Low-E is a revolutionary new type of window glass. It contains special coatings capable of drastically reducing the amounts of ultraviolet and infrared light penetrating into your home. Yet not all Low-E glass excels at the same things. If you would like to learn more about the basic distinctions in Low-E glass, read on. This article will compare and contrast the two main types of Low-E Glass: pyrolytic and MSVD.
Some Basics
As you now know, all Low-E glass is distinguished by the fact that it contains a special layer of coating. This layer is so incredibly thin that it practically requires a microscope to see. In fact, it is roughly the same width as a strand of human hair. Yet that doesn't stop if from effectively blocking heat waves from entering your home. It does this by reflecting certain wavelengths--both on the outside and the inside. This allows it to act both as a preventative barrier and as a form of insulation. Which particular benefit you are interested in highlighting will guide which type of Low-E glass you selected.
Pyrolytic
Pyrolytic Low-E glass also commonly goes by the name of passive Low-E. These coatings are applied directly to the surface of the glass before it has finished cooling. In fact, the glass at that point remains in an incredibly high-temperature semi-molten state. This allows the coating to fuse very tightly to the surface, resulting in an incredibly durable bond.
The particular benefits of pyrolytic glass make it especially useful for those who live in colder climates. Without getting too technical, the thing to appreciate here is that pyrolytic glass allows a greater amount of short-wave energy to pass through it. Sunlight is a prime example of such short-wave energy. Thus pyrolytic glass acts as a potent insulator, keeping more heat inside of your home, while still allowing beneficial energy to pass in from outside.
MSVD
MSVD, also frequently referred to as solar Low-E glass, is created by means of a much different production method. Here sheets of glass are manufactured much as usual, then cut down to size. Only at this point is the sheet of coating applied. The glass is then placed inside of a special laminating machine, which acts to bond the coating to the surface of the glass.
Compared to pyrolytic glass, MSVD is far less permissive. It will thus act to redirect a much greater portion of the sun's light waves away from your home. This makes MSVD a much better choice for those in warm climates, where it will drastically help to cut down on cooling costs by preventing heat from entering your home through the windows.
To learn more, contact a company like Windows Plus.
