Benefits and Differences of Insulated Glass Spacer Types
Insulated glass units (IGUs) are essential in regulating indoor temperature and reducing noise in commercial and residential applications. A crucial component of these IGUs is the insulated glass spacer, which separates the panes of glass, maintains the gas seal and plays a significant role in thermal performance.
From traditional, widely used metal spacers to newer yet popular alternatives like foam and warm edge spacers, there are different options more tailored to meet specific needs and priorities. Let’s compare insulated glass spacer types to help determine which is the best fit for your fabrication line.
Insulated Glass Spacer Types
Aluminum
Aluminum spacers offer great affordability. However, they are highly thermally conductive, which can reduce the energy efficiency of IGUs and contribute to condensation issues. They’re a good choice for projects that require cost-effective solutions and/or short-term longevity.
Steel
Steel spacers, particularly stainless steel, offer improved durability and lower thermal conductivity than aluminum. They are an excellent choice when structural strength is a top priority, such as in commercial applications where extreme weather resistance is needed.
Warm Edge (Hybrid)
Warm edge spacers are designed to bridge the gap between traditional metal spacers and newer foam alternatives. They typically combine metal with composite materials to reduce thermal conductivity while maintaining strength. Thermal conductivity and condensation resistance are better performing than aluminum spacers yet are not as effective as foam spacers. However, warm edge spacers provide high structural strength and a long lifespan due to long-term gas retention.
Foam
Made with flexible silicone or polymer-based foam with integrated desiccant, foam insulated glass spacers are highly flexible and energy efficient. Their low thermal conductivity makes them a great option for superior insulation, which results in excellent condensation reduction and enhanced soundproofing.
How Different Window Glass Spacers Compare
Thermal Performance and Energy Efficiency
One of the biggest drawbacks of metal spacers—particularly aluminum—is its tendency to conduct heat and cold, reducing the overall energy efficiency. This thermal bridging can cause heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, leading to increased energy costs.
Foam insulated glass spacers, on the other hand, minimize thermal conductivity, improving insulation and reducing energy expenses. They help maintain a more stable indoor temperature and support compliance with ENERGY STAR® and other energy efficiency standards.
Stainless steel spacers also perform relatively well in thermal efficiency compared to aluminum, making them a viable choice in applications where durability is more important than maximizing insulation and energy efficiency. Warm edge spacers are also an effective choice when long-term gas retention and structural durability are high priorities.
Condensation Resistance
Metal spacers, especially aluminum, can contribute to condensation inside IGUs. Over time, moisture buildup can lead to mold growth and cause aesthetic and structural issues.
Foam insulated glass spacers, due to their lack of thermal conductivity, help prevent condensation buildup. This makes them an ideal choice for applications where maintaining long-term clarity and moisture resistance is a priority.
Sound Insulation
An often-overlooked advantage of foam spacers is they can offer better sound insulation than any other insulated glass spacer type, making foam spacers ideal for buildings in high-noise environments, such as urban areas or near airports.
Durability
Durability is one area where metal spacers outperform foam spacers. If your application requires maximum structural strength, such as large-scale commercial windows that must withstand extreme conditions, stainless steel spacers are the better choice.
Flexibility
Foam window glass spacers offer the greatest flexibility, meaning they easily expand and contract with the glass during temperature fluctuations. This reduces stress on the seals and helps maintain the integrity of the IGU over time.
How to Select Insulated Glass Spacers and IG Equipment
The choice between metal, foam and warm edge insulated glass spacers depends on specific needs and requirements. If structural strength is the top priority, stainless steel is the better option. If long-term gas retention is important, warm edge spacers are highly effective. If top energy efficiency and condensation resistance is required, foam spacers work best.
The manufacturing process for metal spacers requires precise cutting, bending and handling. An automatic spacer bender machine speeds up production and enhances precision.
Foam spacer applicator machines are perfect for automating a line that produces IGUs with foam spacers. Automating much of the process leads to reduced labor costs and greater manufacturing consistency.
Contact our U.S.-based team today to see how either of these insulated glass spacer machines can increase automation, improve efficiency and reduce long-term costs in your fabrication line.
