Glass Blog

The use of Low-E coated glass has been a game changer in boosting the energy efficiency of buildings. With an estimated 70% of energy loss occurring through windows and doors, and 90% of window energy loss occurring through the glass, Low-E coatings have helped drastically in keeping heat in or out of commercial buildings and houses.

What is Low-E Glass?

Low-E (or low-emissivity) glass is designed to minimise the amount of infrared and UV radiation absorbed by glass, without reducing the amount of light entering the building.

The glass has a very thin, transparent coating that reflects heat back inside or outside the building. This helps keep the temperature in your building consistent by reflecting the internal temperature back inside.

Types of Low-E Coatings

There are two different types of Low-E coatings. Which one is best for you is based predominantly on your area’s climate.

Hard-Coat (Passive) Low-E Coatings

Hard-coat Low-E coatings are applied to glass immediately after it is removed from the furnace. The heat causes the coating to fuse onto the glass as it is cooling down. The fusion creates a strong bond (or hard-coat) that is highly durable.

Hard-coat Low-E glass is used predominantly in climates where the temperature can get extremely low. This is because the hard-coat glass allows some of the sun’s short-wave infrared energy to pass through, whilst keeping the long-wave heat energy inside. This keeps buildings nice and warm when it is cold outside.

Soft-Coat (Solar Control) Low-E Coatings

Soft-coat Low-E coatings are applied to pre-cut glass in a vacuum chamber once the glass has cooled. This type of coating must be sealed in an insulated glazing unit (IGU) or laminated glass unit for longevity and optimal performance.

Soft-coat Low-E glass has lower emissivity and higher solar control performance. It has better UV protection and is overall more effective. For this reason, it is ideal for use in cold to hot climates where it can reflect the warm or cool air back into your building, with minimal leakage outside.

Installing Low-E glass into your home or business can significantly improve your building’s energy efficiency, in turn reducing your carbon footprint and saving you money. It can also prevent damage to your furniture and internal decor by blocking out harmful UV rays.

If you’re considering upgrading to Low E glass, contact the Magic Glass team today! We can provide you with a free quote and help advise you on what options are best for your building.

Whether you are constructing a commercial building or simply replacing a window, using safety glass is nearly always required as per Australian Standards. Safety glass is designed and fabricated to be highly durable and very difficult to break. The characteristics of safety glass also means that it is significantly safer to the general public in the event of breakage.⁣

Windows form one of the greatest features that adds aesthetic and value to our homes. Regular cleaning may help to maintain a windows appearance but it reaches a point when cleaning is not enough and a complete replacement of the window is necessary.

Windows are an essential part of your home or business premise. They allow fresh air circulation when open, daylight penetration to brighten your day or room, as well as adding beauty and design elements to your space. However it is worth remembering that they are delicate features which are liable to damage, endangering your security and often creating a danger hazard. It is not possible to predict exactly when circumstances of an emergency will occur. For this reason, Magic Glass’ emergency service team are ready for any emergency window replacement whenever you require it. We are there 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our services cover both home window replacement and commercial window replacement.⁣

Is it time to renovate your office space? Why not start with the things that can save you money and improve the morale of your workers. Replacing a glass office window, door or wall and you will reap immediate benefits both quantifiable and unquantifiable. If your office windows have been serving you for about 10 years or so, you may need to check how they are doing for insulation from weather and sound. They may be part of the reason why you are paying hefty heating bills and replacing them could reduce your electricity bills every year.⁣⁣⁣

Every home, school, office or commercial property requires maintenance to certain areas. Some projects need to be done more regularly than others like cleaning gutters and painting, while others tend to happen only when an accident occurs or a major renovation is happening.

Popular in the past, many people now consider louvered windows outdated and less fashionable. Use of modern glazing and window styles had replaced the louvered forms in the recent years. However, in the wake of improved fabrication techniques and newer, better louvre design, home owners are reconsidering the benefits of this type of window in relation to design and also energy efficiency.⁣⁣

Are you looking to install or renovate large windows in a residential home? Do you need the help of an expert to install or replace your Sunroom windows? Then you will need the help of an expert to make the right choice and get the results that you desire. When you’re dealing with unusually large windows, it is important that you invest in glass that has been made using the highest quality materials. They should also have custom fabricated