Friday, 28 February 2014

Comfort and Safety with Low-e Glass and Insulated Units



Low-e Glass refers to low emissivity glass. It is a type of insulating glass with special transparent metal coating on one side known as Low-e coating. This coating helps to control the rate at which heat enters or goes out of the premises. It can also be made to restrict some of the solar radiation transmitted through glass. Initially low-e glass was majorly used in commercial applications, but now they are being highly used for residential purposes also. It is suitable for all types of climate conditions with variations in the laminated according to the need.

Low-e glass can be hard coat or soft coat. Low-e glass is an effective way of energy saving. It helps to keep the long wave radiation inside. During winters, the Low-E coating prevents the heat emitted at night from radiators, wood stoves, etc. and helps to reflect radiant room-side heat back into the building. While during summer, it reduces the amount of heat transferred through the window by filtering the sun’s short wave radiation. They also comply with the Building Codes’ provisions for energy efficiency.

Low-e glass coatings provide multiple performance levels. It can successfully be used in various ways including laminated glass, single glazing or double glazed windows. It highly reduces the damage that can be caused to the furniture and interior by ultra violet rays by reducing the amount of heat conducted through the glass. It can also be used in a combination of laminated and toned glass for improved performance on doors and windows.

Double glazingunits are extensively used in doors and windows for residential and commercial building and architectural applications. They are also known as insulating glass units. Double glazing units incur higher initial cost than single glazed windows. They are designed to provide superior performance and conform and have good capability to modify the environment. Double glazing units retain views and natural lights and at the same time provide better energy and thermal performance as compared to single glazing units.

Double glazed units save highly on energy bills and reduce outside noise drastically. A variety of styles and colours are available in these units and they can also be custom made to suit customer’s requirements. They are suitable for residential as well as commercial applications including hotels and offices. They provide enhanced security and at the same time help in beautification of a home or building. They provide far better security and strength as compared to single gazing units. They also provide virtual elimination of condensations. They also provide clear vision even at low temperatures. They are needed to comply with the Australian Standards.

In a double glazed unit, two panels of glass are parted by an air space which acts as an insulator against heat gain or heat loss. They keep the premises warm in summer and cool in summer. One important benefit is that they need no maintenance with no fading, painting or warping. Manufacturers provide high quality insulated glass at highly reasonable prices complying with the standards. These units can be combined with low-e glass to achieve better results and heat reduction. During extreme weather conditions such as cyclones, both double-glazed window panels can be toughened in order to make the windows much stronger and proficient of surviving with the most life-threatening weather events.