In the world of construction and architecture, glass has always been an essential material for its aesthetic characteristics and functional properties. The transition from simple glass to insulating glass units (IGUs) has revolutionized the glass industry, leading to significant improvements in thermal and acoustic insulation and safety. This article explores the technological evolution that made this transition possible and its implications in the construction sector. But let’s take a step back.
Glass in Antiquity: a chance discovery with diverse uses
Glass was not invented but discovered accidentally by Phoenician merchants who were lighting a fire to cook on the sandy banks of the Belo River in Syria. Ancient sources report this, but archaeologists have shown that this discovery dates back further (3rd millennium BC) and should be located in Mesopotamia.
Initially, glass was used as colored glass beads for ornamentation. In Phoenicia, glass began to be used to make vessels and tools in the 7th-6th centuries BC, which is why ancient sources believed it was discovered by Phoenician merchants. Window glass only spread in public and private buildings during Roman times.
The birth of the insulating glass concept
Windows and shopfronts always used single glass until the 19th century when the importance of thermal insulation in buildings began to be understood. The inventor of the first insulating window was Thomas D. Stetson from New York, who filed a patent on August 1, 1865. His new device consisted of two glass panes bonded together and hermetically sealed at the edges with a cavity of “dry air” serving as insulation. He had created the first insulating glass unit with thermal and acoustic insulating functions.
The first “Dry Air” insulating glass units
The use of dry air was ingenious because air containing moisture condenses when it comes into contact with a cold surface. Where there is no moisture, there is no condensation. However, Stetson’s invention was ahead of its time, and he never saw the production of his insulating glass.
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The first windows with insulating glass units
The first windows with double glazing or insulating glass units were developed by American refrigeration engineer Charles D. Haven in the early 1930s.
Instead of a single glass pane, Haven’s “Thermopane” system had two glass panes separated by an air cavity and sealed around the edges with rubber strips. The air between the panes was dehumidified to prevent condensation inside the glass. Essentially, it was the application of Stetson’s invention to windows. Haven announced his invention in the Architectural Record in 1932 and filed a patent for the design on October 12, 1934.
Essentially, the patent presented the three fundamental elements of an insulating glass unit, namely:
Applications, uses, and advantages of Insulating Glass Units today
With advancing technology, glass production techniques have become increasingly sophisticated. Today, IGUs are manufactured using state-of-the-art machinery that ensures superior precision and quality.
IGUs are widely used in a variety of applications, including windows, doors, partition walls, and continuous facades. Their versatility and superior performance make them an ideal choice for residential, commercial, and industrial projects.
They offer numerous advantages over single glass, such as:
- Better thermal insulation
- Reduced building energy costs
- Effective acoustic protection
- Creation of more comfortable, bright, and aesthetically pleasing environments
Future innovations
The IGU industry continues to evolve with constant technological innovations aimed at improving product performance and sustainability. Future trends include increased use of eco-sustainable materials and smart solutions for automation and environmental sustainability.
Furthermore, research is advancing towards transparent photovoltaic glazing. This is a topic for another discussion, which we’ll explore in more detail in the near future. Stay tuned!
Now discover the endless possibilities of insulated glass units with Vetreria Valmarecchia, your partner for almost 50 years, serving:
Contact us now to explore innovative and sustainable solutions for your next project. Don’t wait, turn your vision into reality today!
In what year was glass (IGU) invented?
Thomas D. Stetson di New York, invented the first insulated glass in 1865
