GBA Logo horizontal Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram YouTube Icon Navigation Search Icon Main Search Icon Video Play Icon Plus Icon Minus Icon Picture icon Hamburger Icon Close Icon Sorted

Community and Q&A

What is the ideal thickness of the dead air space in an insulated glass unit?

Redstone Group LLC| Posted inEnergy Efficiency and Durabilityon

I have read that thermal loops get created in the air space of an IG unit which exceed a certain thickness. These cause unwanted heat loss.

GBA Prime

Join the leading community of building science experts

Become a GBA Prime member and get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

Replies

  1. GBA Editor
    Martin Holladay||#1

    Redstone,
    The optimal thickness of the gap between the panes depends on the type of gas fill used between the panes.

    If the gas is air, the optimal gap size is about 1/2 inch.

    If the gas is argon, the optimal gap size is a somewhere between 1/2 inch and 5/8 inch, depending on the outdoor temperatures you are designing for.

    If the gas is krypton, the optimal gap size is about 5/16 inch.

    More information here:Window Performance — Part 3.

Log in or create an account to post an answer.

Community

Recent Questions and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |