Low-E and standard laminated glass are both types of safety and energy-efficient glazing, but they have some differences in their construction, functionality, and purpose:
ComfortPlus E-Glass:
- Low-E Coating: Low-E (low-emissivity) coating which is designed to minimize the amount of ultraviolet and infrared light that passes through the glass without compromising visible light.
- Energy Efficiency: Due to its Low-E coating, it is highly energy-efficient. It helps in reducing the energy costs by reflecting the interior heat back into the room and minimizing solar heat gain.
- Noise Reduction: While not as effective as laminated glass, Low-E glass can still offer some level of noise reduction.
- UV Protection: The Low-E coating can help in blocking harmful UV rays, thereby protecting fabrics and furnishings from fading.
Standard Laminated Glass:
- Construction: Standard laminated glass consists of two or more layers of glass sandwiching a plastic interlayer, usually PVB (polyvinyl butyral). This construction holds the glass together in case of breakage.
- Safety: Laminated glass is primarily designed for safety. The interlayer holds the glass in place even when shattered, reducing the risk of injury from broken shards.
- Noise Reduction: Laminated glass is known for its excellent sound-dampening properties, making it an ideal choice for buildings in noisy environments.
- UV Protection: The interlayer in laminated glass can block almost 99% of the UV radiation.
- Customization: Laminated glass can be customized in terms of thickness, color, and level of resistance to impact.
Comparison:
- Purpose: Low-E glass is generally geared towards energy efficiency, whereas standard laminated glass is primarily designed for safety and noise reduction.
- Cost: Low-E glass might be more expensive due to its energy-efficient properties.
- Applications: ComfortPlus E-Glass is ideal for climates where heating and cooling costs are a concern, while laminated glass is often used in applications requiring safety and noise reduction, such as skylights, automobiles, and storefronts.
In summary, the choice between Low-E glass and standard laminated glass would depend on the specific requirements of the application, such as whether energy efficiency, safety, or noise reduction is the priority.