Oceania Glass Alternatives & Replacements | Performance-Matched Low-E Options
Who should read this: Architects • Specifiers • Fabricators • Glaziers • Builders
Reading time: ~8–10 minutes
Summary: If your documentation specifies Oceania-branded glass, this guide provides performance-equivalent alternatives from Cooling Brothers. We'll show you how to match specifications and document compliance for smooth project approval. This guide covers replacements for EnergyTech™, LuxTech™, ComfortPlus™, EVantage®, and SolTech™, plus security and acoustic options. We explain how to interpret original specifications, match centre-of-glass values, maintain appearance, and document compliance. We also recommend adopting warm-edge spacers to maximise performance and reduce condensation risk.
Market Context: Why This Matters
In February 2025, Oceania Glass entered voluntary administration. This created ongoing challenges for projects with Oceania-specified products, including:
- Supply uncertainty and potential programme delays
- Risk to fixed-price contracts with nominated brands
- Need for rapid approval of alternative products
- Maintaining design intent while ensuring availability
This guide helps you manage supply-chain risk by substituting to performance-equivalent assemblies. These alternatives maintain thermal and optical intent, safety compliance, and appearance—allowing projects to proceed without re-engineering.
Understanding Your Current Specification
Step 1: Extract Key Performance Values
Before selecting alternatives, identify these performance requirements from your original specification:
Thermal Performance:
- U-value target (W/m²·K)
- SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient) range
Optical Properties:
- VLT (Visible Light Transmittance) percentage
- Exterior reflectance limits
- Colour/neutrality requirements
Physical Configuration:
- Monolithic or IGU (Insulated Glass Unit)
- Glass thickness and make-up
- Coating surface position (#2 or #3)
- Cavity width and gas fill (air or argon)
Compliance Requirements:
- Safety classification (AS 2208)
- Acoustic target (Rw/Ctr) if specified
- Security or privacy requirements
Step 2: Document Performance Intent
Once you've extracted these values, choosing an equivalent becomes straightforward. The key is matching performance intent rather than just product names. Use our substitution tables below to translate Oceania products into Cooling Brothers alternatives that maintain your project's requirements.
ComfortPlus™ Alternatives
- Product Type: Hard-coat Low-E glass family, often supplied in tinted variants
- Applications: Residential and light commercial projects requiring durable exposed coating with tinted aesthetics
- Key Features: Single glazing option with solar control, available in clear, neutral, and grey variants
Technical Notes:
- Tint selection affects VLT and exterior appearance
- Check exterior reflectance against project requirements
- For stricter SHGC targets or lower U-values, consider upgrading to soft-coat IGU options
EnergyTech™ Alternatives
Product Type: Pyrolytic hard-coat Low-E glass
Applications: Budget-sensitive projects, retrofits, moderate selectivity requirements
Key Features: Durable coating suitable for exposed applications or exterior lite in IGUs
Upgrade Path: For enhanced performance or stricter energy requirements, transition to InsulCool soft-coat IGU solutions for superior U-values and SHGC control.
SolTech™ Alternatives
Product Type: Solar-control coated glass with neutral aesthetic
Applications: Facades requiring reduced SHGC with controlled visual appearance
Key Features: Distinctive blue-neutral tint, excellent solar control
Colour Matching Tip: SolTech™ products have a characteristic blue-neutral appearance. Cool-E Solar Neutral provides the closest visual match while maintaining performance targets.
EVantage™ Alternatives
Product Type: Performance glass line for solar control and thermal comfort
Applications: Commercial and residential facades balancing glare control, heat reduction, and daylight
Key Features: Moderate to low SHGC with reasonable daylight transmission
Specification Notes:
- Verify required appearance (neutral vs coloured tint)
- Confirm whether monolithic or IGU application
- Consider warm-edge spacers for IGU configurations
LuxTech™ Alternatives
Product Type: Spectrally selective soft-coat for IGU applications
Applications: High-performance facades, large glazed areas, premium energy efficiency
Key Features: Excellent selectivity, low U-value with controlled SHGC
Configuration Guidelines:
- Specify coating surface: #2 for solar control, #3 for passive solar gains
- Always include argon cavity fill (90% minimum)
- Specify warm-edge spacer (Ködispace 4SG or Super Spacer)
- Standard cavity width: 12-16mm
Security Glass Alternatives
Product Types: Laminated security glass with reinforced interlayers
Specification Checklist:
- Confirm total thickness and layer build-up
- Verify required security rating or test standard
- Consider combining with IGU make-ups for thermal performance
- Check compliance with AS/NZS 2208 for safety requirements
Acoustic Glass Alternatives
Product Types: PVB-laminated glass with acoustic interlayers
Design Considerations:
- Maintain overall thickness to avoid re-engineering
- Combine with soft-coat IGU for thermal targets
- Specify acoustic performance requirements (Rw/Ctr values)
Performance Data: Monolithic
Cool E Clear
Cool E Neutral
Cool E Grey
Performance Data: IGU
Cool E Clear
Cool E Neutral
Cool E Grey
InsulCool Ultra Light-E
Like-for-Like Substitution Process
Follow this step-by-step approval workflow to ensure smooth approval of alternative products:
1. Gather Documentation
- Original specification sheets
- Energy modelling assumptions
- Architectural intent statements
- Any existing product approvals
2. Request Cooling Brothers Data
- Product data sheets with centre-of-glass values
- Make-up confirmation (thickness, coating, spacer)
- Compliance certificates (AS/NZS 4666, AS 2208)
- Colour/appearance samples if required
3. Confirm Performance Match
- U-value equal or better than original
- SHGC within specified range
- VLT maintains daylighting requirements
- Safety and acoustic compliance met
4. Prepare Substitution Package
- Comparison table showing original vs proposed
- Compliance documentation
- Shop drawings with updated specifications
- Visual samples or mock-ups if required
5. Submit for Approval
- Send to energy assessor/certifier
- Copy design team and project manager
- Include cover letter summarising equivalence
- Allow 5-7 business days for review
Pro Tip: Package your submission with a clear executive summary highlighting that performance intent is maintained or improved.
Colour and Tint Appearance
Matching appearance is often as critical as matching thermal performance—particularly on staged projects or partially completed facades. There are three key appearance factors to be aware of:
1. Base Glass Type
- Clear Glass: Slight green cast from iron content, most visible at edges and in thick sections. Maximises VLT but offers limited solar control without coating.
- Neutral Glass: Colour-balanced appearance in both transmission and reflection. No strong blue, bronze, or green bias. Achieved through spectrally selective coatings.
- Low-Iron Glass: Reduced green cast for ultra-clear appearance. Essential when "water white" edges are required. Typically 91-92% VLT in 6mm thickness.
2. Transmission vs Reflection
- Transmission (Interior View): Focus on natural colour rendering and comfortable brightness levels. Neutral soft-coat stacks maintain colourless views while controlling SHGC.
- Reflection (Exterior View): What the street sees. Neutral coatings typically appear grey/silver in reflection. Standard clear glass can show greenish flash, especially at oblique angles.
3. Variables Affecting IGU Appearance
- Coating family and surface position
- Cavity width and gas type
- Glass thickness and iron content
- Interlayer type (if laminated)
Colour Matching Workflow
Step 1: Define Visual Requirements
Document your appearance targets:
- "Neutral appearance in reflection with high daylight transmission"
- "Clear look in transmission with SHGC below 0.35"
- "Match existing Stage 1 facade colour and reflectance"
Step 2: Set Performance Parameters
List non-negotiable performance requirements:
- U-value maximum: ___ W/m²·K
- SHGC range: ___ to ___
- VLT minimum: ___%
- Reflectance maximum: ___%
Step 3: Request Samples
Order two sample sets:
- Transmission samples: Mount on light box for interior view assessment
- Reflection samples: Mount over dark substrate for exterior view assessment
Step 4: Field Verification
- View samples outdoors at multiple angles (0°, 30°, 60°)
- Check at different times (morning, midday, afternoon)
- Photograph with consistent camera settings
- Compare against existing glazing if applicable
Step 5: Create Mock-ups (If critical)
For high-visibility projects, request sealed IGU mock-ups with:
- Exact coating and surface position
- Specified argon fill percentage
- Selected warm-edge spacer
- Correct glass thickness
Step 6: Document Decision
Record in substitution documentation:
- Tint/neutrality achieved
- Coating family and surface
- Cavity configuration
- Whether low-iron glass is required
Why Warm-Edge Spacers Improve Alternatives
When substituting Oceania-specified glass, adding warm-edge spacers is the simplest way to improve energy efficiency and condensation resistance without redesign.
Cooling Brothers manufactures IGUs with two premium spacer systems - the Ködispace 4SG thermoplastic spacer system, and the Quanex Super Spacer. Both are designed for superior gas retention and long-term durability in commercial or residential projects.
Warm Edge Spacer Performance Benefits
Thermal Edge Performance
- Reduces edge U-value by up to 0.1 W/m²·K versus aluminium
- Cuts perimeter heat loss by 20-30%
- Preserves centre-of-glass performance gains
Condensation Resistance
- Raises interior edge temperature by 2-4°C
- Reduces condensation risk by up to 70%
- Prevents mould growth at frame junctions
Long-term Durability
- Superior gas retention (less than 1% loss per year)
- Accommodates thermal movement without seal stress
- Extended warranty periods available
Compliance & Documentation Requirements
Australian Standards Compliance
All substitutions must maintain compliance with:
AS/NZS 4666 - Insulated Glass Units
- Covers IGU manufacturing quality
- Specifies test methods for durability
- Requires quality assurance systems
AS 2208 - Safety Glazing
- Defines safety glass requirements by location
- Specifies human impact requirements
- Mandates permanent marking
AS 1288 - Glass in Buildings
- Selection and installation requirements
- Wind load and human impact criteria
- Thickness determination methods
Required Documentation Package
When submitting alternatives for approval, include:
1. Product Certification
- AS/NZS 4666 compliance certificate
- AS 2208 classification (if safety glass)
- WERS or similar performance certification
2. Performance Data
- Centre-of-glass thermal values
- SHGC and VLT measurements
- Acoustic performance (if specified)
3. Technical Drawings
- Updated glazing schedules
- Detail drawings showing installation
- Spacer and seal specifications
4. Warranty Information
- IGU seal warranty (minimum 10 years)
- Coating durability warranty
- Workmanship guarantee
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
1. Specification Mismatches
Problem: Assuming all "Low-E" products are equivalent
Solution: Always compare actual U-value and SHGC values, not just product categories
2. Incomplete Documentation
Problem: Submitting alternatives without full compliance documentation
Solution: Use our substitution checklist to ensure complete submission package
3. Appearance Variations
Problem: Visible colour difference on partially completed facades
Solution: Always review physical samples against existing glass before ordering
4. Edge Performance
Problem: Specifying high-performance glass with aluminium spacers
Solution: Always specify warm-edge spacers to maintain performance at glass perimeter
5. Acoustic Requirements
Problem: Overlooking acoustic specifications when substituting
Solution: Confirm Rw/Ctr requirements and specify appropriate interlayers
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I use soft-coat instead of hard-coat alternatives?
Use soft-coat Low-E inside an IGU when you need:
- Lower U-values (better insulation)
- Tighter SHGC control (better solar management)
- Higher selectivity (more light, less heat)
Hard-coat Low-E works for:
- Exposed/monolithic applications
- Budget-sensitive projects
- Moderate performance requirements
Is a brand-for-brand swap acceptable to certifiers?
Yes—when the performance intent is matched or exceeded and standards compliance is documented. Most certifiers focus on performance values, not brand names. Always provide:
- Performance comparison table
- Compliance certificates
- Clear documentation of equivalence
Can I maintain the same colour and reflectance?
In most cases, yes. We offer various tint options and coating combinations to match existing installations. Provide the below information to our team and we will propose options that maintain your design intent.
- Photos of existing glass
- Reflectance requirements
- Colour/neutrality preferences
Will condensation risk change with alternatives?
Specifying IGUs with warm-edge spacers (Ködispace 4SG or Super Spacer) typically improves condensation resistance compared to standard aluminium spacers. Argon fill further enhances performance.
What if my Oceania product isn't listed?
Contact our technical team with your specification. We maintain a comprehensive database of discontinued products and can usually identify appropriate alternatives within 24 hours.
How quickly can you deliver replacement glass?
Standard products: 2-3 weeks from order confirmation
Custom specifications: 4-6 weeks depending on complexity
Emergency requirements: Contact us for stock availability and express options
Take Action: Get Your Project Back on Track
Book a Technical Review
Share your project details for expert substitution guidance:
- Elevations and orientation
- Performance targets
- Appearance requirements
- Programme constraints
Our technical team will recommend:
- Appropriate product alternatives
- Coating placement (Surface #2 or #3)
- Cavity configuration and gas fill
- Warm-edge spacer selection
- Documentation for approval
Contact Options
Phone: 1300 040 799
Email: specifications@coolingbrothers.com.au
Online: Complete our technical review request form
Office Hours: Perth
Monday-Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Office Hours: Melbourne
Monday-Friday: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Office Hours: Sydney (Bent & Curved Glass
Monday-Friday: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
What to Have Ready
For fastest service, provide:
- Original Oceania specification or schedule
- Project location and timeline
- Quantity required
- Any special requirements (acoustic, security, etc.)
