Ruth Henderson, managing director of The Vacuum Glazing Network, explains why PassivGlas is opening up new retrofit opportunities for installers, as energy efficiency standards soar.
Weβre all feeling the pressure β rising energy bills, tighter energy efficiency regulations, and more customers asking for smarter ways to make their homes and buildings perform better.
But when it comes to upgrading windows, the traditional answer β replacing the whole frame β isnβt always practical, or affordable.
Thatβs exactly why we have launched the PassivGlas ReGlaze system. Our PassivGlas vacuum glazing solution delivers triple-glazed performance, but instead of replacing the entire window, it fits straight into existing PVC-U, aluminium or timber frames.
With PassivGlas ReGlaze, we want to highlight thereβs no need for full replacement. No structural changes. Just a clever, quick-fit system that makes homes warmer, quieter and more comfortable, as well as cutting energy bills β without the usual cost and hassle.
Why energy efficiency matters
The Government has made its ambitions clear: homes and buildings in the UK need to meet at least EPC band C by 2030, and for commercial properties that deadline comes even sooner.
Thereβs no getting around it β glazing will have a huge role to play if weβre going to hit those targets.
But hereβs the thing. We canβt expect every property owner to rip out and replace perfectly serviceable windows that may have a life expectancy of a further 20 years.
Whether youβre working in social housing, commercial refurbishments, or homeowner upgrades, budgets are tight, and disruption needs to be minimal. Thatβs where PassivGlas is really pushing boundaries, offering an energy-saving upgrade that delivers performance and comfort without complexity.
Triple-glazed performance
PassivGlas vacuum glazing is designed to fit any existing PVCu-U, aluminium or timber frames. PassivGlas will achieve centre pane U-values below 0.5 W/mΒ²K β well into, and beyond, triple glazing territory β without the bulk that usually comes with multi-pane systems.
Reglazing the existing glazing with PassivGlas vastly reduces installation time, material use and labour. It also reduces access at height issues.
Simulations carried out by BFRC have demonstrated that a typical 19-year-old PVC-U frame, fitted with an air-filled Pilkington K aluminium spacer bar glass unit, has a whole window U-value of 2.1 W/mΒ²K.
When the glazing is replaced with PassivGlas, the U-value improves significantly to 1.033 W/mΒ²K. Because thereβs no gas fill to degrade over time, PassivGlas keeps performing year after year, and lasts the lifetime of the window, itβs not just a quick fix.
Weβve seen a surge in PassivGlas installed in homes over the past 18 months, and the feedback weβve had following this has been incredible. Homeowners reported savings of up to 19% on their winter heating bills after upgrading from A-rated double glazing. Thatβs a real, tangible benefit that installers can pass straight on to their customers.
Independently tested by UKAS, PassivGlas also achieves an impressive sound reduction rating between Rw 36dB and Rw 41dB.
Smart retrofit option
If youβre an installer, we donβt need to tell you how competitive the market is becoming. PassivGlas presents a great opportunity to extend your product offering without needing to overhaul your process.
Itβs compatible with most existing frames, thereβs no need for heavy-duty equipment or structural work, and the installation process is quick and clean. Requiring less time on site and fewer materials, PassivGlas ReGlaze provides a high-margin, low-disruption retrofit solution for our installer partners β helping them win more work on both residential and commercial projects.