High-Performance Glazing

Low-E glazing is perhaps the most common type of high-performance glazing. This employs an imperceptibly thin metallic film or coating between two glass panes that selectively rejects some energy wavelengths, greatly reducing heat transfer through glass and minimizing fading of furniture and carpets that can be caused by ultraviolet rays.

Argon gas-filled windows are even more energy efficient. When a window is injected with this natural, colorless, non-toxic gas, its insulating qualities are doubled. New "super" windows employ two low-E coatings or films to achieve incredibly high R-8 insulation values.

Where ultraviolet fading is a real problem-in especially sunny climates-a solar bronze or solar gray tinted glass can reject unwanted heat and UV rays. Glass may also be purchased with a polymer coating that repels dirt, minimizing the need for window washing.

Some windows are sold with integral shades. You can even buy dual-glazed windows that have louvered mini-blinds between the glass panes. As an option in most cases, nearly all operable windows are sold with screens.

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