What Is a Low E Glass?
Low-E Glass full name Low-Emissivity Glass, glass was created to minimize the amount of infrared and ultraviolet light that comes through your glass, without minimizing the amount of light that enters your home.
Low-E glass windows have a microscopically thin coating that is transparent and reflects heat. The coating is even thinner than a human hair! The Low-E coatings keep the temperature in your home consistent by reflecting the interior temperatures back inside.
Types of Low E Glass
There are two types of Low-E glass:
- Hard coat (online)Â
- Soft coat (offline).
Hard Coat Low-E Glass
Hard coat Low-E glass is made by coating the glass during production with a thin metallic oxide layer, effectively welding it to the glass surface.
Soft Coat Low-E Glass
Soft coat Low-E glass, or sputter coating, is applied to glass that has already been formed.
Advantages of Low E Glass
Low E Glass Reduce Energy Costs
- Low-E glass has an invisible coating that reflects long-wave infra-red radiations towards the interior of the building.
- They keep the interiors cooler in summer and warmer in winter months; effectively decreasing the use of energy appliances by controlling the indoor temperature.
Low E Glass Reduce Destructive UV Rays
- Because it resists ultraviolet light, low-E glass prevents sunlight exposure from damaging carpets, draperies, sofas and other furnishings.
- And, low-E glass reduces sunlight glare in a room. The coatings reduce glare and reflect the sun’s heat away from the structure.
Low E Glass Do Not Block All Natural Light
Low E windows block infrared light and UV light, but one other vital component makes up the solar spectrum, visible light. Of course, they will reduce visible light slightly, compared to a clear glass pane. However, plenty of natural light will brighten your room.
Low E Glass Reducing Electricity
They help in reducing electricity bills, as they maintain the temperature of the room at the desired level.
Low E Glass Compared to Normal Glass
Low e glass provides better performance as compared to single-glazing glass and double glazing glass. So it is extensively used in glass facade in cold climates.
Disadvantages of Low E Glass
One of the disadvantages of Low-E glass is that it is more expensive than regular glass. Windows that are designed to block out UV rays and infrared light are generally going to be more costly than traditional windows. This means that you will have a larger initial investment to deal with.
What Is Hard Coat Low-E Glass?Â
Hard Coat Low E is applied at a very high temperature and is sprayed onto the glass surface. The advantage to hard coat is that it can be tempered after the coating application and it offers to accessorize with the glass such as blinds in-between the panes.
What Is Soft Coat Low-E Glass? Â
Soft Coat Low E uses a thin layer of silver, applied using a ‘sputter’ process to a pre-cut section of glass in a vacuum chamber at room temperature. The finish is referred to as ‘soft coat’ as the coating remains fairly delicate (which is why soft coat is always found on face two or three).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Low-E Glass
What is Low-E Glass?
Low-E glass, or Low-Emissivity glass, is designed to minimize the amount of infrared and ultraviolet light that enters through your windows while allowing visible light to pass through.
How does Low-E Glass work?
Low-E glass works by having a microscopically thin coating that reflects heat. This coating helps keep your home’s interior temperature consistent by reflecting interior temperatures back inside.
What are the types of Low-E Glass?
There are two main types of Low-E glass:
- Hard Coat (Online) Low-E Glass: Applied during the production of the glass, this coating is welded to the glass surface.
- Soft Coat (Offline) Low-E Glass: Applied to already formed glass using a sputtering process in a vacuum chamber.
What are the advantages of using Low-E Glass?
- Reduces Energy Costs: By reflecting long-wave infrared radiation, Low-E glass helps maintain interior temperatures, reducing the need for heating and cooling.
- Reduces UV Rays: It prevents UV light from damaging furnishings and reduces sunlight glare.
- Allows Natural Light: While blocking infrared and UV light, it still allows ample natural light to enter.
- Reduces Electricity Bills: Helps maintain desired room temperature, reducing the need for electric heating and cooling.
Are there any disadvantages to Low-E Glass?
The primary disadvantage of Low-E glass is its higher cost compared to regular glass, leading to a larger initial investment.
How does Hard Coat Low-E Glass differ from Soft Coat Low-E Glass?
- Hard Coat Low-E Glass: Applied at a high temperature during production, this coating can be tempered after application and is suitable for accessories like blinds between panes.
- Soft Coat Low-E Glass: Uses a thin silver layer applied in a vacuum chamber at room temperature. The coating is delicate and typically found on faces two or three of the glass.
Can Low-E Glass be used in any climate?
Yes, Low-E glass is beneficial in various climates. It helps keep interiors cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, making it suitable for both hot and cold environments.
Does Low-E Glass block all natural light?
No, Low-E glass blocks infrared and UV light but still allows a significant amount of natural visible light to enter, keeping rooms bright.
How does Low-E Glass compare to normal glass?
Low-E glass provides better thermal performance compared to single-glazing and double-glazing glass, making it ideal for use in glass facades, especially in cold climates.
Is the initial investment in Low-E Glass worth it?
Despite the higher upfront cost, the energy savings and protection from UV damage can make Low-E glass a cost-effective choice in the long run.
