Frequently asked questions

Instead of using air or argon gas for insulation, Enthermal™ uses a near-perfect vacuum to dramatically reduce thermal conductance, convection, and radiation, increasing insulating performance.

Enthermal™ is available in 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, and 12 mm thicknesses, using combinations of 4 mm, 5 mm, and 6 mm glass panes.

Enthermal™ is available in custom sizes from 12 in × 18 in (305 mm × 457 mm) to 60 in × 96 in (1524 mm × 2438 mm), in 1/16-inch (1.6 mm) increments for 10 mm, 11 mm, and 12 mm unit thicknesses.
For 8 mm and 9 mm unit thicknesses, Enthermal™ is available in custom sizes from 12 in × 18 in (305 mm × 457 mm) to 52 in × 84 in (1219 mm × 2134 mm), in 1/16-inch (1.6 mm) increments.

LuxWall offers rectangular Enthermal™ units. Custom shapes for projects are supported using laminated glass or traditional insulated glass units.

LuxWall offers a wide range of Low-E coatings, allowing optimisation for visible light transmittance, U-factor and R-value, SHGC, colour, and exterior reflectance. Refer to LuxWall Enthermal™ product data sheets for Low-E coating design options.

Yes. LuxWall offers tinted substrates including bronze, green, grey, blue, light grey, and light blue, with double-silver and triple-silver Low-E coatings. Refer to LuxWall Enthermal™ product data sheets for Low-E coating design options.

They are micro-pillars that maintain the vacuum gap, preventing the panes from collapsing and touching under atmospheric pressure, while remaining nearly invisible.

The metal strip is a getter that actively absorbs residual gases inside the vacuum space, maintaining a high vacuum level over the life of the unit. This ensures consistent thermal performance, prevents fogging, and extends the Enthermal™ unit’s lifespan.

The protective metal cap shields the Enthermal™ evacuation port from physical damage, moisture, and environmental contaminants. This preserves vacuum integrity and maintains peak thermal performance throughout the unit’s lifespan.

LuxWall uses tempered glass exclusively because it is up to 10 times stronger than annealed glass and up to three times stronger than heat-strengthened glass. It safely withstands impact, thermal stress, and the high pressures created by the vacuum space.
The vacuum generates internal stress on the glass panes, and tempered glass ensures structural integrity, long-term durability, and consistent thermal performance. If broken, tempered glass shatters into small, blunt granules, enhancing occupant safety.

The U-factor is thermal transmittance, or the heat loss, through a structural element or member. The lower the Enthermal™ U-factor, the better the insulation.

Typical savings range from 20–50% of HVAC energy consumption, depending on window-to-wall ratio, HVAC fuel source, local utility rates, existing glazing type, climate, building orientation, and building design.

Yes. It stabilises interior temperatures by moderating the interior glass surface temperature and reducing heat loss and gain through the windows on peak days. This reduces peak HVAC demand at the building level.

With appropriate coatings, Enthermal™ can significantly reduce UV transmission and UV-damage-weighted transmission, protecting interiors and furnishings from fading.

Yes. Enthermal™ reduces sound transmission by up to 50% relative to single-pane glass, and up to 20% relative to double-pane glass. Sound reduction is highly dependent on the framing system, glass pane thickness, and Enthermal™ end-unit configuration.

Larger units can provide better sound attenuation than smaller units. Appropriate design studies are recommended to determine the right Enthermal™ configuration to maximise sound reduction.

Enthermal™ offers six times better insulation than double-pane units in a thinner profile, resulting in significantly lower heating and cooling costs.

Enthermal™ offers three times better insulation than triple-pane units in a thinner profile, reducing weight and frame load. It also allows more natural daylight due to higher visible light transmission with a single Low-E coating, and lower embodied carbon through the use of two panes of glass rather than three.

Enthermal™ is designed and tested to deliver a lifespan of 30 years or more with sustained thermal performance.

LuxWall Enthermal™ comes with a 20-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects, seal integrity, and vacuum performance. This ensures the Transparent Insulation maintains high thermal performance, clarity, and durability over time. For full LuxWall Limited Liability Warranty details, contact LuxWall Customer Support via phone (+1 888 229 1039) or email (info@luxwall.com).

No. Units are sealed with high-precision materials that maintain vacuum integrity, and the getter adsorbs residual gases throughout the lifespan of the unit.

Vacuum loss can occur if the Enthermal™ perimeter edge seal is damaged, the metal cap is dislodged or removed, the unit experiences severe impact, or the unit is exposed to operating conditions outside stated specifications.

A failed unit may show visible signs of vacuum loss, including fogging, condensation between the glass panes, or a noticeable drop in thermal insulation performance.

If the vacuum is lost, the unit behaves like standard double-pane insulating glass, losing its high thermal and acoustic performance. The unit will not shatter or break, as LuxWall Enthermal™ is designed for safety and predictable performance.

No. The high-strength perimeter seal ensures the glass panes remain intact, and Enthermal™ units use tempered glass, which is up to 10 times stronger than annealed glass, reducing the risk of breakage.

Yes. The tempered glass used in LuxWall Enthermal™ units can be heat soaked. Heat soaking reduces the risk of spontaneous breakage caused by nickel sulfide inclusions. While not required for all applications, it can be requested for projects where heat soaking is specified, as LuxWall’s manufacturing process and glass selection already minimise breakage risk.

LuxWall Enthermal™ units are engineered to meet or exceed standard building code wind load requirements. The combination of fully tempered glass, vacuum spacing, and reinforced high-strength edge seals allows the units to resist deflection and stress caused by high winds, ensuring structural integrity and consistent insulation performance, even in extreme weather conditions.

Depending on unit size, Enthermal™ thickness, and frame configuration, LuxWall Enthermal™ can handle design pressures equivalent to wind speeds of up to 175 mph. Refer to LuxWall’s Wind Load and Deflection Application Note for additional information.

No. The vacuum and edge seals are designed to remain intact under normal and extreme wind loads. High winds do not compromise thermal performance when units are properly installed.

Interior condensation occurs when high indoor humidity contacts a colder room-side glass surface. Because Enthermal™ significantly raises the interior glass surface temperature due to its high insulation performance, the likelihood of interior condensation is greatly reduced. This is evidenced by Enthermal™ achieving a condensation resistance factor rating of 77.

Yes. Exterior condensation can occur when warm, humid outdoor air contacts the cooler exterior glass surface. This is a normal result of Enthermal™’s high insulation performance and does not indicate a defect. Exterior condensation typically dissipates as temperatures rise or humidity levels drop.

Yes. LuxWall Enthermal™ units are made from tempered glass, metal alloy spacers, and a metal protective cap, all of which are recyclable. For large-scale recycling, LuxWall recommends working with a certified glass recycling facility capable of separating metalised components.

No. LuxWall Enthermal™ is manufactured to meet global safety and environmental standards and contains no asbestos, lead, mercury, or other restricted hazardous substances. All Enthermal™ materials comply with OSHA, REACH, TSCA, RoHS, CLP, 3TG, and Red List requirements.

No. LuxWall products do not incorporate lead or lead oxide in either raw materials or finished products.

Enthermal™ units can be treated like conventional insulating glass units. Where recycling facilities exist, glass and metal components should be separated for recycling. If specialised recycling is unavailable, Enthermal™ units may be disposed of through authorised construction and demolition waste channels

Yes. Although Enthermal™ uses tempered glass for safety, units should still be handled carefully to prevent breakage. Avoid crushing or cutting units, and always follow local regulations for glass disposal.

Yes. LuxWall provides compliance and material declaration certificates on request, confirming adherence to REACH, TSCA, CLP, RoHS, 3TG, and Red List standards.

Clean using commercially available non-abrasive glass cleaners or mild detergents with warm water and soft cloths. Avoid harsh chemicals or sharp tools that could damage the glass surface.

Do not attempt to reattach the cap yourself, as improper handling may compromise the vacuum seal. Contact LuxWall Customer Support via phone (+1 888 229 1039) or email (info@luxwall.com). LuxWall or its partners may be able to apply a replacement protective cap to the installed unit.

Ensure your safety first. Enthermal™ uses tempered glass, which breaks into small, blunt fragments. Clear the area and avoid handling broken glass. Contact LuxWall Customer Support for guidance on next steps.

Only qualified glazing or window professionals should remove and replace the unit. Do-it-yourself replacement may compromise frame integrity or warranty coverage.

No. Once the glass breaks, the vacuum seal is lost and the unit cannot be repaired. The Enthermal™ unit must be replaced, although the existing sash or frame may still be usable.

Contact LuxWall Customer Support by phone, email, or via the contact form on the LuxWall website.

LuxWall provides technical data sheets, CSI three-part specifications, installation guidelines, glass and Low-E coating selection support, whole-building energy modelling, wind load and thermal deflection support, and project consultation.

Yes. LuxWall can develop custom energy models using the US Department of Energy-approved EnergyPlus whole-building simulation tool to estimate energy savings.

Depending on location, projects may qualify for utility rebates, tax credits, incentive programs, or historic renovation grants. Contact LuxWall Customer Support for current incentive options.

Yes. Enthermal Plus™ units can be manufactured with the protective cap facing the interior building space or located within the air or argon cavity of the standard insulating unit.

Enthermal™ is compatible with most industry-standard spacer systems, primary sealants, secondary sealants, and desiccant materials. Contact LuxWall Customer Support for material compatibility confirmation.

LuxWall Enthermal™ glass-only retrofits offer lower installed cost, faster installation, reduced disruption, lower embodied carbon, and faster return on investment by reusing existing frames.

LuxWall and its installation partners conduct on-site consultations to assess frame condition, operation, sealing performance, and water and air infiltration. A recommendation is then made for either a glass-only retrofit or full frame replacement.

Frames must be structurally sound and square. If deterioration is identified, frames must be repaired or replaced before installing Enthermal™ units.

Enthermal™ is engineered to fit conventional frame systems and meets structural, wind load, safety glazing, and thermal performance standards. A structural assessment is recommended if the Enthermal™ unit weighs more than the existing glazing.

Yes. Certified installers remove existing glazing components, repair leakage paths, and install Enthermal™ with new glazing materials to ensure a weather-tight seal.

Yes. If wall-to-frame leakage is identified, solutions such as low-expansion foam or weather-sealing sealants are typically applied.

Yes. Certified installers assess glazing pocket dimensions and recommend the appropriate Enthermal™ unit thickness and glazing components to ensure proper fit and sealing.

Typically 45–60 minutes per opening, depending on existing glazing conditions. Final time estimates are provided after the on-site consultation.

No significant disruption is required. Installation is fast, quiet, and clean compared to full frame replacement.

Most standard window sizes are compatible. Oversized frames may require evaluation, but the majority of residential and commercial frames are suitable.

Enthermal™’s very low U-factor increases interior glass surface temperature, which transfers heat laterally to the glass edge and frame, improving overall window thermal performance. Results vary based on frame material and construction.

Yes. Interior condensation is significantly reduced due to improved insulation. Exterior condensation may still occur under certain conditions and indicates high thermal performance.

Yes. Enthermal™ is well suited to historic preservation projects where frames must remain unchanged. Glass selection should be coordinated with local historic authorities.