Glass Technology Services Ltd (GTS) has launched two online calculators to help professionals across the flat glass supply chain work out the energy balance value – or ‘Effective U Value’ – and weight of their products.

Designed to aid with specifications and highlight some of the important factors that should be taken into account when considering the options and benefits for different types of glazing products, the tools have been provided by GTS amidst growing debate over double and triple glazing.

The energy performance calculator, based on EN ISO 14438:2002, ‘Glass in building. Determination of energy balance value. Calculation method’, helps to determine average rates of heat loss and heat gain by solar radiation entering a building through glazing. Importantly, it considers the location and orientation of an insulating glass unit to provide this effective insulation value.

The weight calculator works out the approximate weight of glass components based on the nominal thickness, shape, size, type and number of glass panes being considered, with options available for annealed, toughened and laminate.

Both feature on the GTS website at www.glass-ts.com/resources

GTS provides independent analysis, testing and consultancy services across the glass supply chain, from raw material to finished product.  For architectural glass and glazing manufacturers, processors and users, the team provides a range of specialist services, including on-site technical consultancy, failure analysis, initial type testing and determination of key criteria such as impact resistance and thermal and solar performance.

For more information visit www.glass-ts.com; e-mail enquiries@glass-ts.com; or call +44 (0) 114 290 1801.