Finnglass’ electrically heated glass for structural glass façades and window solutions is designed to provide both indoor comfort and architectural freedom in the most challenging climates and conditions, says Timo Saukko, CEO of Finnglass. Originally designed to prevent snow and ice from blocking visibility on glass roofs and skylights, the insulating glass unit evolved based on client needs.
“When heating is installed on the exterior glass, it prevents condensation in humid climates, as well as ice formation and snow buildup in cold climates,” says Saukko. “When heating is installed on the interior glass, it can stop convection by heating glass to just one or two degrees higher than room temperature, stopping the drafts and air circulation caused by the temperature difference between glass surface and room temperature. Today, heating is applied on inner glass, outer glass or both, depending on client needs.”
The customizable product offers plenty of practical benefits, eliminating drafts and cold radiation next to big glass panes to ensure occupant comfort, as well as increasing energy efficiency by minimizing heat loss. The product also offers aesthetic flexibility, including views unobstructed by ice, snow or condensation, and a wide range of applications in glass façades, window units, rooftops, skylights, shaped glass and moving glass panes, such as sliding glass doors or casement windows.
The company can customize the product further with Finnglass’ other glass options, such as electrochromics, bird-safety patterns and anti-slip—the latter if glass is used for catwalks or floors. Coatings, such as low-emissivity, solar control or anti-reflection can also be added to the final glass unit to optimize energy flow and well-being.