Glass Spandrel Energy Efficiency

Understanding Glass Spandrel Energy Efficiency

As building owners and architects seek to reduce the environmental impact of their constructions, the importance of energy efficiency has become increasingly prominent. One crucial aspect of energy efficiency in building design is the use of glass spandrel, a type of glass that has been made opaque and glazed in wall areas covering structural columns, floors, walls, or other building elements meant to be concealed from outside view.

What is Glass Spandrel Energy Efficiency?

Spandrel glass, particularly when used as part of an insulated glass unit (IGU) and/or with insulation behind it, can contribute to a building's overall thermal performance by reducing heat transfer through the non-vision areas, thereby improving energy efficiency and occupant comfort.

As we can see from the illustration, Glass Spandrel Energy Efficiency has many fascinating aspects to explore.

Benefits of Spandrel Glass Energy Efficiency

Types of Spandrel Glass

• Insulated Spandrel Glass: excellent at reducing heat transfer, it is an attractive option for improving energy efficiency

• Switchable Glass: dynamic control of light and privacy by altering transparency with electric current

Key to Realizing the Energy Efficiency Potential of Spandrel Glass

Energy efficiency remains a worry for many architects. Spandrel glass can help minimize heat loss by reducing U-values in wall sections. To get the most out of spandrel glass in terms of energy efficiency, it must be carefully designed and specified.

The benefits of spandrel glass go far beyond aesthetics. It's designed to face elements that are tough to reach and manage costs, and also protects the component from damage. Thermal breaks are needed in curtain wall design as higher quality spandrel glass are usually hung off-site without thermal breaks, but with built-in thermal breaks spandrel systems can minimize heat loss from building to the outside and reduce structural distortions to window frames.

Such details provide a deeper understanding and appreciation for Glass Spandrel Energy Efficiency.

Thermal Insulation with Glass Spandrel Solutions

Spandrel glass assemblies are suited with thermal insulation panels to withstand hot/cold temperatures and corrosion from exposure to the elements, are made into filleted with expanding glazing tapes to secure a watertight seal, and exhibit longevity in extreme conditions.