatic conditions, like the extreme heat and the intense cold, it is imperative that the windows have proper insulation. Buying new blinds or curtains will not fix the problem because poor insulation usually comes from the glass, not the blinds. When you buy double glazed windows it is important to understand their thermal specifications. Otherwise it would be like buying a car without checking its mileage. If the choice is not wise, then you will have to bear with uncomfortable indoor temperatures.
Sunrise Glass, one of the best among double glazed glass suppliers has come up with 5 questions you can ask them so you know you are getting the right one for your building.
However, before getting into that, have a look at what U-Value actually means. In the glass industry, the U-value (or U-factor) measures how effectively a material prevents heat from escaping or entering a building. The value this represents the rate of heat transfer.
So the math is simple: The lower the U-value, the better insulation properties the glass has.
- High U-value (e.g., 5.0+): Poor insulation. This is what you see with single-pane glass. Heat enters the room easily because there is no insulation.
- Low U-value (e.g., 1.2 to 1.6): Excellent insulation. The perfect choice when you have heat bearing down. Because the high-quality double glazing can prevent the heat from entering the rooms, you can lower those utility bills. So that means the air conditioner won’t have to work as hard during the hot summer months, and you will have heating bills in the winter.
Now, For The Questions You Can Ask The Double Glazed Glass Suppliers
1. What is the Center-of-Glass U-Value vs. the Whole Window U-Value?”
When you see suppliers quoting just the “center-of-glass” U-value, understand that it only measures the most thermally efficient part of the window. You have to know the whole window U-value, which accounts for the frame and the spacer. If the window has only a cheap aluminum frame, then it will leak in and leak out a lot of heat, ruining the efficiency of great glass.
2. “Are the Cavities Filled with Argon Gas or Standard Air?”
There is a gap between the two panes of glass in double glazed windows. This gap has to be filled with regular dehydrated air, in order to insulate decently. However, it goes even further when the double glazing is filled with Argon gas premium. This acts as a superior thermal blanket, and significantly lowers the U-value.
3. “What Type of Spacer Bar is Used?”
The spacer bar separates the two panes of glass. Make sure to check whether the supplier can add in Warm-edge Spacers as it can help reduce heat loss by up to 65% at the window’s edge.
4. Which Low-E Coating Options Are Available?”
Low-Emissivity (Low-E) coatings can reflect external solar heat away from the structure, so the interiors will be cooler.
5. “What Is the Warranty Policy Regarding Seal Failure?”
Ask for warranty on the integrity of the seal between the glass panes before you decide on working with glass fabrication companies in Oman. A compromised seal will foil the purpose.
Get in touch with Sunrise Glass to know more about the technical demands of the Middle Eastern climate before placing glass.