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Low-Emissivity Window Glazing

Low-emissivity (Low-eGlass) glazing is achieved through a microscopically thin, virtually invisible, metal or metallic oxide layer deposited directly on the surface of one or more of the panes of glass. The Low-E coating reduces the infrared radiation from a warm pane of glass to a cooler pane, thereby lowering the U-factor of the window. Different types of Low-E coatings have been designed to allow for high solar gain, moderate solar gain, or low solar gain. A Low-E coating can also reduce a window's visible transmittance unless you use one that's spectrally selective.

Some manufacturers produce float glass with a special thin coating on one side which allows the suns energy to pass through in one direction while reducing the thermal transfer the other way. The principle behind this is the difference in thermal wavelength of energy transmitted from the sun and that transmitted from the heat within a room.

Uncontrolled sunlight can bring thermal discomfort and create visual glare. Low eGlass offers a solution to solar glare and thermal discomfort. Low eGlass 240 glass provides a great combination of aesthetic appeal along with energy savings and indoor comfort. This cool, spectrally selective coating is applied to clear glass, so that the appearance and performance are the same regardless of glass thickness.

Low eGlass 240 is more than a solar control glass. Its advanced coating design also provides the lowest possible U-Value to deliver comfort and energy savings during cold winter weather.

Year-round thermal comfort is a result of warm glass temperatures in the winter, cool glass temperatures in the summer, and the blockage of oppressive solar heat gains. Comfort comparisons for various products are shown in the chart. Note that the solar blockage for single-pane tinted glass is marginal, and the extreme temperature fluctuations can lead to serious year-round comfort problems.

Windows manufactured with Low-E coatings typically cost about 10%–15% or more than regular windows, but they reduce energy loss by as much as 30%–50%. The variance in the cost is relative to the type of oxide used. For instance, some low "e-Glass" is coated with a thin layer of tin so thin that you can actually see through it as it is almost invisible yet very effective. The glass is heated to 1,200 degrees Centigrade and tin oxide is mixed into the glass. It gravitates to the outside layer where it bonds into the glass. Tin oxide is resistant to scratches and only marginally subject to oxidation over time and can be applied to the exterior of the glazing material. Tin oxide usually impart a slightly bluish tint to glazing.

Other oxides used for this purpose are silver or zinc. Silver oxide is a little more "tender" than hard-coat tin. For this reason, silver oxide is generally used in sealed units, applied to the inner facing plane of glass to protect it from scratches. Argon, an inert gas, is injected between the panes of glass in a sealed unit to reduce heat transfer as well as potential oxidation. This process is a little more expensive due to raw materials and fabrication technique but it does yield a more efficient heat-resistant glazing.

To keep the sun's heat out of the house (for hot climates, east and west-facing windows, and unshaded south-facing windows), the Low eGlass coating should be applied to the outside pane of glass. If the windows are designed to provide heat energy in the winter and keep heat inside the house (typical of cold climates), the Low eGlass coating should be applied to the inside pane of glass.

Key Benefits

• Low eGlass is manufactured at different thicknesses and oxide types to meet specific climate conditions
• In colder climates, select a grade of Low-eGlass 240 (65%) designed to take advantage of passive solar heat radiating from the sun and save you money on heating cost
• In warmer climate zones, select a Low-eGlass 366 (8%) that will significantly repel infra-red solar radiation and thereby save you money in air-condition costs
• You can selectively choose which type of Low-eGlass based on solar exposure and shaded areas to achieve a well-balanced glazing system.

Self-Cleaning Glass

Self-Cleaning Glass harnesses the sun's UV rays to loosen dirt so water can rinse it away, leaving windows virtually spotless. Your windows will stay cleaner longer and will clean easier.

A layer of titanium dioxide applied to the glass reacts chemically with the sun’s UV rays and causes organic materials that are on the glass to decompose. It works even on cloudy days, as 80% of UV radiation gets through cloud cover. Thus when it rains, the decomposed dirt no longer clings to the glass and easily rinses away.

A thin layer of silicon dioxide makes the glass exceptionally smooth and hydrophilic, much smoother than untreated glass. This allows water to disperse evenly or “sheet off” and evaporate quickly, greatly reducing water spotting. No manual activation required, just a little help from the sun. The results are almost spotless windows, less time cleaning and more time enjoying the view.

Self-Cleaning Glass is only available as an option on Low eGlass.

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