Aerogel OW-80 Casement Window FAQs
The Origin OW-80 casement window can be upgraded to use aerogel technology, boosting energy efficiency to the highest possible A++ rating, and u-values of 0.8 W/m2K.
As the OW-80 is the only window on the market to offer this powerful insulation we have comprised some frequently asked questions on what aerogel is, and how your windows can benefit.
What is aerogel?
Aerogel is the world’s best insulator. It is an extremely low density synthetic solid. The liquid is extracted from a silica dioxide gel and replaced with up to 99.8% air (by volume), which is trapped within the tiny pores of the structure, making heat transfer incredibly limited.
As well as being an incredible insulator, aerogel can also support up to 4,000 times its own weight, and can withstand a direct blast from 2 pounds of dynamite.
What is aerogel used for?
Since aerogel was discovered in 1931 it has been used for a wide range of applications including insulating space shuttles and spacesuits, as well as within building insulation, clothing, and tennis rackets to name a few.
Why is aerogel good insulator?
Aerogel delivers 39 times more insulation than fibreglass, and can withstand very high temperatures. Aerogel can limit two of the three methods of heat transfer, making it a fantastic insulator.
Convection
The lattice structure of the solid is highly effective at minimising convection because air cannot circulate through it.
Conductive
Aerogel is composed of 99.8% gas (air), and 0.02% of silica, both of which are very poor at conducting heat.
Radiation
While aerogels are poor radiative insulators (infrared radiation transfers heat) within an aluminium window frame, the aluminium blocks any infrared radiation.
How is aerogel used with the Origin OW-80 casement window?
Aerogel is an upgrade option with the Origin OW-80 casement window.
When upgraded, the OW-80 utilises aerogel in the windows thermal break. As a result, heat transfer is considerably limited from one side to the other. Creating a stable living temperature within the home that feels “just right” all year round.
How long will aerogel last for in the Origin OW-80 casement window?
Aerogel is not affected by moisture or age, so will provide major energy savings for the life of the windows.
What u-values can be achieved with the aerogel OW-80 casement window?
Glass centre pane |
U-value |
1.2 centre pane |
1.3 W/m2K |
1.1 centre pane |
1.2 W/m2K |
1.0 centre pane |
1.2 W/m2K |
0.9 centre pane* |
1.1 W/m2K |
0.8 centre pane* |
1.0 W/m2K |
0.7 centre pane* |
n/a |
0.6 centre pane* |
n/a |
0.5 centre pane* |
0.8 W/m2K |
*Tripled glazed
What Window Energy Rating (WER) can the aerogel OW-80 casement window achieve?
The aerogel OW-80 window can achieve an impressive A++ Energy Rating.