Warm Edge Spacer Bar
What is a warm edge spacer bar?
A warm edge spacer bar (or thermal spacer bar) is a plastic composite bar that insulates the edges of a double glazed unit. When they were first used in double glazed units, they were made from aluminium. This reduced the effectiveness of the window as the aluminium would help to transfer heat. Aluminium spacer bars are generally considered to be old technology for this reason.
How do they work?
If it’s warm inside but cold outside, heat will transfer through the spacer bar. This leaves the edge of the window (where the spacer is situated) colder than the rest. Firstly, since the window is not performing as efficiently as it could, you might end up turning up the heat, wasting energy. Condensation is also more likely to form in these cold areas, and since these areas are on the sides and bottoms, it can collect. Under these circumstances if the moisture is not removed constantly it can create mould and breed bacteria.
What warm edge spacers do we use?
Our Technoform Glass Insulation (TGI) thermal spacer bars are made from an insulating composite. The insulating properties of this material significantly improve the thermal retention of the Double Glazed Unit, which in turn, results in lower heating bills and C02 emissions. Furthermore, due to reduced thermal transfer, condensation is minimised and mould growth is all but eradicated, which is great news for the longevity of your beautiful new sash windows / doors!
On top of thermally outperforming standard aluminium alternatives, these Warm Edge spacer bars are also fully compliant with BS EN 1279-2. Essentially this means that long-term moisture penetration will not affect the performance of your double glazed units.
Another advantage of Warm Edge spacer bars is the ability to colour match. Rather than a jarring, shiny aluminium we’ll be able to supply you with a plain white bar which blends in much more smoothly.
Condensation On The Inside
Water vapour is produced inside your home every day. Normal daily activities such as taking showers and baths, washing / drying clothes, cooking and boiling kettles produce warm air containing a large amount of water vapour. When this water vapour hits a cold surface like the surface of your window, it turns into liquid water which forms the condensation. Single glazed windows are much more prone to condensation – in effect rotten your windows from the inside out.
Condensation On The Outside
If the temperature of the exterior pane of a double glazed unit falls below what is known the ‘dew point’, then water vapour from the air will condense on the object’s surface. Condensation on the outside of the unit actually means that almost no heat is escaping from your home, which means the double glazing is doing it’s job well!
Condensation Between The Panes
You should never see condensation between the panes. If you do, give us a call. This can only happen when the rubber seal around the double glazed units fails. This allows in warm air which then condenses. In these cases the double glazed unit will need to be replaced.