Understanding The Meaning Of Thermal Windows
The term thermal windows can be used to describe several different aspects of a window
. If you are trying to research thermal windows this page will help you to understand the different ways the term "thermal windows" can be used.
Before we discuss how the term thermal windows is used in to describe windows, let's first look at the definition of the word thermal.
Websters dictionary provides the following definitions for the word thermal:
1 [Latin thermae public baths, from Greek thermai, plural of therm] : of, relating to, or marked by the presence of hot springs
2 a: of, relating to, or caused by heat b: being or involving a state of matter dependent upon temperature c: having low energies of the order of those due to thermal agitation
3: designed (as with insulating air spaces) to prevent the dissipation of body heat
The third definition of thermal has the most relevance to how the word is used to describe thermal windows. In the case of windows, instead of preventing the dissipation of body heat, thermal windows prevent the dissipation of house heat, or prevent the intake of exterior heat into the house. With this definition in mind let's look at the different ways we use the term thermal windows.
Thermal Glass
One definition of a thermal window centers around the type of glass that is used in the window. Often times the term thermal windows is used instead of insulated windows when describing windows with dual panes of glass as opposed to a single glazed window. Insulated glass is created by mounting two pieces of glass closely together, separated by a small airspace.
The glass is spaced apart around the edges by a spacer, made from either aluminum or a high density non metallic material. The edges are then sealed with a butyl sealant and all of the air is removed from the airspace between the glass creating a vacuum between the glass. In some cases this airspace is filled with an inert glass, argon or krypton. It is the airspace between the glass that creates a thermal barrier between the outside and inside of the glass, much like the definition Webster's uses for the word thermal.
By definition a dual pane window should have "thermal glass" since the definition of word thermal includes the words "insulated air space" and not the other way around. However, in the window industry, insulated glass is the more common term used to describe dual pane glass. There is no clear explanation why this is, but if you are doing research on replacement windows you are not going to find a lot of window manufacturers use the term thermal glass to describe their windows.
The bottom line is this: thermal glass is insulated glass and vice versa. Think of it as the Toe-may-to, To-ma-to version of the window world.
Thermally broken aluminum windows
The other situation in windows where the term thermal windows might be used is when dealing with aluminum windows. In the aluminum window market there are two types of aluminum window frames non-thermally broken aluminum frames, and thermally broken aluminum frames. If you are considering an aluminum replacement window, it is important to understand the difference so you get the best window for your project.
Aluminum by itself is a natural conductor. It has very little resistance and therefore transfers heat across it rather easily. If you have old aluminum windows you know this because in the summer time you can almost burn your fingers on a window frame that is exposed to the sun and in the winter time you can feel the cold frame several inches away on the inside of the window. Unfortunately many aluminum windows in existing houses today are not thermally broken windows and many homeowners are subjected to the conditions above with their aluminum windows.
Thermally broken aluminum windows are different because they stop the transfer of heat across the window frame. This is accomplished by inserting a non-conductive material between the outer and inner pieces of aluminum frame. If the outdoor temperature is hot, the heat stops at the thermal barrier and does not heat up the interior side of the window. Likewise this thermal window system keeps the house's heat in the winter time from escaping by not allowing the heat transfer across the window frame.
A thermally broken aluminum window is the best choice if you are considering an aluminum replacement window for your project. These thermal windows offer the best insulating properties of aluminum windows because of the thermal break. Be prepared, thermally broken aluminum windows are more expensive than regular aluminum windows, often times as much or more as a vinyl windows that offer the same thermal performance. At the same time do not consider an aluminum window unless it is a thermal window with a non conductive break in the aluminum frame.
Summary
Whether you are looking for a thermal window to replace your old single pane wood or aluminum windows, or if you are researching thermally broken aluminum windows for your replacement window project, you can easily find a thermal window that meets your needs. Keep in mind when you are doing your research, "thermal windows" is a term that correctly describes energy efficient insulated windows, however, it is not commonly used to describe today's energy efficient windows. "Insulated windows" will most likely be the term that window companies will use when discussing energy efficient thermal windows.
The links below will help you to find out more information about energy efficient windows, window manufacturers that offer high performance thermal windows, and what to look for to help select the best replacement window for your project. Once you have an understanding of all these elements replacement windows, you will be able to find the best thermal window for your project.
by: Justin M Howe
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