Custom wine cellar doors can make a statement; lasting impression could be as striking as the wine collection they hold inside. One of the most critical materials for wine cellar doors is the insulated glass itself. Learn more on what it takes to make this type of glass the perfect choice for custom wine cellars.

Relatively Stronger than a Regular Glass

Insulated glass usually undergoes the process of heat or chemical treatment that can improve the binding capacity of its composition thus making it tougher than the normal glass. This particular process also makes the glass somewhat safer because when it is accidentally broken it shatters into pebble-sized fragments rather than into sharper ones just like what happens to a normal glass.

Low Emissivity

Most, if not all, insulated glass available in the market have low-e (or low emissivity) quality. Emissivity refers to the amount of radiant heat transferred by a surface, and the lesser the amount the more effective is the heat reflection. This property is very important especially for wine storage rooms located in an area where it is exposed to too much sunlight, which emits strong Ultraviolet (UV) rays that can cause changes in the chemical composition of the glass, and you don’t want that to happen. In relation to this, low-UV lighting equipment inside the wine cellar is highly recommended.

Prevents Condensation

A layer of space is created when two or more glass panes are fastened together and their edges are sealed. This space can be filled with an inert gas to prevent condensation to occur between glass panes. Specific space fillers include:

• Dry air
• Argon, Krypton, and Xenon which have lower heat transfer properties than dry air
• Vacuum

However, vacuum-filled insulated glass can be very expensive since it is quite difficult to accomplish. Making use of Argon is the more affordable option.

Slow Vapor Transmission

Adhesive materials such as sealants are used in insulated glass because of the low moisture transmission rates which consequently prevents condensation and protects the gas-filled spaces from glazing and cleaning substances. Popular types include Butyl as primary sealant and Silicone as secondary sealant used for glass panes.

Non-Heat Conducting Spacers

Glass panes are separated and fastened in place by a structure called spacers. Conventional spacers are made of metals and these are not ideal at all because of metal’s high heat transfer properties. There are insulated glass panes which utilize foam or fiberglass as spacers due to their non-heat conducting properties.

Traps Moisture

The use of silica as desiccant for insulated glass helps remove trapped moisture or vapor inside the gas-filled space. It can absorb water as well as hydrocarbons surrounding it. It is very important to choose desiccants that won’t potentially trigger chemical reactions involving the gas filling.

Soundproof

Another ultimate property of insulated glass is its soundproofing potential, which is very much sought after by many wine storage experts. Sound waves create certain vibrations that can stir up wine sediments and hasten chemical reactions producing undesirable changes on your wines.

Decorating Options

The spaces created by attaching two or more glass panes can be transformed into decorative spaces by inserting mosaic art pieces or any other stylish materials, provided they won’t cause chemical reactions with the gasses contained inside the space.