Doors and Windows - IGU or IG ?

Hi,

I post this new one because the last one "which window should I look for" is a bit long.

Thanks for Oberon's explain on sound proof. Very accurate and detail!

One thing I am not quite clear:

What is "IGU" or "IG" you mention in the post? Can I order glass with specific "IGU" you mentioned??


Thanks



Acton

IGU = insulating glass unit ; IG = Insulating glass

I find myself calling them IG's for short, but this term basically refers to the glass unit that is installed in the window, usually a thermopane- two or three pieces of glass that are glazed together to form one insulating "unit".

Great. I sure know a lot from here.

XSleeper, as i can tell, thermopane means one sheet of glass and IG means multiple sheets of class.

I have a question:

Does every brand make layers of IG glasses? Is Pella good at it because you pointed out it has 3 panes(usually 2 ??)

Appreciate your sharing.

Acton

Thermopane was one of the original "brand names" of a double-glass sealed glass unit with an air space between the panes of glass. A Thermopane is an IGU, it's just another name for it.

Some window companies sell windows that have one piece of glass. (single glazed) Others only sell windows that are double glazed (two pieces of glass, usually an IGU). Still others offer the option of triple glazing (three pieces of glass, either all in one IGU or in the form of a double glazed IGU plus a 3rd single glazed pane.

Pella is good because it has an IGU made up of 2 panes of glass, and the third seperate piece of glass (actually like a storm panel) is some distance from the first 2. This piece of glass is in an aluminum frame which has a bulb seal around it's perimeter, which also gives it good sound / energy saving properties.

That's the best I can explain it.

Thanks!XSleeper! It is very clear.

In terms of Pella window, are you talking about triple-pane window? I am looking at the Pella double-hung window. Is that enough for my noise problem (assuming a mild road noise).

Thanks
Acotn

As I explained in the post above, Pella windows are usually made up of a double-glazed IG, plus a third seperate storm panel that is not part of the IGU. They would likely be an improvement over what you currently have as far as noise is concerned, especially if you get a high performance glass package that includes an argon gas filled IGU.

XSleeper. Some more questions regarding Pella:

1. I went to Lowes to get some quotes on Seris 20 and 25 vinyl windows. Are those type of windows you refer to? I mean Does 20 or 25 has double IG with extra storm panel. I don't know how to tell by examples there.

2. I also ask for laminated glass option. A little concerned: Will laminated glass have a different color from normal glass?

3. Compare to American Standard window, Pella has 3/4" airspace instead of 7/8" Amercan window has. Does 1/8" matter much in terms of noise reduction?

I surely learned a lot from your advices.
Thanks in advance!

Acton

The third one, I am a little wrong on that. It should be:

3. American craftsman has 7/8" insulated glass. Pella has 3/4" insulated glass. I think that it means glass+airspace. So Pella is 1/8" less than American Craftsman. Does it matter much?

Thanks!!

Your salesman at Lowe's should be able to answer all those questions for you.

He obviously didn't know much when I asked more.

XSleeper, I referred your info of IG and he didn't know about it. Only told me it is double pane.

Where do you get this info about 1 IG plus storm panel? I could not tell any panel beyond that.

Any more infor would be appreciated.

Acton

You're looking at Pella's vinyl window line which does not have a 3rd storm panel. The Pella windows I was thinking of and referring to are "designer series" windows.