When assessing glass performance for building applications, two critical factors outlined by the National Construction Code (NCC) are paramount: U-Value and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC).

U-Value:

The ‘U’ symbolises Internal Energy, measuring the heat transfer rate through the glass per square metre when it’s colder outside than inside. Essentially, it quantifies insulation—how much heat escapes through the glass. This includes non-solar heat from outside, particularly noticeable at night after absorbing heat from materials like roads and bricks. A lower U-Value indicates better insulation. It’s important to note two types of U-Value: glass-only (Ug) and Total System (U-Valuew), encompassing the entire glazing system, as mandated by the NCC.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC):

SHGC measures solar control, indicating how much solar heat enters the building through the glass. Represented as a percentage, higher values mean more solar heat enters (and less is blocked), while lower values indicate greater blocking of solar heat. For example, SHGC of 0.84 means 84% of solar heat enters, while SHGC of 0.27 means only 27% enters. Lower SHGC values benefit warmer climates by blocking more passive heat, while higher values may help in colder climates for passive heating.

Interpreting Performance Data:

Understanding U-Value and SHGC is crucial for selecting glass meeting specific project requirements. Factors like climate, orientation, and energy efficiency goals should guide the choice. Our DGU range deeply considers this data to offer optimal solutions for homes and projects.

When considering home insulation, the shift from single glazing to double glazing has become more than just a trend—it’s now a necessity, especially in regions like Victoria, Australia, where the climate oscillates between scorching summers and chilly winters. Traditionally, homes were equipped with single-glazed windows, comprising a single pane of glass. While this may have sufficed in the past, the demands of modern living and the imperative for energy efficiency have underscored the need for a more robust solution.

Single Glaze: The Old Standard

In the era of single glazing, homes were more susceptible to temperature fluctuations and energy loss. Single-glazed windows offer minimal insulation, allowing heat to escape during winter and infiltrate indoor spaces during summer. This not only compromises comfort but also drives up energy bills as heating and cooling systems work overtime to maintain desired temperatures.

The Rise of Double Glazing

Double-glazed Units, also known as Insulated Glass Units, feature two panes of glass separated by a layer of inert gas, typically argon. This design significantly enhances thermal insulation, creating a barrier that minimises heat transfer between the interior and exterior of the home. In summer, double glazing helps keep indoor spaces cool by blocking out excess heat, while in winter, it prevents heat from escaping, ensuring a cosy and energy-efficient environment year-round.

The Benefits of Double Glazing in Victoria

For homeowners in Victoria, where temperatures can soar during summer and plummet during winter, the benefits of double glazing are particularly pronounced. By upgrading to double-glazed windows, residents can enjoy:

Improved Energy Efficiency: Double glazing reduces reliance on heating and cooling systems, leading to lower energy consumption and utility costs.

Enhanced Comfort: Say goodbye to drafts and temperature imbalances. Double glazing helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature, providing year-round comfort for you and your family.

Noise Reduction: Beyond thermal insulation, double-glazed windows also offer superior sound insulation, buffering external noise and creating a quieter, more serene living environment.

UV Protection: Double glazing can help safeguard your furnishings and interior decor from the harmful effects of UV radiation, prolonging their lifespan and preserving their aesthetic appeal.

In essence, the transition from single glazing to double glazing represents a pivotal step towards creating homes that are not only comfortable and energy-efficient but also sustainable for future generations. It’s a small upgrade with significant implications for both your quality of life and the environment.

Low-E glass is coated with a microscopically thin layer of metal oxide, typically applied to one surface of the glass. This coating is engineered to selectively reflect infrared radiation, which is a primary source of heat transfer. By controlling the passage of infrared light, Low-E glass helps regulate indoor temperatures, keeping homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Both our DGU Premium and Max units utilise Low-E technology to enhance performance.

Low-E glass operates on the principle of emissivity, which refers to a material’s ability to emit radiant energy. In the case of Low-E glass, the coating reduces emissivity, meaning it reflects a greater percentage of infrared radiation back into the room rather than allowing it to escape through the glass. This results in improved thermal performance and reduced heat loss or gain, depending on the season.

For homeowners in Victoria, where climate extremes are a reality, Low-E glass offers a range of compelling advantages:

• Enhanced Energy Efficiency: Low-E glass helps minimize the need for heating and cooling, reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills.
• Year-Round Comfort: By mitigating heat transfer, Low-E glass helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, regardless of external conditions.
• UV Protection: The reflective properties of Low-E glass can also block a significant portion of harmful UV radiation, protecting interior furnishings and occupants from sun damage.
• Condensation Control: Low-E glass helps prevent condensation buildup on windows, reducing the risk of mold and moisture-related issues.

When choosing Low-E glass for your home or projects, consider factors like climate, window orientation, and desired performance. Different Low-E coatings offer varying solar control, light transmission, and insulation. Consulting a glass specialist can help determine the most suitable type. Our DGU range use various coatings. The DGU Pro range employ a Pyrolytic Hardcoat LowE coating. DGU Premium use a Single Silver Soft Coat (LightTech) while DGU Max products feature the advanced Triple Silver Soft Coat (LightTech LI Max) for maximum performance. You can find more about Hard and soft coats below.

When it comes to Low-E (Low Emissivity) glass, two primary types dominate the market: Hardcoats (HC) and Softcoats (SC). Understanding the differences between these coatings is essential for homeowners looking to optimize energy efficiency and comfort in their living spaces.

Hardcoat (HC) Low-E Glass:

Hardcoat Low-E glass, also known as pyrolytic or online Low-E glass, features a durable coating applied to the glass during the manufacturing process. This coating, typically composed of tin oxide, is fused to the glass surface at high temperatures, resulting in a robust and scratch-resistant finish. Hardcoat Low-E glass offers excellent solar control and thermal insulation properties, making it well-suited for applications where durability and performance are paramount. Our DGU Pro range utilises Hardcoat Low-E glass, providing reliable performance and long-lasting durability.

Softcoat (SC) Low-E Glass:

Softcoat Low-E glass, on the other hand, utilises a thin, transparent coating of silver or other metal oxides applied to the glass surface in a vacuum chamber. Unlike Hardcoat Low-E glass, Softcoat Low-E glass is applied to the glass after it has been manufactured, allowing for greater control over the coating thickness and composition. This results in superior optical clarity and higher thermal performance compared to Hardcoat Low-E glass. Softcoat Low-E glass can be further identified into three main types:

Single Silver: A single layer of silver is applied to the glass surface, offering basic thermal performance improvement. Our DGU Premium range utilise Single Silver coatings.

Double Silver: Two layers of silver are applied, providing enhanced thermal insulation and solar control compared to Single Silver coatings.

Triple Silver: Three layers of silver are applied, offering the highest level of thermal performance and solar control among Softcoat Low-E coatings. Our DGU Max range utilise Triple Silver coatings.

Choosing between Hardcoat and Softcoat Low-E glass involves considering various factors, including performance, aesthetics, and practical concerns.

Hardcoat Low-E Glass:

Hardcoat Low-E glass delivers exceptional performance, especially in single glazed applications, offering robust thermal insulation and solar control to enhance energy efficiency. However, there are considerations to note. The manufacturing process involves spraying the coating onto hot glass, leading to potential imperfections that may cause light distractions and a haze appearance. Additionally, in single glazed applications, the interior coating is susceptible to damage from touch, scratches, and cleaning products. Therefore, careful maintenance is essential.

Softcoat Low-E Glass:

Softcoat Low-E glass provides advanced performance and superior aesthetics. Unlike Hardcoat Low-E glass, Softcoat is applied to pre-manufactured float glass, preserving its flat surface and reducing imperfections. In a DGU, the coating is positioned inside the air gap, offering protection from external elements and minimising damage from interior contact. This ensures enhanced performance and durability, making Softcoat Low-E glass ideal for applications prioritising aesthetics and longevity.

Considerations:

When choosing between Hardcoat and Softcoat Low-E glass, consider the specific project requirements. Hardcoat is preferable for maximum performance and energy efficiency, especially in single glazed applications. However, if aesthetics and long-term durability are essential, particularly in DGUs, Softcoat Low-E glass offers enhanced performance and visual appeal.

Softcoat Low-E glass offers various benefits, particularly when considering options like DGU Premium and DGU Max. Understanding these advantages empowers homeowners to make informed decisions, enhancing both their living environment and long-term savings.

Enhanced Insulation and Acoustic Performance:

Transitioning from monolithic single glazed windows to Double Glazed Units (DGUs) provides foundational benefits, including significantly improved insulation and advanced acoustic performance. Incorporating Softcoat Low-E glass into DGUs further amplifies these benefits.

HVAC System Savings and Reduced Energy Consumption:

Softcoat Low-E glass helps reduce heating and cooling loads, resulting in one-off savings on HVAC system costs for new builds. Additionally, ongoing heating and cooling cost savings are realised thanks to the reduced demand for energy. This not only translates into lower utility bills but also contributes to environmental sustainability.

Maintained Comfort Levels and UV Protection:

Softcoat Low-E glass enables homeowners to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures, virtually eliminating internal condensation formation on the glass surface. Furthermore, it offers increased protection against harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, reducing the risk of fading for interior furnishings and improving overall indoor air quality.

Enhanced Property Value and Tenant Attraction:

Investing in Softcoat Low-E glass can add resale value to properties and attract higher-quality tenants, particularly in rental scenarios. The enhanced energy efficiency, comfort levels, and aesthetic appeal provided by DGU Premium and DGU Max contribute to a happier, healthier indoor environment, ultimately enhancing the overall living experience.