Solar Control Glass – More Than You Expect

For a while now, we – collectively, as an industry – have understood that solar control glass isn't a specification limited to commercial spaces. The thin metallic coating of silver that reflects and absorbs solar heat whilst allowing natural light into a building is just as important for temperature control inside an office tower block as it is for a substantial glass-dominated home extension. 

Somehow, this silver-coated neutral wonder is not a specification that many homeowners are aware of, or indeed that new house builders routinely take into consideration. This should change with the introduction of the Future Homes Standard, but there is still quite a road to travel when it comes to understanding and articulating the benefits of solar control to the wider public. 

What is Solar Control, Really? 

In simple terms, solar control is a coating on the outer glass pane, protected within the cavity, which reflects and absorbs heat before it enters a building, reducing the greenhouse effect where heat becomes trapped inside, so that glass can play its part in creating a more comfortable home or commercial environment. 

This is valuable for energy efficiency – it decreases the need for air conditioning, thereby lowering energy consumption. That’s good news for the planet and your pocket. 

Solar control glass is commonly used in modern architecture, from glass roofs and office facades to residential extensions and south-facing elevations. It can even vary in colour, ranging from a neutral or clear finish to tinted options in blue, green, grey and bronze, often used in skylights to give the impression of a wonderful blue sky even in the midst of a grey winter. 

So, why aren’t we using it more? 

Great question, because we should be. The technological advances in solar control glass make it an extremely sensible solution for homes as well as offices, and when paired with low-emissivity coatings that keep heat in during winter, your high-performance glazing is suddenly doing more than providing light and a view; it's actively contributing to home comfort and energy bills throughout the year. 

But to make this happen, you need to use the right glass. 

And that's where the chain breaks down. With a plethora of options available, choosing the right product means accounting for all the variables: the size of the glazing, the orientation and elevation of the property, budget and the level of glass confidence the installer brings to the conversation. 

The UK climate doesn't lend itself to self-heating homes. We're simply not warm enough, for long enough, to rely on solar gain, and a south-facing property with large areas of glazing that hasn't been correctly specified for solar control will be uncomfortable in summer and inefficient year-round. 

When the focus of conversation is rooted in the frame colour and handle finish, rather than on the glass itself, we set ourselves up to fail by overlooking the most important part of a window or patio door. The glass is where the performance lives, and it has to be part of the conversation from the very beginning.  

Where to Start 

If you're unsure whether solar control glass is the right specification for a current or upcoming project or want to understand the options for a specific application, Ian Snow, our Estimating and Technical Support Manager, is on hand to help.  

Whether you’re interested in training from the Technical Academy or want guidance on a project, Ian is here to help.  

Call +44 (0) 1603 415 400 and dial 2 for technical support.