Sealed Units FAQ

Properties of PLANITHERM TOTAL+ Glass

Planitherm Total+ Glass

Christie Glass uses PLANITHERM TOTAL+ glass from Saint-Gobain Glass.

PLANITHERM is a new generation of energy saving window glass and the most energy efficient available. Its advanced coating technology reflects radiated heat back into the room, rather than allowing it to escape through the windows. At the same time, PLANITHERM allows free heat and light from the sun to pass through the glass.

PLANITHERM TOTAL+ is one of the most energy efficiency glass products available helping to improve the window energy ratings of your glazing and making your home more comfortable.

Performance

  • Improved thermal insulation - reduces heat loss more effectively than traditional low-E coatings.
  • Promotes passive solar heat gain - free heat from the sun passes easily through the glass helping to warm your home.
  • Improved energy efficiency - reduced need for heating helps to save energy and protect the environment whilst saving you money on heating bills.
  • More comfortable rooms- improved thermal insulation means fewer cold spots and drafts near windows and doors.
  • Less condensation- the inner surface of the glass stays warmer reducing internal condensation and prolonging the life of your window.

The value of Argon filling

When gas is introduced into the cavity of a double glazed unit, it reduces the heat conductance between the panes. This helps to keep heat in during the winter and out in the summer. When used in conjunction with Planitherm Total+ glass on the inside of the sealed unit the thermal insulation is greatly improved.

The pairing of Argon gas and Planitherm Total+ glass can achieve an improvement in thermal performance of approximately 50% over a standard sealed unit.

In addition to its excellent heat insulation properties, Argon gas is sunlight stable, colourless and odourless, non corrosive, and is non-toxic.

When is toughened/safety glass required?

The shaded areas in below diagram shows the areas in which safety glass must be used. Glass used in these areas must comply with BS 6206.

Safety Glass Areas

Where only part of a unit contains a shaded location the whole of that unit must comply with BS 6206.

Safety glass is 5 times stronger than normal glass, and is ideal for vulnerable ground and first floor installations, and also most importantly for conservatories.

On impact safety glass disintegrates into small granular pieces which are not sharp, thus reducing the risk of injury.

Pilkington 'K' Glass

Pilkington K Glass

We can also supply Pilkington 'K' glass.

Pilkington 'K' glass varies from normal clear glass in that one side of the glass has a special metal coating known as a low emissitivity coating.

This very fine metal coating allows shortwave radiation through, such as sunlight, but reflects longwave radiation such as heat from fires and radiators.

This coating also makes the surface warmer to the touch and condensation is also reduced.

The Pilkington 'K' glass is said to be up to 30% more efficient in its insulation than other types of double glazing.

This of course results in reducing your fuel bills and makes your home much more comfortable.

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