Edgetech

Can existing properties be renovated to become zero carbon homes?

Published on 2nd April 2021

With huge investments being planned in the renewable energy sector, it is now the Green potential of existing homes which needs to be tackled. The government’s flagship Green Homes Grant programme has recently been scrapped following complaints of accessibility issues and too much bureaucratic complexity and the cost of upgrading an existing home to meet carbon zero standards is currently too expensive for many households to consider. There must then be a shared responsibility between homeowners and government to meet these targets.

Low carbon retrofitting explained

Carbon zero homes produce as much energy as they use. Carbon neutrality is achieved when the energy used by a property is offset by the energy which is produced. Renewable energy production and usage is integral to a zero-carbon home, as is insulation. Using low energy appliances and lighting is also an important part of a low carbon home.

It is important to remember that the carbon emissions involved in constructing a new-build home often outweigh the achieved zero carbon status. The sourcing and processing of raw materials and construction of a new building will create carbon emissions which will take years to offset against the energy efficiency standards of a new home. Conversely, a zero-carbon retrofit will create far lower levels of carbon emissions with a similar end result.

How to create a zero-carbon home

There are four main areas of focus when retrofitting for a zero-carbon home. Although each of these areas are worthwhile projects to improve a property’s energy efficiency performance, it is when they are combined that the building’s performance is truly optimised.

Insulation and airtightness – insulating wool, cladding, replacement windows & doors
HVAC systems – electric heat pumps, ventilators, air conditioning
Appliances and lighting – low energy lightbulbs, LEDs, replacement appliances (fridges, ovens etc.)
Renewable energy – solar panels, window turbines, lithium battery systems, hybrid renewable energy

When these improvements are made, a homeowner will see a great reduction in energy usage and although there may initially be considerable financial outlay, in the long-run, significant savings can be made on reduced energy bills. Below, we will focus on how insulation and airtightness can be easily improved to boost your home’s performance.

Insulation and airtightness

Insulating your home is one of the most important steps towards achieving a zero-carbon home. According to the Energy Saving Trust around 25% of a property’s heat is lost through poor roof insulation while 35% of heat is lost through the walls. Poorly performing windows and doors account for a further 10% of heat loss.

Loft insulation is relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Experts recommend that loft insulation should be as thick as twelve inches to optimise heat retention. For most properties built after the 1930s, cavity wall insulation is an excellent option and can significantly improve thermal performance through a simple insulation injection process. For older properties with no wall cavity, internal or external insulation such as cladding will be required. This is more expensive and more challenging to install but will have equal performance benefits.

Thermally efficient windows and doors

Modern double and triple glazed sealed units can have a dramatic impact on a property’s thermal performance capacity. When you replace old poorly performing glazing with modern ‘A’ rated alternatives, you will reduce heat loss, improve acoustic insulation, and lower energy usage. Modern windows feature multi-chambered frames which are designed to trap heat inside a building. They are also filled with an inert gas such as Argon between the glass panes which further helps to reduce heat escaping through the window.

To maximise the performance of your replacement glazing, Edgetech have developed a range of products which are designed to improve thermal performance by reducing heat loss through your windows. Edgetech spacers are incorporated into the window’s design during the manufacturing process. Edgetech spacer bars are fitted between the glass panes of a window’s sealed unit. Made using low conductivity materials, they can significantly reduce heat loss, prevent condensation, and lower exterior noise penetration.

If you’re interested in finding out more about how Edgetech products can help you to get one step closer to creating a zero-carbon home, get in touch today. For more information about any of Edgetech’s energy saving products email ukenquiries@edgetechig.com or contact us online.

Key steps to move towards a zero-carbon home

Published on 2nd March 2021

The UK government, alongside EU member countries and several other nations worldwide, has recently pledged to cut carbon emissions to net zero by 2050. This bold promise will have a massive impact on the way we all live our lives. On a commercial level, new ways of generating energy must be fully implemented to eradicate the need for fossil fuel consumption. This will include a great increase and investment in renewable energy production through solar, wind and lithium battery technology to offset traditional methods of generating energy.

On a domestic level, all new homes will be built to increasingly strict regulations to ensure that they meet all the necessary Green credentials. In terms of existing properties, it is at present unclear where funding for home improvements will be available. With the average UK home emitting 2.7 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year, there is still a long way to go to meet these goals.

To give you an idea of how you can do your bit to protect the planet and meet the carbon neutral target of 2050, here are some key steps you can take to move towards a zero-carbon home.

Retrofitting for a more sustainable home

Altering the energy efficiency performance of an existing property is perhaps the most challenging part of the drive towards going carbon neutral. There are several methods of improving your home’s performance which are relatively unobtrusive and cost-effective. A good place to start would be to carry out an energy usage audit to see where you are consuming most energy. Once any areas of over-consumption have been identified, you can focus on these areas to help achieve a significant reduction in usage.

Insulation – Insulating your home plays a huge part in its heat retention capacity. Loft insulation and cavity wall insulation can dramatically improve a property’s performance and help to significantly reduce energy consumption.

Solar power generation – Having solar panels installed at your home can be initially expensive. In the long run, however, they can prove to be a shrewd investment. Generating electricity through solar technology can help to offset fossil fuel usage and bring you closer to a zero-carbon home.

Energy efficient lighting and appliances – Changing to energy saving lightbulbs is a simple step that anyone can make. It can have a significant impact on your overall energy consumption and help you to reduce emissions and cut costs. Upgrading your appliances to modern A+ rated alternatives will also help you to get one step closer to a zero-carbon home.

High quality glazing replacements – Replacing your home’s windows and doors is the single most effective way of reducing your home’s carbon emissions. Between 10% and 40% of an average property’s heat is lost through its windows and doors. By upgrading your windows, you can dramatically improve the thermal performance of your home.

Edgetech Warm Edge Spacer Bars to improve thermal performance

When you’ve decided that replacing your windows and doors is the best way to enhance your home’s thermal performance, make sure you ask your installer about warm edge spacer bar. When Edgetech Warm Edge Spacer Bars are incorporated into the sealed unit of a window system, the energy efficiency performance of the window is greatly improved.

Warm Edge Spacer Bars are designed to reduce thermal conductivity and cut heat loss through a window, improving the sealed unit’s thermal performance capacity. This reduces the risk of interior condensation forming on the glass and can have a positive impact on a home’s energy consumption requirement.

Edgetech technology can help your property to get one step closer to its optimal level of thermal performance. To give you an idea of the benefits of incorporating Edgetech Warm Edge technology into your replacement windows, you can expect the following:

Condensation reduction by up to 70%

Passivhaus certification for use in extreme climates

40-year performance guarantee

External noise reduction by up to two decibels

Exceptional energy efficiency performance

The drive towards a zero-carbon future is everyone’s responsibility. If you’d like to find out more about incorporating Edgetech technology into your replacement glazing, ask your installer for more information today. If you’d like to find out more about Edgetech you can contact us directly by emailing ukenquiries@edgetechig.com or send us a message online.

Pinnacle Bank Arena transformed with help from Edgetech Super Spacer

Published on 2nd February 2021

In 2013, extensive renovations were completed on the Bob Devaney Sports Center. Renamed as the Pinnacle Bank Arena, the large indoor arena was upgraded with over 40,000 square feet of insulated glass units. Working with IG manufacturer Manko Windows, Edgetech supplied Super Spacer for use in all the glazed units.

Sporting events and concerts at the Pinnacle Bank Arena

Located in Lincoln, Nebraska, the Pinnacle Bank Arena is at the centre of this thriving commercial metropolis. The Pinnacle Bank Arena is home to the University of Nebraska’s men’s and women’s basketball teams. It features a 15,500-seat indoor arena, two private club lounges and the Husker Authentic Team store.

Since the renovations were completed in 2013, the arena has also been the location of several high-profile music concerts. Musicians as diverse as Elton John, Pink, Jay-Z and The Eagles have graced the stage while the arena is also the main venue for the Nebraska state high school basketball tournament.

Super Spacer technology for enhanced thermal performance

The exterior façade of the Pinnacle Bank Arena features a large, curved glass frontage. Designed by architects BVH and the DLR Group alongside main contractors Mortenson/Hampton, the project has gained Energy STAR certification for its thermal performance capacity. The low-E glass used in the project enables 62% visible light transmission with a solar heat gain co-efficient of 0.27 and a light-to-solar-gain-ratio of 2.30.

The use of Super Spacer technology within the glazed units was instrumental in enabling the building to achieve such outstanding thermal performance credentials. Incorporated into the sealed units during manufacture, Super Spacer helped to create an ambient temperature inside the large multi-storey glass lobby.

Project Manger Paula Yancey of PC Sports was enthusiastic about the success of the project stating: ‘good working relationships were essential […] the daily mission is that everyone continue to work well together.’ While Erleen Hatfield from consulting engineers Buro Happold said of the project: ‘This is by far one of the best jobs of my career in terms of collaboration.’

Silicone spacers for Mexico City’s Capital Reforma buildings

Published on 3rd January 2021

The Capital Reforma buildings are two steel framed skyscrapers located in the heart of Mexico City. Construction of the two 25 storey towers began in 2007 and was completed in 2014. The buildings provide a combined function of office space, hotel accommodation, residential apartments, and retail units.

Stylish urban tower profiles for Mexico City

The modernist designed architectural style of the Capital Reforma buildings creates a stunning urban image against the panoramic Mexico City skyline. The sleek curtain walling systems used in the development accentuate the clean architectural lines of the building’s façade which perfectly complements other nearby buildings in this busy area of the city.

The emblematic Reforma district has undergone extensive regeneration and the construction of the two Reforma buildings adds a stunning real estate complex to Mexico City’s burgeoning business district. The towers combine to create 40,000 square feet of glazed exterior sections which encapsulate the progressive outlook of this Central American metropolis.

Structurally glazed silicone spacers for high performing insulated glass units

Working alongside renowned structural architects GISCA and insulated glass unit (IGU) fabricators and glass specialists Millet, Edgetech supplied spacer bar for all the glass units used in the construction project.

Edgetech spacers were the perfect choice for this large-scale commercial project. Their flexible foam construction and inner acrylic adhesive seal have been proven to provide some of the highest levels of structural performance under the most extreme weather conditions. They are designed to limit heat transfer and enhance gas retention to create and maintain an ambient interior atmosphere.

In the tropical temperatures of Mexico City, Edgetech technology played an integral role in ensuring that a commercial building achieved the required levels of thermal performance.

Alvin Hamilton Government Building, Canada – shopping centre transformation project

Published on 2nd January 2021

The Alvin Hamilton Government Building of Canada was originally built in 1968. Located in downtown Regina, Saskatchewan, it was used as a 260,000 square foot shopping centre until it was purchased in 2002 by the Government of Canada. For the next fifteen years it continued to function as a shopping centre, before, in 2017, work began to transform the building for government usage.

Extensive occupied building renovation

The renovation works at the site, previously known as the Galleria, involved a complete assessment of the existing finishes, vertical transportation, life safety and building code, and mechanical and electrical systems. All works were required to be carried out while the existing tenants continued to occupy the building.

Building contractors CCR Construction were employed to carry out the works which were required to meet LEED Silver standards for energy and environmental design by the Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC).

To achieve the stringent standards for LEED Silver accreditation, the contractors contacted Edgetech to enquire about our Super Spacer technology. Working alongside PCL-Maxam contractors and Pettick Philips Partners Architects, Super Spacer was selected to help achieve the required levels of performance.

High-end IGU with Edgetech Super Spacer

The insulated glass units (IGUs) specified for the project were supplied by leading North American glass specialists AGC. AGC are world leaders in the fabrication of high performing glazing products. Their glazing systems are used in a diverse range of large-scale commercial buildings across the world.

AGC were happy to work alongside Edgetech to incorporate Super Spacer technology into their IGUs. Once complete, the glazing systems enabled the building renovation project to meet all the necessary regulatory requirements for a natural environment where temperatures regularly drop to sub-zero levels.

The building has now been renamed as the Alvin Hamilton Government Building to honour Canadian politician and leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Saskatchewan between 1949 and 1957. The building now houses ten floors of government office space and still functions partially as a retail centre.

Super Spacer boosts thermal performance in Moscow’s Gostiny Dvor

Published on 2nd December 2020

Moscow’s Gostiny Dvor shopping centre was originally constructed in the 1590s. Situated close to Red Square in the heart of the Russian capital, the building was initially home to a wide variety of shops and warehouses. In 1789, the building was rebuilt in the Neoclassical style incorporating numerous arcades and featuring the columned exterior which we recognise today.

The Gostiny Dvor today

Over the centuries, the Gostiny Dvor has had several functions, being modified many times to house shopping arcades, offices, and various exhibitions. During the 1990s, the building underwent extensive renovations with the modern glass roof being installed in 1995. During the renovations a large area of the site was excavated, and a small museum was set up to showcase any significant archeological findings.

Today the Gostiny Dvor is mainly used for high profile fashion shows and business events. People from around the world converge at the building to share in the atmosphere of this unique site. To ensure that the building was sufficiently modernised during the period of renovation, particular attention was paid to the thermal performance of the glass roof.

Super Spacer heat retention technology for Gostiny glass roof

Winters in Moscow are regularly exposed to prolonged periods where temperatures drop as low as -10 degrees Celsius. When the glass roof was constructed it was the largest glass roof in Europe and was therefore a potential weak point for heat loss from the building interior. Thanks to Edgetech Super Spacer technology, the glass roof’s thermal performance capacity has been significantly increased to enable year-round usage.

The heated insulating glass works in conjunction with Super Spacer technology to optimise thermal performance. The heated glazing causes any snow which falls on the roof to be quickly melted ensuring that natural sunlight is allowed to be continuously transmitted through the glazing. This helps to increase interior temperatures and massively boost natural light intake. The use of Super Spacer with no metal components further increases the glass roof’s performance helping to create a comfortable ambient interior atmosphere.

Edgetech gives a taste of Super Spacer at the FIT Show 2017

Published on 7th June 2017

Industry-leading spacer bar manufacturer Edgetech, a Quanex company, took visitors back to the classroom as they showcased the ‘science of warm edge’ at the FIT Show 2017.

Offering one of the most interactive stands at the FIT Show, Edgetech shared just a taste of the thirty years of fastidious research, constant development and thorough scientific testing used to create the ground-breaking Super Spacer flexible foam spacer bar.

The stand also featured live demonstrations of Super Spacer application, showing how glazed units can be manufactured efficiently and cost-effectively using Super Spacer. To complete the science theme, visitors were also able to pick up a test tube of Super Spacer branded M&Ms.

“We had a brilliant time at this year’s FIT Show taking visitors back to the classroom and behind the scenes of our unrivalled Super Spacer,” comments Edgetech’s Head of Marketing, Charlotte Davies. “Behind all of our products, there is a wealth of research and countless hours of testing to ensure every single parameter delivers only the best performance. Our stringent and thorough research and development programme provides the evidence we need to verify the quality and performance of our products, in addition to over three decades of real-life experience outside the laboratory.”

“As experts and pioneers of warm edge, it was great to come to the FIT Show and share the facts behind the technology through our fun, interactive stand. As veterans of the FIT Show, appearing every year since the event began, we can safely say it has been one of our most successful appearances in terms of quality leads. We were able to leave the NEC having established new relationships with installers looking to gain a greater understanding of the quality inside their products, fabricators who are looking to manufacture IG and leading, established IG manufacturers who want to use the best-in-class spacer bar. With such success, we are already looking forward to FIT Show 2019!”

Founded in 1989, and today forming part of global building products group Quanex, Edgetech revolutionised the industry with the introduction of the game-changing Super Spacer flexible warm edge spacer bar. Currently celebrating a decade of manufacturing at its Coventry headquarters, the company offers a comprehensive range of components for warm edge windows.

For more information on Edgetech call 02476 639931 or visit www.edgetechig.co.uk

Edgetech Expertise: Head of Sales Tony Palmer

Published on 11th May 2017

As Head of Sales, Tony oversees the UK sales and technical activities to ensure that customers are making the most of their manufacturing..

I joined Edgetech UK in November 2010 as part of the Field Sales Team and I was promoted to my current position as Head of Sales in May 2019.

While I now have more responsibilities at a senior level a large part of my role is still to maintain close relationships with our customers. My role is effectively to be the bridge between what we can do in terms of product and service provision and what our customers are trying to achieve in the market place. I support the external team, develop our partnerships with top machinery and supply companies and act as the voice of the customer among my colleagues to ensure we are continuously improving our support offering.

How Does Your Role Support Customers?

Although I’m a sales representative, it’s not just about getting sales. At Edgetech, we offer a full support package to our customers.

My illustrious career in the industry began back in 1984 at Clayton Glass, when I worked as a window fabricator, I then moved across into glass production.

I have 26 years’ experience in glass processing having worked at some of the leading glass companies in the UK. Other industry partners I have worked for are Guardian Glass on the float line and Promac in machinery sales, so I have a good understanding of IGU manufacturing machinery.

My background helps me to support customers in a way that someone just selling a spacer bar couldn’t.

With my experience and understanding of the factory, I can advise on the layout of Insulated Glass Unit manufacturing lines and talk to customers about creating training programmes for IGU manufacturing.

One of our customers had quite an old-fashioned and inefficient IGU production line when I first went to talk to them. I managed to source a second-hand line and help them get it up and running with Super Spacer so that they could improve their manufacturing efficiency cost effectively.

The team and I are always on hand to support customers with any manufacturing questions they have. We all have loads of experience, so we can offer advice based on real experiences. It’s a great position to be in, because it’s not just about talking to the buying decision makers, it’s talking to the whole team, to make sure that customers are manufacturing as efficiently as possible.

It helps me to build a better relationship with customers and it gives them confidence that the Edgetech product they use does exactly what it says on the tin!

What Makes You Proud to Work at Edgetech & Quanex?

I’m proud to work at Edgetech & Quanex because it’s a business with strong core values that supports and adds value to the energy efficient window industry. I’m also proud to be a representative for a company that supplies good quality products into the marketplace.

Since I’ve been at Edgetech, there hasn’t been a day I’ve woken up and thought ‘Oh no, I’ve got to go to work’. I genuinely enjoy my job and I think that speaks volumes about Edgetech as an employer, the products we sell and the customers I work with.

Edgetech UK celebrates a decade of manufacturing

Published on 27th April 2017

Edgetech is celebrating a decade of manufacturing at its UK headquarters in Coventry.

Launched in 2007 after a £2.5m investment, the site became the UK’s first dedicated warm edge technology manufacturing facility, serving as Edgetech UK’s main base during a decade of rapid change.

In 2008, further investment saw the company double its capacity in response to surging sales, and, after three more years of impressive growth, Edgetech was acquired by billion-dollar building products giant Quanex. Soon after, Quanex merged Edgetech with their existing spacer company Truseal to become the largest warm edge manufacturer in the world, producing 300 million metres of spacer every year.

Now, established as the global experts in flexible spacer bar technology, Edgetech is marking both its factory’s tenth anniversary and a decade of phenomenal innovation and growth.

“We’re absolutely delighted to be celebrating ten years of manufacturing in Coventry,” commented Chris Alderson, Edgetech UK’s Managing Director. “In that time we’ve come a long way – launching some fantastic new products, and continuing to be the driving force for energy efficient glazing. Now though, we want to focus on what we do best – warm edge spacer bars.

“Thirty years on from when we launched Super Spacer, the world’s first flexible foam warm edge spacer bar, we still offer the best choice, the most versatility and the most outstanding performance of any manufacturer in the industry. From heritage to high rise, flexible to rigid, we manufacture best-in-class products to suit every context and application – and in the decade ahead, it’s our aim to make the world’s leading spacers even better.”

“We’ll be inviting friends throughout the industry to Coventry for an official 10-year anniversary event later in the year,” Chris concluded. “We can’t wait to mark everything we’ve achieved here in the past ten years, and look forward to sharing our vision of what the next ten will bring.”

For more information call 02476 639931 or visit www.edgetechig.co.uk

Edgetech Expertise: Director of Sales and Marketing Alan Fielder

Published on 1st April 2017

As Director of Sales and Marketing for Edgetech, Alan oversees the UK sales activities and technical team to ensure that customers are making the most of their manufacturing.

I’ve been working at Edgetech as Director of Sales and Marketing since 2008.

My role is to oversee all sales activities and lead a fantastic team of professionals going into the competitive and dynamic marketplace that is the glazing industry.

My team’s main job is to make sure that we achieve results for us and for our IGU manufacturing customers.

How Does Edgetech Differentiate Itself From its Competitors?

Edgetech differentiates itself by being a genuinely innovative market leader.

Edgetech were trailblazers for the warm edge market in the UK. Through the years we have brought warm edge technology to the forefront of the industry agenda.

We led the conversation on energy efficient glazing, sponsoring the first WER seminar in 2006, organising the 2009 seminar ‘Energy Efficiency in Focus – Revisited’ and holding the nationwide series of ‘Journey to C’ workshops in 2010.

The most recent big event hosted by Edgetech was The Triple Glazing Question, in 2014 – which brought together leading decision makers and figures in the industry to talk about the latest issues and opportunities for glazing companies.

With our innovative approach to energy efficient glazing and manufacturing, we help our customers go forward in their marketplace. What we try to do is to be the right partner for our customers, to help them with what they are trying to achieve.

How Does the Edgetech Sales Team Support Customers?

The sales team is effectively the bridge between what we can do in terms of product and service provision and what our customers are trying to achieve in the market place.

We have a close relationship with customers so that we can keep ahead of the issues that they are facing in their everyday IGU manufacturing activity.

The sales team also keep customers in the know about what Edgetech is doing and thinking to help them with their manufacturing processes. Whether that’s ways to improve productivity in partnership with top machinery companies or giving them an extra support service from our technical team.

How Does the Edgetech Technical Team Support Customers?

Our technical support team helps our customers in several ways.

We have a quality process audit regime to help customers make sure that they are on track in the ways they use Edgetech Super Spacer® products in terms of storage, housekeeping and how they keep their machinery running to the highest levels of productivity.

The guys are always on the end of the phone to answer questions and regularly visit our customers on site to help out with Super Spacer application training, automated machinery installation and technical problem solving.

It’s an all-round product support package for our customer’s IGU manufacturing activities.

What Makes You Proud to Work at Edgetech and Quanex?

I’m proud to be a Quanex employee because we are responsible both in terms of the way we behave in the marketplace, with our customers and the communities in which we operate.

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