Spacers - Revision history

Jmdonev: 1 revision imported

2018-06-25T14:30:24Z

1 revision imported

← Older revision	Revision as of 14:30, 25 June 2018
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Jmdonev at 20:27, 4 June 2018

2018-06-04T20:27:34Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:27, 4 June 2018
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	[[Category:Done ~~2015~~-04-01]]		[[Category:Done 2018-06-15]]
	[[File:Isometric_drawing_of_aluminum_window.jpg\|400px\|right\|framed\|Figure 1. Diagram of a window, showing where the spacer is located in between the two layers of glass.<ref>"Isometric drawing of aluminum window". Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Isometric_drawing_of_aluminum_window.jpg#/media/File:Isometric_drawing_of_aluminum_window.jpg</ref>]]		[[File:Isometric_drawing_of_aluminum_window.jpg\|400px\|right\|framed\|Figure 1. Diagram of a window, showing where the spacer is located in between the two layers of glass.<ref>"Isometric drawing of aluminum window". Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Isometric_drawing_of_aluminum_window.jpg#/media/File:Isometric_drawing_of_aluminum_window.jpg</ref>]]

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	==Composition==		==Composition==
	Most spacers are composed of some kind of metal or a plastic/foam. The metal spacers are stronger and more durable than foam spacers, but may be less [[thermal efficiency\|thermally efficient]] than an insulating foam.<ref name="RE1"/> ~~As well~~, aluminum spacers have been known to cause issues such as glass fogging and [[moisture intrusion\|moisture buildup]] due to their inability to regulate [[temperature]] as well as other materials.<ref name="RE3">Wakefield Equipment. (March 29, 2015). ''Energy Efficient Window Glass Spacers'' [Online]. Available: http://wakefieldequipment.com/window-spacers-and-energy-efficiency/</ref> Spacers also generally include a drying agent known as a ''desiccant'' to absorb any moisture that enters the window.<ref name="RE2">Efficient Windows Collaborative. (March 29, 2015). ''Low Conductance Spacers'' [Online]. Available: http://www.efficientwindows.org/spacers.php</ref>		Most spacers are composed of some kind of metal or a plastic/foam. The metal spacers are stronger and more durable than foam spacers, but may be less [[thermal efficiency\|thermally efficient]] than an insulating foam.<ref name="RE1"/> In addition, aluminum spacers have been known to cause issues such as glass fogging and [[moisture intrusion\|moisture buildup]] due to their inability to regulate [[temperature]] as well as other materials.<ref name="RE3">Wakefield Equipment. (March 29, 2015). ''Energy Efficient Window Glass Spacers'' [Online]. Available: http://wakefieldequipment.com/window-spacers-and-energy-efficiency/</ref> Spacers also generally include a drying agent known as a ''desiccant'' to absorb any moisture that enters the window.<ref name="RE2">Efficient Windows Collaborative. (March 29, 2015). ''Low Conductance Spacers'' [Online]. Available: http://www.efficientwindows.org/spacers.php</ref>

	New types of spacers are being developed to increase the performance of the spacer and maximize efficiency. At the moment, flexible spacer are among the most [[energy efficient building design\|energy efficient]] types of spacers. They are generally more insulating than metal spacers and offer less condensation build up, better [[R-value]]s (and therefore better insulating properties), and good noble gas seals. These seals also provide more soundproofing than other seals.<ref name="RE3"/>		New types of spacers are being developed to increase the performance of the spacer and maximize efficiency. At the moment, flexible spacer are among the most [[energy efficient building design\|energy efficient]] types of spacers. They are generally more insulating than metal spacers and offer less condensation build up, better [[R-value]]s (and therefore better insulating properties), and good noble gas seals. These seals also provide more soundproofing than other seals.<ref name="RE3"/>
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	===Double-Seal===		===Double-Seal===
	Double-seal systems provide a higher level of seal than single-seal systems, as the contain both a primary and secondary sealant. The primary sealant, again an organic butyl compound, seals the spacer to the glass itself to prevent water intrusion and gas loss. The secondary silicone sealant then provides the structural strength to the window. For windows with [[e-coating]]s, the coating on the area where the seal is must be removed for the seal to be effective.<ref name="RE2"/>		Double-seal systems provide a higher level of seal than single-seal systems, as the contain both a primary and secondary sealant. The primary sealant, again an organic butyl compound, seals the spacer to the glass itself to prevent water intrusion and gas loss. The secondary silicone sealant then provides the structural strength to the window. For windows with [[e-coating]]s, the coating on the area where the seal is must be removed for the seal to be effective.<ref name="RE2"/>

			==For Further Reading==
			*[[Fenestration]]
			*[[Window]]s
			*[[Building envelope]]
			*[[Glazing]]
			*[[Insulator]]
			*[[Low emissivity coating]]
			*Or explore a [[http://energyeducation.ca/encyclopedia/Special:Random\| random page]]

	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist}}		{{reflist}}
	[[Category:Uploaded]]		[[Category:Uploaded]]

J.williams: 1 revision imported

2015-08-26T21:31:40Z

1 revision imported

← Older revision	Revision as of 21:31, 26 August 2015
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J.williams at 16:59, 12 August 2015

2015-08-12T16:59:04Z

New page

[[Category:Done 2015-04-01]]
[[File:Isometric_drawing_of_aluminum_window.jpg|400px|right|framed|Figure 1. Diagram of a window, showing where the spacer is located in between the two layers of glass.<ref>"Isometric drawing of aluminum window". Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Isometric_drawing_of_aluminum_window.jpg#/media/File:Isometric_drawing_of_aluminum_window.jpg</ref>]]

<onlyinclude>'''Spacers''' are small pieces of plastic or metal that work to separate and support the two (or three) panes of glass in a multi-glazed [[window]]. These spacers hold the panes in place, thus creating an air space filled with noble gasses such as argon or krypton in [[gas filling|gas filled]] windows.</onlyinclude><ref name="RE1">PGG Glass Technologies. (March 29, 2015). ''Stainless Steel Spacer System'' [Online]. Available: http://www.ppgresidentialglass.com/other_glass/intercept.aspx</ref> Spacers are a vital part of every window unit as they promote the structural integrity of the window while promoting the thermal and moisture seal of the window, increasing its effectiveness. The quality of these seals also increases the [[insulation|insulating]] abilities of the window.<ref name="RE1"/>

High quality spacers are durable, strong, and have high insulating abilities. Ensuring that spacers meet these specific qualifications is determined by which type of material is used to build the spacer itself, and each material has its benefits and drawbacks. When a high quality spacer is used along with gas fillings and e-coated windows, energy efficiency of the window itself can be greatly improved.

==Composition==
Most spacers are composed of some kind of metal or a plastic/foam. The metal spacers are stronger and more durable than foam spacers, but may be less [[thermal efficiency|thermally efficient]] than an insulating foam.<ref name="RE1"/> As well, aluminum spacers have been known to cause issues such as glass fogging and [[moisture intrusion|moisture buildup]] due to their inability to regulate [[temperature]] as well as other materials.<ref name="RE3">Wakefield Equipment. (March 29, 2015). ''Energy Efficient Window Glass Spacers'' [Online]. Available: http://wakefieldequipment.com/window-spacers-and-energy-efficiency/</ref> Spacers also generally include a drying agent known as a ''desiccant'' to absorb any moisture that enters the window.<ref name="RE2">Efficient Windows Collaborative. (March 29, 2015). ''Low Conductance Spacers'' [Online]. Available: http://www.efficientwindows.org/spacers.php</ref>

New types of spacers are being developed to increase the performance of the spacer and maximize efficiency. At the moment, flexible spacer are among the most [[energy efficient building design|energy efficient]] types of spacers. They are generally more insulating than metal spacers and offer less condensation build up, better [[R-value]]s (and therefore better insulating properties), and good noble gas seals. These seals also provide more soundproofing than other seals.<ref name="RE3"/>

Along with the spacer itself, organic sealants are used to provide structural support and act as a moisture barrier.

==Function==
In addition to providing structural support to a window, spacers also perform a series of other important functions. Such functions include:<ref name="RE2"/>

* '''Accomodate stresses''' due to the expansion of the window pane due to changes in temperatures as well as warping due to [[pressure]] differences. When temperatures are warmer, a flexible spacer allows for expansion and allows for contraction in colder weather. The flexibility of the spacer ensures that the sealant does not crack or break, ensuring that the seal on the window is as strong as possible.<ref name="RE1"/>
* '''Provide a moisture barrier''' to prevent water or water vapour leakage into the home or the window, which would cause fogging. Generally speaking, foam spacers are more effective at preventing vapour buildup inside of the window.<ref name="RE4">Super Spacer. (March 29, 2015). ''What Type of Spacer is in my Windows?'' [Online]. Available: http://www.expertwindows.ca/docs/SuperSpacercomparison_brochure_1330055938.pdf</ref>
* '''Provide a tight seal''' to prevent the insulating gas on the inside of the window cavity from leaking out.
* '''Provide good levels of insulation''' to ensure [[furnace]]s and [[HVAC|air conditioners]] do not have to work as hard to regulate the temperature in a space by reducing [[heat]] loss. As well this reduces condensation from forming on the window by regulating the temperatures of the panes.

==Types of Spacer Systems==
Although spacers perform the same functions in all windows, there are two major ways to assemble these spacers that provide different levels of sealing and durability. The two main systems of spacers used in multi-pane window systems are ''single-seal'' and ''double-seal''.<ref name="RE2"/>
===Single-Seal===
Single-seal systems are assembled in the way their name indicates - with a single seal. In this type of system an organic butyl sealant is applied at the bottom of the spacer. This holds the window together and prevents moisture from entering the window to a certain degree. These seals are strong, but generally not air-tight enough to be effective in gas filled windows where gas leakage poses a serious problem.<ref name="RE2"/>
===Double-Seal===
Double-seal systems provide a higher level of seal than single-seal systems, as the contain both a primary and secondary sealant. The primary sealant, again an organic butyl compound, seals the spacer to the glass itself to prevent water intrusion and gas loss. The secondary silicone sealant then provides the structural strength to the window. For windows with [[e-coating]]s, the coating on the area where the seal is must be removed for the seal to be effective.<ref name="RE2"/>
==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Uploaded]]