Storefront Window Design
If you look at our windows rather than through them, there are many interesting components to note. Here are the most important:
Low-E coating A microscopically thin layer of low-emissivity material is applied to one of the panes to deflect heat and UV rays from both sides.
Most low-e coating is made largely of silver or gold. These materials have higher reflectivity, allowing infrared and ultraviolet light to bounce off them rather than pass through. With this coating on the glass, our rooms will not be affected as much by outside temperatures, and we won't have to use as much energy to keep them warm or cool. |
Double panesThe panes are placed 1/2 inch apart, and the space between is filled with an insulating gas. Argon or krypton are commonly used in these windows, but they tend to leak at higher elevations, so we use air.
The gas between the panes lessens heat transfer between both sides of the window. |
Thermal BreaksThese are pieces of hard plastic fitted into the frame to prevent heat from flowing through. While it is crucial to reduce the glass's heat emissivity, the window frame is equally important.
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