What is a Replacement Window Spacer?
When you’re in the market for replacement windows, you’ll probably hear a lot about the NRFC ratings, (which I talk about in another post if you aren’t familiar with NFRC ratings), and also the glass and the installation itself … but another important factor is the replacement window “spacer.”
Any replacement window that has more than one pane of glass will have some type of spacer system.
The spacer is not simply the space between the panes of glass but it is the material that is used to hold the glass in place from between the panes. It also keeps the seal of glass air tight to keep in inert gas like argon or krypton gas.
Why is the Type of Spacer Important?
The spacer is one of the factors that affects the overall efficiency of the windows.
If the spacer is aluminum, the efficiency of the window will not be as effective as a spacer made of stainless steel (which is less conductive).
Many window manufacturers are now offering ‘warm-edge’ spacers that are generally made of a composite material. This type of spacer can help to improve the condensation rating (and by improve, we mean lower the likelihood of condensation, but you can read more about that here).
What Type of Window Spacer Should I Get?
My two cents worth is that you can ask the company you’re considering hiring if they have a some type of ‘warm-edge’ replacement window spacer. Generally the cost to upgrade should not be too much, but I feel is well worth it if you care about having a quality product that will last.
Here at Freedom Windows we use a Nickle Alloy stainless steel warm edge intercept spacer in all of our windows, but nearly any replacement window company worth it’s salt should be able to offer this as well.
