Meeting the Passivhaus standard demands rigorous attention to every component of the building envelope, and glazing is no exception. For architects, specifiers and eco-focused builders, creating reliable Passivhaus glazing solutions means understanding how each part of the window contributes to thermal insulation, airtightness and long-term energy efficiency. One of the most critical yet often overlooked elements is the spacer bar.

Warm edge spacers, such as Edgetech’s Super Spacer®, play a decisive role in reducing heat loss, improving indoor air quality and supporting the pathway to Passivhaus certification. With decades of proven performance and recognition from the Passive House Institute, Super Spacer® is a trusted component in passivhaus windows, triple glazing and low-energy glass systems.

Why do spacer bars matter in Passivhaus glazing?

In Passivhaus design, windows are required to deliver exceptional thermal performance, maintain airtight construction and support stable indoor conditions with consistent temperatures. Spacer bars influence the whole window performance by controlling how the amount of heat transfers through the glass edge. Traditional metal spacers conduct heat easily, leading to poor edge-of-glass temperatures, a higher risk of condensation, greater energy consumption and reduced indoor comfort compared with Passivhaus buildings

Warm edge technology counteracts these issues by reducing thermal bridging effects of the edge seal, ensuring significant energy savings, better environmental outcomes and reducing the carbon footprint over the building’s lifecycle.

What makes warm edge spacers essential for high-performance Passivhaus glazing solutions?

To meet or exceed Passivhaus requirements, window systems must provide:

High levels of insulation
Exceptional airtightness
Minimal heat transfer across the building envelope

Warm edge spacers support all three areas by delivering superior edge insulation, contributing directly to the Passivhaus targets for primary energy use and heat demand. They also reduce perimeter heat loss, helping lower energy bills and reducing operational carbon.

How Super Spacer® supports Passivhaus thermal efficiency

Edgetech’s Super Spacer® is engineered using an elastomeric structural foam that delivers excellent thermal efficiency, airtightness and durability. Its performance has been formally recognised through an award from the Passive House Institute, underpinning its suitability for low-energy and ultra-low-energy construction.

Super Spacer can reduce internal condensation by up to 70% to create a healthier interior living environment. Super Spacer® contributes to Passivhaus-ready glazing by:

Minimising edge-of-glass heat loss
Maintaining warmer internal edge temperatures
Reducing condensation risk
Supporting high quality IGU construction with reliable long-term durability through gas retention and moisture absorbing capacity

The result is improved indoor comfort, stable temperatures and better building performance in both new build and renovation project scenarios.

Achieving airtightness and stable indoor air quality

Passivhaus buildings rely on airtight construction paired with heat recovery ventilation to maintain superior air quality. Any weak point in the glazing system can compromise this performance. Super Spacer® helps protect airtightness by:

Providing continuous, dual-seal moisture protection
The ability to fine tune spacer tolerances to optimise window system fit and weather seal compression.
Absorbing IGU movement under climate loads

This ensures windows remain airtight and reliable throughout decades of service, even in demanding climates.

Why triple glazing and warm edge spacers work together

Triple glazing is standard in most Passivhaus buildings due to its ability to reduce the amount of heat lost while maximising occupant comfort. The spacer bar’s role becomes even more important here, as the increased glass area requires consistent thermal control across all edges. Using Super Spacer® in triple glazing delivers:

Better condensation resistance by reducing cold spots
Superior comfort close to the window surface and noise attenuation
Improved overall home’s performance compared with standard windows used in conventional buildings

Choosing the right components for sustainable design

Every detail in a Passivhaus window must contribute to the overall sustainable design. Spacer bars, although small, significantly influence both performance and the environmental impact of the completed building. Specifiers looking to meet or exceed Passivhaus benchmarks can depend on Super Spacer® for:

Proven long-term stability, durability and quality
Reliable production efficiency
Documented performance recognised by independent testing bodies
Compatibility with advanced Passivhaus glazing and glass systems

Key takeaways

Spacer bars are a vital component in achieving reliable Passivhaus glazing solutions and warm edge technology significantly reduces edge-of-glass heat loss. Super

Spacer® delivers proven airtightness, thermal stability and long-term durability. Recognised by the Passive House Institute, it supports both certification pathways and practical performance and is an essential choice for architects designing low-energy, low-impact buildings.

Ready to specify Super Spacer®?

For specifiers committed to sustainable building practices, Super Spacer® provides the reliability, performance and independent recognition required for modern Passivhaus design. To request technical data, samples or specification guidance, or explore the full Super Spacer® range and discover how it can support your next energy-efficient project, contact our expert team now.

FAQs

What is the Passive House Institute’s role?

The Passive House Institute certifies building components that meet strict performance criteria for energy use, airtightness and insulation. Products that receive this recognition, such as Super Spacer®, offer trusted assurance to designers seeking compliant Passivhaus components.

Can warm edge spacers reduce condensation?

Yes. By maintaining warmer edge temperatures, warm edge spacers cut down the risk of surface condensation, improving comfort and protecting fabric integrity.

Do spacer bars affect solar gain?

Indirectly. While the spacer bar does not alter the solar properties of the glass, improving edge insulation allows designers to specify glazing that balances solar gain without compromising thermal performance.