Glass Performance & Sealed Units
The glass in your windows is the single most important factor in your home's energy efficiency, comfort, and protection from the elements. Understanding R-values, Low-E coatings, and sealed unit technology helps you make the right choice for your BC home.
Discuss Glass Options With UsThe Basics
What Are Insulated Glass Units?
An insulated glass unit (IGU), also called a sealed unit, consists of two or three panes of glass separated by a spacer bar and hermetically sealed together. The space between the panes is filled with an inert gas (typically argon) that acts as an insulating barrier, dramatically reducing heat transfer compared to single-pane glass.
The quality of the sealed unit determines how well your windows perform. A primary seal of polyisobutylene creates an airtight barrier to prevent moisture from entering the airspace, while a secondary structural seal holds the unit together for long-term durability. The glass itself may be clear, tinted, coated with low-emissivity films, or tempered for safety, depending on the application.
Every major window manufacturer in the Lower Mainland uses sealed glass units from Vitrum Glass Group , Western Canada's largest glass fabricator, manufacturing from their 200,000 sq ft facility in Langley, BC. As a certified fabricator for Vitro, Guardian, and Saint-Gobain, Vitrum provides exclusive access to the highest-performance glass coatings available.
Performance
R-Values: Understanding Glass Performance
R-value measures thermal resistance, the higher the R-value, the better the insulation. U-value is the inverse (lower is better). Here's how different glass configurations compare.
Double Glazed
R-2 to R-3
R-Value
~0.47
U-Value
Two panes of glass with an insulating air or argon gas fill. The baseline for modern windows.
Best for: Budget-conscious upgrades from single-pane windows.
Double Glazed + Low-E
R-3 to R-4
R-Value
~0.30
U-Value
Two panes with a low-emissivity coating that reflects radiant heat while allowing visible light through.
Best for: Most residential window replacements in BC. Best balance of cost and performance.
Triple Glazed + Low-E
R-5 to R-8
R-Value
~0.20
U-Value
Three panes with two low-e coatings and dual gas fills for maximum insulation and solar control.
Best for: Premium builds, north-facing windows, and homes prioritizing maximum energy efficiency.
Technology
Low-E Coating: The Invisible Performance Upgrade
Low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings are microscopically thin metallic layers applied to glass surfaces that reflect radiant heat while allowing visible light to pass through. This technology is the single biggest factor in modern window energy performance.
Reduces Heat Transfer
Low-E coatings reflect radiant heat back to its source, keeping heat inside during winter and outside during summer.
Cuts Energy Costs
Low-E glass transmits up to 48% less solar energy than standard glass, significantly reducing heating and cooling bills.
Blocks UV Damage
Reduces harmful UV rays by up to 75%, protecting furniture, flooring, and artwork from fading and sun damage.
Maintains Visibility
Unlike tinted glass, Low-E coatings are virtually invisible, high performance with a clear, neutral appearance.
Reduces Condensation
The improved insulation value keeps the inner glass surface warmer, reducing condensation buildup in humid BC weather.
Sound Reduction
Multi-pane insulated units with gas fills provide measurable noise reduction, especially valuable in urban and roadside locations.
Our Glass Partner
Why Vitrum Glass Group
Every window Tomron Construction installs features sealed glass units manufactured by Vitrum Glass Group. This is not unusual, virtually every window manufacturer in Western Canada uses Vitrum glass. There is a reason for that.
Operating from a 200,000 square foot facility in Langley, BC, Vitrum fabricates more glass products than any other manufacturer in the Pacific Northwest. As a certified fabricator for all three major primary float glass manufacturers, Vitro, Guardian, and Saint-Gobain, Vitrum provides exclusive access to the highest-performance coatings available:
- Vitro Solarban, Industry-leading solar control Low-E glass with exceptional clarity
- Guardian SunGuard, Advanced low-e coatings for optimal solar control and thermal performance
- Saint-Gobain Cool-Lite & Planitherm, Premium European glass technology for superior insulation
Vitrum's IGMAC certification ensures every sealed insulating glass unit meets the highest standards for design, manufacture, and long-term performance. When you choose Tomron Construction for your window replacement, you are getting glass technology from the best fabricator in Western Canada, regardless of which window brand you select.
What This Means for Your Home
When you work with Tomron Construction on a window replacement project, the glass performance is consistent and excellent across the window brands we carry, including Ply Gem. The R-values and Low-E coating performance remain the same because they source their sealed glass units from Vitrum.
This means your decision comes down to frame material preferences, hardware quality, aesthetics, and budget, not glass quality. Every option we offer delivers the same high-performance sealed units, ensuring your home is protected against BC's rain, cold winters, and warm summers.
Our team will help you select the right glass configuration, double or triple glazed, with the appropriate Low-E coating, based on your home's orientation, your energy goals, and your budget. The result is a home that is more comfortable, more energy efficient, and protected for decades.
Ready to Upgrade Your Windows?
Get a free consultation to discuss glass options, R-values, and the right window solution for your home. We'll help you understand exactly what you're getting and why it matters.