Andrew Madge, director at Vacuum Glazing UK, explains how LandVac has improved over the last three years, and why this matters for fabricators, installers and heritage retrofit projects.
LandVac vacuum insulated glazing has changed significantly over the last three years. During that time, it has evolved across several key areas: aesthetics, manufacturing precision, product range, unit size capability, retrofit compatibility and long-term assurance.
Driven by refinements in both design and production, these improvements have broadened the applications that vacuum glazing can address.
Together, these developments answer some of the key objections around vacuum glazing, including appearance, confidence, size limits, retrofit suitability and long-term performance. They also create a stronger route into energy upgrades and sensitive reglazing projects.
What has changed?
The removal of face plugs is the most visible change. Earlier vacuum glazing products often had a plug on the glass face, but LandVac no longer has this visible plug, giving the unit a cleaner finish.
The getter system has also improved. LandVac now uses a strip-shaped getter positioned within a CNC groove, where it absorbs residual gases inside the cavity. This helps maintain the vacuum and protect long-term performance.
Automated pillar placement is another important development. Because micro-pillars hold the panes apart under vacuum pressure, accurate placement affects appearance, consistency and stability.
LandVac Enhance S70 achieves a centre-pane U-value of 0.34 W/m²K, while Ultra Clear improves clarity and light transmission. Solar control, acoustic and security configurations also give specifiers more flexibility.
The 6.7mm version is particularly useful for existing frames where bead depth is limited. It helps installers improve performance without making unnecessary changes to the original window.
Thermochrome glass is also being developed for vacuum glazing applications. It works like reactive sunglasses for windows, helping reduce solar gain without permanently reducing visibility or daylight.
How has this been achieved?
These improvements come from manufacturing control. LandVac is manufactured by LandGlass, whose factory has a production capacity of 500,000m² per year. This investment has enabled tighter control over pillar placement, edge seal consistency and quality inspection.
The 96-hour manufacturing process also includes a two-hour journey through a 100°C furnace, which helps equalise stress around the edge seal.
LandVac also uses Triple Titanium Technology. Titanium is used in the edge seal, spacers and getter to improve bonding strength, reduce friction and increase gas absorption capacity.
What does this mean?
For installers, the 25-year warranty gives a clearer long-term message, while the removal of face plugs helps with visual objections. The 6.7mm version creates opportunities for reglazing existing frames, and larger unit sizes increase project flexibility.
There is also a growing retrofit opportunity. The Government has confirmed plans to raise minimum energy efficiency standards in the private rented sector, with a target of EPC C or equivalent by 2030.
With the right survey, specification and installation method, LandVac can be retrofitted into suitable existing frames. Indicative frame simulations show one timber frame improving from a modelled whole-window U-value of 4.41 W/m²K with single glazing to 1.14 W/m²K with LandVac.
Heritage opportunity
Heritage projects need better performance without changing the character of the window.
Standard double and triple glazing can create issues with sightlines, glazing bars, frame depth and double reflection. Slim double glazing can also raise concerns around edge seal depth, longevity and performance loss.
At 8.3mm thick, LandVac sits close to traditional single glazing depths. Its 0.3mm vacuum cavity avoids the obvious double reflection associated with standard double glazing, while toughened glass as standard supports safety and site handling.
The CPD Roadshow
Vacuum Glazing UK’s CPD Roadshow explains how LandVac works, what has changed, how to compare products, and what installers need to know about it.
For the latest dates, venues and to book, visit: https://www.vacuumglazing.co.uk/cpd-roadshow/
