Advanced Low‑E Glass Combinations for Energy-Efficient Homes
In Part One, (Selecting the Right Low-E Glass, we explored the basics of Low-E glass — how Low E glass reflects infrared heat and UV light to keep homes warmer in winter and cooler in summer. We looked at the two main types of Low-E coatings: hard coat (pyrolytic), which is extremely durable and scratch-resistant, and soft coat (sputtered), which offers superior insulation and clarity for high-performance glazing. Both improve comfort and energy performance — they simply excel in different ways.
Some new combinations in our SimplEE range are achieving Advanced Performance.
As well as Low E hard coat and Low E soft coat, further energy-efficient benefits can be achieved by combining the following glass in IGUs. It’s important to consider the following performance terms when considering.
Key performance terms:
U-value measures the rate of heat transfer through a window. The lower the number, the better the insulating performance. Standard clear glass has a relatively high U-value, whereas a double-glazed IGU with Low-E and argon fill can achieve significantly lower values.
SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient) The SHGC is the fraction of incident solar radiation admitted through a window, both directly transmitted, absorbed and subsequently released inward. SHGC is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The lower a window's SHGC, the less solar heat is transmitted
VLT (Visible Light transmittance) measures how much light is transmitted through the glass. The higher the number, the more light is transmitted.
With these fundamentals in mind, here are five advanced glass combinations worth exploring.
1. Double-Silver Low‑E Soft Coat / spacer / Clear Glass SimplEE Pro+
Double-silver Low-E glass features two ultra-thin silver layers in its sputtered (soft-coat) coating, paired with a standard clear glass pane in a double-glazed IGU. By doubling the silver layer, the glass blocks more solar heat while still letting plenty of daylight through.
Superior insulation (lower U-value): Double-silver achieves an even lower U-value when compared to a single-silver Low-E Soft coat in same makeup.
Lower SHGC results in better solar control: Double silver is a standout in SHGC, where considerably less of the sun's heat energy enters the home, reducing the load on air conditioning.
Clarity and appearance: Double-silver Low-E maintains a near-clear, neutral look. For glare control refer to tinted options.
Please note: Double silver sits higher in price per m2, however, the energy savings and gains generally make it excellent value, often specified in tropical/cooling climates.
2. Low‑E Soft Coat / spacer / Low‑E Hard Coat (Dual Coating IGU) SimplEE Max
This combination places a Low-E coating on both panels of a double-glazed unit — a soft coat on one pane and a hard coat on the other — creating two separate heat-reflecting barriers within a single IGU.
Outstanding insulation (very low U-value): Two Low-E surfaces mean heat must get past two reflective barriers plus the insulating air (or argon) gap. This combination significantly reduces heat transfer compared to a single-coated unit.
Bringing out the best of both coating types: The hard coat is extremely durable and scratch-resistant, making it ideal for exposed interior home surface. The soft coat, sealed safely inside the IGU, delivers superior insulation and clarity. This combination of energy-efficient glass’ helps increase heat retention without sacrificing light transmittance – a popular choice in heating climate (VIC, NSW, SA) where Low U-VAL required.
SHGC and glare: The primary benefit is insulation rather than solar blocking. See grey or neutral options for glare reduction.
Correct Orientation of a dual-coating IGU is imperative, glaziers should ensure the coatings are correctly oriented, which can be easily deciphered, by the touch, as the Low E hard coat has higher drag- this is usually placed facing inside the building.
3. Tinted Low‑E Glass (Grey or Neutral) / spacer / Clear Glass SimplEE Grey/Grey +
Pairing a tinted Low-E glass — such as a grey or neutral-tint — with a clear glass panel gives the window both thermal and solar performance, whilst offering improved glare control.
Very low SHGC can be achievable: The tint absorbs a significant portion of the sun's energy, while the Low-E coating reflects infrared heat. Together they drastically reduce solar heat gain. subtle reflectivity and glare control, improving thermal insulation (less need for A/C) and greater solar control- tropical or high sun areas.
Glare reduction: This is where tinted Low-E excels when compared to clear options. The grey or neutral tint softens harsh sunlight, reducing glare and reflections (more comfortable, even light rather than blinding glare).
Good insulation (lower U-value): The Low-E coating still does its insulating job — reflecting radiant heat to reduce heat transfer through the glass. This means the U-value is much lower than plain tinted glass alone. Without the Low-E coating, tinted glass mainly absorbs solar energy (it doesn't reflect indoor heat back inside in winter). With the Low-E layer, indoor heat is reflected back, keeping the home warmer in cold months.
4. Laminated Low‑E Hard coat Clear / spacer / Clear Glass SimplEE Lam
This combination pairs a Clear laminated Low-E panel — safety glass with a built-in Low-E coating — with a standard clear panel in an IGU. It delivers energy performance along with safety, increased sound insulation, and enhanced UV protection in one.
Strong insulation (lower U-value): The Low-E coating within the laminated pane reflects radiant heat, while the sealed IGU air gap provides additional resistance to heat transfer. High performance, transparent appearance & solar advantages.
Moderate SHGC with high transparency. A design consideration for mixed and warmer climates or where mid-range solar control and insulation are desired.
Safety, sound, and UV benefits: This is where laminated Low-E delivers.
Safety: The laminated interlayer - Grade A safety glass.
Sound insulation: The laminate layer dampens noise. For townhouses or homes near busy roads.
UV protection: Laminate blocks up to 99% of UV light entering the space.
Clarity: High clarity with low reflectivity.
Consideration: haze may be present under certain viewing conditions with Hard coat Low-E laminates.
5. Laminated Low‑E Hard coat Grey / spacer / Clear Glass SimplEE Grey Lam
A grey-tinted laminated Low-E panel paired with clear glass in an IGU. These combinations stack tinting, Low-E coating, lamination, and double-glazing into a single high-performance unit that addresses solar control, insulation, glare, safety, and acoustics all at once.
Critical consideration for glaziers: thermal risk. The grey tint absorbs more solar energy, which can increase the temperature of the glass and create thermal stress. A thermal stress fracture risk assessment is recommended. Glaziers should consult the glass manufacturer before specifying toned laminated Low-E products in IGU configurations.
Maximum solar control (very low SHGC): The grey tint absorbs solar energy and the Low-E coating reflects infrared heat- making it the strongest solar control option of the five combinations discussed here. Rooms with large sun-exposed windows should stay cooler.
Excellent glare reduction: The grey laminated Low-E glass significantly softens harsh sunlight.
Good insulation (lower U-value): The Low-E coating continues to reflect radiant heat, reducing heat transfer through the glass. Combined with the insulating air/argon gap of the IGU, this keeps indoor temperatures stable. The U-value improves over uncoated glass because the Low-E layer acts as a radiant barrier — preventing your heating from escaping through the window in winter and blocking external heat radiation in summer.
Safety, sound, and UV benefits: As with combination 4, the laminated construction provides Grade A safety glass performance, solar control and impact/safety performance" — add grey tint to aid further in solar and glare.
Note: The grey tint will reduce visible light transmittance compared to clear options & its important to understand that the room will seem less bright than with clear glass.
Making the Right Choice with Your Customer when High performance is required
Every home is different — climate, window orientation, room use, and homeowner priorities all influence which combination makes the most sense.
Simple way to think about it:
If the homeowner wants maximum clarity with top-tier efficiency → Double-silver Low-E + Clear delivers the best balance of light, insulation, and solar control without altering the glass's appearance.
If the goal is the absolute best insulation → Soft coat + Hard coat Low-E provides two heat-reflecting layers in a durable Dual Low E package.
If glare and sun heat are the main complaints → Tinted Low-E (Grey/Neutral) + Clear tackles both problems directly.
If safety, noise, and UV protection matter alongside energy performance → Laminated Clear Low-E + Clear is the versatile all-rounder.
If everything matters — sun control, glare, safety, sound, and insulation → Laminated Low-E Grey + Clear covers all bases, Vital consideration- ensure this glass combination is correctly specified with a thermal stress assessment.
Once homeowners realise their windows can do far more than provide daylight — that the right glass solution can help cut energy costs, limit UV exposure, reduce external noise and noticeably improve comfort — the benefits of upgrading to Advanced Makeups become clear. By taking the time to explain modern Low‑E options in a simplified, straightforward way, glaziers can guide customers toward choices that deliver long‑term value and lasting improvements to their homes.
Discuss your requirements with your local VENTORA Glass Representative.
