Incredibly thin layers of silver are added to one or more glass surfaces (most commonly surface 2) of our sealed units to reduce the amount of light transmissivity. This high-performance glazing system offers great thermal value in a variety of climate zones, and also protects furnishings by limiting much of the damaging ultraviolet radiation that causes fading and related damage.

Glass performance can be a complicated topic, the most important takeaway is this: you have options. We use the following terms to help communicate the many aspects of glass performance:

U-Value
How well a window keeps heat inside. The lower the number, the better the performance. Glass with a low U-Value is often used in colder climates to keep precious warmth inside the home.

Solar-Heat Gain
How well a window keeps Solar-Heat outside. The lower the number, the better the performance. It’s important to consider solar-heat gain in hot, sunny climates as you’ll probably want to keep that solar heat out. However, in the same hot and sunny climate, you may not be so worried about solar-heat gain for an elevation of your house that’s always in shade. Furthermore, houses in cold climates don’t mind a little solar-heat gain, anything to help keep the cold temperatures at bay.

Light Transmittance
How clear the glass is. The higher the number the clearer the glass. LowE window systems will ultimately reduce how much light is transmitted through a window, especially when your adding several layers of silver. You’ll also see light transmittance change when you move from a dual glazed sealed unit to a triple glazed sealed unit.

Unlike triple glazing from other companies, we don’t reduce airspace thickness in our True Triple Glazing, which means you get three thick panes of glass, two 1/2″ airspaces filled with Argon gas, and multiple layers of LowE coatings. We pioneered our True Triple Glazing in the 70’s, a testament to how important this level of performance is to us. That’s also why we’ve made True Triple Glazing available across our entire product line.

• Minimum 1/8” (3mm) double strength glass provides greater strength and clarity over thinner glass, making our products more insulative, more soundproof, more resistant to impact and considerably more resistant to stresses caused by fluctuations in temperature
• Argon gas in all airspaces with machine applied primary and secondary sealants, improving Argon gas retention and increasing strength
• Venting channel built into the sash helps dissipate any condensation or moisture should it occur
• Stainless steel spacer bars are less conductive than aluminum and structurally superior to silicone foam type spacers
• Sash cladding does not touch the glass which reduces the opportunity for thermal conduction

Loewen’s heavy frames, thick glass, and superior fit and finish already result in above-average sound attenuation, but we reduce sound transmission even further by implementing Tranquility® Glazing Systems. Tranquility® Glazing Systems consist of a 1/4” (6 mm) glass on the exterior, a 13/16” (21 mm) Argon filled space, and a 9/32” (7 mm) laminate pane of glass on the interior. Using a single number, the Tranquility® Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating identifies the sound transmission reduction of a glazing unit, operating casement units test out at STC40.

Neat+™ Glass is an ultra smooth surface made from silicon dioxide that harnesses UV rays to loosen dirt. Neat+™ Glass helps leave windows spotless with a quick rinse of water and preserves their cleanliness longer. Neat+™ Glass is offered with Preserve™ as standard to protect the Neat+™ surface.

Most Loewen sealed units are also equipped with Preserve™ protective film. This film layer is designed to protect sealed units during the construction phase, and is quickly and easily removed once your project is finished. Preserve™ is made from a low-density polyethylene and water-based adhesive, reducing masking and cleanup costs for painting and staining.