J.E. HIGGINS LUMBER COMPANY

Since 1883

NE OF the warmest new components in door and window manufacturing today is Low-E glass, a security blanket that can stabilize heating bills in the winter and cooling costs in the surnmer.

Used most commonly today in double pane insulating units for patio doors, storm doors and windows, Low-E glass is a year-round worker that capitalizes on the sun's free energy. But, as we will point out later on, it probably doesn't pay to try and fool Mother Nature. If you as a dealer are going to recommend Low-E glass to your customers, this product works most effectively when it is used on all four sides of the home.

Low-E glass features a thin, metallic coating bonded to one ofthe inside surfaces ofthe glass panes. Heat is trapped inside a house during the winter to control heating costs. The sun's heat rays are screened out in summer to control cooling costs. Plenty oflight from the sun's visible light rays brighten the interior while reducing glare. At the same time, Low-E glass screens out the sun's ultraviolet rays, thereby reducing the possibility of color fading from drapes, furniture and carpeting.

As a result, a door insulated with LowE glass packs the same energy performance as a triple-glazed unit, but without its bulk or weight. For example, a tripleglazed door weighs approximately 50% more than a door unit insulated with LowE glass and could be heavier than the hinges are designed to support. The added weight could also pose potential installation problems.

Doors equipped with Low-E glass and two panes of conventional glass weigh about the same. In terms of price, the unit

A THIN METALLIC coating bonded to one of the inside surfaces gives Low-E glass only a slight color vanation from conventional clear olass. The product offers the same energy-saving- capabili-