Glass Glazing System Options
When shopping for replacement windows and doors for your Southern California home, it is important to have a basic understanding of window glazing systems so you can compare window products, and also accurately compare the quotes you receive from various replacement window companies.
A term you should become familiar with when it comes to replacement window glazing systems is Low-E. Low-E (short for low emissivity) coatings are the coatings on glass products designed to help keep out heat rays and the UV rays that can fade fabrics and wall coverings. Most window systems will have a Low-E rating. Outlined below are five different types of window glazing systems you will likely come across when shopping for replacement windows, along with the pros and cons of each type.
This glass unit will have two panes of glass,
but no Low-E coating.
Glass is very transparent, because there is no added coating
Fairly inexpensive
It does not meet Title 24, which is a set of energy efficiency standards in California. When applying for a building permit in the state of California, you are required to submit a Title 24 report showing that your proposed building design complies with the California Title 24 energy standards.
Usually manufactured with a metallic spacer, which over time can cause seal failure
This unit has a single layer of Low-E coating,
also known as LOWE, LOWE266, LOE and LOE2.
Widely available in big box home improvement stores
Usually meets Title 24 standards
Most vinyl window manufacturers, like Milgard, Simonton, Plygem and Amsco, have it as a standard energy-efficient package on their windows
Replacement windows with this type of glazing often have a basic design, and not many upgrade options
Usually manufactured with a metallic spacer, which can cause seal failure over time
Double Strength Dual Glass Unit with Triple Layered Silver Metal Low-E366, Argon Gas Filled
This unit is built with two panes of double strength glass connected by a silicone memory foam spacer. It is equipped with three layers of silver metal Low-E coating and flood filled with argon gas, which guarantees a 90-95% fill rate.
Available in Monte Verde and Bay View window and door products.
View, download or print the Monte Verde brochure for more information
View, download or print the Bay View brochure for more information.
Highly energy efficient, dramatically reducing the amount of heat or cold that passes through the glass
Blocks up to 95% of harmful UV rays
Silicone memory foam spacer makes windows more energy and sound efficient than those manufactured with a metallic spacer
Available in Monte Verde and Bay View
Usually only available through authorized dealers
Cost of windows with Low-E366 is usually higher than those with Low-E coating
Double Strength Dual Glass Unit with Triple Layered Silver Metal Low-E366, Argon Gas Filled, with Easy-Clean Coating
This window unit contains all of the features listed in the above description, with the addition of an easy-clean coating that decomposes dirt and other organic materials, allowing them to be easily rinsed away.
View, download or print the Anlin Catalina Series brochure for more information.
Highly energy efficient, dramatically reducing the amount of heat or cold that passes through the glass
Blocks up to 95% of harmful UV rays
Uses a perforated silicone spacer, which is superior to a standard silicone spacer or metallic spacer when it comes to energy and sound efficiency
Easy-clean coating makes washing the glass easier, and keeps windows cleaner for a longer period of time
Available in almost all Anlin products
Usually available only through authorized dealers
Cost is most likely higher than LOW-E366 window units
Double Strength Dual Glass Unit with 14-Layer Solar Reflective Coating Low-E4, Argon Gas Filled
his unit features Anlin’s QuadraTherm Ultimate Dual Pane Insulation System, with a patented 14-layer coating and a multi-layer heat retention coating that helps keep heat out on hot days, and keep heat in when it’s cold out. It also has the most advanced and energy-efficient spacer currently on the market, and is flood filled with argon gas.
Available in Anlin’s QuadraTherm window and door products.
View, download or print the Anlin Catalina-QT Series brochure for more information.
The industry’s most advanced energy-efficient dual pane system
Delivers up to 34% better energy performance than 2014 Energy Star requirements and even outperforms typical triple pane products
Usually available only through authorized dealers
Cost of windows equipped with QuadraTherm is likely to be higher than Infinite-Plus windows
