What is solar control glass and how does it work?
Solar control glass is a double or tripled glazed unit with a metal oxide coating on the internal face of the external pane of glass. Using this coating is one of the easiest ways to integrate solar control into large areas of south-facing glazing.
The coating is designed to allow light and vision through the glass whilst reflecting solar radiation. It reduces the amount of short-wave radiation that travels through the glass unit, thus reducing the increased heat levels inside.
Radiation from the sun travels in short wavelengths which can penetrate through the glass into interior living spaces. As these waves hit objects inside, they are absorbed and then emitted at longer infrared wavelengths, which can’t travel back through the glass. This increases the internal temperature of a property and is known as solar gain.
There are many solar control coatings available which range in levels of light transmission, external reflections and solar control. Prestige Windows + Doors can advise you on what is best suited for your particular needs.
The most popular is a 70/35 Solar control coating which reduces the ‘G factor’ of the glass unit to 35% while maintaining the units light transmission at 70%.
How does it work
Solar control glass reduces the impact of heat radiation or solar gain in three main ways – reflectance, transmittance and absorbance. In other words, it reflects sun radiation, it limits the amount which can get through and it absorbs some of the energy. This is measured by the ‘G-Value’. The lower the G-value the lower the solar gain – or the better it is at preventing the build-up of heat within your home.
When is solar control glass necessary?
Prestige usually recommend that solar control glass is used for all roof light glazing and large expanses of south-facing glazing units.
Benefits of Solar Control Glass
Solar control glass offers several benefits to home owners and occupants. In addition to reducing the amount of solar heat and light that enters a building, it will also improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the comfort and sustainability of a building.
In summary, Solar control glass offers several benefits to building owners and occupants, these include:
- Improved Energy Efficiency: By reducing the amount of heat that enters a building through its windows, solar control glass can help reduce energy consumption and lower energy bills.
- Comfort: Solar control glass can help regulate the temperature inside a building, making it more comfortable for its occupants.
- UV Protection: Solar control glass can also provide protection from harmful UV rays, which can damage furnishings, carpets, and other interior surfaces.
- Glare Reduction: Solar control glass can help reduce glare and improve the quality of natural light entering a building.
- Sustainability: Solar control glass can also help to enhance the sustainability of a building.
Prestige Windows + Doors can help you with the detailed technical considerations for solar control glass on their products such as large format sliding doors and minimal framed glazing and sliders.
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