Low-E Glass vs Solar Control Glass:
Glass is one of the most popular and versatile construction materials used today, owing to its numerous advantages, including enhanced thermal and solar efficiency. ‘Low-E’ (low emissivity) and ‘solar control’ are significant expressions associated with energy optimisation and proficiency.
Low-E glass and Solar Control Low-E glass are popular choices for windows, but they cater to distinct objectives. These are used to revolutionize the energy efficiency of contemporary buildings by lessening heat transfer via windows. Each of them has a core aim of minimising energy consumption and upgrading indoor tranquillity but they differ in their explicit potential and applications. Awareness about their different characteristics is important for architect and homeowner seeking perfect match for their climate and energy efficiency requirements.
Low-E(low emissivity) Rooflight Windows:
Low-E glass has an extremely thin, transparent coating made of materials like silver, zinc, or indium tin oxide. The covering is reflective and done at small scale. The coating of glass is thinner than a human hair. It reduces heat loss and heat gain through windows. The emissivity of a material is its efficacy in emitting energy as radiation. Low-E glass is not seamlessly transparent as it reflects some of the light providing a blue-greenish colour. It can also provide the window a slight haze. This is best for areas with mild
climates.
During the winter season, when the heat inside the house tries to evade the colder region outside, the Low-E coating reflects the thermal energy reverting it to the inside of the house, lessening the heat loss. The contrary occurs in the summer. The working principle of low e is just like a thermos. A thermos flask has silver coating that reflects the heat of liquid present in it. The temperature is maintained at constant level due to consistent reflection inside. Also, the low-e glass is created with a low emissivity of silver covering or low-e materials.
We also provide Customised Rooflight Solutions For more details you can check our Page Custom Rooflights. You Can Also Read the Benefits of Installing Rooflights.
Solar Control Rooflight Windows:
Solar control glass is a unique sort of glass that has different metallic coverings that lessens heat gain by blocking solar radiations. It also provides a maximum quantity of natural light in composure with lessening the thermal energy entering.
Solar low-e glass reflects infrared radiations minimizing solar heat gain. Solar control glass has a mechanism that is based on the processes of absorption, reflection, and transmission. This is adequate for areas with intense sunlight and high summer temperatures.
Low-e coating is implemented when the glass is in liquefied form. While solar control coating is implemented after the manufacturing of glass and it is applied in vacuum enclosures.
Advantages of Low-e And Solar Control :
Low-E glass and solar control glass have some differences, but both offer significant advantages which makes them an essential part of any building or roof light project.
If you want to gather more information about The Best Glass For Rooflights You Can Read Our Article Glass Information.
1. Energy Efficiency:
Low-E Glass: This is the most significant benefit of such glass windows and this makes the investment in them worth it. Low-e coatings has a foremost target of transmitting thermal energy inside and outside of the window. This makes the temperature of the room constant and provide cooling in summer and warmth in winter.
Solar Control Glass: Solar Control glass is specifically designed to reduce thermal heat gain by blocking a significant portion of solar radiation. By regulating solar heat transmission through the window, it reduces the demand for mechanical cooling, leading to energy savings.
2. Heat Reflection:
Low-E Glass: Soft Coat Low-E windows reflect heat back into the room, improving insulation and reducing heating costs during winter.
Solar Control Low-E Glass: Glass with solar coating on windows reflect both infrared and a part of solar radiations thus facilitating improved protection against heat gain in intense climate or in buildings with more windows.
We do want to tell you that we also provide standard Circular Rooflights.
3. UV Protection:
Ultraviolet (UV) rays can have harmful effects on humans, including severe damage to the skin. Excessive exposure to UV rays can also degrade fabrics, furniture, and other home furnishings.
Low-E Glass: Primarily designed to reduce heat transfer, Low-E glass also provides some UV protection, helping to prevent fading and interior damage.
Solar Control Low-E Glass: In addition to minimizing heat gain, Solar Control Low-E glass acts as a barrier against UV radiation, ensuring a safer indoor environment while preserving aesthetics.
4. Visible Light Transmission:
Low-E Glass: Allows most visible light to pass through, maintaining indoor brightness and comfort while also enhancing productivity.
Solar Control Glass: Although it permits visible light to enter, its transmission is slightly lower compared to standard Low-E glass, depending on the specific coatings applied.
Disadvantages:
Besides their never-ending advantages, there are some disadvantages that we are discussing here for your better understanding:
Cost: One of the cons of these is cost. These are expensive but last long. They can be used for 9 to 10 years and proper care can add more years to it. After almost 10 years only glass should be replaced to ensure efficiency.
Visibility: These windows are not seamlessly transparent and they have blue-greenish colour that looks like a haze. But it produces no barrier to the functionality of the glass but it can be an aesthetic for someone.
For more insights, check out our detailed article on the Benefits of Laminated Glass.
Which is Better For Your Climate?
While deciding the better one, you must consider your weather conditions:
1. If you are residing in an intensely cold climate, the low-e glass window is a better option for you as it permits short-wave infrared radiations to transmit to the inside via the glass window. It provides thermal energy to you in winter ensuring energy efficiency.
2. If you are living in a region where the climate is cold to hot, a solar control glass window is a better choice for you as it provides enhanced protection from UV rays gives back the warm and hot air inside the room and does not leak any energy.
There is a slight difference between them as these are targeting some different aspects. You can choose them according to your requirements. These have enhanced durability and life span and provide resistance to condensation and moisture providing long-term performance. We have explained all the possible variances between the two but if you have any confusion, feel free to reach out. We will be more than happy to help you.
Our Blogs:
1. What Are Framed Rooflights?
2. What are Fixed Rooflights
3. Difference Between Rooflights And Skylights
