It makes sense to maximise your insulation. Double glazing can have added insulating benefits when combined with Argon Gas and Low E glass
What is Argon Gas and Low E Glass?
Argon gas is a naturally occurring inert gas which is not
harmful to you. By trapping a measured amount of Argon gas between
the panes of glass and sealing it in, the insulating performance of
your double glazing increases. Argon gas is denser than air and
acts as a greater barrier to heat loss and heat absorption in the
home, with a thermal performance increase of up to 15%.
Low E, or Low Emissivity glass, reflects long wave radiation
keeping the heat inside the home. Using a combination of Low E
glass and Argon gas you will receive ultimate insulation
performance.
Single Glazed Low E Glass
Although single-glazed LowE glass can offer some
increase in thermal performance, the following should be noted:
- Low E glass is extremely hard to clean and can show finger
marks.
- Low E glass is a coated glass and the coating can be scratched
or damaged.
- Low E glass can create condensation problems as the inner
surface is colder than normal single glass.
- Low E glass has a cold surface temperature, creating cold zones
near windows.
- Low E glass is normally more expensive than a standard Double
Glazed window.
- Low E glass has less thermal performance than standard Double
Glazing.
- Low E glasses have different R values, and some types may not
meet the 0.26 requirement of the new Energy Standard.
The total window R value is window size dependent and very large
windows may not meet this R value requirement.
Given all of the above, you need to carefully consider why you
would use single Low E glass. However, when used as one skin of a
double glazed window the benefits are real, without the hassle of
these issues.