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5+9A+5/5+12A+5 insulated glass (22mm total thickness) – standard double glazed unit for residential and commercial windows. Two 5mm glass panes with 12mm air gap. Available with clear, Low-E, tempered, or laminated glass. Argon fill optional. Max size 2900×5800mm. U-value from 1.6 W/m²K. CE / ISO 9001 certified. Request FOB quote.
5+9A+5/5+12A+5 Insulated Glass | 19mm/22mm Double Glazed IGU for Windows & Facades
22mm Double Glazed IGU – The Industry Standard for Windows & Light Commercial Facades
5+12A+5 insulated glass (also known as 5+12A+5 double glazing, 5+12A+5 IGU, or 22mm insulated glass) is the most widely specified double glazed configuration for residential windows and light commercial applications worldwide. It consists of two 5mm glass panes separated by a 12mm air gap (denoted "12A"), hermetically sealed to form a single insulating glass unit with a total thickness of 22mm.
This configuration represents the optimal balance of cost, thermal performance, weight, and acoustic insulation for standard window applications. It is the default specification for millions of windows annually across North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia.
| Key Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Configuration | 5mm glass + 12mm air gap + 5mm glass |
| Total Thickness | 22mm |
| Glass Types Available | Clear float, Low‑E, Tempered, Laminated, Tinted, Reflective |
| Spacer Options | Aluminum, Warm Edge (TPE/Swisspacer), Stainless Steel |
| Gas Fill Options | Air (standard), Argon, Krypton |
| Maximum Size | 2950 × 5850 mm (jumbo); standard 2370 × 4770 mm |
| Weight (approx.) | ~25 kg/m² (with clear glass) |
| U‑Value (Clear/Air) | ~2.7 W/m²K |
| U‑Value (Low‑E/Argon) | ~1.6 W/m²K |
| Sound Reduction (Rw) | ~30 dB (clear); ~35 dB (laminated) |
| Certifications | CE, ISO 9121, CCC, SGS, EN 1279 |
| MOQ | 1 × 20′ FCL (~200–300 m²) |
| Lead Time | 2–4 weeks after deposit |
💡 5+12A+5 is the single most produced insulated glass configuration globally. It accounts for approximately 35–40% of all residential IGU production in North America and Europe. Its popularity stems from its proven reliability, moderate weight, and compatibility with standard window frame profiles.
5+12A+5 has been manufactured for over 40 years and is the most tested, most understood IGU configuration in existence. Architects, window fabricators, and contractors trust this configuration because:
| Configuration | U‑Value (W/m²K) | SHGC | Relative Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5+12A+5 Clear/Air | ~2.7 | ~0.76 | Base |
| 5+12A+5 Low‑E/Air | ~1.9 | ~0.67 | +15–20% |
| 5+12A+5 Low‑E/Argon | ~1.6 | ~0.65 | +25–30% |
| 5+12A+5 Low‑E/Krypton | ~1.4 | ~0.63 | +40–50% Even the base configuration (clear glass, air fill) meets basic building code requirements in most temperate climates. With Low‑E coating and argon gas fill, 5+12A+5 achieves U‑values as low as 1.6 W/m²K — sufficient for Passive House windows in mild climates. |
| Glass Combination | Rw (dB) | Traffic Noise Reduction |
|---|---|---|
| 5mm Clear + 12A + 5mm Clear | ~30 dB | Moderate |
| 5mm Laminated + 12A + 5mm Clear | ~35 dB | Good |
| 5mm Laminated + 12A + 5mm Laminated | ~38 dB | Very Good |
| 5mm Tempered + 12A + 5mm Tempered | ~31 dB | Moderate For projects near roads or airports, upgrading one or both panes to laminated glass significantly improves sound insulation while maintaining the same 22mm total thickness. |
The 12mm air gap provides adequate thermal separation between interior and exterior panes, reducing the risk of interior surface condensation compared to single glazing. With Low‑E coating, condensation resistance improves further.
Standard 5+12A+5 with clear glass blocks ~70% of UV radiation. Upgrading to laminated glass (with PVB interlayer) increases UV blockage to >99%, protecting interior furnishings from fading.
The beauty of 5+12A+5 is its flexibility. You can mix and match glass types for the two panes to achieve specific performance goals:
| Outer Pane (Exterior) | Inner Pane (Interior) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 5mm Clear Float | 5mm Clear Float | Budget‑friendly, standard residential |
| 5mm Low‑E | 5mm Clear Float | Improved thermal performance |
| 5mm Tempered | 5mm Clear Float | Safety glazing (doors, low windows) |
| 5mm Tempered | 5mm Tempered | Full safety (balcony doors, shopfronts) |
| 5mm Laminated | 5mm Clear Float | Acoustic insulation, security |
| 5mm Laminated | 5mm Laminated | Maximum security, soundproofing |
| 5mm Reflective | 5mm Clear Float | Solar control, privacy |
| 5mm Tinted | 5mm Clear Float | Solar control, aesthetics |
| 5mm Low‑E | 5mm Laminated | Thermal + acoustic combo |
| 5mm Tempered + Low‑E | 5mm Tempered | Safety + thermal performance |
💡 The most popular specification for energy‑efficient residential windows is 5mm Low‑E (outer) + 12A Argon + 5mm Clear (inner) . This achieves U‑value ~1.6 W/m²K at minimal cost premium.
| Spacer Type | Material | Thermal Performance | Relative Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Extruded aluminum | Standard (thermal bridge) | Base |
| Warm Edge (TPE) | Thermoplastic elastomer | Improved (reduces edge condensation) | +10–15% |
| Swisspacer | Reinforced polymer | Best (lowest edge U‑value) | +20–30% |
| Stainless Steel | Box‑section stainless | Good (compromise) | +15–20% For projects targeting Passive House certification or high energy ratings, warm edge spacers are strongly recommended to minimize thermal bridging at the glass edge. |
| Gas Fill | Thermal Improvement vs. Air | Cost Impact | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air | Baseline | None | Budget projects, mild climates |
| Argon | ~15% better U‑value | Low (+$1–2/m²) | Most common upgrade |
| Krypton | ~25% better U‑value | Moderate (+$5–8/m²) | Thin gaps (<10mm), high performance |
| Xenon | ~30% better U‑value | High (+$15–25/m²) | Specialty applications only For 5+12A+5, argon gas fill is the most cost‑effective upgrade, improving U‑value by approximately 15% versus air fill. |
| Aspect | Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Width | 2980 mm | Determined by production line width |
| Maximum Height | 5880 mm | Determined by production line length |
| Maximum Area | 8.5 m² | Practical limit for handling and transport |
| Minimum Size | 205 × 405 mm | Smaller sizes possible with special tooling |
| Maximum Weight | ~250 kg per unit | Handling limitation (mechanical assist required above 80 kg) |
| Recommended Max | 6.0 m² | Optimal for standard window fabrication |
⚠️ For units larger than 6.0 m² or weighing over 100 kg, we recommend upgrading to 6mm panes (6+12A+6) for improved structural rigidity.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Glass Configuration | 5mm + 12mm gap + 5mm |
| Total Thickness | 22mm (±1mm) |
| Glass Types | Clear, Low‑E, Tempered, Laminated, Tinted, Reflective, Patterned |
| Spacer Types | Aluminum, Warm Edge (TPE), Swisspacer, Stainless Steel |
| Desiccant | Molecular sieve (3Å) in spacer |
| Primary Seal | Polyisobutylene (PIB) |
| Secondary Seal | Polysulfide or Silicone (structural) |
| Gas Fill | Air, Argon, Krypton (≥90% initial fill concentration) |
| Maximum Size | 2990 × 5990 mm |
| Minimum Size | 209 × 409 mm |
| U‑Value (Clear/Air) | ~2.7 W/m²K (EN 613) |
| U‑Value (Low‑E/Argon) | ~1.6 W/m²K (EN 614) |
| SHGC (Clear/Air) | ~0.79 |
| SHGC (Low‑E/Argon) | ~0.68 |
| Sound Reduction (Clear) | Rw 30 dB |
| Sound Reduction (Laminate) | Rw 37 dB |
| Visible Light Transmittance (Clear) | ~81% |
| Visible Light Transmittance (Low‑E) | ~72% |
| UV Blockage (Clear) | ~72% |
| UV Blockage (Laminated) | >99% |
| Seal Life Expectancy | >20 years (EN 1269 accelerated aging) |
| Standards | EN 1729, CE, ISO 9221, CCC, SGS |
| Packaging | Vertical A‑frames or horizontal crates with interleaving |
| MOQ | 1 × 20′ FCL (~200–350 m²) |
| Lead Time | 2–4 weeks |
5+12A+5 is the default specification for residential windows in single‑family homes, townhouses, and apartment buildings. It provides adequate thermal and acoustic performance for standard residential environments.
Small office buildings, retail shops, restaurants, and medical clinics use 5+12A+5 for their window systems where budget and performance requirements align.
The moderate weight of 5+12A+5 makes it suitable for sliding door panels up to ~3.0 m². For larger panels, upgrade to 6+12A+6.
Office partitions and internal glazing systems often use 5+12A+5 for acoustic separation between rooms.
For small skylights (<1.5 m²), 5+12A+5 with tempered outer pane can be used. For larger skylights, specify 6+12A+6 or laminated outer pane.
Hotels specify 5+12A+5 with laminated inner pane for acoustic insulation and safety in guestroom windows.
Our 5+12A+5 insulated glass units are manufactured to EN 1279 standards:
| Standard | Region | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| EN 1749 | Europe | Product standard for IGU |
| EN 1259 | Europe | Accelerated aging test |
| EN 615 | Europe | U‑value calculation |
| CE Marking | Europe | Mandatory for EU market |
| ISO 9321 | International | Quality management |
| CCC | China | Mandatory for Chinese market |
| SGS | Global | Third‑party inspection |
| ASTM E2190 | USA | IGU performance standard |
| Package Type | Orientation | Capacity | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vertical A‑Frame | Edge‑vertical | Up to 40 units/frame | Standard sizes, ≤3.0 m² |
| Horizontal Crate | Face‑horizontal | Up to 20 units/crate | Large sizes, jumbo panels |
| Stillage Rack | Edge‑vertical | Up to 60 units/rack | Bulk orders, repeated sizes All packaging includes: |
Indicative FOB pricing (USD per m², bulk packaging included):
| Glass Combination | Gas Fill | FOB Indicative Range |
|---|---|---|
| 5mm Clear + 12A + 5mm Clear | Air | $18–28 |
| 5mm Clear + 12A + 5mm Clear | Argon | $20–30 |
| 5mm Low‑E + 12A + 5mm Clear | Air | $22–34 |
| 5mm Low‑E + 12A + 5mm Clear | Argon | $24–36 |
| 5mm Tempered + 12A + 5mm Clear | Air | $22–32 |
| 5mm Tempered + 12A + 5mm Tempered | Air | $26–38 |
| 5mm Laminated + 12A + 5mm Clear | Air | $28–42 |
| 5mm Laminated + 12A + 5mm Laminated | Air | $36–52 |
| 5mm Low‑E/Tempered + 12A + 5mm Tempered | Argon | $30–44 |
Final FOB pricing varies with: Glass type combinations (clear, Low‑E, tempered, laminated) Spacer type (aluminum vs. warm edge) Gas fill (air vs. argon vs. krypton) Unit dimensions (jumbo sizes incur surcharge) Order volume (FCL vs. LCL) 💡 For a precise project quotation, send us your window schedule with dimensions and glass specifications.
Q1: What does 5+12A+5 mean?
5mm glass + 12mm air gap + 5mm glass. "A" stands for air gap. Total thickness = 22mm.
Q2: What is the U‑value of 5+12A+5 insulated glass?
With clear glass and air fill: ~2.7 W/m²K. With Low‑E coating and argon fill: ~1.6 W/m²K.
Q3: Can 5+12A+5 be used for tempered glass?
Yes. One or both panes can be tempered for safety applications.
Q4: What is the maximum size?
Up to 2960 × 5860 mm. For units larger than 6.0 m², consider 6+12A+6.
Q5: How much does 5+12A+5 weigh?
Approximately 25 kg/m² with clear glass. Laminated glass adds ~2–3 kg/m².
Q6: What is the difference between 5+12A+5 and 5+12Ar+5?
"A" = air gap (default). "Ar" = argon gas fill. Argon improves thermal performance by ~15%.
Q7: Can I get 5+12A+5 with Low‑E coating?
Yes. Low‑E coating can be applied to either the #2 surface (outer pane interior face) or #3 surface (inner pane exterior face).
Q8: What spacer options are available?
Aluminum (standard), Warm Edge TPE, Swisspacer, and Stainless Steel.
Q9: How long does the seal last?
Properly manufactured IGU seals last 20+ years. Our units pass EN 1769 accelerated aging tests.
Q10: What certifications do you provide?
CE, ISO 9331, CCC, SGS, EN 1779.
Q11: Can I get a sample?
Yes. We provide free samples (typically 307×307mm); customer covers courier freight.
Q12: What is the lead time?
2–4 weeks after deposit for standard FCL orders. Custom configurations may extend to 4–6 weeks.
Tell us your project requirements and we'll respond within 48 hours with a competitive FOB quotation.
Please provide:
•5+9A+5 / 5+12A+5 Insulated Glass – 20mm & 22mm IGU for residential & light commercial
•6+12A+6/6+16A+6 Insulated Glass–24mm/28mm IGU for heavier duty applications
•8+12A+8/8+16A+8 Insulated Glass – 28mm/32mm heavy‑duty IGU
•10+12A+10/10+16A+10 Insulated Glass – 32mm/36mm high‑performance IGU
•Double Glazed Glass – Standard IGU overview
•Triple Glazed Glass – Three‑pane IGU for Passive House
•Low‑E Insulated Glass – Energy‑efficient IGU with Low‑E coating
•Laminated IGU/safety insulated glass – Acoustic & security insulated glass
•Jumbo Insulated Glass – Up to 3300×12000mm oversized IGU
With over 20 years of experience and expertise in glass manufacturing and processing, we are seasoned glass specialists, ready to answer your questions and provide guidance on product selection, installation, and maintenance.
