What is Low-e?

Low-e is a term that refers to the special type of coating that is used on the glass for windows. General contractors in Virginia, such as our window specialists at Sunshine Contracting, are well-versed in this terminology and can give you all the information you need when you come to us for new windows. This type of glass coating is designed to reflect or absorb the heat, which is very beneficial in the hot summer weather, but it also works just as well in winter. The thickness of the glass does affect the manner in which this type of glass coating will work for your windows.

How Low-e works for you all year round

The way in which a low-e coating will work for you depends on how it is installed on the glass. If it is installed on the inside, it will prevent heat from escaping through the glass during cold weather. When it is installed on the outside of the glass, it absorbs the heat from the sun so that it doesn’t penetrate into the room when it is very hot outside.

We, at Sunshine Contracting, know the value of using low-e technology in windows. It is a little more expensive to purchase windows with this treatment, but the cost savings you realize will far outweigh the initial cost. General contractors in Virginia recommend this glass coating to homeowners so that they can have more energy efficient homes.

What you need to know about low-e

It is best to be well-informed about low-e coating so that you get the windows that will work best for you. Sunshine Contracting has the top general contractors in Virginia and they will explain the various ways in which the coating can be applied. The coating does not affect the look of the glass because it has no effect on the amount of light that comes through.

Some of the terms you may want to know about low-e are:

• U factor – This is the measurement of the rate that heat transfers through glass. The lower the U factor is on the window, the more effective it is for keeping heat in or out.
• Solar gain panels – This determines the amount of heat that is absorbed or reflected by the coating. High solar gain panels are recommended in cold climates and low solar gain panels are recommended for warm climates.
• Soft or hard coating – There are two types of coating used in low-e. Soft coating is easy to damage, whereas hard coating is more long lasting.

There is so much more information available about low-e. Come to us to get answers to any questions you may have.