Low-E coated glass, hard or soft coat (4mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm as single pane or in IGU)
Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass features a transparent coating that reflects long-wave infrared energy while allowing visible light to pass through. Available in hard coat (pyrolytic) applied during manufacture or soft coat (MSVD) applied post-production, offering U-values from 1.4-2.8 W/m²K depending on configuration. Critical for achieving 7-star NatHERS ratings in Australian buildings.
- Residential windows meeting 7-star energy ratings
- Commercial facades in all climate zones
- High-rise curtain wall systems
- Skylights and roof glazing
- Passive house construction
- Heritage building upgrades
- Bushfire-prone area glazing (when toughened)
- Tropical architecture solar control
Low-E glass technology emerged in the 1970s during the energy crisis, with pyrolytic hard coats developed first. Magnetron sputtered soft coats followed in the 1980s, offering superior performance. Australian adoption accelerated in the 2000s with increasing energy standards, becoming essential for compliance with 6-star (2010) and now 7-star (2024) NatHERS requirements. Modern variants include triple-silver coatings achieving U-values below 1.0 W/m²K in triple glazing configurations.
DISCLAIMER: This specification document is generated from the CLAD Materials Atlas Database. Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Values are typical and may vary by batch, manufacturer, and production run. Verify suitability for specific project applications independently.