What Is Low-Emissivity Glass and What Are Its Benefits?

Low emissivity (Low-E) is a glass with a thin, transparent coat that improves thermal efficiency. Infrared is responsible for the heat in your house, and ultraviolet (UV) damages the skin and household fabric. When you use Low-e glasses on doors and windows, the infrared heat transfer reduces by 5-10 times. What's more, the coat filters out harmful UV rays.

Low-E glasses come in two variants:

• Hard coat. Manufacturers infuse the coat into the glass as part of the production process when the glass is still molten. The glass absorbs the metallic coats. As a result, hard coats are tough and durable. You can use them on the outer side since they withstand harsh weather elements. Furthermore, you will not have to do frequent replacements. The downside of hard coats is that they are less energy-efficient than soft coats.
• Soft coat. The coat is applied to the surface of the glass after production. Manufacturers can also add other protective and anti-reflective elements to the surface. Soft coats are not as tough as hard coats as the coat is on the glass and not infused within. Due to this fact, they are better off inside where there is no direct exposure to harsh elements.

Benefits of Low-E Glasses for Your Doors and Windows

You will likely go for a glass choice with numerous strengths when doing construction or replacement. Low-E glasses have a remarkable potential to reflect light beneficially through all seasons. As a result, they offer various benefits, as discussed below.

Protects From UV

Exposure to UV has many negative health effects and can cause skin cancer, immune suppression, cataracts, and other health issues. When the sun is hot outside, you are likely to go indoors. Even so, UV still penetrates through the uncoated glass and predisposes you to harm. Besides, UV bleaches carpets and fittings and makes them lose their original color. 

Low-E glasses filter out UV to ensure you and your family are safe from skin damage. If you want to build or replace your doors and windows, it is best to consider your health first. After that, you can factor in durability, cost, energy efficiency, and other factors. That said, Low-E is the way to go.

Improves Energy Efficiency

Windows and doors gain and release heat from your premises. When it is hot outside your premises, your air conditioner removes excess heat to cool your house or office. With Low-E glass, you can reduce the amount of heat your air conditioner handles. The result is lower electricity consumption and reduced utility bills. 

The glass lets most solar energy in through your windows when the weather is cold. When your house becomes warm enough, Low-E retains that heat within. In the end, you get comfortable temperatures.

Retains Natural Light

Other than lighting the room, glass doors and windows let you see the outside view. Low-E coats are invisible to the eye. The glasses reduce a small percentage of visible light but still retain enough natural light to brighten your rooms. That way, you have both balanced temperatures and beautiful views of the outside.

Keeps Condensation Away

Condensation on windows comes about due to different interior and exterior temperatures. Low-e glasses reduce heat conduction between the inside and outside of your premises. Therefore, you do not have to agonize over a damp and moldy environment that results from moisture build-up.

Conclusion

Low-E windows are worth your investment. Even though Low-E glasses have a high initial cost, you still save utility bills in the long run. Do not hesitate to contact us at Bob's Glass if you have any questions about glass doors and windows. We offer residential, commercial, and industrial installation of doors and windows. We will serve your needs to your satisfaction.