Low-E and solar control glass

Low-E glass has a very thin coating you cannot see, which reflects heat back into the room in winter and helps keep it out in summer, while letting daylight through. Solar Low-E adds control of the sun's heat.

Both are normally built into an insulated unit, and suit homes, offices, roof lights and winter gardens. Solar control glass can crack from uneven heating, so we recommend toughening it. Tell us where the glass is going and we will check it with you.

Low-E or solar control?

A rooflight or glass roof faces the sky all day, so solar control is usually worth considering there. Rooms that already overheat in summer are a good sign you need it.

Why toughen coated glass

Coated glass absorbs more of the sun's energy. If part of a pane is shaded and part in sun, the uneven heating can crack ordinary glass. Toughened glass resists this thermal stress, which is why we recommend it for solar control glass and roof glazing.

How to ask for a price

1. Tell us where the glass is going and which way it faces.
2. Choose double or triple glazed, or tell us you are not sure.
3. Send the size of each unit and its overall thickness if it must fit an existing frame.

Questions we are asked

Can I see the Low-E coating?

Usually not. Low-E coatings are almost invisible. Some solar control coatings give a slight tint or reflection.

Does Low-E glass reduce light?

A little. Low-E glass lets most daylight through. Stronger solar control coatings reduce light more, so choose the level to suit the room.