Thermal Performance & Energy Efficiency
Are INICIO steel exterior doors thermally broken?
Yes. Every INICIO steel exterior door features a thermally broken frame with a fiberglass-reinforced polyamide insulating core. This thermal break separates the interior and exterior steel profiles, dramatically reducing heat transfer and condensation. Combined with insulated glazing options up to 52mm thick, INICIO steel doors deliver exceptional energy efficiency suitable for even the harshest climates.
What are the NFRC energy performance ratings for INICIO steel doors?
INICIO steel doors have been tested by a third-party laboratory to NFRC standards. Steel hinged doors (inswing) achieve U-Factors as low as 0.35, SHGC as low as 0.19 (L-SHGC) or 0.22 (H-VLT), Visible Transmittance up to 0.49, and Condensation Resistance of 54. Steel lift and slide doors achieve similar performance with U-Factors as low as 0.35 and CR ratings of 55. These meet the energy efficiency certification criteria established by both the U.S. EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy.
What is the difference between INICIO's H-VLT and L-SHGC glass options?
INICIO offers two Ag? (triple-silver Low-E) glass options. H-VLT (High Visible Light Transmittance) allows more natural light into the home and is best for northern climates or rooms where maximum daylight is desired. L-SHGC (Low Solar Heat Gain Coefficient) provides superior solar heat resistance and is ideal for warmer climates, south-facing facades, or projects requiring minimized solar heat gain. Both options feature argon gas fill and three layers of Low-E silver coating for superior energy efficiency, insulation, and UV protection.
Can INICIO steel doors accommodate triple-pane glazing?
Yes. INICIO steel doors accept standard 1-inch (27mm) glazing and can accommodate insulated glass units up to 2 inches (approximately 52mm) thick. This supports both dual-pane and triple-pane glazing configurations, making them an excellent choice for high-insulation requirements in colder climates.
Do INICIO steel exterior doors meet ENERGY STAR requirements?
INICIO steel windows and doors meet the stringent energy efficiency certification criteria set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. The combination of thermally broken steel frames, polyamide insulating cores, and high-performance Ag? insulated glazing with argon gas fill allows INICIO products to achieve the thermal performance thresholds required for energy efficiency certifications.
What U-Factor do INICIO steel direct glazed windows achieve?
INICIO steel direct glazed windows achieve U-Factors as low as 0.30 with no grids using Ag? glass ? among the best in the steel window category. With SDL grids, the U-Factor is 0.31, and with TDL grids it is 0.42. The Condensation Resistance rating is 60 and Visible Transmittance reaches up to 0.61 with the H-VLT glass option.
How does the thermal break technology in INICIO steel doors work?
INICIO steel doors use a fiberglass-reinforced polyamide insulating core positioned between the interior and exterior steel profiles. This polyamide thermal break creates a non-conductive barrier that dramatically reduces heat transfer through the steel frame. Combined with the profile design that accommodates passive and solar control insulating glass, the thermal break system ensures maximum energy efficiency while maintaining the slim, elegant steel sightlines.
