One of the most immediate and measurable benefits of Vacuum Insulating Glass(VIG) is its exceptionally thin profile. Traditional double glazing typically requires a thickness of about 24mm, while triple glazing can range from 36mm to 48mm or more. In contrast, VIG units can achieve similar or even superior insulation values with a thickness as thin as 6mm to 10mm.
This reduction in glass thickness translates into a significant decrease in framing and support structure costs. Thicker insulating glass requires sturdier, heavier-duty window frames and support systems to bear the additional weight and size. These beefed up systems not only add to material costs but also complicate installation, often requiring specialized labor and tools.
With VIG, the thinner glass units are lighter and less demanding on the frame. Builders and renovators can use slimmer, less expensive frames, thereby reducing the overall project budget without sacrificing performance. This is particularly advantageous for high-rise buildings, where the weight of the building materials has a substantial impact on structural engineering requirements.
Vacuum glazing has great difference with insulated glass on structure,thickness and heat transfer principle
2. Easier Window Renovation and Compliance with Local Regulations
Historic buildings present a unique challenge when upgrading to meet modern energy efficiency standards. Often protected by national heritage laws—such as the Canadian Heritage Act or compliance guidelines like the National Building Code of Canada (NBC)—these buildings must preserve their original appearance, including the shape, style, and sometimes even the material of the window frames.
Similarly, in the United States, heritage buildings are protected under laws such as the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, and local historic preservation ordinances. These regulations require that any modifications, including window upgrades, must not compromise the building’s
historic character.
Traditional double or triple insulating glass units often require complete replacement of the window frames to accommodate the thicker, heavier glass. This not only jeopardizes the historical authenticity of the structure but also leads to significant regulatory hurdles and added costs.
Vacuum double glazing offers a perfect solution. Its thinness allows it to fit into existing window frames, preserving the building’s historic look while dramatically improving its energy performance.
Similarly, in the United States, where local regulations and national guidelines often push for energy-efficient windows restoration glass without altering historical aesthetics, VIG provides a streamlined, compliant path forward. It minimizes the need for structural changes, avoids costly and time-consuming permit approvals, and respects the architectural integrity of older structures.
Heritage buildings protection regulations don’t allow owners to change original building style and color,VIG is perfect in historical window renovation
3. Superior Thermal Performance
Perhaps the most compelling advantage of vacuum double glazing is its exceptional thermal performance. One of the highest-performing VIG units on the market today boasts an impressive U-Value of 0.13. For context, the U-Value measures the rate of heat transfer through a material, with lower values indicating better insulation.
Energy Star 7.0 has enhanced its thermal performance from 0.27 to 0.22 which require better U value glass and frame
By comparison, the U.S. Energy Star program for residential windows typically requires a U-Value of 0.27 or lower, depending on climate zone. This means VIG achieves nearly twice the insulation performance required for Energy Star certification.This superior thermal efficiency offers several immediate benefits:
- Lower energy bills:Improved insulation drastically reduces heating and cooling costs, particularly important in regions with extreme temperatures.
• Enhanced comfort:Interiors maintain a more stable, comfortable temperature year-round, minimizing cold drafts or overheated spaces.
• Reduced environmental impact: Lower energy consumption leads to decreased greenhouse gas emissions, supporting broader sustainability goals. Moreover, with building codes becoming progressively stricter about energy conservation—particularly in states like California and provinces like Ontario—installing VIG can future-proof a building against upcoming regulatory changes.
Conclusion
Vacuum double glazing represents a major innovation in window technology, offering benefits that far surpass those of traditional double or triple insulating glass. Its ultra-thin, lightweight design reduces framing and support structure costs significantly.
It provides an easy window renovation solution for historic or existing buildings, facilitating compliance with regulations in Canada, the U.S., and beyond. And with a best-in-class U-Value of 0.13, VIG delivers unmatched thermal insulation, reducing
both energy costs and carbon footprints.
As builders, architects, and homeowners increasingly prioritize energy efficiency, environmental stewardship, and cost savings,Vacuum double glazing is poised to become the preferred choice in the window industry. Whether for new builds,window renovation, or historic restorations, VIG offers a winning combination of performance, practicality, and long-term value.
