Heat Reflecting Windows For Arlington

Can Your Arlington Home Really Reflect Heat?

Living in Arlington, Texas as well as other North Texas cities, you know how much direct sunlight hits your house. With inferior grade double pane, or any old single pane windows, you might as well move your house closer to the sun! Single pane windows do nothing to reflect the brutal Texas Summer heat away from your home.

The good news is: The Window Experts can help! The protection gained with solar heat reflecting windows with Low-E coatings and a super low SHGC cannot be denied!

Watch Jeff’s video for an education on SHGC (solar heat gain coefficient).

How Are Heat Reflecting Windows Made?

Great windows to reflect heat start with 3 primary features:

1. Frame Materials: The frame material has to withstand direct sunlight and not pass the temperature of the outside surface to the interior surface. This is accomplished with non-conductive materials such as vinyl, fiberglass, and composite window frames. Aluminum framed windows have changed dramatically over the years. Now the interior frame and the exterior frame are separated by a composite resin “thermal break”. Heat gain cannot pass the thermal break.
2. Insulating Glass Units: This refers to not only the glass itself but, the way to glass is put together. It’s called an IGU because the two (or three) panes of glass are separated by a non-conductive spacer. This sandwich construction prevents heat gain between the glass panes.
3. Low-E Coating: You know mirrors are made of glass with a coating on the back so you can take care of daily grooming or see the traffic behind you on the road. Put a microscopic coating of silver-oxide on the second surface of glass and it reflects the solar energy away from your home. Most modern window have at least 2 coats of Low-E and typically termed as LowE-270 or low e squared. Our favorite glass is from Cardinal Glass and the low-e is triple coated and uses the term Lo-E3 or Low-E 366.

Are Low E Coatings All Silver?

Actually the main material is silver but, there are other metals mixed in. Zinc oxide is used to help the silver stick to the glass. Tin oxide is used to help add durability and keeps the glass transparent. You’ll see window frame materials and paints/coating that contain Titanium oxide to protect from fading, cracking, and shrinking in the hot sun.

What Level Of SHGC Is Recommended For Arlington, TX?

For solar heat gain coefficients, a lower number is better. Look for double pane windows rated as 0.26 (good) or 0.23 (best). Clear single pane glass is the base number of 1. Meaning about 100 percent of the heat energy passes through. A rating of .23 means that only 23% of the energy is allowed to pass and 77% is reflected.

How Important Is U-Factor in Arlington, TX?

Since North Texas has a short winter, you don’t need a really low U-Factor which refers to cold insulation similar to R ratings for wall insulation. Any multi-pane window should be sufficient in winter.

Will Low-E/SHGC Rated Windows Help In Arlington Winters?

Yes. The Low-E coatings actually work both ways. In winter heating season, the warm air is reflected back into your home.

Do The Window Experts Install Heat Reflecting Windows in Arlington TX?

Absolutely! Use the links below to speak with a representative and schedule a consultation with one of our experts. Or, start with the request form. Both lead to a no-obligation quote from a no-pressure home visit professional consultant!