Swisspacer Air – what is it?
Swisspacer Air is a special component that guarantees pressure equalisation in sealed units. Thanks to this small element, cracking and premature ageing of the glass can be effectively prevented, because it allows a marked reduction of the stresses inside the units resulting from differences in altitude or from climatic influences.
How does Swisspacer Air equalise the pressure in sealed units?
Swisspacer Air works by equalising the pressure inside the sealed unit with the pressure prevailing outside. Thanks to this, windows with glass of this kind can be safely transported and installed at various altitudes. Swisspacer Air is a small metal sleeve with an integrated special membrane. It is screwed into the Swisspacer spacer bar. It does not affect the appearance of the windows, because it is completely invisible. Positive or negative pressure may arise in sealed units under the influence of differences in temperature or altitude. These factors are called “climatic loads” and may lead to bending of the glass, increased stresses within the edge seal, and even to the pane cracking. The use of Swisspacer Air makes it possible to equalise effectively the pressure between the cavity and the surroundings, as a result of which all the risks caused by unequal pressure outside and inside the pane are eliminated. For this reason the use of such valves is recommended in all glazing units of windows installed in buildings situated above 800 m above sea level.
What are the advantages of using Swisspacer Air valves?
The greatest advantage of Swisspacer Air is protection against the dangerous effects of the difference in pressure prevailing inside and outside the sealed unit. They do not bend inwards even during seasonal fluctuations in temperature. However, this is not the only merit of this small element. Thanks to these valves interiors are assured better acoustic insulation, because the width of the cavities between the panes is increased, which directly affects the reduction of noise in the building.