The Low Down on Low E Window Coatings

January 13, 2012

Of all the options and accessories to consider for your windows, the most important is really the most obvious, the glass. Accounting for up to 80% of a windows real estate, glass can make or break the overall performance of your windows and home.

The windows you select should have a Low-E coating. Low-E glass works by reflecting heat back to its source and the "E" stands for "emissivity", which is the relative power of a surface to emit heat by radiation.

Low E coatings are made up of microscopically thin, optically transparent layers sandwiched between layers of anti-reflective metal oxide coatings. Without getting too technical, these coatings provide optimal year-round energy savings by filtering the suns energy in summer and reducing heat loss in winter.

In the summer months, low-E glass lets in visible sunlight and blocks infrared and ultraviolet solar energy out so you do not have to tolerate high air conditioning costs and damaged interior elements such as curtains, window treatments, carpeting and furnishings. In winter, low-e glass allows more of the suns rays to enter a home as solar energy to be converted into usable heat in winter.

Obviously, the closer the glass temperature is to the actual room temperature the less convection there will be near the window. Today, because of the energy efficiency of low-e glass, we as homeowners have the freedom to incorporate larger windows and glass areas into our home designs. The prospect of enjoying beautiful natural light into a home via large windows does not have to be nixed due to concerns about excessive energy costs.

When considering new windows for your renovation or new home construction, you will have many high performance Low E Glass solutions such as Sungate® 400 and Solarban® 60 with argon fill available through companies such as Edmontons Durabuilt Windows & Doors. And an important point to remember is that lower U-values and higher R-values are an indication of greater performing windows.

Another consideration is that triple pane windows also provide an additional layer upon which low-e glazing may be applied. Low-e glazing reduces heat transfer through your window and combined with the insulated pockets of air, aid in substantial cost savings, energy efficiency and comfort year after year.

The Benefits of Triple Pane Windows

Triple pane windows, also referred to as triple glazed windows are simply windows with three layers of glass – outer, middle and inner, sealed into one unit. The middle layer is generally surrounded by an inert gas such as argon, which is trapped by the outer and inner panes. Because of this, triple pane windows have greater insulation abilities than their dual pane counterparts.

Another consideration is that triple pane windows also provide an additional layer upon which low-e glazing may be applied. Low-e glazing reduces heat transfer through your window and combined with the insulated pockets of air, aid in substantial cost savings, energy efficiency and comfort year after year.

During the Prairies spring and summer months, triple pane windows will seal your comfortable cool air in your home and will prevent heat from entering. In fall and winter they will prevent heat from escaping from your home. The dual seal combination keeps the entire glass surface warmer/cooler, especially on the inside, which helps retain energy. As a result, triple pane windows can insulate significantly better than their dual pane counterparts.
Triple pane windows are an affordable upgrade for your home, whether you are renovating or building new. It is however important to keep in mind that simulated dual pane windows that claim triple pane performance can never equal the real thing.

While double pane windows are also energy-efficient, triple pane windows provide the greatest energy efficiency of any window in the market.

Noisy neighbours, loud vehicles and unwanted distractions can be an uninvited nuisance, however triple pane windows are equally as effective at blocking unwanted noise as they are in retaining energy. By trapping sound waves in the first chamber and keeping cool drafts outside, your home will become the tranquil and comfortable haven you long for.

Triple pane windows will also improve your relative humidity levels by almost double due to warmer window surface temperatures. They are not as susceptible to as much interior condensation in your home. Triple pane is highly recommended in a cold dry climate such as Edmonton and if you wish to increase more moisture and humidity in the home.

2012 Edmonton Renovation Show
Expo Centre, Northlands, Edmonton, Alberta
Friday, January 27th, 2012 to Sunday, January 29th, 2012

Shell will be exclusively at the Durabuilt Windows & Doors booth, in Hall B, to answer all your home improvement questions! Bring your questions to the show, or submit them online today at: www.durabuiltwindows.com

Edmontons first home show of 2012! HOME & LIFESTYLE including-builders, renovators, garden & landscapers, flooring, windows & doors, window treatment, heating and cooling contractors, roofing, furniture, and a wide range of lifestyle products and services.

Show Hours: Friday, January 27 from 2pm - 9pm, Saturday, January 28 from 10am - 8pm, Sunday, January 29 from 10am - 4:30pm. Click HERE for more information.