Emilie Meyer
Single-pane windows are a thing of the past, with double- and triple-paned windows, high-efficiency windows, and a wide variety of frame materials now available. However, some people prefer to keep the old period-correct window frames, especially in historic buildings. In such cases, single-pane windows can be replaced with low-E double-pane glasses, which are more energy-efficient. Low-E, or low-emissivity, windows refer to a coating that is applied to the pane, which offers a reflective barrier against ultraviolet and infrared light. While soft-coat low-E is more efficient, hard-coat low-E is more durable and is often used in single-pane applications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can single-pane glass be low-e? | Yes, low-e coatings can be applied to single-pane glass. |
| Use cases | Suitable for historic buildings, especially when wanting to preserve the exterior appearance of the window. |
| Benefits | Energy efficiency, improved insulation, reduced heating and cooling costs, protection from UV light, and improved plant growth. |
| Types of coatings | Hard coat (pyrolytic coatings) and soft coat (magnetron sputtering). |
| Cost | Replacing single-pane glass with low-e glass can be expensive. However, applying a low-e coating to existing single-pane glass is a cost-effective way to improve energy efficiency. |
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What You'll Learn
Low-E glass can be used in single-pane form
Low-emissivity, or "Low-E", windows refer to a coating that is applied to the glass pane. This coating is usually applied to the inside of the outer pane for double-pane windows. However, Low-E glass can also be used in single-pane form.
Single-pane Low-E glass is often used in storm windows, which are placed over the window on the inside or outside to create greater energy efficiency without replacing the original window. In historic buildings, an exterior storm window with Low-E glass can be an effective way to improve energy efficiency. The hard-coat Low-E glass used in storm windows is considered medium-grade energy-efficient and performs better than plain clear glass.
Some people prefer single-pane Low-E glass for their storm windows instead of double-pane Low-E glass, especially in older houses. Single-pane Low-E glass can be a more cost-effective option, as it is generally cheaper to replace the glass in old frames than to replace the entire window.
While soft-coat Low-E windows have higher energy efficiency and optical clarity, they are more delicate and must be enclosed in double-pane window units to protect them. On the other hand, hard-coat Low-E glass is relatively durable and easy to handle, making it suitable for single-pane applications.
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It's more cost-effective to replace the glass than the whole window
Single-pane low-E glass can be an effective option for improving the energy efficiency of your windows. It is a good choice for those who want to retain the original window frames in their old houses. However, simply replacing the glass with a more efficient alternative, such as dual-pane low-E glass, may not always be the most economical option. The cost-effectiveness of replacing the glass versus the entire window depends on various factors, including the type of window, its size, and the materials used.
In most cases, replacing just the glass is a more cost-effective solution than replacing the entire window. It is usually around half the cost of a complete window replacement. For example, if you have high-quality windows with damaged or foggy glass panes, replacing only the glass can be a financially sensible option. Additionally, glass replacement is generally quicker and less invasive, making it a preferable choice when the window frames are still functional.
However, it is important to consider the limitations of glass replacement. If your windows are outdated, inefficient, or showing signs of structural damage, replacing only the glass may not address these underlying issues. In such cases, a full window replacement is necessary to ensure the long-term performance and functionality of your windows. For instance, if your primary concern is energy efficiency, and you have steel frames that readily conduct heat, replacing the entire window with more energy-efficient alternatives may be a better option.
To improve energy efficiency, you can consider adding an exterior storm window with low-E glass to your existing single-pane windows. This option can provide even better efficiency than new replacement windows with double-pane low-E glass. Simply swapping out the existing glass with a low-E substitute can offer a significant gain in efficiency at a minor additional cost. Furthermore, properly installed windows can lead to long-term cost savings by reducing heating and cooling expenses and minimizing maintenance expenses over time.
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Low-E glass is more durable than soft-coat alternatives
Low-E glass is an innovative solution for controlling the transfer of heat and light through windows. It features a microscopically thin coating that reflects or absorbs infrared light (heat energy) while maximising the amount of natural light that passes through. With its ability to regulate the spectrum of sunlight entering a building, Low-E glass helps maintain comfortable indoor temperatures and reduces energy costs.
Low-E glass comes in two varieties: Hard Coat and Soft Coat. Soft Coat Low-E glass is produced by depositing multiple layers of metal or metallic oxides onto the glass through a sputtering process in a vacuum chamber. This technique enables precise control over the coating's thickness and composition, resulting in a highly efficient Low-E coating. Soft Coat Low-E glass is superior for insulation and effectively minimises heat transfer. It is ideal for extreme climates or buildings that prioritise energy efficiency. Additionally, it offers aesthetic flexibility, as it can be customised with various tints and reflectivity levels to meet design requirements.
However, Soft Coat Low-E glass has some drawbacks. The application process of Soft Coat Low-E glass is more complex and time-consuming due to the tempering process being more difficult. The coating is more prone to damage during handling and installation, and it is generally more expensive.
On the other hand, Hard Coat Low-E glass, also known as Pyrolytic Low-E, involves applying the Low-E coating during the float glass production process while the glass is still hot. This method allows the coating to fuse directly to the glass surface, resulting in a strong bond that is highly durable and resistant to handling and exposure. Hard Coat Low-E glass is more resistant to physical damage and is, therefore, more suitable for projects where the glass may undergo significant processing or be exposed to harsh conditions. It is also more affordable than Soft Coat Low-E glass since it does not require multiple layers.
In summary, while both Hard Coat and Soft Coat Low-E glasses offer benefits in energy efficiency, Hard Coat Low-E glass excels in durability. It is less likely to become scratched or damaged during installation and use, making it a more robust and long-lasting option compared to Soft Coat alternatives. This enhanced durability makes Hard Coat Low-E glass a practical choice for projects requiring resilience and longevity.
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Low-E coatings reflect infrared light, reducing heat gain or loss
Low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings are applied to glass to reflect invisible long-wave infrared or heat, thereby reducing heat gain or loss in a building. The E in Low-E stands for "low emissivity", which is measured on a scale from 0.00 to 1.0. The coating is applied in microscopically thin and transparent layers to minimize heat transfer, increase visible light transmittance, and increase energy efficiency.
Low-E coatings are designed to minimize the amount of ultraviolet and infrared light that can pass through glass without compromising the amount of visible light that is transmitted. The ability of a material to radiate energy is known as emissivity. In general, highly reflective materials have low emissivity, while dull, darker-coloured materials have high emissivity. All materials, including windows, radiate heat in the form of long-wave infrared energy, depending on the emissivity and temperature of their surfaces.
During the winter, Low-E glass reflects interior heat energy back inside the house, thereby reducing heat loss. The reverse happens during the summer: the glass reflects the sun's short-wave infrared energy, preventing it from entering the house and reducing heat gain. This mechanism is similar to how a thermos works, with its silver lining reflecting the temperature of the drink it contains.
Low-E coatings can be applied to single-pane glass, which is often the case for historic buildings. One way to do this is by adding an exterior storm window with Low-E glass. The hard-coat Low-E glass used in this application can be very effective at improving the energy efficiency of the windows.
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Low-E windows are more energy-efficient than clear glass
Low-emissivity, or "low-E", windows are more energy-efficient than clear glass. Low-E windows refer not to the glass itself but to a coating that is applied to the pane. This coating is usually applied to the inside of the outer pane for double-pane windows. However, low-E coatings can also be applied to single-pane windows.
Low-E coatings are thin film coatings that reflect radiant infrared energy, keeping the energy on the same side it originates from while still letting in visible light. When the sun shines, a low-E coated window reflects much of that energy back, instead of letting the heat pass through the glass. This is beneficial in both hot and cold climates. In hot climates, low-E windows keep out solar heat, while in cold climates, they help to keep a home warm.
There are two types of low-E coatings: hard-coat and soft-coat. Hard-coat low-E glass surfaces are considered medium-grade energy-efficient windows and perform much better than plain clear glass. Soft-coat low-E windows, on the other hand, are the most efficient and highest-performing type. They are nearly invisible coatings that provide more visible light while reducing UV transmittance by almost 75% over clear glass. Soft-coat low-E must be enclosed in double-pane window units to protect it, whereas hard-coat low-E is more durable and is often used in single-pane applications.
For those looking to improve the energy efficiency of their windows, low-E coatings offer a great solution. They can be applied to existing single-pane windows, improving their efficiency without having to replace the entire window. This can be a cost-effective way to upgrade the energy performance of your home.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, single-pane glass can be low-e. Low-e refers to a coating that is applied to the pane. This coating offers a reflective barrier against ultraviolet and infrared light.
Low-e glass is energy efficient. It can be used in both hot and cold climates to improve insulation and thermal efficiency.
Single-pane glass can be made low-e by applying a thin film coating to the glass. This can be done by a glass company or as a DIY project.
