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The Value of U-Values - January 2011

• Date: 7th January 2011
• Category: News

<p>2011 may well be the year when we can get u-values as low as 0.25W/m2/K, thanks to Heat Mirror Film and Nanogel technology. But what does this mean in real terms? <br />
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The 'u-value' is a measure of the rate of heat loss through a material. When building a new extension, building regulations now state that the u-value of the glass used must be below 1.6 W/m2/K. Cantifix has been offering glass with a u-value of 1.1W/m2/K as standard for some years now. This means that in simple terms, by using standard Cantifix glazing within your house or a new extension, the energy required to keep warm could be reduced by over 30%.<br />
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Heat Mirror film technology uses nanoscale coatings of metal, which reflect heat back to its source. This means heat introduced to the room will be reflected back in when it hits the film, which is suspended with the glass unit (represented in the diagram). The film also prevents over-heating during summer months through solar control and offers 99.5% UV protection against fading and degradation. It will also reduce noise transmitted through the glass by up to 20% creating a quieter environment. Unlike standard double-glazed units, those incorporating Heat Mirror Film work just as well when horizontal as when vertical. That means less energy required and less chance of condensation building up on either side of the glass whether it is on the roof, the floor or the walls. By using this film, Cantifix can achieve centre pane u-values of 0.7W/m2/K with a single layer (or 0.3 with two layers) meaning the cost of heating a new extension could be over 50% less than with standard glazing. <br />
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Nanogel is a free-flowing, translucent granular material, which contains hydrophobic silica-based particles. It is injected into the cavities between glazing, and provides a tremendous thermal insulator. It also diffuses light evenly which reduces glare. By using Nanogel Cantifix is able to achieve u-values of 0.25W/m2/K, which means that when used within a new extension, heating costs could be reduced by a massive 80% compared to standard glazing. Nanogel also has added acoustic benefits and is not affected by the inclination of the glass. <br />
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Cantifix Director William Sharman adds "Both options are considerably better than traditional triple-glazing because they have only the smallest effect on the panel weight - a huge bonus when installing the glass and in the longer term, when operating doors and windows."<br />
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Cantifix use Nanogel in Architect's Home - January 2011

• Date: 7th January 2011
• Category: News

<p>Cantifix is proud to have worked with architect Ken Hutt of m3 architects on his own home, where Nanogel has been used to great effect.<br />
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"m3 always try to incorporate the most energy-efficient, leading-edge components where practicable, which is why Nanogel was selected in the design of a major house extension. It's one of the first widescale uses of Nanogel technology in a domestic project, where it forms the majority of the external envelope and is used in a structural, self-supporting glass assembly. It has also been reassuring to work with Cantifix, who share our passion for sustainability. We sought to achieve a U Value of 0.3 by using this new technology and the success of this installation is inspiring confidence in its potential use on a number of future projects." Ken Hutt - m3 architects.<br />
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Nanogel is a very new, innovative product, and is one of the worlds' best insulating materials. Injected into the cavities between sheets of glazing, it contains hydrophobic silica-based particles, with a tiny pore size of 20 nanometres. Nanogel is unsurpassed in its thermal insulation, providing a 300% reduction in heat transmission when compared to fibreglass, a traditional insulating material.* This results in huge savings on both the cost of heating, and the impact on the environment through carbon emissions.<br />
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The superior thermal performance provided by Nanogel does not come at the cost of light transmission. In fact, Nanogel increases natural light transmission and diffusion, eliminating glare, hot spots and high contrast zones. This extra natural light allows the glazing to supplement or replace artificial light, leading to further energy savings.<br />
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Nanogel is UV stable, durable, and moisture resistance, allowing a long-product life, with low long-term maintenance costs. The acoustic performance is also improved, with low noise transmission. <br />
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When incorporated into glazing systems, either horizontal or vertical, Nanogel offers architects and developers both astounding thermal efficiency and optimal building aesthetics. <br />
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To enquire about a project involving Nanogel, call our Sales Team on 020 8203 6203<br />
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* Source - 'Cabot Aerogel - the New Standard in Eco-Daylighting Solutions' (c)<br />
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Introducing Warm Edge Technology - January 2011

• Date: 7th January 2011
• Category: News

<p>Warm Edge Technology aims to reduce the heat loss at the edge of a double-glazed unit. Standard double-glazing units use an aluminium spacer to hold the glass apart, however due to the fact that aluminium is highly conductive, up to 80% of the total heat loss through a window can happen at the edge. <br />
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Warm Edge Technology uses a unique warm edge spacer tube in place of the traditional aluminium spacer. This gives internal edge temperatures up to 65% higher than those of standard double-glazed units. <br />
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The technology also significantly lowers the temperature differential between the centre and the edge of the unit, and reduces heat loss at the external edge of the window by up to 94%. This is a huge improvement in the thermal efficiency of the double-glazing unit, and helps to reduce the heat consumption of a home, therefore lowering carbon emissions. <br />
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Warm edge technology can also reduce condensation on the double-glazing unit by up to 70%. This reduction in moisture virtually eliminates the chance of mould growth and potentially harmful bacteria. <br />
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Cantifix is now introducing Warm Edge Technology and will shortly be offering it throughout its range of products.<br />
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To enquire about a project involving Warm Edge Technology, please call our Sales Team on 020 8203 6203.<br />
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