While there are a wide array of glazing and glass solutions available, high-performing solutions are often overlooked by builders. Why is this?
Glass Magazine‘s April 2020 article Performance and Payback (page 46) broke down why glass and glazing solutions aren’t always utilized to their fullest:
Why Builders Avoid High-Performing Windows?
Cost often stands in the way of performance
According to industry officials, the cost is the biggest reason why high-performing glass isn’t always used. Design teams are often interested in higher-performing materials but are pressured to use lower-cost materials. In order to address this barrier, it’s important for everyone in the build process to understand the benefit that low-e and thermal windows offer.
Reduce costs with more standard performance solutions
Another reason why high-performing glass and glazing solutions are avoided is the perception that these materials are not achievable or affordable. However, with a standard thermally broken window and curtain wall system, low-e can be achieved. The best way to address this barrier is for builders to know what products are available.
Why Builders Should Choose High-Performing Windows?
Performance pays back
While the initial cost may be higher, higher-performing materials translate to lower long term, future, energy costs. This is particularly true in the case of retrofits and renovations in existing buildings. Not only can this save money in the long run, but this can also increase lease rates and property values.
Glazed high-performance facades make for productive, healthy occupants
Using higher performing glass and glazing goes beyond cost – it also contributes to the health and safety of occupants. According to Glass Magazine:
“Building occupants are healthier and perform better when they are granted access to views and are comfortable in terms of daylighting levels and temperature. Studies on occupant comfort show increased healing times for patients, improved test scores among students, and decreased absenteeism and increased productivity among office workers.”
Occupant costs dwarf operational costs
Because of this increased productivity for office workers, they miss less work, perform tasks more efficiently, and stay at their jobs longer. These translate into productivity improvements for employers and higher lease rates for building owners.
People need daylight – just not too much
While access to natural light is important, too much light can be a detriment. This is why it’s so important to use high-performing and energy-efficient materials – not just materials that let in a lot of natural light. Instead of maximizing daylight, builders should focus on optimizing it.
While barriers to using high-performance glass and glazing may exist, the benefits greatly outweigh the costs. Not sure which solution is right for your project? St. Cloud Window has an expert team of product design specialists, engineers, and project management professionals dedicated to helping you realize your vision. Contact us today.
At St. Cloud Window we know every project begins with a challenge or an idea of what a building might be. We bring that vision to life with our distinctive design aesthetics, precision performance, and design-to-delivery support. Learn more about how our products can deliver on your design objectives and site requirements here. Then, check out our full line of historic replica and acoustic window products, and get in touch for more details about any of our high-performing commercial window products.
