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CEU Summary

Maximum Daylight and Ventilation

About Glass
Glass is a transparent material compound consisting of silica (sand), soda (sodium carbonate), limestone (calcium
carbonate) and small quantities of aluminum, and boric or magnesium oxides.
Flat glass is made during a fabrication process by heating a mixture of raw materials to about 2900 degrees F. As the
ingredients are cooled over a metal, usually tin surface, the glass if formed for fabrication.

Ways to Improve Energy Performance


1) Low-E Coatings on glass

a. Double pane
b. Triple pane
2) Argon glass fill between glass panes
3) Thermally improved unit spacer material
a. Layers of glazing held apart by window spacers
b. Window spacers provide energy and sound
c. Aluminum spacers conduct heat and can cause
d. Innovative new spacers:
Constructed of less conductive material such as
stainless steel and foam
Shape of spacer can reduce condensation and
heat loss



CEU Summary

Maximum Daylight and Ventilation

Window & Glass Performance Ratings
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)

The lower the SHGC, the less the amount of solar heat transmitted into a building.

LowE Glass

1) Allows maximum visible light while increasing insulation value of the window.
2) Minimizes heat build up during the summer.
3) Keeps heat in the building during the winter.


Indicates the rate of heat loss through a window assembly. The lower the u-factor, the greater a windows
resistance to heat flow.

Sound Transmission Class (STC)

Sound transmission is a common acoustic issue in virtually any space; it is sound traveling through the air
and transmitting through a material, assembly or partition to become noise.

Performance Grade (PG)

A windows performance grade communicates the overall performance of the window and includes design
pressure, product type, performance class, water and air infiltration.

Visible Light Transmittance (VT)

Measures the amount of visible light that passes through the glazing material of a window, door or skylight.

Outdoor Living Trend

Identified as one of the top 10 trends for 2013 by the Builder
Magazine. Homeowners make the most out of their limited spaces
by opening up their indoor living spaces to patios, balconies and
backyards. Modern manufacturing techniques have made large
glass patio doors more affordable and they are now available in a
wide variety of styles for every home.

Windows promote healthy living conditions for the occupants by improving indoor air quality and increasing
natural daylight in the living space.
Reduce Artificial Lighting

Sunlight from windows reduces the need for artificial lighting

Artificial lighting accounts for about 10 percent of a homes electricity use.
Natural light promotes happiness, productivity and occupant well-being

Fresh Air

Operable windows provide easy access to clean, fresh air for occupants

Reduce Energy Consumption

Natural daylight can reduce energy consumption associated with heating and air-conditioning loads
Efficient windows reduce heat gain and can help reduce energy use while creating a comfortable living space.


Lack of exposure to natural light is linked to depression and seasonal affective disorder.