Glass Options
Glass has a direct effect on the energy efficiency of your windows and doors. A more energy efficient glass product will improve your home’s energy performance in every season, so you’ll save energy – and money – year-round.
The glass in all North Star windows meets or exceeds industry standards. Glass is also available in a variety of attractive and practical options.
Argon Gas Filled
Thermal performance is improved by replacing the air between the panes of a window with Argon gas, an inert, slow-moving gas. Argon gas helps prevent heat loss to improve energy efficiency.
Bronze-Tint Glass
Glass that features a bronze tint can cut down on the amount of glare and heat entering a building.
Krypton Gas Filled
Krypton gas is an inert, slow-moving gas that improves thermal performance. Denser than Argon, Krypton gas does an excellent job of preventing heat loss. Available exclusively in North Star triple-glazed windows.
Low-E Glass
Low-E stands for low-emissivity. Emissivity is a measure of how much a glass surface transfers radiant heat.
LoE 366 (Cardinal)
LoE 366 – Is recommended when cooling costs outweigh heating costs in your energy usage, or where summer discomfort from heat build-up should be an important concern. This is the best glass for most applications in a southern climate. It has a very high reflection rate of the radiant outside heat to prevent heat gain in summer and in winter it still retains radiant once you turn on your furnace! LoE 366 has a lower Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) in order to minimize Solar Heat Gain that results in extra work for your air conditioning unit.
LOF (Libby Owens Ford) / Pilkington Energy Advantage
LOF – Pilkington Energy Advantage Low-E is the best glass for most applications in a northern climate. It has a very high retention rate of the heat in your home in winter and prevents heat gain in summer. Energy Advantage Glass has a higher Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) than Low-E glass designed for southern climates. It provides free winter heat for your home. Since as much as 95% of your energy expense for heating and cooling combined is for heating, this glass is more cost effective than other glass without a high SHGC.
Obscure Glass
Obscure glass provides an effective shield without shutting out the sun. Obscure glass is particularly useful for bathrooms, basements or along walkways. North Star offers obscure glass in pebbled or glue chip pattern.
Self-Cleaning Glass
A unique treatment that allows the glass to break down organic dirt that collects on the surface. Dirt washes away with the next rain, leaving no streaks or spots. Pilkington Activ™ Self-Cleaning Glass is available in every North Star window.
Tempered Glass
Tempered glass offers added strength that is up to four times greater than conventional glass so that when shattered, it breaks into small pieces. It is required as safety glazing in patio doors, entrance doors, and side lights.
Triple Glazing
Triple-glazed windows utilize three panes of glass to dramatically reduce condensation and thermal transfer while insulating as much as 60 per cent better than double-glazed windows. North Star’s optional triple-glazed windows offer incredible energy efficiency.
