vinyl windows with energy efficient glass

Low E Glass Coating Options

Low E (low-emissivity) glass has become increasingly popular among homeowners and commercial building owners in recent years thanks to its energy-efficient tendencies. But with manufacturers offering many low e glass coating options, finding the right one for your specific needs can be challenging. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of low-e glass coatings and highlight the options available and factors to consider when choosing the right one for your building.

Understanding Low E Glass Coatings

Before diving into the different types of low e glass coatings, it’s important to understand what low e glass is and how it works. Low E Glass, as the name implies, has a low emissivity level, reflecting heat rather than absorbing it. The coating, usually made of metal or metallic oxide, is applied to the surface of the glass, reducing the amount of heat loss or gain through the window.

Low E glass coatings have revolutionized how we think about energy efficiency in buildings. By reducing energy consumption needed to regulate the building temperature, low e glass coatings can positively impact your energy bills and the environment.

But how exactly does this technology work? Let’s take a closer look.

What is Low E Glass?

Low E Glass is an energy-efficient glass that has a coating of a microscopically thin layer of metallic oxide on the surface. The coating is applied directly to the surface of the glass through various methods, as we’ll discuss later. Because the coating is so thin, it doesn’t affect the clarity of the glass, so you’ll still get the same amount of natural light coming through the window. But the difference comes in how it retains heat.

The coating works by reflecting heat to its source. In the winter, the coating reflects heat into the room, keeping it warmer. In the summer, the coating reflects the sun’s heat away, preventing the room from getting too hot. This selectivity allows the glass to act as a barrier to heat loss or gain, making it more energy-efficient.

Benefits of Low E Glass Coatings

Low E Glass Coatings have many benefits that make them an attractive option for anyone looking to make their buildings more energy-efficient. One of the biggest benefits of low e glass is reducing energy bills. By reflecting heat into the room in winter and reflecting heat away from the room in the summer, low e glass coatings can help regulate the building temperature more efficiently.

Additionally, low e glass coatings can help reduce condensation on windows, which can prevent the growth of mold and mildew in your building. It can also improve the comfort level of your building by keeping it more evenly warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Moreover, low e glass coatings can reduce the fading of fabrics and furnishings caused by UV rays. This is because the coatings can block up to 99% of UV rays, making them an excellent choice for homes and businesses that want to protect their interiors from sun damage.

How Low E Glass Coatings Work

Low E Glass coatings work through a process called thermal transfer. Thermal transfer occurs when heat moves from one area of material to another. Low E coatings are designed to slow down or block this process by reflecting the heat to its source.

The coating allows visible light to pass through while blocking certain infrared wavelengths carrying heat. This selectivity allows the glass to act as a barrier to heat loss or gain, making it more energy-efficient. It also allows natural light to enter, ensuring the building feels airy and bright.

Low e glass coatings can be applied to various glass types, including single, double, and triple-pane windows. They can also be used in various building types, from residential homes to commercial buildings.

There are two main types of low e glass coatings: passive and solar control. Passive coatings are designed to maximize heat retention, while solar control coatings are designed to reduce solar heat gain.

Passive coatings are best suited for colder climates, where the primary concern is keeping the heat inside the building. On the other hand, solar control coatings are best suited for warmer climates, where the primary concern is keeping the heat out.

Conclusion

Low E Glass Coatings are an important technology in energy efficiency. They can help reduce energy bills, improve comfort, and protect interiors from sun damage. By reflecting heat to its source, low e glass coatings can make buildings more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

 

Types of Low E Glass Coatings

Low E Glass coatings can come in various forms, depending on the type of tint and level of insulation desired. Manufacturers typically offer three classes of low e coatings– Passive, Solar Control, and Dual-Function.

Passive Low E Coatings

Passive coatings are typically used in cold climates where heat retention is paramount. These coatings have a high solar heat gain coefficient, which means they let in more sunlight to help warm the building. They also have a low U-factor, which means they are excellent at blocking heat loss, ensuring the building maintains a comfortable temperature.

Solar Control Low E Coatings

Solar Control Low E coatings are used in hotter climates where keeping the building cool is essential. These coatings have a low solar heat gain coefficient, which reduces the amount of sunlight entering the building. They also have a low U-factor, which helps maintain an even internal temperature while keeping out the sun’s heat.

Dual-Function Low E Coatings

Dual-Function Low E coatings combine the best of both worlds, offering year-round comfort in hot and cold climates. They have a low solar heat gain coefficient, reducing the amount of heat entering the summer, and a high U-factor, which reduces the heat escaping in the winter.

 

Application Methods for Low E Glass Coatings

Advanced glass ganufacturers use various methods to apply low e glass coatings to the glass surface.

Vacuum Deposition

Vacuum deposition is one method of applying low e glass coatings. This involves depositing thin layers of the coating metal onto the glass surface in a vacuum chamber. The process forms a durable, uniform layer that adheres tightly to the glass surface. This method produces high-quality, long-lasting coatings.

Sputter Coating

Sputter coating is another common application method for low e glass coatings. It’s a gas-phase deposition process that uses an ion beam to remove atoms from a target surface and deposit them on the glass surface. It’s efficient, precise, and environmentally friendly. This method can produce coatings with high solar reflectance and low emissivity for improved energy efficiency.

Liquid-Based Coatings

Liquid-based coatings are applied directly to the glass surface and allowed to dry. These coatings may be either pyrolytic or sol-gel based. Pyrolytic coatings are deposited onto hot glass as a liquid and then baked onto the surface to form a thin, durable layer. Sol-gel coatings are deposited onto room-temperature glass as a liquid solution and then cured at low temperatures to form a thin, hard coating. Pyrolytic coatings tend to be more durable and better suited for outdoor use.

 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Low E Glass Coating

When selecting a low e glass coating, several factors must be considered.

Climate and Geographic Location

The local climate and geographic location of your building will affect the type of low e glass coating you need. For instance, hot areas require a solar control coating to block the sun’s heat, while cold areas need a passive coating to reduce heat loss.

Building Orientation

The orientation of your building plays a vital role in determining the type of low e coating that will work best for you. North-facing buildings will have less direct sunlight, while south-facing buildings will receive more sunlight. The coating you choose should be tailored to your building’s orientation to provide optimal energy efficiency.

Energy Efficiency Goals

Your energy efficiency goals will also affect the type of coating you choose. For instance, if you aim to achieve net-zero energy, you will need a coating that provides optimal energy efficiency.

Aesthetic Preferences

Last but not least, you need to consider the aesthetic preferences of your building. Different coatings have varying levels of tint and reflectance, so you need to choose a coating that complements your building’s style.

 

In closing

With the proper low e glass coating selection, you can enjoy the benefits of an energy-efficient building all year round. Whether you’re looking for a solar-control or passive coating, manufacturers offer various options to suit your needs. Keep in mind that the type of coating you choose ultimately depends on the local climate and geographic location of your building. Assess your energy efficiency goals and aesthetic preferences before making the final decision.

Investing in low e glass coatings is a sustainable choice that can help reduce energy bills while creating a comfortable living environment.

Call us at 903-752-0449 to discuss window pricing and availability.

Our service area includes the following towns: Tyler, Whitehouse, Bullard, Lindale, Chandler, Canton, Mineola, Longview, Kilgore, Henderson, Gilmer, Gladewater, Marshall, Hallsville, and Palestine.