Glass is the weakest point in the exterior envelope of your home. And as windows age, they deteriorate. They develop leaks and do not perform as efficiently as they should. Energy bills climb and eventually homeowners decide it is time to get replacement windows in Portland, OR. But choosing new windows is a big investment and there are a lot of decisions to be made regarding material and style. There are also decisions to be made about features you can’t see, like the inert gas fills. Here is what you need to know about what goes between the glass on replacement windows.
What is an Insulated Glazing Unit (IGU)?
Modern windows have more than just one pane of glass. The standard is two panes of glass, but some windows have three or even four for added protection against heat transfer. But the glass isn’t simply sandwiched together. The panes have spacers and seals around the edges to improve insulation. And filling up the space between the glass is a special “noble” or “inert” gas. They are called inert because unlike oxygen they are not reactive and the molecules don’t combine with other materials. The most common gas fills include argon, krypton, and xenon.
Argon Gas
This noble gas has 67% better efficiency than normal air. It also makes up 1% of the atmosphere. Because it is readily available, it is one of the more affordable gas fills and a popular choice for a lot of manufacturers. It works best on IGUs with wider gaps between the panes.
Krypton Gas
This inert gas has even more density than argon and superior energy performance. However, it makes up a smaller concentration of the atmosphere. And because it is not as readily available and is more expensive, manufacturers usually reserve this gas for IGUs that have a slimmer profile like triple glazed windows.
Xenon Gas
This gas is a newer addition to gas fills and represents cutting edge thermal insulation. It has the best thermal performance of the noble gasses and is also the most expensive. The most common application is for those who need serious performance, like LEED-certified buildings. Most homeowners cannot justify the added cost of xenon gas fills in their replacement windows.
Disadvantages of Gas Fills
Unfortunately, there is one flaw that comes with inert gas fills. The pressure differential between the gas inside the glass and the outside air creates a small leak. Most windows lose about 1% of their inert gas per year. And once the gas leaks out the window does not perform as efficiently. While it will take decades for the window to lose insulation, once it happens you will once more need to get replacement windows.
For more information about the inert gas fills on replacement windows in Portland, OR contact EnergyGuard Windows & Doors. Our professional and reliable team will help you find the best solutions for your home. Contact us at (503) 554-5500 or stop by our showroom located at 516 E. 2nd St., Newberg, OR 97132.