Higher R-Factor means less energy loss. Figures courtesy of Guardian Industries using ASHRAE or AAMA tests. R-values calculated at center of glass with 9/16" air space width. Calculated using NARC WINDOW 4.1 and FRAME 4.0 computer programs. The higher the R-factor, the greater the insulation value.

Low E Glass Options More than any other single improvement, the invention and widespread commercial development of low-emissivity (Low E) coatings in the 1980's revolutionized window technology. Thin, transparent coatings of silver or tin oxide permit visible light to pass through, but they effectively reflect infrared heat radiation back into the room in the winter This reduces heat loss through the windows in the winter, and cooling loss in the summer. These coatings are inexpensive compared to total window replacement, save energy, reduce fabric fading, and increase comfort. Low-Conductivity Gas Fill By substituting the air in a sealed insulated glass window for a denser, lower conductivity gas such as argon, heat loss can be reduced significantly. Most major manufacturers offer argon gas fill as an option. Other gases that have been or are being used in windows include carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), krypton (Kr), and argon-krypton mixtures.

Choose your level of comfort
For optimal thermal performance, UniFrame offers three grades of Hi R+Plus insulating glass:

Original Hi R+Plus features a 7/8" single-surface vacuum-deposition Low-E insulated glass unit filled with argon gas. Original Hi R+Plus delivers an R-factor of 4.2, which is 40% more energy efficient than many other types of Low-E glass and over twice as energy efficient as ordinary insulating glass.

Hi R+Plus 5 uses higher performance krypton gas between two panes of vacuum-deposition Low-E glass to deliver an R-factor of 5.

Hi R+ Plus 10 - Maxuus delivers an R-factor of 10 by combining two panes of vacuum deposition Low-E glass with an interior glass substrate and two insulating chambers of krypton gas. The result is an insulated glass unit that is five times more energy efficient than clear insulating glass. And, because the center substrate used in the Maxuus system is glass, the distortion and haze that can result from polyester film" creeping" is eliminated. Also, there's no need for an equalization vent between the two internal chambers - so unlike the polyester film system, Maxuus units truly have twin insulating air chambers.

This advanced insulated glass spacer system virtually eliminates cold-spot corners, frost, fog and condensation. Like all spacers, it works by maintaining a consistent space between the two panes of glass to interrupt the natural flow of heat to cold. Unlike other spacers, Intercept is a continuous U-shaped channel that flexes as the glass expands and contracts. The result is a stronger, more energy-efficient insulated glass unit and a reliable seal for the life of the window.