Low E Glass | 10 Facts About Energy Efficient Hard & Soft Coats

Low E glass, also known as low-emissivity glass, is designed to improve energy performance by helping control heat transfer while still allowing natural light into a building.

Used in windows, entrance doors, storefronts, curtain walls, and insulated glass units, Low E glass can help support better thermal performance, solar control, interior comfort, and energy efficiency in residential and commercial projects.

This guide answers key questions about Low E hard coats and soft coats, including how they work, where they can be used, which options are available, what sizes and thicknesses can be fabricated, and how they can be integrated into architectural glazing systems.

Low E Glass. Learn All About It.

How Does Low E Glass Work?

Low E glass uses a thin, transparent coating applied to the glass surface to help manage heat transfer. The coating reflects portions of infrared energy and UV radiation while allowing visible light to pass through.

Compared with standard clear glass, Low E glass is often selected when a project requires better energy efficiency, solar control, and daylight performance without making the space feel closed or overly dark.

How Can Low E Glass Improve Energy Efficiency?

Low E glass can help reduce the amount of heat that passes through the glass. In warm climates, it can help limit unwanted solar heat entering the building, while in cooler conditions it can help reduce heat loss through windows and glazing systems.

Actual performance depends on the specific Low E coating, glass make-up, insulated glass configuration, frame system, building orientation, and local climate.

Can Low E Glass Help Protect Interior Furnishings from Fading?

Yes. Low E glass can help reduce UV exposure, which may help slow fading in interior materials such as flooring, carpets, curtains, furniture, artwork, and displays.

Can Low E Glass Be Used in Insulated Glass Units?

Yes. Low E glass is commonly used in insulated glass units, also known as IG units, to improve thermal performance and solar control.

Depending on the project, Low E glass may be combined with clear, tinted, reflective, laminated, or other specialty glass options to achieve the desired balance of energy performance, appearance, daylight, and privacy.

Which Low E Hard Coats Are Available?

Low E hard coat options may include products from recognized manufacturers such as Sungate® by Vitro® and Energy Advantage™ by Pilkington.

Availability can change based on inventory, project requirements, coating type, glass thickness, and supplier conditions, so final options should be confirmed before ordering.

Which Low E Soft Coats Are Available?

Low E soft coat options may include products such as SunGuard®, SuperNeutral®, and ClimaGuard® by Guardian, as well as Solarban® by Vitro®.

Soft coat Low E glass is often selected for projects requiring stronger solar control, improved thermal performance, or specific visible light and reflectivity targets.

What Sheet Sizes Are Available?

Low E glass can be fabricated in a wide range of sheet sizes for architectural glazing applications. Available size capabilities include a minimum sheet size of 84” x 184” and a maximum sheet size of 110” x 198”.

Custom and oversized panels may also be available depending on the selected coating, glass type, thickness, fabrication requirements, and project specifications.

Low E Glass: Sizes, Thicknesses, and Project Use

What Low E Glass Thicknesses Are Available?

Low E glass can be fabricated in several standard thicknesses, including 1/8”, 3/16”, and 1/4”.

Thickness selection should be based on the application, glass make-up, system requirements, panel size, performance needs, and applicable project specifications.

Where Can Low E Glass Be Used?

Low E glass is commonly used in exterior glazing applications where energy performance, daylight, and solar control are important.

Common applications include windows, entry doors, storefront systems, curtain wall systems, insulated glass units, commercial façades, residential glazing systems, hospitality projects, and retail projects.

What Are Typical Lead Times?

Lead times may vary depending on coating type, glass size, thickness, fabrication requirements, quantity, and current production schedules.

Standard Low E glass orders may be available within a few working days, while expedited service may be available for select configurations. Rush production, next-day service, or expedited orders should be confirmed before placing the order.

Why Can Low E Glass Be Fabricated Efficiently?

Low E glass fabrication can be completed efficiently when coating inventory, tempering capacity, and in-house processing are coordinated under one manufacturing process.

The fabrication process may include multiple tempering ovens, including convection tempering systems designed to handle soft coat Low E glass. This can help support quality control, production consistency, and faster turnaround for many energy-efficient glass orders.

Low E Glass for Energy-Conscious Glazing Projects

Low E glass is a practical option for projects that require improved energy performance, visible light transmission, solar control, and interior comfort.

Available in hard coat and soft coat options, Low E glass can be specified for windows, doors, storefronts, curtain walls, IG units, and other architectural glazing systems.

For Low E glass options, sizes, thicknesses, coating availability, estimates, or order support, contact Architectural Glass and Metal directly.