How to Specify Glazing in Extreme Heat Locations
As IQ frequently works in hot climate regions such as the Caribbean and Barbados. We have an unparalleled, first-hand understanding of glazing practices in locations exposed to extreme heat.
In our experience, bespoke glazing packages in such areas always include solar control glass and dynamic solar coatings, as they provide the best protection against solar gain.
Solar Control Glazing in Extreme Heat Locations
Solar gain, also referred to as solar heat gain, is a phenomenon characterised by a significant temperature increase within a structure as the result of solar radiation.
Thanks to the latest solar control glass technologies, solar control coatings effectively reduce heat gain while still allowing plenty of natural light into the interior living spaces.
This is achieved by applying a metal oxide coating to the internal face of the external glass pane on a given glazing unit. When exposed to the sun, the metal oxide interlayer bounces all short-wave radiations back into the outdoors and prevents the interiors from overheating.
Intuitively, the more metal oxide interlayers are applied within the internal faces of the external glass panes, the more heat will be prevented from entering the structure, all the while ensuring optimal levels of light transmission.
Whether your design requires a neutral look or a more traditional blue glass tint, solar control glass can take any shape, shade and form, to suit any aesthetic requirements.
Dynamic Glazing in Extreme Heat Locations
Another technical glass solution that effectively manages heat gain is electrochromic glass, which is designed to change from clear to dark at the press of a button. Characterised by conductive metal ion coatings, when electricity is run through an electrochromic unit, the glass will darken and change to a more intense blue colouration which can reduce solar gain down to only 4% of the solar infra-red radiation hitting the external face of glass.
Photochromic glass, on the other hand, achieves the same result by passively reacting to sunlight intensity, darkening as solar radiation intensifies, and returning to its neutral state as it lessens.
The Bi-Metallic Effect in Extreme Heat Locations
When specifying glazing in hot climates, the bi-metallic effect must be taken into consideration as the metal framings of the chosen glazing elements can be greatly affected by extreme temperatures.
The bi-metallic effect refers to the expansion of aluminium profiles with thermal breaks when exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time. As the temperature causes the aluminium framings and their polyamide contents to expand at different rates, extreme heat can cause the bending of profiles as well as bending of an entire unit, potentially causing it to get stuck.
Thus, glazing in extreme heat locations usually features framings coated in light grey to white shades to prevent the bi-metallic effect from taking place.
To provide architects with freedom of choice for their designs, the latest shear-free interlock technologies of IQ’s glazing systems outright avoid the bi-metallic effect through a unique design that allows for the natural expansion and contraction of the exterior metal when exposed to high temperatures without disrupting a unit’s sliding action.
This way, dark frame colours are now possible in any location regardless of temperature levels.
External Shading
Alternatively, internal or external shading systems could be integrated to further shield a structure from extreme solar gain.
Concealed blind systems, for example, would provide an adjustable shading solution from within to ensure maximum comfort throughout the day as well as maintaining a minimal aesthetic,
External louvred shutters or roof systems, on the other hand, would provide a more permanent exterior shading solution.
While fixed, IQ’s louvre configurations are designed with the utmost flexibility in mind. To reduce solar gain, our louvres can be adjusted to the most comfortable angle throughout the day, offering the most customisable shading levels.
Contact the IQ team today to enquire about our bespoke glazing and shading packages for your projects in hot climates.