Light, Bright, Warm Homes
With social housing construction and maintenance becoming a focus of attention, the features like windows and wall insulation are highlighted often as being outdated and ineffective, leading to problems with heating the building in a time of high energy costs.
Social housing projects are designed to provide affordable housing for individuals and families. This is where the benefit of retrofitting vacuum glazing from PassivGlas™, can allow social housing providers to offer to residents greater access to natural light, improved thermal efficiency and the potential to reduce their energy costs.
Long Term Energy Saving Solution
PassivGlas™ is an affordable vacuum glazing solution that can improve the energy efficiency of social housing units. By reducing heat loss through a thermally efficient glass (U-value from 0.49 W/m2K), and with an improved noise reduction (Rw: 36 dB), vacuum insulated glazed windows can contribute to creating a comfortable and relaxing living environment.
Less Time, Less Mess
PassivGlas™ vacuum glazing solutions can allow social housing projects to retrofit the glass into existing frames, with minimal disruption, and thus have a positive impact on the environment. This environmental benefit aligns with the growing global focus on eco-friendly practices and sustainable development in the construction industry (Future Homes).
Upgrading For Sustainability
At The Vacuum Glazing Network, PassivGlas™ vacuum glazed installations form the backbone of our commitment to sustainability, with residential buildings such as social housing complexes being a major focus.
Both residents and social housing providers can benefit from long-term cost savings by installing vacuum glazing into windows. The reliability of vacuum glazing, coupled with our 15-year warranty, and a life expectancy of over 25 years means developers, architects, and landlords can benefit from reduced maintenance costs long term. This is especially valuable when upgrading social housing to meet the demands of Carbon Net Zero.
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.