Polysulphide enhances insulated glass windows: Fenzi North America Canadian Design and Construction Report special feature Fenzi North America is keeping ahead of higher en- ergy efficiency expectations in window and door com- ponents by advocating the use of polysulphide in insulated glass (IG) windows. The global company headquartered in Italy, with a Toronto office to oversee North American operations, provides sealants, aluminum and warmedge steel spac- ers and desiccants for the flat glass processing industry. General manager David Devenish says there is a lot of talk in the industry about energy-efficient windows and the growing trend for energy ratings and gas reten- tion. “Five years ago there were no requirements for this,” he said. “Now there are requirements for the initial concentration and an after cycling requirement. Once new changes are put into place over the next few years, Fenzi will be in an enhanced market position because the systems we use already support and meet those require- ments.” Fenzi believes that insulated glass (IG) windows can be enhanced with polysulphide. “It is widely known and agreed upon by industry experts, that window insulated glass units made with polysulphide retain argon gas at a higher rate than silicone sealant made IG’s,” says De- venish. “AEC (aecdaily.com) has created an ‘Architects Tech- nical Training Course’ to better understand the function of sealants in insulated glass and the long term advan- tages. Thus far we have had upwards of 1,000 architects and interested parties throughout the U.S. and Canada take the course, which is exciting from our perspective.” This course can be viewed at www.fenzi-na.com/ar- chitects-education.html. The online course gives an overview of characteristics of insulating glass sealants and the importance of long- term thermal performance, structural durability and longevity of insulating glass units. The advantages to using a polysulphide sealant versus a silicone sealant in insulated glass requirements will show these energy sav- ings with better long-term gas retention. “The city of San Francisco recently introduced a pro- gram for building owners to monitor their energy usage over a five year period,” says Devenish. “Doing so, the window efficiency will be at the forefront – and argon gas retention will have a strong impact for maintaining efficient windows. I think you are starting to see all these buildings (with LEED status) be monitored and the build- ing owners want assurances they perform as specified.” For more information about Fenzi, visit fenzi-na.com. Architects Technical On-line Training Course Selecting Insulating Glass Sealants for Durability and Energy Efficiency provides an overview of the characteristics insulating glass (IG) sealants must provide to ensure long-term thermal performance, structural durability and longevity of insulating glass units (IGUs). This is an AIA course and is absolutely free and offered on an online platform making it easier for professionals to get their learning units at their own pace. For more information visit: www.fenzi-na.com/architects-education.html 11 Dansk Court • Toronto, Ontario • M9W 5N6 Tel: 416-674-3831 • Fax: 416-674-9323 • Toll Free: 1-866-899-6799 www.fenzi-na.com info@fenzi-na.com The Canadian Design and Construction Report — Spring 2013 – 49