I believe that in historic buildings there are two ways for Low-E glass to be used effectively. However, it can be used very effectively in single-paned form as well so that’s what I’ll be focusing on here today. It is used heavily in double-paned glass applications which if you’ve been a reader for long you know I am not a fan of due to their short lifespan and high failure rate. Low-E has some definite benefits whether you live in a hot climate or a cold climate. Even if you use a hard-coat Low-E in south Florida or Phoenix you will still enjoy the benefits of decreased heat transfer. Hard-coat Low-E can be used in single-paned applications and is still very effective for all but the most southern climates. Soft-coat is usually more effective at blocking heat than hard-coat but it can only be used in double-paned applications. You may hear your glass supplier talk about soft-coat and hard-coat Low-E and be wondering which one you need. In double-paned windows, the Low-E coating is typically applied to the sides of the glass that face each other in the air space so that it is protected from any exposure at all. In single-paned applications you always want the Low-E coating toward the interior of the building to protect it from hazing and premature wear. So knowing which side is coated is imperative to good performance. The Low-E coating is a micro-thin layer of reflective materials like tin or silver that is applied to the surface of the glass. In the summer it keeps the heat from getting in and in the winter it keeps the heat from getting out. I could get very science geeky here but Low-E glass is basically good at preventing heat from passing through it. Low-E glass attempts to block high amounts of UV and IR light while allowing as much Visible Light in as possible. Infrared Light (IR) Wavelength: above 780. Ultraviolet Light (UV) Wavelength: 310-380.The sun’s light comes in a few forms and they each have a unique range of wavelengths. It works by blocking certain wavelengths of light but allowing others through. So, a low emissivity glass will emit less heat than one with high emissivity. Emissivity refers to the amount of heat that the glass is able to emit. Low-E stands for “low emissivity” and has become a standard material for windows and doors since it first arrived on the scene in earnest in the 1980s. I get a lot of questions about making old windows energy efficient and when the temperatures start to dip the questions ratchet up. However, the films should not be purchased if you desire a greater degree of glare protection and reduction as these films aren't able to provide that benefit.I’ve talked about the Different Types of Glass before and their relative energy efficiency but I wanted to dig into Low-E glass a little today so you can see if it is right for you. These films also provide an element of privacy and can filter light for the home. Frosting Filmsįrosting films provide 99 percent UV protection while allowing light into the home. It should be noted though that the tints are more efficient than shades because they reflect the heat rather than absorb it. Tinted films are slightly less efficient than low E films, only reducing heat flow by 45 percent and UV light by 90 percent. However, newer films have a water-based adhesive, making them easier to install. Installing the films without bubbles can be tricky, so some homeowners choose to have them professionally installed. You can order the films on-line or find them in most home improvement centers. Tinting films come in various shades of blue, gray, and brown. They can reduce the flow of heat by 88 percent and UV rays by 95 percent. These films are clear and translucent and contain a thin coat of gold or titanium. They can also reduce fading in furniture, curtains, and other objects you may have near the door. Solar control films help homeowners in greatly reducing the amount of heat loss or gain and they greatly reduce the glare from the sun.
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