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• Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Pilkington K Glass / LOW E and how does it benefit the customer?

It is a high quality clear float glass with a specially formulated, permanent, transparent Low E coating applied to one surface during glass manufacture.

The coating allows the sun's energy to enter the building and when incorporated into double glazed units and significantly reduces heat loss. It should only be used in units with the coated surface facing the airspace. For highest thermal and optical performance it should be assembled with the coating on the rear of the inside pane looking from the inside of the building to the outside.

2. Why do I need LOW E Glass?

Effective 1st April 2002 - all new builds and replacement window installations in England & Wales will be subject to BUILDING REGULATIONS. This new regulation in particular affects the minimum levels of insulation that replacement windows must have when fitted in your home. Levels of insulation are measured as U values. The lower the U value, the better the insulation level. In future what we may have in the past have referred to as "normal" double-glazing - i.e. two pieces of glass separated by a spacer bar will not conform to building regulations. To get the required level of insulation it will require some sort of LOW E glass (typically Pilkington K in the UK - although there are other brands). Also when replacing a broken sealed unit, it can be replaced "like for like". The regulations apply to the entire window replacement.

3. Why would I need to check that my installation if I have bought Low E / Pilkington K Glass?

Mistakes can be made during assembly and installation of double glazed units meaning that the coating could be in the wrong position or missing completely meaning you will not get the additional benefits that you are entitled to and have paid for. Our detectors can indicate the presence and the exact position of the coating.

4. Do these regulations apply to my new conservatory?

No, Conservatories will not be included in the standard provided they are separated from the rest of the building (for example by doors) or they are unheated. However many companies are now selling K Glass / Low E as an option or as standard and if this has been included in your specification it needs to be provided and is checked using the same instruments and measurement techniques.

5. What is the difference between HEME range of detectors?

All detectors primarily use the same technology however some have cut down features to enable our customers to choose the product that matches there exact needs.

6. What type of customers buy the HEME range Coating Detectors?

Our products are used by manufacturers of Low-E Glass, fabricators of windows, window installers, quality control personnel, building officials, home inspectors , sales companies and also HOME OWNERS!

7. Is there a price reduction for bulk orders?

Bulk orders can be quoted by contacting us directly, please see our contacts page.

8. Do you ship worldwide?

We will ship to anywhere in the world but carriage costs need to be paid for at the current rates.

9. What are your leadtimes?

For small quantities we can usually ship within 1-2 working days but delivery for large quantities will be advised depending on quantity.