Low-E Glass vs Laminated Glass: Which Is Better?

August 21, 2024

Key Takeaways

Low-E glass has a coating that reflects heat, keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Laminated glass is made of two glass layers with an interlayer, providing added security and noise reduction.
While Low-E glass is better for energy efficiency and UV protection, laminated glass is ideal for safety and sound insulation.
Combining both Low-E and laminated glass can offer a comprehensive solution for comfort, efficiency, and security.
At Panda Windows & Doors, we offer home insulation solutions with top-quality glass systems and design flexibility.

What is Low-E Glass?

Low-E glass protects your home from the sun’s heat during scorching summer days and keeps you warm during chilly winter evenings.

Coated with a thin metallic layer, Low-E glass reflects the thermal radiation of your heater, maintaining your space’s interior temperatures no matter the weather.

Advantages of Low-E Glass

It significantly reduces your energy costs.
It filters out harmful UV rays, protecting your skin and preventing your furniture from fading.
It reduces cold drafts and hot spots in your rooms – for a more comfortable living environment.

Disadvantages of Low-E Glass

It can be more expensive than regular glass.
In certain climates, its reflective properties can negatively affect the growth of plants inside your house due to reduced light transmission.

An image which shows how low-e glass works.

Here’s how Low-E glass keeps heat out. (image courtesy of Energy Education).

Founded in 1991, Panda Windows & Doors specializes in state-of-the-art custom glass wall systems for both residential and commercial spaces through Panda Windows & Doors. Operating from our manufacturing facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, we have been at the forefront of innovation for over 30 years. Our extensive product lineup includes over 80 high-end offerings, such as pivot doors, French doors, folding doors, lift & slides, multi-slides, horizontal sliding walls, and operable windows. These systems are available in materials like aluminum, steel, stainless steel, bronze, solid wood, and aluminum-wood clad.

We are renowned for our award-winning designs, engineering solutions, and fast lead times, delivering in just 6-10 weeks to customers throughout the U.S. and Caribbean. Trusted by leading architectural firms and glaziers nationwide, we stand as the premier manufacturer of custom luxury windows and doors in the United States.

Explore Custom Solutions from Panda Windows & Doors Today

What is Laminated Glass?

Laminated glass is created by bonding two sheets of glass with a tough plastic interlayer, typically made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). This sandwich-like construction ensures that if the glass is broken, the pieces stick to the interlayer.

Advantages of Laminated Glass

It holds together when shattered, reducing the risk of injury and break-ins.
Its interlayer provides sound insulation, keeping your home quieter.
Like Low-E glass, it blocks out harmful UV rays, protecting your interior from sun damage.

Disadvantages of Laminated Glass

It can be heavier than traditional glass, which may require stronger support structures.
The cost is generally higher than standard glass.

Here’s how laminated glass is constructed (image courtesy of Stevenage Glass).

Low-E Glass vs Laminated Glass

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is a hot topic for good reason – the right glass can make a significant difference in your energy bills.

Low-E glass excels in this department by reflecting interior temperatures inside, which can be a big win for your wallet and the environment.

Laminated glass has insulating properties, but it doesn’t perform as well as Low-E glass in terms of energy savings.

Cost Considerations

Low-E glass might have a higher upfront cost compared to standard glass, but the long-term energy savings can balance that out.

Laminated glass also comes with a higher price point, mainly due to its enhanced safety features – and if you’re looking for added security, it’s definitely a worthy investment.

Installation and Maintenance

Low-E glass needs to be installed with the correct orientation to function properly, while laminated glass might require additional structural support due to its weight.

At Panda Windows & Doors, we recommend using experts who specialize in installing the types of Low-E or laminated glass we manufacture.

Maintenance for both is relatively similar to standard glass, although you’ll want to use non-abrasive cleaners to avoid damaging the Low-E coating or the interlayer of laminated glass.

Aesthetic and Practical Considerations

Both Low-E and laminated glass can be clear and undistorted, allowing for plenty of natural light and visibility.

Low-E glass, however, can sometimes have a slight tint due to its metallic coating – and not everyone likes how that looks.

Laminated glass, while clear, can sometimes show the edges of the interlayer, which is something to consider if you’re aiming for a specific look.

Ideal Uses for Each Glass Type

Best Situations for Low-E Glass

Areas with extreme temperatures, to make the most of its insulating properties.
Homes that receive a lot of direct sunlight, to prevent UV damage.
Spaces where energy savings are a priority, such as eco-friendly homes or buildings seeking LEED certification.

An image of sunlight in a furnished living room.

If your home gets plenty of direct sunlight, Low-E glass is a great way to prevent UV damage.

Best Situations for Laminated Glass

Ground-level windows and doors, where break-ins are a concern.
Urban homes or apartments near noisy streets or airports.
Locations prone to severe weather, where flying debris could be a hazard.

FACTOR	LOW-E GLASS	LAMINATED GLASS
Energy Efficiency	Excellent energy efficiency by reflecting heat back into interior space, reducing heat transfer. Can lower heating/cooling costs.	No inherent energy efficiency benefits over regular glass, unless combined with Low-E coating.
Cost Considerations	More expensive than regular glass due to the Low-E coating process.	More costly than regular annealed glass due to lamination and interlayer material.
Installation & Maintenance	Low-E coating can be damaged if not handled properly during installation/cleaning. Requires proper facing of coated surface.	Requires skilled professional installation to ensure proper bonding of interlayers. May need more careful cleaning than regular glass.
Aesthetic & Practical Considerations	Slightly lower visible light transmission but generally imperceptible. Does not provide safety benefits unless combined with lamination or tempering.	Thicker and heavier than regular glass, requiring stronger framing. Provides enhanced safety as the interlayer holds cracked glass together. Allows incorporation of colors/patterns between glass layers.
When to Use	For energy-efficient and UV-protected applications in residential/commercial buildings where thermal comfort is a priority.	For safety-critical applications like skylights, railings, storefronts where preventing glass shattering is crucial. Also used for sound insulation and design flexibility.

Comparison table between Low-E glass and laminated glass.

Making the Right Choice with Panda Windows & Doors

Choosing Panda Windows & Doors means opting for quality and innovation. Our glass systems are engineered to provide optimal thermal performance, sound insulation, and security – without compromising on style.

The Panda Process

1. Design: We help you choose the right custom luxury glass doors and windows from our 80+ options.

Tailor every detail, including glass types like Low-E or laminated glass.
Review and approve your sales order to ensure all specifications are correct before manufacturing.

2. Manufacturing: Our project manager confirms all necessary components and orders any unique materials. CNC machines precisely cut and mill extrusions. Extrusions are then thoroughly cleaned and powder-coated for a durable finish.

3. Quality Control: Each product undergoes rigorous inspection and testing on our Test Wall. We ensure smooth functionality and quality, providing you with photos and videos of your products before packaging.

4. Packaging & Shipping: Products are wrapped in protective materials and placed in custom-built crates for safe transit. We ensure your order arrives intact, whether shipping domestically or internationally.

5. Delivery & Warranty: Inspect your order upon arrival and register the product to activate the Limited Warranty. Apply a high-quality finish to wood surfaces within 7 days to prevent damage.

6. Care & Maintenance: Follow our care and maintenance guide to keep your Panda products in top condition. Regular cleaning and maintenance will ensure a lifetime of use and beauty.

Reach out to us to learn more about our Low-E and laminated glass for your home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can Low-E Glass Be Used in All Climates?

Absolutely. Low-E glass is versatile and effective in a variety of climates. It works by reflecting interior temperatures back into your home, which is great – whether you’re keeping out the cold or the heat.

Is Laminated Glass Bulletproof?

While laminated glass is incredibly tough and can hold together after impact, it’s not bulletproof. For bullet-resistant glass, specialized materials and construction are required (and they do cost more).

How Long Do Low-E Windows Typically Last?

Low-E windows have a lifespan comparable to standard windows if properly maintained, often lasting 20 years or more. However, the Low-E coating may degrade over time if exposed to harsh cleaning chemicals or abrasive materials.

Can Laminated Glass Reduce Noise?

Yes, one of the benefits of laminated glass is its ability to reduce noise – the interlayer acts as a buffer which dampens sound vibrations and makes your living space quieter.