Dow Corning Technology Increases Window Energy Efficiency

New technology from Dow Corning is helping homeowners and businesses save energy by replacing traditional gaskets and metal inserts that hold window glass into frames with silicone sealants.

The sealants allow window manufacturers to create larger, more efficient windows that provide better thermal insulation and let in more daylight, which reduces the need for artificial lighting.

"In Europe, the building sector alone is responsible for more than 40 percent of energy demand and windows in particular are accountable for a significant amount of unwanted heat gain and loss," said Dow Corning's construction industry director, Ron Fillmore. "Advanced silicone adhesives enable large, dramatic windows that offer occupants a sense of spaciousness and a connection with nature while reducing lighting costs."

The new technology is receiving high marks from independent rating organizations. In May 2008, PVC windows using silicone technology moved from a C- to an A- rating in the BRE (Building Research Establishment) Green Guide, which is used by specifiers and end-users to select materials based on their environmental impact. The windows can also be ranked higher in the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) labeling system, which helps consumers, retailers, architects, building owners and others choose the most energy efficient windows for their projects.

"Window rating systems not only give consumers information about the windows they purchase but also create an incentive for window manufacturers to improve the performance of their products," said Andreas Wolf, scientist and new opportunity development specialist for the global construction industry at Dow Corning. "Ultimately, this should lead to an increased number of high-performance windows being installed in Europe and, as a result, to a reduction in buildings' energy use and carbon emission."

Dow Corning provides performance-enhancing solutions to serve the diverse needs of more than 25,000 customers worldwide. A global leader in silicones, silicon-based technology and innovation, Dow Corning offers more than 7,000 products and services via the company's Dow Corning® and Xiameter® brands. Dow Corning is a joint venture equally owned by The Dow Chemical Company and Corning, Incorporated. More than half of Dow Corning's annual sales are outside the United States.

Source: Dow