Serious Materials has manufactured both insulating glass, SeriousGlass, and window products SeriousWindows based exclusively on Suspended Film (SF) technology for 29 years exemplifying the reliability of SF.

Suspended Film vs Triple Pane

Suspended Film (SF) is one of the most significant technologies critical to improving insulation and achieving higher performance across a broad spectrum of glazing characteristics - without any of the design limitations typical of triple-pane glass systems.

Triple-pane glass units are 50% heavier than standard insulating glass; heavier glass requires stronger framing systems which will increase the overall cost of any building project. The extra weight can also impose strict size constraints, and may affect how much glass is used in the design of a building -- impacting the overall aesthetics of a structure. General functionality of triple-pane windows is also affected by their weight. Additional stress is placed on any operable mechanisms in the window and the window hardware, causing them to wear out quicker.

Issues with Triple-Pane Glass:

Increased project costs (more labor, sturdier frames, stronger building design)

• 50% heavier than standard insulating glass
• Aesthetic and design limitations due to size constraints imposed on the glass and window units
• More stress on frame potentially creating gaps that will allow air, water and dust infiltration
• Amount of natural light in the overall design may be reduced
• Additional stress on operable portions of the window and window hardware
• Wider glass packages may not fit framing systems or window openings

Benefits of Suspended Film:

• Improves insulation and performance across a broad spectrum of glazing characteristics
• Weight similar to dual pane glass systems
• No design limitations typical of triple-pane glass systems
• Directional tuning to enhance daylighting with morning warmth and afternoon coolness
• 99.5% UV protection -- reduces interior fading and damage
• Decreased project costs when compared to triple-pane glass

Learn more about the Features of Suspended Film used in our vinyl and fiberglass windows by downloading our brochure.

Download Suspended Film vs Triple Pane Glass