Why glass is so important…

Nearly 65% of a window's surface area is made up of glass. That's why it's so important to choose windows that carry "insulated" glass units.

"Insulated" glass, in essence, is a glass sandwich. And just like a good sandwich, it's what's in the middle that counts.

Choosing the right window includes selecting the right insulating glass unit, which will determine most of a window’s energy performance. An insulating glass unit is comprised of two (or three) panes of glass and the insulating air space between them. The two most common insulating systems today are Intercept® and DuraSeal™. The Ozark and Caddo windows offered by Arkansas Windows and Siding are available with the Intercept® Warm Edge Spacer system and the Ouachita windows are available with the DuraSeal™ system.

Intercept® Warm Edge Spacer System

Recent estimates indicate that more than 50% of all residential windows manufactured in North America utilize the Intercept® spacer system. The Intercept® Warm-Edge Spacer System was commercialized in 1992 and can be found in every Ozark and Caddo window offered by Arkansas Windows and Siding.

The Intercept® system, with "warm-edge" spacers, features a unique, one-piece, tin-plated or stainless steel, U-channel design. This design creates an effective thermal barrier to help reduce conducted heat loss through the window and makes Intercept® spacers stronger and better at retaining insulating gas than many conventional designs.

DuraSeal™ Warm Edge Spacers

DuraSeal™ is a cost-effective system offering superior thermal efficiency. With its “warm edge” technology, DuraSeal™ sets a new standard for efficiency and performance. DuraSeal™ insulates the frame and edge of glass up to 90% better than aluminum spacer bars and 50% better than the Intercept® spacer system. That's why DuraSeal™ warm edge spacers can be found between the glass in every Ouachita window offered by Arkansas Windows and Siding. DuraSeal™ is the only proven product that has:

• Documented superior performance in the retention of Argon Gas
• The highest "R" value / lowest "U" value in the industry
• Compatibility with the highest performance Low-E glass
• Up to 9 degrees warmer
• 5% heat savings
• 80% less condensation

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

Superior Argon Gas Retention

DuraSeal's proven argon retention adhesive has been used in over 100 million insulating glass units. Minimal gas loss occurs after exposure to a variety of seal durability tests. Regardless of how gas retention is evaluated, DuraSeal™ retains argon, thereby maintaining the thermal properties of windows long term.

Reduced Total Window U-Value

DuraSeal™ can reduce the total window U-Factor by up to 3% compared to U-channel roll formed metal spacer and up to 6% compared to aluminum spacer bar. This percentage can be the difference in meeting Energy Star ® requirements.

Less Conductivity

DuraSeal™ insulates the frame and edge of glass 50% better than U-channel roll formed spacers and 90% better than aluminum spacer bar, thereby saving energy and increasing comfort.

Proven Condensation Resistance

DuraSeal™ increases the edge of glass temperature as much as 10% over U-channel roll-formed metal spacers, making windows warmer.

Extensive Testing Under All Conditions

Rigorous testing proves that DuraSeal™ can maintain excellent adhesion in hot or cold climates. Tested extensively in thousands of extreme freeze/thaw cycles, a year in hot humid environment, or combined with intense UV, DuraSeal™ exceeds the challenges of every major durability test in North America.