Low E Windows: Hard Coat vs. Soft Coat

With warmer months just around the corner, ensuring your replacement windows are made with Low-E glass is as important as ever. “Low E” glass stands for “low emissivity.” In other words, Low E glass is produced with microscopically thin silver coatings which limit the amount of ultraviolet and infrared light coming through your windows and into your home.

While Low E glass is the obvious choice when replacing your windows, understanding the difference between a “Low E hard coat” and a “Low E soft coat” will allow you to make the best decision for your home and personal needs! 

Low E Hard Coat Windows

A hard coat on a Low E window is when a thin layer of silver is sprayed onto the surface of the glass at a very high temperature.

Advantages: 

  • Since Low E glass doesn’t need to be sealed into an insulated glass unit, its durability offers the possibility for added accessories (e.g.) blinds in between the panes
  • This is a more inexpensive option since there are less layers needing to be applied (compared to a “soft coat”). 

Disadvantages:

  • U-values are typically higher as the glass isn’t as energy efficient as a Low E soft coat. (still energy efficient nonetheless!)
  • Typically yields a higher solar heat gain coefficient, allowing more infrared and ultraviolet light to pass through the glass (compared to a soft coat Low E window)

Low E Soft Coat Windows

Low E soft coat windows are produced by adding 2-3 very fine layers of silver to the glass. While the addition of these multiple layers create a fairly delicate glass, the more layers added, the better the glass performs at blocking UV rays and lessening solar heat gain. 

Advantages:

  • When compared to a hard coat, soft coats tend to have more optical clarity. (hard coats can come off as a bit “hazier”)
  • Provides ultra low emissivity, creating optimum u-values.
  • Can provide up to 70% less UV transmission compared to standard clear glazing. 

Disadvantages: 

  • The Low E coating is very fragile, so extreme care and special gloves must be used when handling this type of glass. 
  • More difficult to temper due to its heat reflection properties.
  • Can be  more expensive with the added layers of silver and extra fragility
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