What is Low-E Glass and Why You Should Consider It

Low-E or low-emissivity glass was created to minimize the amount of infrared and ultraviolet light that comes through your glass windows, without losing out on the amount of total natural light that enters your home.

What makes this type of glass unique is it has a super thin coating to it that is completely transparent, yet reflects heat. With it, temperature in the home won’t get affected from external sunrays as it will reflect the interior temperature back inside.

As with anything else these days, there are various types of Low-E Coatings. One version is the “Hard Coat” or Passive Low-E version and the other is the “Soft Coat” or Solar Control Low-E Coating.

The Passive Low-E Version is built using a pyrolytic process which creates the coating. The coating is then applied to the glass ribbon while it is being produces on a float line. During this process the coating will fuse to the hot glass surface and create a strong “hard coat” bond that is extremely durable.

The Solar Control Low-E version is created by a process where coating is applied off-line to pre-cut glass in a vacuum type chamber at room temperature. The coating needs to be sealed in an insulated glass or laminating unit. Once complete, this version offers the highest level of solar light control.

Your climate will help dictate which version is right for your home but in South Florida where the sun is very strong, the soft-coat Low-E version is preferred. That is due to it being the best in offering UV protection in the home as a well allowing the warm and cool air to reflect back in your room instead of allowing it to leak outside.

To learn more about this incredible window glass technology and to get an estimate contact A2Z Impact Windows & Doors at 954-302-1800.