Insulated glass units (IGUs), sealed units or double glazed units are the hermetic assembly of two glass panes separated by an edge spacer. The units are sealed on all edges using a butyl sealant to prevent humid outside air from entering the unit. Desiccant inside the spacer removes traces of humidity from the air space so that no water appears on the inside faces of the glass panes.

Developments in IGUs have continued to move forward as energy costs and environmental concerns continue to rise. As a reflection of this, most IGUs supplied by Wholesale Glass have moved away from the 'traditional' form. Our high performance IGUs now have energy efficient low-emissivity glass, less convective argon gas in place of air inside the IGU and 'warm-edge' spacers of plastic composite as opposed to less thermally efficient metal, achieving up to 50% improved heat retention. U-values.

For ease of description the surfaces of an IGU are named according to the following convention:

Surface #1 (facing outside), Surface #2 (inside of outside pane), Surface #3 (outside of inside pane) and Surface #4.

Typically used for:

• Doors, windows, conservatories, curtain walling and atriums.
• Domestic and commercial glazing.
• Thermal and acoustic efficiency.

Insulated glass units tested to EN1279 parts 2 and 3, are manufactured on a made to order basis and can consist of virtually any combination of glass and glass type.

Spacer thicknesses are: 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 16mm, 18mm and 20mm Available in silver aluminium, dark bronze anodised aluminium, powder coated white aluminium and 'warm edge' plastic of various colours.

Georgian bars, duplex (back to back) spacers, leaded designs and stepped edges can also be used to give added style.