mineral / Glass / Processed Glass

Low-E coated glass, hard or soft coat (4mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm as single pane or in IGU)

High-performance glazing with microscopically thin metallic coating that reduces heat transfer whilst maintaining visible light transmission, essential for meeting Australian energy efficiency standards

Atlas code
MIN-GLA-PRO-008
mineralglasslow-eenergy-efficientthermal-controluv-protectionsustainable
Low-E coated glass, hard or soft coat (4mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm as single pane or in IGU)
At-a-glance signals

High-performance glazing with microscopically thin metallic coating that reduces heat transfer whilst maintaining visible light transmission, essential for meeting Australian energy efficiency standards

Overview
Executive summary

Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass features a transparent coating that reflects long-wave infrared energy while allowing visible light to pass through. Available in hard coat (pyrolytic) applied during manufacture or soft coat (MSVD) applied post-production, offering U-values from 1.4-2.8 W/m²K depending on configuration. Critical for achieving 7-star NatHERS ratings in Australian buildings.

Best when…
  • Reduces cooling costs by up to 40% in hot climates
  • Maintains 60-80% visible light transmission
  • Blocks 70-99% of damaging UV radiation
  • Available in multiple SHGC options for climate optimisation
  • 100% recyclable glass substrate
  • Reduces condensation in cold climates
  • Compatible with laminating and toughening processes
  • Contributes to Green Star and NABERS ratings
Top advantages
  1. 01 Reduces cooling costs by up to 40% in hot climates
  2. 02 Maintains 60-80% visible light transmission
  3. 03 Blocks 70-99% of damaging UV radiation
  4. 04 Available in multiple SHGC options for climate optimisation
  5. 05 100% recyclable glass substrate
Top limitations
  1. 01 Soft coat requires edge deletion and careful handling
  2. 02 30-80% cost premium over standard float glass
  3. 03 Potential haze appearance in certain light conditions
  4. 04 Cannot be cut after coating application
  5. 05 Requires specific cleaning products and methods
Technical
Physical ·9
Density
2500 kg/m³
Specific gravity
2.5
Porosity
0 %
Water absorption
0 %
Hardness
5.5
UV resistance
85
Chemical resistance
Good // pH 3-12
pH tolerance
3-12
Surface roughness
0.001 µm
Mechanical ·7
Tensile strength
45 MPa
Compressive strength
1000 MPa
Flexural strength
45 MPa
Shear strength
35 MPa
Poisson's ratio
0.23
Impact resistance
Low (annealed), High (toughened)
Creep resistance
Excellent
Sustainability & Health
Embodied carbon & energy ·7
Embodied carbon
11
Carbon footprint
11
Embodied energy
155 MJ/kg
Water footprint
15 L/kg
Recycled content
20 %
Renewable content
0 %
Circular score
8
Compliance & Fire
Fire performance ·6
Combustibility class
Non-combustible (AS1530.1)
Fire resistance level
Non-rated (standard), 30-120min (fire-rated systems)
Ignition temp
600 °C
Flame spread index
0
Smoke dev. index
0
Heat release rate
0
Cost & Lifecycle
Capex & lead time ·6
Material cost (range)
$200-600/m²
Material cost (per unit)
$250/m² (6mm single), $450/m² (IGU)
Lead time
2-4 weeks custom, stock available
Lifecycle cost
$20-30/m²/year
Annual maintenance
$5-10/m²
Market availability
Readily available
Service life & durability ·3
Expected lifespan
30
Maintenance interval
12
Warranty period
10
Layer D

Where it's used

Residential windows meeting 7-star energy ratings
Commercial facades in all climate zones
High-rise curtain wall systems
Skylights and roof glazing
Passive house construction
Heritage building upgrades
Bushfire-prone area glazing (when toughened)
Tropical architecture solar control
MIN-GLA-PRO-008 · Materials Atlas · CLAD Atlas data is reference-only. Verify against manufacturer specifications and current standards before specifying.