The transparent microscopic coating ensures the influx of natural light and keeps the temperature warm in cold weather and cool in warm temperatures. Low-E glass reduces greenhouse emissions and plays an efficient role in temperature balancing; consequently improving the environment. Furthermore, Low-E glass has two types of coats ensuring thermal efficiency.
Types of coats in Low-E glass
The coating of Low-E glass is made with metals like zinc, silver, and tin. The coat is either made of a single metal or three metallic layers.
The coatings have two types. These types are differentiated based on the manufacturing process and the after-effects.
Soft coat Low-E glass
In soft coat Low-E glass, the metallic layer is applied on the pre-cut sheets of glass. The coat is applied at room temperature after the glass is manufactured. Inert gas is bombarded on glass in an electric chamber. The gas transfers the metal ions to the glass and a soft coat are formed. The coating is thin, soft and fragile and hence named soft coating. The soft coat Low-E is enclosed within double-glazed glass thermal pane to protect the coating from being touched or scratched and to increase its longevity. This glass is low maintenance and easy to clean because the coat is in a double-glazed glass.
Hard coat Low-E glass
In hard coat e-glass, the metallic layer is coated on the glass during the manufacturing process. The glass is in a molten state. The molten state of the glass and metallic coat ensures a strong bond between the metallic coat and glass. The side of the glass with the metallic coat is framed towards the interior side of the building. The interior coating is not exposed to weather damage and effectively blocks radiation. A phenomenon called Haze might appear under the right lighting conditions and is very similar to the variegated look you might see in the coated windshield glass of a new vehicle. Hard coat Low-E glass is more durable and holds up better to handling during the manufacturing process. Hawkeye Windows and Doors provides quality Low-E glass for doors and windows to make sure that your house is radiant, warm, and has a sleek look.
Types of Low-E glass
Low-E glass is available in two types depending on the location of your house and the surrounding climatic environment.
Solar Low-E glass
Solar Low-E glass is designed in such a way that it prevents the flow of excessive solar heat in buildings. The glass keeps the buildings cool and avoids any solar gain. This type of Low-E glass is efficient in energy reduction. The buildings have a cool temperature reducing the need for air conditioners. Soft coat Low-E works better for low solar heat gain.
Passive Low-E glass
Passive Low-E glass is designed in such a way that it allows a maximum influx of solar energy within the building. This type is ideal for houses in a colder environment as you do not have to rely on artificial heating systems. The solar energy coming from the glass keeps the house warm. Hard coat Low-E works best for solar heat gain properties.
How does Low-E glass work?
The ideal thermal emissivity value lies in-between 0 and 1. Emissivity is the term referred to as the number of radiations emitted from the glass surface. The clear glass has an emissivity level of 0.9% making it a high heat emitter. The statistics show that 90% of heat from a clear standard glass is passed in the house. Only 10% is reflected in the environment leaving the other 90% to increase the temperature of the building. The transparent, non-toxic low e coating can inverse this. The Low-E glass is made up of metallic coats that reflect the maximum thermal heat regulating a moderate temperature in the building.
What are the benefits of Low-E glass?
Low-E glass has plentiful and positive benefits. The glass is designed in such a remarkable manner that it regulates the temperature of the building, protects from hazardous UV radiations, reflect thermal radiation, and reduces greenhouse emission.
Protection From UV Radiations
The Low-E glass reflects the harmful UV rays from the surface. UV rays cause discoloration of furniture. The Low-E glass reflects nearly 100% of UV rays saving you from the hazardous health impact and protecting the property from radiation. The metallic coating does not allow the penetration of the wavelength of UV rays.
Reduced Glare
Low-E glass reduces the glare of the sun. The metallic coat of Low-E glass reflects the sun’s rays. The sun’s rays cannot penetrate the glass and produce the sharp glares.
Energy Efficient
Low-E glass regulates the inner temperature of buildings by creating a balance between reflecting the thermal rays and allowing the influx of natural light. Due to the Low-E glass, the temperature of the building in cold weather is warmer, and in hot weather, the temperature of the building is cooler. This reduces the need for artificial heating and cooling systems.
Less condensation
In heated interiors, the hot air comes in contact with the cold windows. This causes condensation or mild dew drops on the surface. These water drops might cause damage to the frame of the windows. Low-E glass minimizes the condensation level.
Overall, Low-E glass is effective and worth the cost. Although, this glass is expensive the investment does not go waste.
Contact Hawkeye Windows and Doors and consult with our team now!
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