Glasses

Float

Clear glass float is used as a base for the entire vast range of glass products:

-          decorations: painted glass (Lacomat), matt glass (Matelux)

-          laminated glass (Stratobel)

-          coated glasses: solar-control glasses (Stopsol)

-          Body-tinted base glasses (planibel) - planibel colored body-tinted base glasses are made using the 'float' process: the sides of the glass are perfectly flat and parallel. They provide basic sun protection and have a high solar factor. They differ from the glass Stopsol by the absence of reflective surfaces, are they have a low level of light reflection.

Range of float glasses:

-          float clear (planibel clear)

-          planibel bronze

-          planibel blue

-          planibel gray

-          planibel green

Planitherm

Planitherm is a range of high performance low-emissivity products. These glasses are manufactured as a combination of microscopically thin multiple metal oxide layers applied to clear float glasses using a magnetically enhanced cathodic sputtering process under vacuum conditions. Planitherm very effectively reflects long-wave heat radiation back into a room, thereby minimizing heat loss through a window while also maximizing solar heat gain and natural light transmission.

Applications: designed for use in all double glazing applications, in all frame types for both new-build and replacement markets:

-          windows and skylights in residential buildings and private domestic housing

-          conservatories and patio doors

-          windows and facades of non-residential buildings.

Advantages:

-          a double glazed unit incorporating Planitherm is up to 3 times more thermally efficient than an ordinary double-glazed unit and offers significantly better thermal insulation compared to traditional hard coated low-E products (U=1,0W/(m².K) against 2,9 W/(m².K)*:

o   considerable reductions in heating bills

o   improved comfort with less draft and cold spots near glazed areas

o   reduces condensation on the inner pane

o   environmentally friendly solution, given the lower CO² emissions associated with reduced energy consumption

o   facilitates compliance with building regulations for a wider range of frame designs

* double glazed unit with configuration 4 (16) 4, filled with 90% argon.

Source: Saint-Gobain Glass, AGC Glass