In Jordan summers are hot and winters cold, and windows and facades are where heat escapes more than anywhere else in a building. Insulating (double) glass is the most effective way to cut that loss, and it reduces noise too.
What is insulating glass?
A unit of two or more glass panes with a hermetically sealed gap between them, held by a metal spacer containing a desiccant that prevents condensation. This gap reduces heat and sound transfer between inside and outside.
Benefits of insulating glass
- Less heat coming in during summer and escaping in winter
- Savings on air-conditioning and heating
- Reduced street noise
- Less condensation on the inside of the glass in winter
Standard double glass or double glass with Low-E?
Low-E is a very transparent metallic coating that reflects heat radiation while letting light through. Placed inside the unit, it makes thermal insulation far better than standard double glass, especially on facades exposed to western and southern sun.
Common build-ups
- Tempered outer pane + gap + standard inner pane: for ordinary windows
- Low-E outer pane + gap + laminated inner pane: for high facades
- Laminated pane + gap + laminated pane: for higher sound insulation
Is it worth it?
If the building is new, or you are replacing facades and windows anyway, the extra cost of insulating glass pays back in comfort and energy savings for years. The difference grows with larger glass areas and more sun-exposed facades.