Low-E Glass Leads to Poor Cellphone Signal Problems

During new construction, there are many contractors who choose to apply low-emissivity, or low-E, coatings over window surfaces in order to make buildings more energy efficient. Low-E glass is designed to block solar heat from working its way through windows, and it’s an incredibly effective way to control the climate in buildings. The thin metal layer that is placed on top of a window can work wonders and keep all heat out in order to keep buildings more comfortable overall.The problem with low-e glass, though, is that unfortunately it tends to keep more than just solar heat out of a building.

In addition to blocking solar heat, low-e glass can also prevent cellular signals from getting into buildings.

As a result, a person standing just a few steps into the building might not be able to get any cell service. Outside of the building, cell service will be readily available. But because of the low-e glass, a cell signal can be almost impossible to obtain, and it can keep people from accessing the information they need on their smart devices. The problem can be even worse when quality insulation is used in a building, since that can make it tougher for a cellular signal to get inside the building.

Due to all of this, you might want to consider working closely with a glass design company that can show you ways to work around the problems low-e glass can potentially present. Whether that means being more selective about when and where you use low-e glass or installing a distributed antenna system in your building to stop low-e glass from cutting you and your employees off from cellular service completely, you have options available to you.

Bent Glass Design knows the challenges contractors can face when constructing new buildings, especially when they are planning on using low-e glass. Call us at 215-441-9101 today to learn about how we can help you overcome the issues that come along with installing certain types of glass in buildings.