Sunlight is an important element to any home. It has the power to awaken a room and make it appear spacious. However, sometimes, the sun just becomes too much. This is where the popular low- E-glass comes in. Installing low- E-glass windows and doors is certainly a wise decision for any homeowner in Edmonton. They offer a ton of benefits that enhance comfort to a greater extent. This article seeks to dig deep into low-E glass windows. What are they and why are they essential for your windows?
What is low-E glass?
The Low-E glass technology is nothing new; it has been used for over 40 years for both doors and windows in Edmonton and the world at large. The technology is based on the principle that low emissivity glass reflects heat away from your outdoors. Low-E glass windows and doors are made by adding a thin layer of metallic oxides between the panes of your windows or doors. Apart from heat reflection, the layer of low-E coating also acts as an insulation material. Combined with argon gas (often pumped between panes) the low-E glass’s energy efficiency and insulation is enhanced further.
Types of low-E coatings
Essentially, there are two types of low-E-coatings available in the market.
Hard-coat: Also known as passive low-E-coatings, these are manufactured through the pyrolytic process with the end result being a pyrolytic coating. This coating is what is applied onto the glass ribbon during its production; just when the glass is still hot. This creates a resilient bond or “hard-coat” that is quite hard to break.
Soft-coat: This is also known as solar control low-E coatings and is made from the Magnetron Sputtering Vapor Deposition (MSVD) process. Here, the coating is applied to pre-cut glass via a vacuum chamber at room temperature. This coating is often sealed in a laminated unit or insulated glass and features a lower emissivity and enhanced solar control compared to hard-coat.
Benefits of low-E glass
Even though you can’t see the low-E technology in your glass, it increases the insulation and energy efficiency in your windows and doors in Edmonton. These are some of the benefits of using low-E glass:
Reduced radiant heat: This is the main goal of low-E glass. The principle is like a thermos lining that reflects the temperature of its drink maintaining the actual temperature of the drink for long hours.
Blocks harsh UV light: Compared to standard windows, low-E glass blocks out the sun’s rays twice more. This helps reduce fading on curtains, carpets, and couches. It also keeps condensation at bay by matching the room temperature to that of the inner window.
Interior comfort: Low-E glass also enhances the comfort of your indoor space. It redirects interior heat escaping the indoors during winter back inside and hence cuts down radiant heat loss through the glass. The opposite effect is felt during summer. This ultimately brings your energy bills substantially.
Environmental benefits: By reducing the prevalence of drafts and cold spots in windows as well as CO2 emissions, low-E coatings promote a greener environment
Insulation: Low-E glass ensures consistency of indoor temperatures without the need to re-adjust your air conditioning.
Given the weather of Edmonton, it is natural to want to get as much light as you can to your indoors. However, remember that having more windows means more solar gain, UV infiltration, and heat loss. This is why you should invest in low E glass for your windows and doors.
