DefenseLite Energy Secondary Glazing: The Ultimate Building Envelope for Energy Efficiency
Why DefenseLite Maximizes the Potential of Energy Efficient Building Envelope Design
The Department of Energy’s Building Envelope Innovation Prize offers up to $2 million to help incentivize new, energy-efficient designs for commercial windows.
This prize — alongside other local, state, and federal government initiatives — highlights the increasing utilization of energy-efficient commercial window solutions. Improved energy efficiency not only provides extra savings to properties, but also decreases strain on the electrical grid while improving environmental sustainability.
Secondary glazing can be a powerful and cost-effective way to achieve energy efficiency. Read on to learn about the importance of secondary glazing, explore unique secondary double glazing solutions, and discover why DefenseLite Energy is both the best secondary glazing option for energy efficiency.
- The Importance of Secondary Glazing for Energy Efficiency
- Types of Secondary Glazing for Increased Energy Efficiency
- Why DefenseLite Energy Stands Out as the Best Secondary Glazing Solution for Energy Efficiency
- Enhance Your Building’s Energy Efficiency with DefenseLite Energy
The Importance of Secondary Glazing for Energy Efficiency
Commercial buildings consume large amounts of electricity; the Energy Information Agency’s last survey in 2018 indicated that commercial buildings use approximately 6.8 quadrillion British thermal units (BTUs) of energy a year, a figure which has only increased in recent years.
As energy usage increases, so too do energy costs. These increases provide additional incentives for buildings to to invest in unique, cost-effective energy conservation measures such as commercial secondary glazing.
Why is Secondary Glazing Considered Energy Efficient?
Energy efficiency involves optimizing energy usage to reduce both financial costs and excess electricity waste. Because secondary glazing involves adding another layer of glazing to existing windows instead of installing entirely new windows altogether, secondary glazing requires less time and money to install.
Secondary glazing windows assist commercial properties in retaining heat, which helps property owners save money on heating and cooling expenses. These glazings also reduce the need for HVAC systems by decreasing the strain put on air conditioning units — which, in turn, lowers the need for HVAC repair services.
The above factors make secondary glazing an appealing option for property owners keen on achieving energy efficiency.
Types of Secondary Glazing for Increased Energy Efficiency
There are a wide variety of secondary glazing solutions on the market — including temporary, semi-permanent, and permanent options. Here are a few types to note.
Magnetic Secondary Window Glazing
Magnetic secondary glazing uses magnetic strips to attach panels to the existing window frames. These frames can come in a variety of materials and are easy to install. However, magnetic glazing is less effective at improving insulation, reducing noise, and remaining secure compared to glazings installed using more durable adhesives.
Clip-In Secondary Window Glazing
Clip-in secondary glazing uses special clips to attach onto existing window frames. Similar to magnetic secondary glazing, clip-in secondary glazing can come in diverse materials, but fails to match the effectiveness of other options despite seamless installation.
Wooden Secondary Window Glazing
Wooden secondary window glazing leverages wooden panels to secure window frames using screws and brackets. Wooden secondary glazing is a great choice for property-owners looking to match existing wooden aesthetics. Beyond aesthetic value, however, wooden secondary glazing offers little benefits compared to other options, with lower overall durability and potential to damage windows long-term.
Aluminum Secondary Window Glazing
Leveraging a secondary aluminum frame, this type of glazing offers a sturdy frame to affix windows. While occasionally secured using screws and brackets, many types of glazing leveraging aluminum frames within design secure using adhesives — creating a long-lasting, sturdy frame for long-term use.
Why DefenseLite Energy Stands Out as the Best Secondary Glazing Solution for Energy Efficiency
While there are many secondary glazing options available, some are better than others. One solution stands above the others as the best choice: DefenseLite Energy.
DefenseLite Energy (DLE) is a triple-pane, retrofit energy shield that provides increased energy efficiency at a reasonable price point. Here are four of the main benefits the DLE system provides, propelling this option to the top of the industry.
Multilayer Protection
Many secondary glazing solutions provide only a single layer of protection. DefenseLite Energy offers three layers of protection that guard against air infiltration, solar heat loss, and external noise pollution. Each additional layer of protection offers improved performance without increasing the unit weight or cost.
This multilayer protection system helps standardize temperatures throughout a property, eliminating irregular hot and cold zones. It also retains more heat from the sun, decreasing the need for HVAC systems and space heaters, especially during the cold winter months. Property owners can expect a more than 30% increase in energy savings during winter weather conditions.
UV-Coated Energy Shields
DefenseLite Energy’s panels feature UV-coated energy shields that are purpose-built to block harmful UV rays before they enter a property. Ultraviolet (UV) protection reduces solar heat gain, protecting indoor spaces from becoming too hot. This decrease in solar radiation reduces the strain on air conditioning systems, lowering both electricity costs and the chance of needing HVAC repairs. Best of all, this UV protection does not alter or affect the glazing’s aesthetics, remaining invisible to the naked eye.
Built-in IR Resistance
Infrared (IR) rays from the sun can penetrate traditional secondary glazing panels, leading to increased indoor temperatures and higher energy expenses. DefenseLite Energy incorporates built-in IR resistance as a key design feature, effectively blocking infrared radiation from penetrating through the glazing. By minimizing IR heat transfer, the system helps maintain a comfortable and consistent indoor environment year-round.
Additionally, DefenseLite Energy’s IR resistance technology protects furniture, decor, and flooring inside a property from prolonged sun exposure. This protection eliminates the extra costs associated with repair and replacement projects, indirectly improving a property’s energy efficiency.
Custom Engineering
DefenseLite’s world-class team custom-engineers each DLE system, resulting in a lightweight, adaptable, and high-quality product. As a vented, interior-mounted system, it avoids many of the pitfalls associated with other external systems and is easy to maintain. Best of all, it’s easy to remove at a moment’s notice, making accessing the original window easy. Our emphasis on retrofitting windows with custom products rather than replacing the windows entirely helps property owners save anywhere from 50 to 85% on costs.
Enhance Your Building’s Energy Efficiency with DefenseLite Energy
Secondary glazing for windows helps improve energy efficiency, leading to additional savings and less strain on the environment. However, the only way to guarantee the best possible performance is to partner with a provider that offers both a high-quality, affordable product and unparalleled expertise.
Impact Security, LLC, shines as the best provider of energy-efficiency solutions for commercial buildings. Our DefenseLite Energy (DLE) secondary glazing solution provides unmatched quality at a fair price, always implemented by our expert team of secondary glazing installers. Contact us today to learn more about our products and how we can help improve your building’s energy efficiency.
