IQ Glass (International), Sky House, Raans Road, Amersham, UK, HP6 6JQ
Specification
How Does the Window Operate?
What is the Maximum Size?
minimal windows lite
What is the Glass Specification?
Vertical sliding sash windows, sometimes known as guillotine windows, are innovative glazing solutions that give projects a ‘wow’ factor.
Oversized Vertical Sash Windows
Our sliding sash windows are designed to offer a bespoke opening, pairing minimal design with smooth action openings.
The large, insulated units can be used to create vertically sliding glass walls, introducing paths of natural light into the property thanks to the high glass to frame ratio.
Able to be specified in two or three-pane configurations and as double-height glazing elevations, this unique glazing solution is sure to enhance the design of any project.
Double Height Sash Window
This unique glazing solution is often specified as a double-height window. This means that whether the window is designed as a two or three pane system, as the bottom pane lifts up over the other pane it leaves an open aperture that can be used as an access point.
IQ have designed and installed many of these systems around the world, including a 6.5m tall vertical sliding sash window at our showroom in the UK.
Motorization
When specifying large glazing solutions where pane can weigh upwards of 500kg, we may recommend incorporating a motor to allow the system to be operated automatically with an easy control option.
Control options for automated sash windows including a wall switch, remote or it can be integrated with smart home automation and BMS systems.
For more information on vertical sash windows and how they can be incorporated into your next glazing project, contact the IQ team today.
Specification
How Does the Window Operate?
Hidden Counterweights
One method to operate these windows involves hidden counterweights, typically used for two-panel configurations. The weights are concealed within the side frames or inside the building structure itself, with a pulley mechanism discreetly placed within the header of the sliding glass wall. This approach works for glass panels that move either upward or downward.
Exposed counterweights can also be used intentionally as a visible design element on the building exterior.
Counterweighted Glass
Another method is counterbalancing the sliding glass panels against each other. This approach is common in three-panel systems with a stationary center panel. Here, the upper and lower glass panels counterbalance each other, smoothly sliding and stacking over the central fixed pane when open.
Operation
Most installations can be operated manually using an internal pulley mechanism. However, motorized automation is also available for larger, heavier glass panels.
What is the Maximum Size?
The maximum size of a vertical sash window installation depends on factors such as glass weight, thickness, and wind load.
Typically, using the minimal windows system, each sliding panel can reach up to approximately 91 square feet, while the enhanced minimal windows 4+ system allows panel sizes up to about 129 square feet.
Our team at IQ can help determine the optimal window size for your project. Contact us now with your specific requirements.
minimal windows lite
minimal windows 'lite' is our most compact vertical sash window yet, providing the same reliability and performance as our larger models but designed as a more cost-effective solution for smaller spaces. It retains the same ultra-slim frames but utilizes slightly different glass specifications and maximum dimensions, offering a lighter alternative ideal for smaller openings.
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Maximum Glass Thickness: 1¼"
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Maximum Height: 8' 5"
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Maximum Width: 5' 5"
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Maximum Panel Size: Approx. 18 sq ft
Custom sizes are available upon request.
What is the Glass Specification?
The glass specification for your vertical sash window will be customized based on your project's specific needs for performance and design.
The maximum glass thickness is 1 ⅜″ for the minimal windows system, while the minimal windows 4+ system supports glass thicknesses up to 2 3⁄16″. All our systems come standard with either double or triple glazing, featuring a low-e coating for improved thermal efficiency. Optional coatings, including solar control, can also be incorporated. Advanced glazing solutions such as heated or electrochromic glass are available and evaluated individually per project.
Our IQ team can recommend the ideal glass specifications to achieve your project's performance goals. Contact us now to learn more.
FAQs
What is the process with IQ Glass?
Depending on the scope of work and what is more suited to the individual project, there are 3 options for our installation services. These include installation on site, IQ supervisor provided to manage works by a local team or supply only with installation instructions and guidance via email/call/video call.
How does delivery work to difficult or remote locations?
Where there’s a will, there’s a way. IQ have installed glazing in some extremely tricky locations such as a rocky hillside in Africa, which sat on the edge of a cliff and only had steep dirt road leading to it. Our skilled installation teams experience allows them to think of innovative ways to safely transport the glazing for installation.
Why are UK project management skills world renowned?
With any construction project, hitting dates to avoid project delays is a massive issue. The UK has very strict regulations when it comes to planning, schedules, construction and site safety, and these processes can be applied to any project in the world to ensure work is carried out in a safe and efficient manner.
What’s the difference between American and European glass manufacturing?
Glass manufacturing standard vary between continents, and glazing solutions manufactured in Europe tend to use toughened glass rather than float glass, offer a wider variety of glazing solutions such as solar control glass and are less like to end up with roller waves in the glass, this is why IQ use European glass for our systems.
Why specify IQ for international projects?
Not only does IQ have world renowned British project management skills, but we also offer a wide variety of award-winning glazing systems that use high-quality glass manufactured in Europe. Our year of experience installation bespoke glazing packages around the world allows us the know how to advise on glazing for all types of climates.