Guardian Glass Performance Calculator

The Guardian Glass Performance Calculator, part of the Glass Analytics suite, helps you model and compare glazing options for your projects, from thermal and solar performance to acoustics, embodied carbon and overall glass performance. 

Why and how to use the Performance Calculator? 

It enables comprehensive modeling of glazing makeups, from simple monolithic uncoated glass to complex combinations of substrates, coatings, silkscreens, and interlayers. The tool applies global calculation standards to generate center-of-glass performance properties, following the ISO 15099 thermal-optical calculation procedure. With the Performance Calculator, you can also generate client-ready reports and request custom Building Information Modelling (BIM) files. 

To get started:

• simply create a new project
• load a project you’ve already worked on
• or choose Provisional Analysis to investigate product performance without linking it to a specific project.

However you begin, you’ll be exploring product combinations and understanding key aspects of glass performance in seconds. It may seem complex at first—especially if you’re new to it—but don’t worry: the interface is intuitive once you understand the basics. And to help you get started, the tool includes a step-by-step tutorial that guides you through creating your first project and glazing makeup.

Frequently asked questions about the Performance Calculator

This FAQ answers the most common questions from architects, specifiers, and designers—covering everything from accessing the tool and customizing data to generating reports and exporting results.

Access & Setup

Q: How do I access the Performance Calculator?

A: You can log in via the Guardian Glass Resource Hub (top right corner of our website) or go to Tools & Resources → Glass Analytics. Once signed in, you’ll see the Performance Calculator alongside other digital tools.

Q: What should I do if I forget my password?

A:Click “Forgot your password” on the login page. If you need help regaining access, you can contact [email protected].

Features & Capabilities

Q: Can I use the Performance Calculator for projects in different regions or standards?

A: Yes. You can select multiple regions and switch between calculation standards such as EN (Europe) or NFRC (North America). Units can also be set to metric or imperial.

Q: Are all Guardian coatings available in the tool?

A: Yes. Based on the region you select, all available Guardian coatings for that market will be shown. You can also enable discontinued products if needed.

Q: Does the tool include carbon performance?

A: Yes. By selecting embodied CO₂ in the Customize Summary Data button, the calculator provides environmental impact data for your glazing compositions, based on verified EPDs.

Q: Can I create more than one glazing composition in a project?

A: Absolutely. You can add multiple “makeups” within the same project and compare their performance side by side.

Q: Can I generate glass performance reports and specifications?

A: Yes. You can create customized PDF reports or editable Word specifications that include glazing details, performance values, certifications, and even color comparison charts.

Customization

Q: Can I add or remove columns in the performance chart?

A: Yes. You can customize the Summary Data to show only the performance values you need, such as U-value, SHGC, light transmission, or acoustic ratings.

Q: Does the Performance Calculator display emissivity data?

A: Yes. Emissivity can be added to the layer-by-layer breakdown under Configuration Performance.

Q: Can I calculate glazing slope performance?

A: Yes. You can enter a custom slope angle, and the tool will adjust calculations accordingly. This can also be included in your report.

Q: Can I display the safety performance of laminated glass?

A: Yes. You can include safety classifications such as Burglar Resistance (EN 356) and Pendulum Body Impact Resistance (EN 12600) in your report.

Q: How can I enable or switch between different glass acoustic performance values (Rw, STC, and OITC) in the Performance Calculator?

A: Go to Customize Summary Data and check the boxes for Rw (C;Ctr), STC, and/or OITC. The tool will then display the selected acoustic values in your results.

Q: How can I switch between metric (meters) and feet when configuring a glazing makeup?

A: Go to My Settings at the top left of the page. In the Unit Display dropdown, choose either U.S. Standard (feet) or SI/Metric (meters).

Materials & Options

Q: Does Guardian offer self-cleaning coatings in the tool?

A: Currently, self-cleaning coatings are not available in the Performance Calculator.

Q: Can I model secondary glazing or balustrades?

A: Yes. The tool allows you to add secondary glazing units and calculate performance for monolithic, laminated, double, triple, and balustrade glass options.

Q: Can blinds or competitor products be included?

A: No, the Performance Calculator is designed for spectrophotometric and thermal performance of Guardian glazing products. For blinds or special thermal stress analysis, please contact the Technical Advisory Center.

Q: What about enameling options?

A: Enameling performance isn’t calculated directly in the tool, but the Guardian Technical Advisory Center can assist with projects that require enameled glass.

Reporting & Output

Q: Can I request BIM files from the Performance Calculator?

A: Yes. You can request BIM files in Revit (RFA) or IFC format directly from the tool.

Q: In what formats can I export results?

A: Reports can be downloaded as PDFs, Word specifications, or CSV data tables for further analysis in Excel.

Q: How do I share feedback on the Performance Calculator?

A: Just  click the "Provide Feedback " button at the top of the screen. You can share suggestions, report issues, and even attach files or screenshots to give additional context.