Welcome to our FAQ

Here you can consult our list of frequently asked questions. If your question is not included in this list, click here and send it to us. We will answer it as soon as we can and add it to the list. Thank you for your visit. Check our website regularly to stay informed about our products, services, and innovations.

Argon

How does argon work?: Sealed units can be filled with air or other gases between the panes. Argon resists heat transfer conduction better than air. In addition, since it is heavier, it is subject to fewer displacements than air (convection). Therefore, an insulated pane containing argon allows for less heat transfer than the same insulated pane containing air.
Is argon dangerous?: Argon is an inert gas that consists of almost 1% of the air we breathe in every day and is not harmful. If the window glass breaks, there is no health risk.

Coefficient

What is the difference between the Shading Coefficient (SC) and the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)?

These two units of measure describe the amount of energy passing through glass and are linked mathematically.

The Shading Coefficient (SC) is the ratio of solar energy that passes through a piece of glass relative to piece of 1/8" clear glass (which has a shading coefficient of 1.0).

The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) has a lower value for the same product.

For a piece of glass 1/8" thick, the SHGC is equal to 86% of the SC. In both cases, a lower figure indicates a lower solar gain.

Condensation

Why does condensation form on the exterior surface of insulating glass units?

Condensation on the exterior surface of insulating glass units is a normal phenomenon that may occur under certain atmospheric conditions. It is caused by heat exchanged between the glass and the surrounding environment. The quality of the glass unit is not a factor. Under certain conditions (clear night sky, light wind, high humidity), the temperature of an insulating unit’s exterior glass can drop enough that the humidity in the air condenses on its surface. These conditions may occur several times in the fall and spring. As soon as the exterior glass heats up, usually early in the morning, the condensation disappears.

Under equivalent conditions, less efficient insulating glass units allow more heat to enter than highly energy efficient units. This heat warms up the exterior glass, making it less likely that condensation will form. Accordingly, condensation is less likely to occur on less efficient insulating glass units. However, highly energy efficient units help save energy, reduce condensation on the interior glass, reduce the risk of mold on the interior edges of windows, and enhance the comfort of your home year round.

For more information, feel free to contact us or consult the Natural Resources Canada website or these Canada Mortage and Housing Corporation booklets.

About Your House - Measuring Humidity in Your Home, no. 62075

Moisture and Air - Householder's Guide - Problems and remedies, no. 61227

Infrared Radiation

What is the difference between long-wave and short-wave infrared radiation?

Short-wave infrared radiation comes directly from the sun, but is not felt as heat. This type of radiation converts to heat when it reaches a certain mass.

Long-wave infrared radiation is emitted by any mass that has absorbed heat.

Low-E

Do Low-E coatings work the same at night or when the sun isn’t shining?

Low-E coatings work 24 hours a day. In winter they reflect radiant interior heat (long-wave infrared radiation). Low-E coatings do not make a distinction between heat produced by solar energy and heat produced by the heating system, because both types of heat are absorbed by the window materials and radiated again in the form of long wave radiation.

How do Low-E glass coatings reflect heat?

Heat is transmitted in three ways: conduction, convection and radiation. Sungate^TM 400 glass coatings directly control the radiation portion of the heat transfer. The coating is composed of an extremely fine metal layer that reflects radiant heat, a bit like a mirror reflecting light.

Do all Low-E glasses look the same?

No. Both the thickness of the different Low-E coatings and the manufacturing process have an influence on the color of the finished product.

Does Low-E glass work only in northern climates?

No. Glasses with Low-E coatings can work in all types of climates.

Low-E coatings can reduce the loss of heat inside a house, therefore reducing heating costs.

Low-E coatings also reduce solar gain, thus contributing to a reduction in air-conditioning costs.

Can Low-E glass affect my plants?

Low-E glass is manufactured in such a way as to filter a range of invisible rays while minimizing the effect on visible light and the portion of invisible light used by plants. In general, most plants that grow behind clear glass can also grow behind Sungate^TM 400 coated glass.

Is there a difference in appearance between a window with a Low-E glass and a window with clear glass?

There is a slight difference in appearance, but it is very hard to see. If you put Low-E coated glass beside clear glass, you might notice a slight difference. Nevertheless, if you install Low-E glass on an entire building, it is unlikely that people would notice any difference between it and a building using clear glass.

Am I going to notice a difference in light quality between my clear windows and my new Low-E windows?

You will notice a reduction in light intensity compared to your former windows. However, what most people notice is the increase in comfort. An insulated window pane composed of Sungate^TM 400 transmits approximately 13% less visible light than the same clear window pane and 10% less solar energy.

Can tinted glass be used in combination with Low-E glass?

Yes, it can. Sealed units can be made with tinted glass as long as Low-E glass is used on the interior pane. However, as mentioned in the section on types of glass, all windows should have glass that is the same thickness.

Is it more difficult to clean windows that use Low-E glass?

No. If your windows use Low-E glass, the coating is on the inside surface of the sealed unit. The exposed surfaces are made of regular uncoated glass that can be cleaned like ordinary glass.

Performance

Do Venetian blinds, curtains, trees and shrubs affect the performance of my windows?: Yes and no. They can restrict the amount of heat and light entering a room through the windows, but they don’t change the functional characteristics of Low-E glass.

UV

What is ultraviolet light (UV)?: Solar energy consists of ultraviolet, visible and infrared light. UV light is short-wave energy with a wave length of between 290 and 380 nanometers. It is invisible and accounts for approximately 2% of the solar energy that reaches the earth. One-inch thick insulated glass treated with Sungate^TM 400 allows approximately 32% of the UV rays that reach the earth to pass through insulated glass.
What is the potential reduction in ultraviolet (UV) energy transmission with Low-E glass?: The reduction in UV transmission depends on the Low-E coating used and how the sealed unit is constructed (thickness of the glass, type of glass, etc.). Contact us for more detailed information.