Product Design Options
Glass
Choosing the right glass options for your project can help ensure you’re investing your money wisely in a glass package that will give you the energy efficiency your home and climate requires. Choose from a variety of insulating options, including standard dual or optional triple pane insulated glass options and surface coatings that help manage the amount of light and heat entering and leaving your home. Understanding your glass options helps ensure you’re paying for the efficiency you need without selecting options that may not offer return over time.
Insulating Glass Options
Dual Pane
Our standard glazing is dual pane: two panes of glass with Low E coatings and insulated with argon gas. Compared to a single glass pane, dual pane glass cuts energy costs significantly because of low emissivity coating and the gas filled insulating space between the glass layers.
Triple Pane
Triple pane glazing consists of three panes of glass with Low E coatings applied to the surface. Two glass spaces are insulated with argon gas between the panes.**
Is Triple Pane Right for You?
Triple pane doesn’t necessarily mean a window is more energy efficient. Glass coatings, the type of gas used in the spaces between the glass, the design of the window, the materials used, and how well it is installed all play a role in achieving the overall energy efficiency. Consider the energy efficiency of the entire window not just the number of panes of glass it has.
A poorly designed or installed window, or a window made with inferior materials like vinyl, may not be energy efficient regardless of the number of panes of glass. Materials shrink and expand with cold/heat cycles and seals can begin to fail. Once seals fail, the energy efficiency the windows claimed when new is greatly reduced, regardless of how many panes of insulated glass you have. Ask your window professional to help select the right package for your home and your climate.
**Available on select windows
Glass Coatings
Low E coatings are microscopically thin, essentially invisible coatings on the glass surface that help manage the amount of light and heat conducted through a window pane or reflected away from it, reducing a home’s dependence on heat and air conditioning. The national ENERGY STAR® program recognizes products that meet strict energy-efficiency guidelines to suit climates in different areas of the country, and Marvin offers products to meet climate and code requirements in every region.
Low E1
Low E1 coating is a good choice when you want maximum solar heat gain (or maximum heat transferring into your house from the sun) and radiant heating properties (keeping heat on the side of the glass where it originated). This type of coating is generally used in Northern climates where heating is prioritized over cooling. You’ll reap maximum benefits when windows with this type of coating are positioned to receive direct sun exposure.
Low E2
The most common Low E coating since it works well across most geographic regions and climates. Low E2 with two metallic coatings balances less solar heat gain and improved radiant heating properties.
Low E3
Used in applications where solar heat gain may be a concern, low E3 coating uses multiple metallic layers for radiant properties similar to Low E2. This type of coating is most commonly used in Southern, sunny climates where cooling is prioritized over heating.
Low ERS
A higher performing Low E glass with significantly improved U Factors (ability to keep heat inside of your home). This coating is placed on the interior surface of the glass and can be touched. It is used in conjunction with Low E2 or Low E3 and helps reflect radiant heat back into the room. This means a slightly cooler interior glass surface since the heat is not absorbed by the glass. The cooler surface may see a bit more condensation in cold climates versus traditional Low E glass make-ups. Abrasive products should be avoided when cleaning the glass.
Decorative Glass
A variety of decorative glass options are available to meet the unique needs of each project.
Laminated glass is also available in clear, bronze, gray, or green with tinted interlayers.
Selected:
*Available on Signature Collection products. Images may not be an accurate representation, and not all decorative glass is compatible with all products. Check with your dealer for a recommendation on which glass is right for your project.
Specialty Glass Options
Our specialty options include glass for unique project needs like sound abatement (STC/OITC), high altitudes, Sea Turtle Conservation Codes (available on Signature Ultimate products), and California fire zones. We also offer laminated glass on certain products that’s designed specifically for hurricane zones.
Marvin experts are experienced in working with architects, builders and homeowners to ensure your vision becomes a reality.