What is Dryglaze

The product consists of two sets of self-adhesive magnetic tape that are attracted to each other. One set is adhered around the frame of a window and the other adhered to a 4-sided picture frame, which holds a sheet of 3mm Plexiglas. This gives a fully sealed air gap between the glass and the Plexiglas. The system works on both wooden and aluminium frames.

Dryglaze Method = Step 1 (Install Magnetic Tape + Channel Framing) then Step 2 (Add Acrylic Panes)

Why use magnetic tape?

  • Magnetic tape provides an airtight seal.
  • Using magnetic tape allows the ability to remove and return the secondary glazing.
  • Easy to install

Most magnetic tape does not align when placed together.  The A and B tape solution overcomes this. Tape A aligns with tape B.

 

Why use channel frame around acrylic pane? THE EASIEST WAY TO INSTALL

Acrylic expands and contracts with changes in temperatures. This is not normally an issue with smaller windows as the pane will flex in and out to a small degree. However on larger windows (greater than 0.5 of a sq metre) problems can occur with the magnetic or adhesive seal breaking.

  • Channel frames allow for expansion and contraction of sheets due to changes in temperatures.
  • Gives a stylish finish so neither the magnet nor the edge of the acrylic sheet are visible.
  • Prevents edge cracking of acrylic sheet.
  • It is the easiest, quickest and neatest installation process.

The channel frame is a plastic U-shaped fitting that can be slid onto the edge of an acrylic sheet. A piece slid onto each edge creates a 4-sided picture frame. The bottom horizontal and one vertical are fitted firmly up to the edge of the sheet while the top and other vertical have about a 5mm gap to allow the sheet to expand and contract.

Why use acrylic sheets (Plexiglas)?

  • Lighter and stronger than glass.
  • Over 5 times a better insulator than glass.  This means that even with a smaller air gap between panes the resulting insulation properties come close to that of retro-fitted double glazing.
  • Reduces harmful UV rays (the cause of fading carpets etc) by 90%.
  • Clearer than glass


Adhere to window frame or window glass?

Wherever possible magnetic tape (A) should be adhered to the frame surrounding the window.
On opening windows where the window handles prevent a continuous seal on the window frame, the magnetic tape can be directly adhered to the window glass.

Adhere to window frames – wider tape and frame to be used

  • Great for fixed windows.
  • Gives a bigger air gap which improves insulation.


Adhere to window glass – narrow tape and frame to be used for best aesthetics

  • Great for opening windows and many sliding doors.  For many opening windows the window handles are an issue. NOTE: other alternative solutions require the acrylic to be cut with a jig-saw to go round the handle.  This breaks the seal and reduces the air gap insulation effectiveness.
  • Bottom of window frame is a gravitational support for framed sheet.
  • Although the air gap is only 4.5mm it is as effective as two panes of glass with a larger air gap because of the insulation properties of Plexiglas which are 5 times better than glass.