LOW E GLASS

Low E glass is a revolutionary technology that has revolutionized the glass industry when it comes to energy efficiency. It has been hailed by experts as the most significant advancement in energy efficiency since the invention of double-glazed windows. The benefits of Low E glass are numerous, ranging from increased insulation to improved comfort levels and reduced energy bills. In this article, we will explore what Low E glass is, how it works, and why it is so important for homeowners to consider using it in their home.

Table of Contents

What Is Low E Glass?

Low-e glass, also referred to as low-emissivity glass, is a type of energy efficient glass which helps reduce energy loss in buildings. It does this by allowing sunlight to pass through while keeping the heat out during summer and reflecting the warmth back inside during winter. This makes low-e glass an ideal choice for climates where summers are hot and winters are cold. But how does it do this?

The secret lies in a thin metallic oxide coating that’s applied to one or both sides of the window. The coating works by reflecting infrared light – which carries heat – back into your home, while still allowing visible light to pass through.

Hard Coat vs Soft Coat – What is the Difference?

There are two types of low-e glass – hard coat and soft coat. Hard coat low-e glass is created by coating the glass during production with a thin metallic oxide layer, while soft coat low-e glass is created by spraying the metallic oxide layer on after the glass has been produced.

Hard coat low-e glass is considered to be the more effective option when it comes to energy efficiency. It is also the more expensive of the two, as the coating must be applied during production. This is the most common type of low-e glass available on the market today since it’s suitable for single glazed applications.

Soft coat low-e glass, on the other hand, is less common since it can only be used in double glazed applications since the coating is much less durable than hard coat. On the upside, soft coat low-e glass is generally cheaper than hard coat and allows more visible light to enter your home.

Benefits Of Low E Glass

Low-e glass is renowned for its energy efficiency benefits. By keeping the heat out during summer and reflecting back the warmth in winter, it can significantly reduce energy consumption. The result is a more comfortable living environment and considerable savings on energy bills.

In addition, low-e glass is also beneficial for the environment as it helps reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. And since low-e glass also blocks UV rays, it also helps protect furniture and carpets from fading due to prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Cost Considerations For Low E Glass

The initial investment of a low e glass window is often higher than a traditional window with standard float glass. However, with the new NCC building regulations, it is now mandatory for all new residential and commercial buildings to achieve a 7 star energy efficiency rating in order to reduce their overall emissions. To achieve this, double glazing or low E glass is usually required – with low E glass often being the most cost-effective option in many cases.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (Shgc) Explained

When discussing low e glass, it’s important to know about solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC). This is a measure of how much solar radiation passes through the window and is absorbed by an object inside the home. It’s important to consider SHGC when choosing a window material because it affects how hot the interior of the house gets during summer months.

The lower the number, the less solar radiation is able to pass through. Glazing can be treated with special coatings that reduce SHGC. Different types of low e coatings are available, such as spectrally selective glazings and other multi-layer coatings. These coatings help keep a room cooler in the summer while still allowing enough light into the space.

It’s important to research different options for low e glass when considering windows for your home or business. Depending on your needs, you may require glazing that allows more or less solar radiation into your building space. Choosing windows with appropriate SHGC ratings can help maintain comfortable temperatures year-round and save energy costs in the long run.

U-Value And R-Value In Low E Glass

When it comes to low e glass, the two main factors are U-value and R-value. The U-value measures how well a material conducts heat, while the R-value measures how well it resists or insulates against heat flow. This is important because it determines how energy efficient a building is and can also affect the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) of the building.

When discussing U-value, it’s important to note that lower numbers are better for energy efficiency. The R-value on the other hand, should be as high as possible in order to provide the best insulation from outside temperatures. Low e glass has a U-value of 0.2 or less and an R-value of 2 or more. This means that low e glass provides good insulation and helps reduce solar heat gain inside buildings.

Effectiveness Of Low E Glass In Different Climates

Low-e glass is most effective in temperate climates where there are big variations in temperature between summer and winter. In these areas, low e glass can help reduce energy bills by reducing the amount of heat that enters or leaves the building. It’s also beneficial for keeping homes cool during the hot summer months.

In tropical climates, however, the effectiveness of low-e glass may be limited due to its inability to reduce solar gain when temperatures outside are already high. In this case, other methods such as shading or installing blinds or curtains may need to be employed to keep interior temperatures comfortable during summer months.

Low E Glass and it’s Role in BASIX

Low E glass plays an important role in the BASIX system. The Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) is a performance-based sustainable design tool used by architects, designers and engineers to evaluate building projects in terms of energy efficiency and water conservation. One of the criteria for achieving a BASIX certificate is that glazing must meet certain standards. Low e glass is one of the materials that can be used to meet these requirements and help buildings achieve a higher energy efficiency rating.

How Low E Glass Works With Other Building Materials

Low e glass works in tandem with other building materials to maximize energy efficiency. For example, it is often used in conjunction with insulation and air sealing materials such as caulk and weather stripping in order to reduce heat loss through the walls of a building. This helps keep interior temperatures more consistent throughout the year and can lead to lower energy costs for homeowners and businesses.

Low e glass is a great way to make your building more energy efficient and comfortable. With the right combination of materials, you can reduce energy bills while still enjoying natural light and fresh air in your home or office. With proper care and maintenance, low-e glass can provide years of comfort and savings for your building.

When used in the right way, low e glass can be an effective part of a sustainable building design that helps reduce energy costs and increase comfort. With its ability to provide insulation from heat loss as well as solar gain, it is an excellent choice for any type of building project.

Common Misconceptions About Low E Glass

When it comes to low e glass, there are a few misconceptions that need to be cleared up. One of these is that low e glass only works in cold climates. However, as mentioned above, it can be effective in temperate and even tropical climates when used in conjunction with other materials and building techniques.

Another common misconception is that low-e glass will reduce the amount of natural light entering a room. In reality, low e glass is designed to reduce the amount of solar heat gain entering a home or office, not the amount of natural light.

Finally, it’s important to understand that low-e glass is not a substitute for insulation. The two are complementary and should both be used in order to maximize energy efficiency in buildings. Low e glass helps keep temperatures comfortable while insulation helps prevent heat loss.

Our Expert Opinion of Low E Glass

As a glazier, I can attest to the many benefits of low-e glass. Low e glass provides effective insulation in both cold and hot climates, making it an ideal choice for homeowners and businesses looking to reduce their energy bills and increase their comfort. It works by reflecting heat away from the building, while still allowing natural light to enter. While it’s not a substitute for insulation, low-e glass can be an effective part of any building project’s sustainable design. I highly recommend considering the use of low e glass in your next building project.

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