Low emissivity (low-e) glass is a type of glass that has a special coating designed to minimize heat transfer through windows. This results in improved energy efficiency for buildings and homes by reducing the amount of heat that is lost or gained through windows.
In addition to its energy-saving benefits, low-e glass also helps to protect furnishings, flooring, and artwork from fading due to UV rays. This is because the coating is designed to block out a significant portion of the sun's harmful UV rays.
Low-e glass comes in two main types hard coat and soft coat. Hard coat low-e glass is produced by depositing a thin layer of metal oxide onto the glass surface during the manufacturing process. This type of low-e glass is more durable and is typically used in commercial applications.
Soft coat low-e glass, on the other hand, is produced by depositing multiple layers of metal or metallic oxide onto the glass surface in a vacuum chamber after the glass has been manufactured. This type of low-e glass has higher energy efficiency properties and is typically used in residential applications.
Overall, low-e glass is a highly versatile and beneficial material for improving the energy efficiency of buildings and homes. By reducing heat transfer through windows, low-e glass helps to lower energy costs and improve comfort levels year-round. Its protective properties against UV rays also help to preserve interior furnishings and artwork. With its various benefits and applications, low-e glass is a valuable material for sustainable building design and construction.