Sun Light Reflective Glass - The Mirror Effect

Sun light reflective glass is another of the glass options available for replacement and improvement of windows if you live in a hot climate.

Reflective glass windows are also known as solar control windows and they work by having a coating of metal oxide applied during manufacture to act like a mirror. This can reflect both a portion of visible light and invisible infrared heat from the sun

However, typically more light than heat is blocked. This means that although cooling costs can be significantly lowered and home interior comfort improved. There may need to be a rise in requirements for electric lighting.

Visible And Invisible

But another improvement can be had in the ability of reflective glass to help with bouncing back ultraviolet light from the sun. This UV light is around 2% of the total energy from the sun and is responsible for damaging carpets, rugs, drapes and upholstery. The other 98% is divided up between visible light at about 46% and invisible infrared (IR) at around 52% of the output of solar energy.

If you are purchasing dual paned windows with reflective glass, then the outer pane of glass will be the one with the mirror coating. As otherwise there would be a tremendous accumulation of heat within the airspace.

Reflective windows can come in many colors like gold, silver, and blue for just a few. And windows like these also prevent anyone outside in the daytime seeing into the interior - but at night the reverse is true! So don't forget to still close those blinds or drapes.

Author Notes:

Anthony Lee contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.replacement-windows-n-shutters.com.  Find everything you need to know about replacement windows, shutters, tinting, basement, fiberglass windows and more.