DUAL PANE
SINGLE PANE
When it comes to designing your dream wine cellar, one of the first decisions you’ll have to make is what kind of glass to install... Single pane glass and dual pane glass both have their pros and cons, so it’s important to know what each option offers before making a final decision.
Single pane glass is typically the preferred glass type from an aesthetic standpoint. This is because it has one framing and offers maximum glass service area visual appeal. It is also less expensive than dual pane glass. However, single pane glass does not insulate nearly as well as dual pane glass, so if you live in an area with extreme temperatures, you may want to consider using dual pane glass. Single pane glass is also more susceptible to condensation and humidity, so if you live in a humid area, you'll need to be extra careful about storing your wine in a single pane glass wine cellar. *CCC always recommends dual pane glass conditions due to the liabilities and complications that can arise from unsealed, single pane glass including condensation, fog, mold, mildew, and functional issues with the split refrigeration system.Besides looks, it's also worth mentioning R-values as it relates to insulation. (Miriam Webster defines r-value as “ a measure of resistance to the flow of heat through a given thickness of a material (such as insulation) with higher numbers indicating better insulating properties”) Single pane glass has an r-value of approximately 1. Dual pane glass has an r-value of approximately 4 to 6. By contrast, properly converted walls in a wine cellar should have an r-value of approximately 20 (or roughly 7 R-values for every 1 inch of closed cell foam applied to the stud bays). The ceiling on the other hand (assuming there is more space above) can have R-values approaching 30. The takeaway? Dual pane glass can have 400-600% greater insulation value vs. single pane glass.
Dual pane glass is two pieces of glass that are joined together by a spacer and framed with steel (ideally). The spacer creates a sealed air space between the two pieces of glass. This air space acts as an insulator, making dual pane glass much more effective at insulating.
Frameless glass is a single piece of glass that is not attached to anything else. It usually comes in sheets that are then cut to size and shape according to the needs of the project. Because there are no metal frames or other materials surrounding frameless glass, it gives the illusion of being much larger than it actually is. Frameless glass is often used in modern architecture and design because of its clean, sleek look. However, frameless glass can be more difficult to install than framed glass, and it is also more susceptible to breakage and does not provide a completely sealed application for the purposes of a refrigerated wine cellar **If you choose to use frameless glass for your wine cellar, be sure to contact us directly so we can discuss this important piece of your project!
Another reason single pane glass can be more of a liability is that it can lead to condensation issues. Because the frameless glass does not seal, warmer, more humid air comes into contact with cooler, drier air, and water vapor in the air will condense on the colder surface. This condensation can build up and eventually lead to mold migration through the walls, and ceiling of the wine cellar room. Frames significantly reduce this risk by providing a barrier between the glass.
Dual pane glass is more expensive than single pane glass, but it's worth the investment to reduce liability and ensure the proper function of your split refrigeration system (a big investment and the heart of your wine cellar!) Dual pane glass provides better insulation and is less likely to condense or fog up, and will keep the wine cellar at a much cooler temperature (optimal 55-58 degrees F). This also results in less energy being required to maintain the desired temperature inside the wine cellar and ultimately leads to lower energy bills. Dual pane framed glass is any type of glass that is surrounded by a frame. The frame can be made of metal, wood, or any other material. Framed glass is more common than frameless glass, and it is also easier to install. However, because framed glass has a metal or wooden frame surrounding it, it can appear smaller than frameless glass. If you choose to use framed glass for your wine cellar, be sure to take into consideration the overall size of the room and the amount of space you have available.
Once you've selected which type of glass best fits your wine cellar, do not make the mistake of changing conditions midway through your project. One of the biggest issues with changing glass midway through a project is that it can throw off the entire design.
For example... if you initially decide on single pane conditions for a wine cellar project, you must then run an appropriate heat load calculation to determine the refrigeration unit. The refrigeration unit then has to be considered in the overall design and layout of the room. Therefore, if you try and change the glass condition later in the project, that will change the heat load calculation. This will in turn change the refrigeration system used, and the space required to install and service which will likely affect the overall design. If you've already started construction on your wine cellar and then try to change the glass, you will likely have to start from scratch. This is why it's so important to make sure you select the right type of glass for your needs before starting your project!
So, what is the verdict? Is dual pane glass better for a wine cellar? In short, it depends. If you are looking to store your wine at a consistent temperature and humidity level, then dual pane glass is the best option. However, if you want to save on costs or have less of an impact on your home’s insulation, single pane glass can get the job done just be cognizant of the risks and liabilities mentioned above. You typically should expect internal cellar temperatures to be between 62-65 under single pane conditions.
When it comes to deciding between single and dual pane glass for your wine cellar, it’s important to weigh all of the pros and cons. If you have any questions or need help making a decision, our team at California Custom Cellars is always happy to help today and we’ll be happy to answer any of your questions.