Traditionally double glazing in New Zealand had one option to fill the space between the glass panes, and that was air.  Thanks to the hermetic (air-tight/water-tight) seal around the spacer, the air inside the space is very still, so much so it is often called dead air.

Being a gas, the air has a more spread-out molecular configuration than say liquid. The spaced-out gaps between the molecules reduce the ability of heat to easily move from one molecule to another, slowing down the transportation of heat through the air space.

With the sealed space meaning the air is relatively still inside the unit, the molecules don’t bump into each other as much, further reducing the opportunity for heat to move across from one molecule to another.

As double glazing technology improved, new gas fill options became more readily available.

The most commonly used of these is Argon which is 40% denser than air meaning that its molecules are heavier and move even less than air, further slowing down the transportation of heat through the gas-filled space.

Argon not only performs better as a thermal blanket in double glazing, but it is cost-effective, colourless, and odourless making this a great option for windows and doors.

Other options such as Krypton are available through some double glazing providers, however, these options are often considered too costly for the level of increased benefit.

Selecting foam spacers such as Edgetech Super Spacer^®, protects the integrity of the primary and secondary seal as the flexible spacer moves to adapt when stress is applied to the glass, and then returns to its original state once the stress disappears.

Rigid spacers do not flex with the glass, so the seals take all the stress resulting in an increased risk of the primary seal (between the glass and the spacer) and the secondary seal (along the back of the spacer) failing.

When seals fail, the unit fails.  This will be evident in the comfort levels of your home dropping, increased condensation on your windows, especially around the edges, and possibly fogging inside the unit.

Ok so you’ve decided that argon is the right option for your home and definitely worth the investment, but you’ve heard tales of argon gas leaking out of double glazing within a few years of installation.  Can argon gas leak out of my double glazing?

Even with the best spacer and seals, a very small amount of gas will dissipate from your double glazing.  The accepted standard for gas retention in a double glass unit is a maximum loss rate of 1% per year.  This means that 20 years after your double glazing is installed, the argon gas fill could be at 80% of its original fill.  This is considered an acceptable rate of dissipation throughout the world.

The seal and the integrity of the seal are vital in keeping argon inside the unit.  Ensuring you choose genuine double glazing means you are getting two pieces of glass, set apart with a spacer that is sealed to the glass and around the back of the spacer to ensure an air-tight and water-tight (hermetic) seal.

But is there more you can do to extend the gas retention inside your double glazing?

Yes!  You can make sure you use a trusted company that uses quality double glazing products.

Selecting foam spacers such as Edgetech Super Spacer^®, protects the integrity of the primary and secondary seal as the flexible spacer moves to adapt when stress is applied to the glass, and then returns to its original state once the stress disappears.

Rigid spacers do not flex with the glass, so the seals take all the stress resulting in an increased risk of the primary seal (between the glass and the spacer) and the secondary seal (along the back of the spacer) failing.

When seals fail, the unit fails.  This will be evident in the comfort levels of your home dropping, increased condensation on your windows, especially around the edges, and possibly fogging inside the unit.