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Low
E Windows Will...
Increase the value of your home.
Reduce the noise level in your home.
Block UV Rays that fade the interior
fabrics on your furniture and carpets.
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American Insulated Glass is certified in Low-E products by the
following manufacturers:
PPG-CFP
Guardian
Industries
AFG
Industries
Cardinal
CG
Low-emittance
(Low-E) coating are microscopically thin, virtually invisible, metal or metallic oxide layers deposited
on a window or skylight glazing surface primarily to reduce the U-factor by suppressing radiative heat flow. The
principal mechanism of heat transfer in multilayer glazing is thermal radiation from a warm pane of glass to a
cooler pane. Coating a glass surface with a low-emittance material and facing that coating into the gap between
the glass layers blocks a significant amount of this radiant heat transfer, thus lowering the total heat flow
through the window. Low-E coatings are transparent to visible light. Different types of Low-E coatings have been
designed to allow for high solar gain, moderate solar gain, or low solar gain.
Double-Glazed with
High-Solar-Gain Low-E Glass 
This figure illustrates the
characteristics of a typical double-glazed window with a high-transmission, Low-E glass and argon gas fill.
These Low-E glass products are often referred to as pyrolitic or hard coat Low-E glass, due to the glass coating
process. The properties presented here are typical of a Low-E glass product designed to reduce heat loss but
admit solar gain. High solar gain Low-E glass products are best suited for buildings located in
heating-dominated climates. This Low-E glass type is also the product of choice for passive solar design
projects due to the performance attributes relative to other Low-E glass products which have been developed to
reduce solar gain.
In heating-dominated
climates with a modest amount of cooling or climates where both heating and cooling are required, Low-E coatings
with high, moderate or low solar gains may result in similar annual energy costs depending on the house design
and operation. While the high solar gain glazing performs better in winter, the low solar gain performs better
in summer. Low solar gain Low-E glazings are ideal for buildings located in cooling-dominated climates. Look at
the energy use comparisons under Window Selection to see how different glazings perform in particular
locations.
Double-Glazed with
Moderate-Solar-Gain Low-E Glass 
This figure illustrates the
characteristics of a typical double-glazed window with a moderate solar gain Low-E glass and argon gas fill.
These Low-E glass products are often referred to as sputtered (or soft-coat products) due to the glass coating
process. (Note: Low solar gain Low-E products are also called sputtered coatings.) Such coatings reduce heat
loss and let in a reasonable amount of solar gain and are suitable for climates with both heating and cooling
concerns. In heating-dominated climates with a modest amount of cooling or climates where both heating and
cooling are required, Low-E coatings with high, moderate or low solar gains may result in similar annual energy
costs depending on the house design and operation. Look at the energy use comparisons under Window Selection to
see how different glazings perform in particular locations.
Double-Glazed with
Low-Solar-Gain Low-E Glass 
(Spectrally
Selective)
This figure illustrates the
characteristics of a typical double-glazed window with a low solar gain Low-E glass and argon gas fill. These
Low-E products are often referred to as sputtered (or soft-coat) due to the glass coating process. (Note:
Moderate solar gain Low-E products are also called sputtered coatings.) This type of Low-E product, sometimes
called spectrally selective Low-E glass, reduces heat loss in winter but also reduces heat gain in summer.
Compared to most tinted and reflective glazings, this Low-E glass provides a higher level of visible light
transmission for a given amount of solar heat reduction.
Low solar gain Low-E
glazings are ideal for buildings located in cooling-dominated climates. In heating-dominated climates with a
modest amount of cooling or climates where both heating and cooling are required, Low-E coatings with high,
moderate or low solar gains may result in similar annual energy costs depending on the house design. While the
high solar gain glazing performs better in winter, the low solar gain performs better in summer. Look at the
energy use comparisons under Window Selection to see how different glazings perform in particular
locations.
Variants on low solar gain
Low-E coatings have also been developed which lower solar gains even further. However this further decrease in
solar gains is achieved by reducing the visible transmittance as well - such coatings, which may appear slightly
tinted, are best suited for applications where cooling is the dominant factor and where a slightly tinted effect
is desired.
Also Check
Out:
Beveled Glass &
Mirror
The beveling of edges creates a very elegant look and is used
often on vanity mirrors and wall mirrors.
Decorative
Glass
In recent years there has
been a growing trend in the use of decorative glass to create dramatic entryways. AIG is leading the industry
with decorative glass options to make your home stand out.
SCHOTT PYRAN® Platinum Fire and Safety Rated
Glass-Ceramic
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