Architectural Systems
Vacuum Insulating Glass (VIG)
Vacuum insulating glass replaces the gas-filled cavity of a conventional insulating unit with an evacuated one, removing conduction and convection across the cavity.
What it is
A VIG unit consists of two glass panes separated by a narrow evacuated cavity, held apart by an array of micro-supports and closed by an edge seal.
Because the cavity is evacuated, heat transfer across it is reduced without the cavity depth a conventional insulating unit requires — which is why VIG build-ups are thin relative to their thermal performance.
Reliance supplies fifth-generation vacuum insulating glass through Leadus Tech.
Where it is used
- —Passive and low-energy buildings
- —Heritage retrofit where slim sightlines must be preserved
- —Cold-climate residential envelopes
- —Acoustically demanding urban sites
What it resolves
Conventional insulating units improve thermal performance by adding cavities and thickness, which increases weight and rules out slim frames and retrofit sashes.
VIG improves envelope performance where thickness and weight are constrained.
Configurations
Vacuum insulating glass
Sealed evacuated cavity construction for slim, thermally efficient glazing.
Hybrid VIG insulated units
VIG combined with a conventional cavity where both extreme thermal performance and solar control are required.
Acoustic and safety build-ups
Laminated and tempered configurations where noise attenuation or impact requirements apply.
Specification considerations
- —Edge seal detailing and the frame's rebate depth
- —Support-pillar visibility under certain lighting conditions
- —Size limits and handling requirements
- —Compatibility with the existing sash in retrofit work
- —Whether a hybrid unit is needed for solar control as well as thermal performance
Standards and documentation
Thermal, acoustic and safety performance figures for VIG are manufacturer- and configuration-specific. Reliance provides the manufacturer's technical data for the unit being specified rather than generic values.
How Reliance supports supply
- —Unit configuration against the thermal and acoustic requirement
- —Manufacturer technical data supplied for the specified build-up
- —Inspection coordination and glass-specific protective packing
- —Export documentation and delivery coordination