Category: High Performance Glass

Nothing quite compares to the beauty and magnificence of glass. Commercial, as well as residential enclaves use this material in large quantities to award spatial openness and modernity to any dwelling. However, with a substantial increase in the consumption of glass for office facades and housing complexes, there is a growing concern regarding energy consumption and its environmental implications.

If you are using a significant amount of glass in a structure, the potential for energy consumption goes up. Did you know that glass is responsible for transmitting up to 80% of outdoor solar heat to the insides of buildings? This feature of standard glass is especially disadvantageous for commercial structures as it stresses out heating and cooling devices, and also increases HVAC costs. To counter this problem, high-performance glass is used. This type of glass comes with various coatings of metal oxides to make it achieve high energy-efficiency. 

If you want to drape your structure’s façade with glass without compromising on effective energy utilisation, then high-performance glass should be on top of your list. 

Types and Applications of High-Performance Glass

There are varying degrees and intensities of solar heat and glare protection offered by high-performance glass. You can choose based on custom requirements. The following are the types of high-performance glass.

Low-E Glass

Low-E or low-Emissivity glass has exceptional thermal insulation capabilities. This surface stands to guard against ultraviolet (UV) radiations. During scorching summers, it allows only visible natural light to pass through its surface while reflecting away most of the heat and glare. Since it is a low-emissivity surface, it does not allow energy transfers between the exterior and interior atmospheres of a building.

During the winter season, low-E high-performance glass helps maintain an optimal interior temperature by trapping energy waves and not emitting or letting them leak outside. Therefore, this glass type enhances the overall thermal comfort of your office space, and also reduces heating costs. You must be drawing parallels between low-E and insulated glass since they have similar functionalities. While that’s true, low-E glass is even more energy-efficient than insulated glass units.

Applications – Low-E glass often adorns the façades of commercial buildings, glass-curtained skyscrapers, shopping malls, roof-top restaurants, and residential fenestration.

Solar Control Glass

Much like low-E glass, this type also comes with a special oxide coating responsible for exchanging less amount of solar glare from outside to inside. Additionally, solar control glass ushers in a more significant amount of natural light, thus reducing the cost of artificial lighting. This feature of solar control glass is especially useful for educational institutions, public libraries, offices etc. where natural light combined with artificial light is most helpful. 

Solar control glass helps reduce heating and cooling costs. For tropical countries like India, where sweltering heat can force us to hide inside opaque structures, solar control glass can be very beneficial. 

Applications – Any commercial or residential structure where reducing the amount of solar heat absorption is a priority. Some examples include indoor swimming pools, business park façades, metro stations, classrooms, college buildings, automotive windshields, etc.  

Solar Control Low-E Glass

This type of glass is the gold standard of high performance. Consider a low-emissivity surface which also has a special solar control coating. Solar Control Low-E glass is especially beneficial for surfaces that come in direct contact with sunlight regularly. Choose this glass type if you want robust protection from solar radiation as well as enhanced thermal insulation.

Since solar control low-E glass is most robust in business, it is commonly used in famous structures across the world. Did you know that the tallest building in the world, Burg Khalifa, is laden with solar control low-E glass? If you are looking for a complete high-performance solution, look no further than this glass type.

Applications – Since solar control low-E glass combines the properties of both solar control and low-emissivity glass, they have a tonne of applications. Some of them include airport façades, community centres, modern homes, commercial complexes, high-rise hotels, and much more.

The Bottom Line

High performance glass is generally used in commercial areas where the expanse of glass is more, which requires increased energy-efficiency. However, this does not mean that residential complexes must not use this type of glass. If you live in a high-rise apartment which faces the wrath of unrelenting solar glare every so often, high-performance glass is an ideal.

Are you looking for unmatched energy-efficiency and thermal comfort through high-performance glass, but cannot decide which one to choose? If so, then turn to AIS Glass – India’s leading architectural glass manufacturing company. Our team of professionally trained personnel is eager to help you in every step of the way. From selecting the right glass to installation and after-sales support – we’ve got you covered!

We can also help you pick out the right kind of high-performance glass. All you have to do is get in touch with us. So, contact us today to rid yourself of all your glass-related woes!

In modern architecture, glass is a highly versatile component. It can be used for several internal as well as external glazing applications. Be it staircases, façade, balustrades, doors, windows, external walls, shower cubicles, or room dividers – glass is everywhere!

However, due to its high surface emissivity, glass can absorb and emit the solar energy to the inside of the building – causing indoor overheating.

To combat this, advanced glass technologies are used to manufacture high-performance glass. They possess solar control and thermal insulation abilities to provide enhanced energy-efficiency.

Presently, there are three primary high-performance glasses available in the market. They are:

Low-E Glass

Low-E or Low-Emissivity glass is a type of high-performance glass that blocks out harmful UV and infrared rays of the sun. It only allows visible light to pass through.

It offers thermal insulation as a result of its low emissivity that decreases the absorption and transmittance of solar radiation. Because of this, low-E glass reduces the amount of heat ingress from the outside.

At the same time, it traps the internal heat from escaping outside, making it ideal for the winter season. AIS Ecosense Essence is a perfect example of low-E glass.

Solar Control Glass

In solar-control glass, a special oxide coating is present that reflects away the harmful rays of the sun and prevents the heat from entering inside the structures. It also prevents solar glare, notorious for causing eye and skin infections.

However, the glass does allow natural light to filter through, providing optimal daylight management. And consequently, lowers the reliance on air-conditioning and heating appliances.

For single glazing applications, AIS Ecosense Edge is a solar-control glass with high insulation properties.

Solar Low-E Glass

As the name suggests, a solar low-E glass is a type of low-E glass that comes with solar control coating. In terms of performance, this glass possesses properties of both its parent glasses.

It prevents overheating of interiors by blocking out the solar radiation and offering thermal insulation. In this way, the heat entering inside isn’t trapped, so it promotes a relatively cooler atmosphere.

AIS Ecosense Excel has advanced solar control and double low-E coatings for best-in-class thermal insulation and solar control performance.

Applications of High-performance Glass

Normally, glass has a high surface emissivity. Because of this, it absorbs and emits a large percentage of the solar radiant heat energy incident on it. Hence, as architectural designs recorded increasing use of glass, the demand for energy-efficiency witnessed an increase as well.  

Here are some common high-performance glass applications that everyone should know about.

Building Façade

In contemporary building designs, façades made of glass are quite common because of their visual appeal. However, incessant exposure to direct sunlight can raise the building’s indoor temperature. This is why high-performance glass is often used in their construction.

There is a significant reduction in the heat ingress and consequently, in the use of cooling devices. Yet, the building continues to receive optimum day light, inducing a brighter ambience.

Skylights/Roof Windows

For daylighting purposes, if there’s no space for a window, you can install skylights in your homes and offices. They allow natural light to pass through while letting you enjoy the stunning outside views.

However, since skylights are exposed to solar rays 24×7, they can increase the temperature indoors. This is why skylights should be made using high-performance glass as it can block the heat from seeping in, offering a cooler ambience.

Internal Partitions

In commercial and retail spaces like showrooms, internal partitions made of high-performance glass can improve energy-efficiency. They look spectacular as the sunlight glimmers on their surfaces, adding to visual appeal.

Besides, the space will receive ample natural light, lowering the reliance on artificial lighting, thereby leading to reduced energy costs.

Glass Windows

Did you know that about 90% of the heat comes through the windows? It can be worse for those living in the tropical and sub-tropical climatic zones.

However, if your windows are outfitted using high-performance glass, you can lower this percentage significantly.

Moreover, lower heat ingress means lower energy consumption and consequently, lower electricity bills.

In Summation

There are no two ways about it – for sustainable development, structures must become energy-efficient. And one of the easiest ways to achieve this is through the application of high-performance glass.

It allows natural light to pass through while blocking out the harmful infrared and UV rays of the sun. At the same time, you receive enhanced thermal insulation that prevents the interiors from overheating. So, you get optimum daylighting without raking up energy costs.

About AIS Glass

Looking for effective high-performance glass? Turn to AIS Glass!

At AIS – India’s leading integrated glass manufacturing company, we offer end-to-end, 360-degrees solutions in a wide range of glass products and services; right from manufacturing, processing to fabrication, installation, and post-installation.

We offer AIS Ecosense, a series of high-performance glass that is ideal for the Indian climate. They are suitable for balancing between indoors and outdoors, offering cooler and brighter interiors.

To learn more about high-performance glass, get in touch with us today!

Notwithstanding that glass has long been a well-loved building component, its use has skyrocketed in the 21^st century owing to innovative glass technologies. Today, glass’ popularity can be traced back not just to its delicate fluid visual appeal but mainly for the fact that it does more than beautify the exteriors. Even the two main downsides of glass – lack of energy-efficiency and privacy – have been dealt with ever since the emergence of high-performance glass products.

Given below are some high-performance glass and the host of benefits they offer –

Energy-Efficient Glass

This glass allows most heat to escape than any other building material. For this reason, it is crucial for the glass used in the buildings to be energy-efficient. Energy-efficient glass is one of the most commonly used high-performance glass. 

It can be described as a glass that comes with double or triple glazing. Energy-efficient glazing involves low-emissivity coated glass to prevent heat from escaping through the windows. Low-E glass is exceptional at trapping heat inside and can dramatically reduce heat transfer. This is done by reflecting heat into the interiors.

Some key benefits of energy-efficient glass include –

Improved Thermal Insulation

The air gap between the panes of glass in a sealed unit provides an extra layer of insulation to the interiors of your establishment. Installing low-E glass or energy-efficient glass in your office or any commercial establishment can keep the interiors warm during the winters by trapping the heat inside. On the other hand, during the hot summer season, the low-E glass can keep the interiors cool by reflecting the sun’s heat to the exteriors. Therefore, their installation can help maintain an ideal temperature while making the interiors an energy-efficient zone.

Reduction of Utility Bills

Due to the installation of energy-efficient glass, the interiors of your establishment such as office, retail shop, etc will always have an ideal temperature. This will lower the need for artificial heating during winters and cooling systems in the summers, thereby helping you reduce not only energy bills but also your carbon footprint.

Acoustic Insulation

Sealed double and triple glazing energy-efficient windows can also reduce medium to high-frequency noise, thereby creating a peaceful environment inside your establishment. This becomes quite crucial, especially in offices, hospitals, hotels, etc. where peace and a stress-free mind are vital to productivity, recovery, and comfort.

Reduced Condensation

Windows and doors with energy-efficient high-performance glass can help reduce the risk of condensation. Condensation occurs when a cold surface and moist air meet. The moisture that is formed due to condensation can potentially damage the window frame. If it is particularly bad or continues to happen over an extended period, it can even affect other areas of your establishment, causing mould and mildew.

Security

As energy-efficient glass has two or more panes instead of one, this type of high-performance glass when used in windows or doors offers a more secure barrier against any type of unwanted entry than a single glazed glass.

Smart or Switchable Glass

Windows and glass partition walls are some of the most important features of any commercial buildings. Through the use of the right kind of windows and partition walls, you can add elegance, allow natural light and, create the illusion of a larger space. One of the most popular glass choices for partition walls or windows in commercial establishments is smart glass or switchable glass. It is a type of high–performance glass whose light transmission properties go through a change whenever voltage, light, or heat is applied. This glass can easily change its properties from transparent to translucent, or opaque and vice versa. Smart glass is extremely multifunctional as it allows for the control of different forms of light including UV, visible light, and infrared light (IR). You can have privacy on demand simply by pressing a button.

Smart glass offers several benefits such as –

Protection from UV Rays

Smart glass can block ultraviolet (UV) rays. This not only becomes beneficial for protecting your skin, but it also prevents the furniture or fabric near your windows from fading.

Privacy

Privacy is at the heart of smart glass. The smart glass allows you to have privacy by just being able to switch from transparent to opaque. Due to its amazing privacy credentials, smart glass can be used in all kinds of privacy applications, such as office partitions for a meeting room or conference room, and partitions in restaurants or spas. It can also be used in the medical sector instead of traditional drapes or blinds. It is much more lucrative as it allows medical practitioners to make the glass opaque during a patient’s examination and maintain transparency during regular monitoring.

Optimal Power Conservation

Smart glass can help in making the interiors of your establishment more energy-efficient. The smart glass allows more natural light into the interiors, eliminating heating requirements during winter. Similarly, during the summer, smart glass helps in reducing solar glare and heat, thereby lowering air-conditioning bills.

Looking to incorporate high-performance glass in your commercial establishment? Get in touch with AIS Glass – India’s leading integrated glass manufacturer. We manufacture premium value-added glass solutions and are known to offer our customers 360-degree support for all their glass needs. From offering high-grade energy-efficient glass to our revolutionary smart glass – AIS Swytchglas, we can cater to all your high-performance glass needs.

So, get in touch with us today.