Chicago’s winter months see more heat lost through windows than any other surface, making up the majority of the total amount of heat your home is losing. While many homeowners are concerned about the frame material affecting overall insulation performance, the most important factor is actually found within the glass itself (the spacer or ‘warm edge spacer’). Understanding warm edge spacer technology is key to choosing high performance window glass that will lead to significant energy bills savings in Chicago.
The Problem with Old Style Spacers
The issue of traditional spacers caused a number of problems for double-pane windows, which have been using aluminum to be the spacer for the two panes of glass (double-pane). Aluminum is a very conductive material and therefore, creates a “cold bridge” at the edge of the window. As a result, you will experience:
- A large amount of heat loss from your home during the winter months.
- Moisture will build up on the edges of the window glass that may cause condensation to occur.
- You will have a greater risk of having mold and / or wood rotting on your window frame.
What is an XL Edge Spacer?
FixHomeGlass mainly works with the XL Edge insulating glass units manufactured by Cardinal Glass Industries, which is a patented multi-layer design that has a stainless steel spacer inside. The heat conductivity of the stainless steel is significantly lower than that of aluminum and thus keeps the glass edges warmer than an aluminum spacer, thus preventing the glass unit from reaching its “dew point”; at this point, condensation occurs on the glass.
Why FixHomeGlass Chooses Cardinal IGU
We only purchase glass from Cardinal Glass Industries because their Insulated Glass Units (IGU) are designed to perform at the highest level for long term durability. Their patented Xl Edge design offers:
- Condensation resistance: The Xl Edge Spacer helps raise the temperature of the inside edge of the glass helping to reduce or eliminate the visible condensation from the inside edge of the glass.
- Argon Gas Retention: The frame construction of the spacer frames create a moisture-tight closure and thus prevent moisture ingress and also help to ensure the argon gas is retained for superior insulating performance.
- Low Failure Rates: Cardinal IGU have a statistically proven failure rate of just 0.20% over 20 years.
- Polymer-Free Construction: Eliminates the risk of chemical fogging inside the unit.
Homeowner Financial Advantages
Although insulated glass with XL Edge technology costs more than conventional, the savings you’ll enjoy through reduced energy costs in the long run will more than offset this initial expense. More efficient insulation makes for less work for your HVAC system resulting in decreased monthly utility expenses. In addition, these units are built to last and come with a 20-year warranty on thermal seals, saving you from future repair costs as well.
The Hidden Costs of Delaying Repairs
Ignoring a failed seal or a cold window edge can lead to more expensive repairs later. If water builds up in the window frame, it could lead to structural concerns including mold. The best method of restoring your home’s efficiency is to only replace the insulated unit with new glass, not the other components.
Final Thoughts: Buy High-Tech Insulation
If energy efficiency is important to you when purchasing glass replacement for your home, then don’t just focus on the glass itself; consider contacting a company that is committed to understanding science principles related to window glass performance. FixHomeGlass is dedicated to helping you reach your goal of a comfortable home with reduced energy expenses.
Contact us today for a free assessment:
- Phone: +1 (630) 225-3105
- Email: fixhomeglass@gmail.com
