Useful Tools
Creating Better One-Stop Glass & Aluminum Solutions
Thermal Insulation Performance Tools
In architectural glass design, thermal insulation is a key priority. From single-pane options to high-performance glass for passive buildings, factors such as light transmittance, solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), and U-value must be carefully evaluated to fit each project. Here are essential tools to help architects and designers make informed choices.
WINDOW is a glass performance calculation tool developed by Berkeley National Laboratory. In the residential sector, windows with Low-E coatings account for over 80% of the market share, while in the commercial sector the share exceeds 50%. WINDOW complies with NFRC100-2010 and EN673 standards, making it a highly reliable software.
Click here to download the latest version of WINDOW 7.8.80: https://windows.lbl.gov/window-software-downloads
Like the WINDOW software, OPTICS was developed by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Its main function is to allow users to design their own glass configurations, including laminated glass, insulating glass units (IGUs), and laminated IGUs. When used together with WINDOW, it enables performance calculations for most glass combinations.
Download OPTICS here: https://windows.lbl.gov/optics-downloads
The International Glazing Database (IGDB) collects optical data for glass products. IGDB is included as part of the WINDOW download package. Most of the experimental input data required to calculate window energy performance indicators (such as U-factor and g-value) are sourced from IGDB.
Click here to download IGDB: https://windows.lbl.gov/igdb-downloads
Calumen is a free online tool developed by Saint-Gobain Glass. This digital simulation program allows users to calculate or evaluate the light, energy, thermal, and acoustic performance of glazing units from the Saint-Gobain product catalogue, or to find the right glazing unit based on a project’s performance requirements.
Click here to access Calumen: https://calumen.com/
Guardian Glass Analytics is a comprehensive suite of glass analysis resources that provide façade solutions, helping architects, designers, glaziers, and fabricators explore both the aesthetic and functional possibilities of building with light, while meeting complex energy, daylighting, and sustainability requirements. Each tool supports users in selecting the right products and guides them in establishing a solid foundation for their project design.
Click here to access Guardian Glass Analytics: https://www.guardianglass.com/eu/en/tools-and-resources/tools/glass-analytics
Similar to Calumen and Guardian Glass Analytics, AGC has also developed an online glass configurator. This tool is designed to help designers identify the glass configurations and coatings required for their projects, particularly within the European market.
Click here to access the AGC Glass Configurator: https://www.agc-yourglass.com/configurator/en
This thermal and optical performance data simulation tool utilizes the industry accepted softwareWindow7.3 operated by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) using International GlazingDatabase (lGDB) v76.The available glass manufacturer contains Vitro, AGC, Cardinal, CSG, etc, much better than other tools
Click here and turn to VITRO glass configurator: http://construct.vitroglazings.com
Pilkington Sun Management Calculator
A convenient interactive tool for calculating the most common glazing combinations and even generating an outline specification for each, ready to integrate into your project documentation.
Pilkington Thermal Stress Calculator
Helps determine whether different types of glass need to be heat-treated or tempered under various conditions.
Pilkington Sunangle Calculator
A practical tool for calculating solar geometry variables for architectural design.
Access the tools here: https://www.pilkington.com/en/us/window-manufacturers/tools-and-calculators
The Technoglass Glass Configurator is a simple online tool showcasing Technoglass and selected PPG solar products, primarily serving users and clients in South America.
Click here to access the Technoglass Glass Configurator: https://www.tecnoglass.com/es/desempeno
Acoustic Performance Tools
Noise is becoming a serious form of pollution, especially from traffic. One important function of glass is sound insulation. In general, the thicker the glass, the better its acoustic performance. In certain cases, such as cinemas or conference rooms where high acoustic standards are required, designers can use the following tools to analyze the sound insulation performance of glass.
The Guardian Acoustic Assistant is a tool for evaluating the acoustic performance of different types of glass.
Given the vast number of possible glass combinations, it is not feasible to perform certification tests on all of them. The information in the Acoustic Assistant is compiled based on test protocols and assessment methods developed by Guardian.
Click here to access the Guardian Acoustic Assistant: https://glassanalytics.guardian.com/acoustics/calculator
Eastman Soundpro is an intuitive and flexible tool that provides performance data for tested glass configurations and allows estimations for custom glass setups.
Specific performance targets (such as STC, OITC, Rw) and glass characteristics (such as type and thickness) can be used as filter criteria.
Click here to access Eastman Soundpro: https://www.saflex.com/tools
Trosifol Lab, developed by Kuraray PVB, contains hundreds of glass configurations. Users can also find suitable glass combinations by inputting glass thickness.
Click here to access Trosifol Sound Lab: https://soundcalculator.trosifol.com/
Viracon acoustic glass is composed of various types of glass and sound-insulating window frames. The data is based on tests conducted on 36″ x 84″ glass panels in a sound-insulated wall according to ASTM E413-87.
OITC values are estimated from these tests. Glass size and the overall glazing system can affect the STC rating.
Click here to view Viracon’s acoustic performance: https://www.viracon.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/ViraconAcousticPerfDataTables.pdf
Despite above tools,there’s a simple formula that can helps designers and architects to get an rough estimation of glass STC values, click here to check our posts: How to calculate the glass STC.
One of the key properties of glass is its sound insulation. Whether single-pane, laminated, insulating (IGU), or laminated insulating glass, glass can effectively reduce noise from outside.
The general ranking of acoustic performance from low to high is:
Single-pane glass < Laminated glass < Double-glass IGU < Triple-glass IGU < Laminated IGU.
Here, we introduce simple formulas to estimate the STC (Sound Transmission Class) of glass.
1. Single-pane glass
Formula:
R=13.5logM+13
- R: STC of single-pane glass
- M: glass density
Example: 6mm clear tempered glass
STC=13.5×log(6×2.5)+13=28.87 dB
2. Laminated glass
Formula:
R=13.5log(M1+M2)+13+R1
- R: STC of laminated glass
- M₁, M₂: densities of the glass panes
- R₁: additional STC due to the laminate
Typical R₁ values for PVB layers:
- 0.38 mm → 4 dB
- 0.76 mm → 5.5 dB
- 1.14 mm → 6 dB
- 1.52 mm → 7 dB
Example: 21.52 mm tempered laminated glass
STC=13.5×log(10×2.5+10×2.5)+13+7=42.93 dB
Some PVB manufacturers, such as Kuraray and Decent, have developed advanced interlayers that can further enhance acoustic performance. While the difference compared to standard PVB laminated glass may be only 2–3 dB, it is perceptible in practice.
3. Insulating glass / Double-glass IGU
Formula:
R=13.5log(M1+M2)+13+R1
- R: STC of IGU
- M₁, M₂: glass densities
- R₁: additional STC from the air gap (for IGU, R1=0.1×air gap thickness in mm)
4. Laminated IGU
Formula:
R=13.5log(M1+M2+M3)+13+R1+R2
- R₁: additional STC from PVB
- R₂: additional STC from the air gap
Example: 6 + 1.14 PVB + 16A + 6 mm
STC=13.5×log(6×2.5+6×2.5+6×2.5)+13+6+0.1×16=42.91 dB
From these formulas, it is clear that the key factors influencing the acoustic performance of glass are: glass thickness, PVB interlayer thickness, and glass type.
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