BiGG difference
Is triple glazing the only way to achieve sub 1.0 U values? Blinds In Glass Group’s new ThermINcoat membrane brings triple glazed energy efficiency to double glazed units.
Blinds in Glass Group has obtained the exclusive rights to distribute ThermINcoat – an advanced, patented nanothermal membrane that can be applied to double glazed units to achieve U-values that fall below 1.0 W/m²K – possibly as low as 0.78.
This means that the energy efficiency of the units is comparable to that of a triple glazed unit, without any of the associated weight issues.
ThermINcoat has undergone a range of different independent tests, including the ASTM C1363 Hot Box Test, the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), Fire Safety (ASTM E84), and dewpoint and condensation resistance, with results that enable window manufacturers to produce products that exceed current energy saving expectations quicker, easier, and more cost effectively than was previously imaginable.
“Many were sceptical that such a simple solution could happen – but we have the receipts to prove it,” said BiGG’s managing director, Ian Woolley. “This is the high performance membrane that is going to allow manufacturers that are struggling to introduce triple glazing into their production lines to achieve the same – if not better – results without affecting the overall quality and performance of their window products.
“The membrane is applied internally to 24/28mm double glazed units, allowing the heat and light to spread from the centre of the glass outwards without affecting light or visibility.”
Developed in Canada, Ian recognised the urgent need for the product in the UK, as he says legislative pressure is forcing the industry to introduce triple glazing to meet yet more stringent energy efficiency requirements.
“The changes and complexities involved in adding a third pane was causing a real headache for many of the manufacturers we work with,” he continued Ian Woolley.
“ThermINcoat is a product that will truly revolutionise these challenges for the industry – it is proven, durable and market-ready from BiGG. Additionally, we are actively looking for IGU manufacturing partners in strategic parts of the UK to apply the membrane under license.”
ThermINcoat will help manufacturers to:
- Achieve U-values of below 1.0 W/m²K, which will have a significant impact on compliancy after the implementation of Future Homes Standards.
- Enable window products to remain slimmer, lighter and more on trend with the demand for more light and less frame.
- Place window companies ahead of their competition when pitching for commercial and new build projects, where tighter energy codes and net zero building standards are paramount.
- Offer sustainability advantages with certifications that align with WELL, BREEAM and LEED.
According to BiGG, performance indicators of the ThermINcoat membrane demonstrate that not only does it improve the U-value of a window, but it also significantly improves its overall functionality. ASTM E2188-02 testing subjected a window fitted with the ThermINcoat membrane to high humidity, extreme temperature cycles and UV exposure.
Ian says that with the seals remaining intact and overall performance unchanged, manufacturers can remain confident in the long term warranties that they already offer on their existing product ranges.
“Additional testing also confirmed that ThermINcoat maintained frost and dew points well below -40ºc, so there is no risk of condensation between panes no matter how extreme the environment,“ continues Ian. “Product testing has been lengthy and extensive, ensuring that every base is covered to meet the increasingly stringent demands placed on the industry by green procurement policies.”
Independent certifications confirm it contains no PFAS, no heavy metals, no VOCs, and is fully compliant with REACH Annex XVII, REACH SVHC, and RoHS. This makes ThermINcoat suitable for projects where material health transparency is non-negotiable.
“We believe we have introduced that essential element of choice for window companies – do they decide to upend their entire operations to introduce a heavier, more cumbersome triple glazed line, or do they simply integrate the ThermINcoat membrane into the process to upgrade simply, easily, and cost efficiently an existing product range?
“From the conversations that we have had since first soft launching the membrane at the end of the summer, the second option is fast becoming the preferred one.”