Why Successful Window Manufacturers Use Pilkington Energy Advantage™ Low-E Glass
Unlimited Shelf Life. Unlike soft coat Low-E glass, Pilkington Energy Advantage Low-E Glass can be stored indefinitely with absolutely no loss in performance, minimizing inventory loss.
Handling. The durable, pyrolytic Low-E coating means that Pilkington Energy Advantage Low-E Glass can be handled using standard float glass techniques. And, this durability means that Pilkington Energy Advantage Low-E Glass is also ideally suited for use in storm windows.
Cutting. Cutting Pilkington Energy Advantage Low-E Glass is as simple as cutting ordinary clear glass. No special tools are needed. You may want to cut it "coating side up" to minimize marking from the cutting table edges. This marking will not affect the Low-E properties, but might require special cleaning.
Washing. Automatic washing machines using clean hot water and detergents can be used just like on ordinary clear glass.
Tempering. Pilkington Energy Advantage Low-E Glass may be readily tempered or heat-strengthened, if required, because the durable pyrolytic coating can withstand the required furnace temperatures. Because all Low-E coatings reflect radiant heat, when the coating side is up, the glass may require a longer furnace cycle to achieve uniform temperature. If rollers are clean enough, however, Pilkington Energy Advantage Low-E Glass can be tempered coating side down at normal cycle times. As a post-temperable product, lead times and availability of Pilkington Energy Advantage Low-E Glass are significantly improved.
No Edge Deletion. Preparation time is reduced further since, unlike soft coat Low-E glass, no edge deletion is required prior to fabrication.
Insulating Glass Units. Designed for this use, the coated surface should face the air space in an insulating glass unit. Having the coating on the #3 surface maximizes the passive solar heat gain (or "free energy") in winter. With the coating on the #2 surface, there is a lower shading coefficient and less passive solar gain. In either case, resistance to heat loss (U-value) is identical. (Note: when used in triple glazing, coating should be on the #2 or #5 surface.)
Laminating. Pilkington Energy Advantage Low-E Glass can also be laminated with polyvinyl butyl (PVB) with no adverse effects on performance, provided it is accomplished with the coating side out.