Historical Retrofitting Solution
Buildings with historical significance can be in use as both residential homes or attractions for the public. In both cases, it pays to have a comfortable internal environment.
With the advance of Historic England now recognising vacuum glazing as a viable solution for making historic buildings more sustainable, it has never been a better time to investigate the suitability of retrofitting vacuum glazing into your historical property.
Ideal Answer for Restoration Projects
When considering the restoration of heritage buildings, it is essential to strike a balance between preserving the past and embracing the future with modern technologies that can enhance sustainability.
Fortunately, PassivGlas™ vacuum glazing offers a combination of traditional aesthetics, including the option of laminating a heritage glass onto a single VIG, with contemporary energy-efficient solutions (centre pane U-value from 0.49W/m2K), making it an ideal choice for heritage conservation projects.
Furthermore, installation of vacuum insulated glazing can also contribute to the overall comfort of occupants within heritage buildings (centre pane U-value from 0.49W/m2K & Acoustic value of Rw:36 dB). By reducing heat loss through energy efficient windows, vacuum glazing helps maintain a more stable indoor temperature, combining this with an impressive sound reduction, vacuum glazing installation creates a comfortable environment for residents and visitors alike. This enables those who manage heritage properties to benefit from reduced heating costs when compared to traditional single glazing installations.
Future Proofing Architectural Heritage Buildings
Culturally, the preservation of the architectural heritage of historical buildings is of the upmost importance for future generations. However, it often presents various challenges, especially the juxtaposition of improving energy efficiency without compromising on the original historical design of the listed building windows.
PassivGlas™ vacuum glazing offers an innovative and cost effective solution to this dilemma. By using vacuum glazing, heritage buildings can retain their original charm while benefiting from improved thermal (centre pane U-value from 0.49W/m2K) and acoustic performance (Rw:36 dB). A listed building glazing replacement, through the slim profile (from 6.15 mm) of PassivGlas™ vacuum glazing, maintains the authentic character of the building whilst allowing the building to be functional/serviceable for future generations.
Key Points
Historic England (HEAG321 – Adapting Historic Buildings for energy and Carbon Efficiency Advice notice HEAN 18 v1.0 July 2024) recognises Vacuum Insulated Glazing as a viable option for sustainable re-development
- Superior thermal insulation: Ug-Value from 0.49W/m2K
- UKAS tested sound reduction of Rw 36 dB
- Slimline: from 6.15 mm thick
- 15-year warranty on single VIG’s
- High Light transmission of upto 80%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are vacuum units?
Vacuum Insulated Glazing or VIG is an advanced fenestration type of insulating unit. It consists of two glass panes, like a standard Insulating unit, but rather than the spacer bar and an air gap, VIG’s are separated by a micro vacuum gap, with a glass solder edge seal.
Are they fully tested?
Yes, they are tested to recognised industry standards:
Impact resistance: EN 12150-2 & ANSI Z97.1-37 & EN 12600 & BS356 (recently completed)
Weathering: EN1279-5 & ASTM E546/E2188/E2189
U-Value: ISO8301/EN12667 (Recently UKAS tested) & ASTM C518
Soundproof: ISO 10140-2 (Recently UKAS tested)
Do the standard units use coated glass?
Yes, all PassivGlas™ Linear units incorporate a Low-e single silver toughenable coating.
In order to meet the current Part O regulations, a Low-e double silver coating would be needed to meet the 70/40 requirements. Please check with VGN as to availability and MOQ for this product range.
What is the expected life?
Expected life on the unit is 25+ years due to there being no spacer bar to fail.
Will there be any condensation
Condensation is formed when the air temperature surrounding an object falls below the dew point and changes into a liquid
Internal:
Although condensation will not form on the internal surface of a VIG unit, Vacuum Glazing does not eradicate condensation from the room.
The warmer inner glass will potentially change the rooms cold point.
It is advisable to ensure all rooms have effective ventilation/circulation.
External:
Condensation may form on the external glass surface under certain conditions.
Generally, forms a grid around the micro-pillars.
Will disappear when the outside temperature warms with the morning sun.
It is an indication of how efficiently your windows are at reducing thermal loss.
Condensation between glasses:
An indication that the Vacuum has been lost.
Consult your supplier to confirm course of action.