If you’re a homeowner, you can expect that you’ll have to replace your windows at some point in time. In some cases, new windows become necessary because existing ones sustain damage — often related to storms or, in the case of coastal Carolina residents, hurricanes. In other situations, though, homeowners simply discover that new windows could save them a bundle on their annual energy bills!
No matter which of these camps you fall into, it is important to have a full understanding of what type of window is right for you before you buy. Today’s homeowners can choose from a wide variety of replacement window products, which can sometimes be challenging for those who don’t know much about window glass options and even window frame materials. Here, we take a look at Low-E glass, which is becoming increasingly more commonplace in the United States — including North Carolina and South Carolina — today.
What exactly is Low-E glass?
You might be surprised to learn that Low-E glass was originally introduced in 1983, making it older than many homeowners realize! This type of glass looks like normal, uncoated window glass, but actually features a microscopically thin layer of metallic oxide. It is important to note that the metallic oxide compound is not visible to the naked eye — Low-E window panes don’t look any different than conventional glass!
What does “Low-E” mean?
The term “Low-E” refers to low emissivity. This is any material or surface’s ability to emit/radiate heat. Low-E windows allow less heat to escape from inside a home, ultimately reducing homeowners’ utility bills and keeping families more comfortable all year long.
If you tend to rely on statistics when making purchase decisions about home improvement products, standard clear glass has an emittance rate of approximately 0.84 — this means it emits 84% of heat that passes through it and radiates back (or maintains) only 16%.
Low-E glass, on the other hand, has an emittance rate around 0.04 — this means it emits only 4% of heat and maintains 96%. Your investment in Low-E windows will undoubtedly pay for itself. Numbers don’t lie!
Does Low-E glass have other benefits?
In addition to lowering energy bills and keeping Carolina homeowners more comfortable in every season, Low-E glass protects against UV rays better than traditional glass. This means that precious photographs, artwork, and home furnishings aren’t as likely to fade over time, even if you enjoy having your curtains or blinds open to let the sun stream in!
Furthermore, Low-E glass is easy to maintain. Even though it features a specialized coating, your new windows won’t require any more maintenance than the previous models did. Simply clean them as you normally would.
If you are ready to talk about having Low-E replacement windows installed in your North Carolina or South Carolina home, contact the Hatch Homes team today. We’re here to answer all of your questions and make sure you are thrilled with the outcome of your renovation.