Doors, windows, and skylights can account for over 85% of the heat gained by a building in the summer; concrete buildings can become as hot as 82 degrees. There is one solution available to combat both these problems: energy efficient glass.
One of the best solutions for homeowners is to upgrade their homes with energy efficient glass for windows, and skylights; for large commercial buildings, facade glass solutions work best.
Glass windows are one of the best investments a homeowner can make, as it can provide more comfort and reduce electricity bills.
The market is flooded with options for glass today, and it can be confusing trying to choose the right type for your window, facade, or interiors. But we can make it easy for you with these tips.
Glass panes that are double or triple glazed and have special coatings to minimize heat transfer. Energy efficient glass reflects away 70% of the sun’s heat, while allowing daylight to pass through. This insulation ensures that the interior temperature is regulated to a great extent, reducing your dependency on air conditioning. A good example is SGG Sun Ban.
This type of glass has a higher insulation rating, usually expressed in R-values, and they maintain the interior temperature very efficiently. SGG Planitherm is a low emissivity or low-E glass; this means that it reflects heat into space during cold weather, and away from the room in hot weather, maintaining a pleasant temperature.
Low-E coating reduces the ultraviolet and infrared radiation entering the interiors, and reflects heat away in the summer. Double paned windows with low-E coatings are one of the most popular choices of architects, as they ensure excellent insulation.
The material of the frame of the energy efficient glass window is also important; fibreglass, vinyl, and wood with thermal breaks help minimize heat transfer, improving energy efficiency. The design, use of spacers, number of panes used, and so on, also determine the level of insulation.
Investing in energy efficient glass doors and windows can bring you several benefits:
Here are some tips to choose the right type of glass for different areas in your home:
SGG Planitherm, a low-E glass, is ideal for living spaces as it blocks UV rays and minimizes heat gain. It also helps reduce glare and regulate the indoor temperature.
While low-E glass works well for kitchens too, tinted glass is also good for kitchens. Heat is generated during cooking, and these types of glass can help to reduce the ambient temperature slightly.
Laminated glass is ideal for the bedroom if you want noise reduction. You can also check the energy efficient rating for high performance glass from the vast collection of solar control glass from Saint-Gobain.
You can have energy efficient sliding glass doors, and low-E coating glass to minimize condensation. You can install frosted glass or windows with translucent interlayers to ensure privacy; for robust or durable glass, you can go with toughened glass as well.
Installing energy efficient sliding glass doors with blinds in the balcony is a great idea to prevent heat from entering your living space. It also increases the aesthetic appearance of the balcony. In high-rises, for balconies on the higher floors, toughened glass is used along with solar insulation to prevent damage during strong winds.
For large commercial buildings and offices, the SGG Infinity range has a plethora of options. These types of glass feature advanced thermal insulation and solar control. SGG Rosa, SGG QUARTZ, SGG Midas Gold, and SGG Kopper are also visually stunning examples of facade glass that elevate the building architecture with their bold and exotic colours.
These factors are important considerations in choosing the right energy efficient glass:
Choosing the right glass can provide improved insulation, more comfort, and is better for the environment. It can also have a positive impact on your mental and physical well-being.
Saint-Gobain has a wide range of energy-efficient glass that you can choose for various areas in your home. You can talk to our representatives to get proper guidance about the ideal range and thickness for your home or project.
What kind of glass is used for energy efficient windows?
Laminated glass, low-E glass, or triple pane windows are the most commonly used glass for energy efficient windows.
Are glass block windows energy efficient?
Yes, glass block windows provide adequate insulation, similar to double-paned windows, as two layers of glass are included in a glass block. They are airtight and do not offer any ventilation as they are fixed. To know more, talk to a Saint-Gobain representative today.
How reliable is laminated glass in energy efficiency?
Laminated glass is energy efficient as the lamination coating provides insulation qualities to the glass, however, low-E glass is a better choice.
What is pyrolytic glass?
Pyrolytic glass is a type of glass where the coating is bonded to the glass with a chemical process at the molecular level, while it is still partly molten. SGG Sun Ban from Saint-Gobain uses this technology to offer superior solar control.
