Vacuum Glazing in London: The Future of Glazing Technology

For London home and property owners seeking the perfect balance between preserving the city’s rich architectural heritage and embracing modern, energy-efficient technology, vacuum glazing is the ideal solution.

Whether you’re renovating a listed building with new sash windows, upgrading your home, or working on a new construction project, this article will guide you through everything you need to know about vacuum glazing.

With London’s unique blend of historical and contemporary architecture, understanding how vacuum glazing can meet your needs is crucial to making informed decisions about your property.

An Introduction to Vacuum Glazing

Vacuum glazing is set to revolutionise the way windows and doors are designed, offering a unique combination of modern efficiency and traditional aesthetics that is particularly well-suited to London’s diverse architectural landscape.

As this innovative technology continues to evolve, it is poised to become a key feature in both contemporary and historic buildings across the city.

What is Vacuum Insulated Glass?

Vacuum Insulated Glass (VIG), often referred to as vacuum glass, is a cutting-edge glazing solution that stands out for its remarkable thermal and acoustic performance.

Unlike traditional double glazing or triple glazing, which relies on air or inert gas between panes, vacuum glazing uses a vacuum between two sheets of toughened glass. This vacuum, which measures just 0.3mm, effectively eliminates the medium through which heat and sound typically transfer, making vacuum glass one of the most efficient glazing options available on the market today.

The slim profile of vacuum glass closely mimics that of single glazing, making it particularly suitable for use in London conservation areas and listed buildings where preserving the original appearance is critical.

Despite its thin design, vacuum glass outperforms even triple glazing in terms of insulation and soundproofing. We explain the advantages of vacuum glazing in more detail below.

The Advantages of Vacuum Glazing

1. Thermal Efficiency

This results in a U-value as low as 0.4 W/m²K, which is up to 4 times more efficient than traditional double or triple glazing and up to 10 times more efficient than single glazing.

For properties in London, where the comfort of your home and energy efficiency is increasingly important, this means lower heating costs in the winter and reduced cooling costs in the summer.

2. Noise Reduction

In the bustling streets of London, noise pollution is a common concern. Vacuum glazing offers exceptional acoustic insulation, reducing external noise levels significantly more than traditional glazing options.

The vacuum barrier between the glass panes disrupts the transmission of sound waves, providing a quieter, more peaceful indoor environment without the need for bulky triple glazing or expensive laminated acoustic glazing. The perfect solution for keeping peace and quiet in your home.

3. Conservation Rules

One of the unique advantages of vacuum glazing is its ability to maintain the aesthetic qualities of traditional single glazing, whilst delivering modern performance.

This is especially important in London’s conservation areas and listed buildings across areas such as Kensington, Chelsea, Fulham & Richmond – where maintaining historical accuracy is crucial.

Vacuum glass avoids the visual disturbances commonly associated with double glazing, such as internal spacer bars and double reflections. This makes it an ideal choice for homeowners and developers looking to preserve the original look of their properties while upgrading to modern standards of efficiency.

4. Durability and Safety

Vacuum glass is constructed using two sheets of toughened (tempered) glass, which significantly enhances its durability and safety. Toughened glass is much stronger than regular glass, reducing the risk of breakage.

In the event that the glass does break, it shatters into small, less dangerous pieces, meeting British Standards for thermally toughened safety glass. This makes vacuum glazing a secure option for all types of timber windows and doors, including those in high-traffic or high-risk areas.

5. Sustainability

Sustainability is a growing concern for many Londoners, and vacuum glazing offers a highly sustainable solution. The low U-value of vacuum glass means that buildings require less energy to heat and cool, resulting in lower CO2 emissions.

Furthermore, vacuum glazing is lightweight and uses fewer materials than traditional double or triple glazing, making it more resource-efficient. It also does not rely on energy-intensive noble gases like Argon, Krypton, or Xenon, which are commonly used in other types of glazing.

Additionally, vacuum glass is fully recyclable, contributing to a more sustainable built environment.

6. Slim and Lightweight Design

​​An 8.3 mm thick LandVac pane weighs just 20 kg/㎡, minimising material usage and prolonging hardware lifespan. This also leads to significant savings in storage and logistics costs. Compared to triple-pane insulated glass, LandVac is only a quarter of the thickness and weighs at least 10 kg less per square meter, all while delivering superior thermal performance with a better U-value.

Vacuum Glass vs Traditional Glazing

Why Vacuum Glazing is Ideal for London

London’s architectural landscape is a unique blend of historic and modern buildings, each with its own set of challenges when it comes to glazing. Vacuum glazing is particularly well-suited to this environment, offering solutions that address both the need for energy efficiency and the preservation of historical aesthetics.

In historic buildings, vacuum glazing allows for the installation of high-performance windows without altering the original appearance of the structure. This makes it easier to comply with the strict requirements of conservation officers and planning authorities, who often favour solutions that maintain the integrity of listed buildings.

For new constructions, vacuum glazing provides a cutting-edge solution that meets modern energy efficiency standards while offering superior noise reduction, an important consideration in a busy urban environment like London.

Where Is Vacuum Glazing Made?

Vacuum glazing was originally developed in Japan by Panasonic™ and later enhanced by LandVac™, vacuum glazing consists of two toughened glass sheets bonded together with a 0.3mm gap between them. The air is evacuated from this gap, and the unit is then sealed, utilising advanced technology to sustain the vacuum.

The Science Behind Vacuum Glazing

The concept of vacuum glazing is based on principles similar to those used in the design of the thermos flask, invented by Sir James Dewar in 1892. In a vacuum, there are no particles to conduct heat or transmit sound, which significantly reduces both heat loss and noise infiltration.

The construction of vacuum glazing involves the removal of air from the space between two panes of toughened glass, creating a vacuum that acts as an insulator.

To maintain the structural integrity of the glazing unit under the pressure difference between the vacuum and the atmosphere, microscopic pillars are placed between the glass panes.

These pillars are small enough to be virtually invisible, ensuring that they do not detract from the appearance of the glass. Additionally, advanced sealing technologies are used to ensure the longevity of the vacuum, providing a durable and long-lasting solution.

The Future of Glazing in London

As London continues to evolve, the demand for energy-efficient, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing building solutions will only grow. Vacuum glazing is at the forefront of this shift, offering a technology that meets all these needs while paving the way for the future of glazing in the city.

At Todi & Boys, we recognize the immense potential of vacuum glazing and are committed to being at the cutting edge of this technology. While our research and development are still underway, we are preparing to offer vacuum glazing as part of our product range in the near future.

Our goal is to provide London with glazing solutions that not only meet current needs but also anticipate the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Stay Updated with Todi & Boys

As we continue to develop our vacuum glazing offerings for sash windows, casement windows and external French doors, we invite you to stay informed about the latest advancements in this exciting field. Whether you are a homeowner, architect, or developer, understanding the benefits of vacuum glazing can help you make informed decisions that enhance the value and efficiency of your property.

For those interested in learning more, keep an eye on our updates and be among the first to know when our vacuum glazing products become available. Todi & Boys is committed to leading the way in bringing this transformative technology to London, ensuring that you have access to the best in modern glazing solutions.

Vacuum Glazing FAQs

How long does vacuum glazing last?

Vacuum glazing is designed to be highly durable, with a typical lifespan of 25 to 30 years or more, depending on the quality of the product and the installation. Many manufacturers offer warranties of 10 to 25 years, reflecting their confidence in the longevity of vacuum glazing. With proper maintenance, the lifespan can even exceed this range.

How much does vacuum glazing cost?

The cost of vacuum glazing varies depending on the size, specifications, and manufacturer. Generally, it is more expensive than traditional double glazing – but less costly than high-end triple glazing. The initial investment is higher, but this is often offset by the long-term savings in energy costs due to its superior thermal efficiency.

Is vacuum glazing worth it?

Yes, vacuum glazing is worth the investment, particularly in environments where energy efficiency and soundproofing are important. It offers significant long-term benefits, including lower energy bills, improved comfort, and reduced noise levels.

Additionally, it preserves the aesthetic integrity of historic buildings, making it a valuable choice for properties in conservation areas or listed buildings.

What are the main benefits of vacuum glazing?

The main benefits of vacuum glazing include:

Exceptional thermal insulation: Significantly reduces heat loss, resulting in lower energy consumption.

Superior acoustic insulation: Provides excellent soundproofing, ideal for noisy urban environments.

Slim profile: Maintains the aesthetic of single-glazed windows, making it suitable for historic and listed buildings.

Durability: Made with toughened glass, vacuum glazing is highly resistant to breakage and has a long lifespan.

Sustainability: Reduces CO2 emissions and is fully recyclable.

Can vacuum glazing be used in listed buildings?

Yes, vacuum glazing is particularly suitable for listed buildings and properties in conservation areas. Its slim profile allows it to replicate the appearance of traditional single glazing, meeting the aesthetic requirements of heritage properties while providing modern thermal and acoustic performance.

How does vacuum glazing compare to double and triple glazing?

Vacuum glazing outperforms traditional double glazing in terms of thermal and acoustic insulation, and it often matches or exceeds the performance of triple glazing. However, it does so with a much thinner profile, which is particularly beneficial for maintaining the aesthetics of older buildings.

Can vacuum glazing be repaired if damaged?

Unlike traditional double or triple glazing, vacuum glazing cannot be repaired if the vacuum seal is broken. In the event of damage, the entire unit would need to be replaced. However, due to the durability of the toughened glass used in vacuum glazing, such occurrences are rare.

Is vacuum glazing available in different finishes?

Currently, vacuum glazing is typically available in clear glass. However, it can be combined with other types of glass within a sealed unit to offer a range of finishes, such as frosted, tinted, or obscured glass, depending on your specific needs.

How does vacuum glazing affect my home’s energy efficiency?

Vacuum glazing greatly enhances a home’s energy efficiency by minimising heat loss. Its low U-value significantly reduces the amount of energy needed to heat or cool a space, leading to lower utility bills and a reduced carbon footprint.

Is vacuum glazing suitable for all climates?

Yes, vacuum glazing performs well in a wide range of climates, from very cold to very hot environments. The vacuum layer acts as an effective barrier against temperature extremes, helping to keep interiors comfortable year-round.

How does vacuum glazing impact noise levels inside the home?

Vacuum glazing significantly reduces noise levels from outside, making it an excellent choice for properties in noisy areas such as busy streets or near airports. The vacuum between the glass panes prevents sound waves from passing through, leading to a quieter indoor environment.

Does vacuum glazing require special maintenance?

Vacuum glazing requires minimal maintenance, similar to traditional glazing. Regular cleaning with non-abrasive materials is typically sufficient to keep it in good condition. As with any glazing, it’s important to avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the seals.