Creating an enclosed glass patio is one of the most stylish and functional ways to expand your home’s living area while maintaining a strong connection with the outdoors. Whether you use it as a sunroom, a reading nook, a home office or an entertainment zone, the type of glass you choose will significantly affect your comfort, energy efficiency, and long-term maintenance costs.
Among the various glazing options available in Australia, Low-E (low-emissivity) double glazed glass stands out as a premium yet practical solution. But how does it compare to other common materials like single glazing, tinted glass, or polycarbonate panels? In this blog, we break down the differences and explain why Low-E glass is increasingly becoming the preferred option for savvy homeowners in Sydney.
Contents
- 1 What Is a Low-E Double Glazed Glass?
- 2 1. Low-E Double Glazing vs. Single Glazing
- 3 2. Low-E vs. Polycarbonate (Twinwall or Solid Panels)
- 4 3. Low-E vs. Tinted Glass
- 5
- 6 Key Benefits of Using Low-E Double Glazing in Your Enclosed Glass Patio
- 7 Smart Add-Ons to Maximise Comfort
- 8 Council Approval and Exempt Development in NSW
- 9
- 10 Why Choose Fresh Outdoor?
- 11 Final Thoughts
What Is a Low-E Double Glazed Glass?
Low-E glass refers to a special type of double glazed unit that features a microscopically thin, transparent coating. This coating reflects infrared heat while allowing visible light to pass through, offering superior thermal insulation and solar control.
At Fresh Outdoor, we commonly use Low-E double glazing in our custom-built enclosed glass patios. You can explore some examples in our project gallery.
1. Low-E Double Glazing vs. Single Glazing
| Feature | Single Glazing | Low-E Double Glazing |
|---|---|---|
| Insulation | Poor – allows significant heat transfer | Excellent – reduces heat loss up to 50% |
| Energy Efficiency | Low | High – ideal for reducing air-con bills |
| Noise Reduction | Minimal | Strong acoustic insulation |
| UV Protection | Limited | Blocks up to 70% of UV rays |
Verdict: While single glazing may be cheaper upfront, it lacks both energy efficiency and comfort. In contrast, Low-E double glazing offers a long-term return on investment by lowering your energy bills and enhancing comfort throughout all seasons.
2. Low-E vs. Polycarbonate (Twinwall or Solid Panels)
Polycarbonate panels are lightweight and affordable, often used in pergolas and basic patio covers. However, their visual appeal, thermal performance, and longevity fall short when compared to glass.
| Feature | Polycarbonate Panels | Low-E Double Glazed Glass |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Clarity | Moderate to low – can become cloudy | Crystal clear; enhances property value |
| UV Resistance | May degrade over time | Built-in UV filtering, no yellowing |
| Durability | Can warp or scratch | High impact resistance, long-lasting |
| Maintenance | Can collect dust and discolour | Easy to clean, retains clarity |
Verdict: If your goal is to build a premium enclosed glass patio, polycarbonate falls short in both aesthetics and performance. Low-E glass delivers a refined look with unmatched climate control.
3. Low-E vs. Tinted Glass
Tinted glass is often used to reduce glare and improve privacy. While this may be desirable in certain use cases, it can significantly reduce natural light and may not offer the same level of thermal insulation as Low-E double glazing.
| Feature | Tinted Glass | Low-E Double Glazing |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Light | Reduced | Maximum daylight with solar control |
| Heat Control | Moderate | Superior – reflects infrared rays |
| Privacy | Higher during the day | Depends on internal lighting |
Verdict: Tinted glass can be useful, but it often comes at the cost of losing natural daylight. Low-E glass gives you the best of both worlds – brightness and insulation – especially when combined with motorised blinds for added privacy.
Key Benefits of Using Low-E Double Glazing in Your Enclosed Glass Patio
✔ Thermal Comfort Year-Round
Keep your patio warm in winter and cool in summer – ideal for Sydney’s variable climate.
✔ Lower Energy Bills
Reduce reliance on air conditioning and heaters by improving your home’s thermal envelope.
✔ Acoustic Control
Low-E double glazed units significantly reduce outdoor noise, perfect for high-traffic areas.
✔ UV Protection
Helps protect your furniture, flooring and artworks from sun damage.
✔ Modern Aesthetic
Crystal-clear panels with sleek aluminium framing deliver a high-end architectural finish.
Looking for inspiration? Browse our sunroom case studies to see how our clients in Mosman, Castle Hill and Killara transformed their homes.
Smart Add-Ons to Maximise Comfort
When paired with other smart features, your enclosed glass patio can become an all-weather haven:
Motorised Zip Blinds – Control sunlight and airflow effortlessly
Low-E tinted glass – Adds privacy while maintaining light
Integrated LED lighting – Extend use into the evening
Sliding or Bi-Fold Doors – Seamlessly open up your space
Council Approval and Exempt Development in NSW
In many Sydney suburbs, small patio enclosures can qualify as Exempt Development under NSW planning rules, especially when under 25m² and meeting height and setback requirements. For more complex structures, we provide full assistance with CDC (Complying Development Certificate) or DA (Development Application).
Learn more about the approval process for enclosed patios on our FAQ page.
Why Choose Fresh Outdoor?
With over 200 projects completed across Sydney, Fresh Outdoor is a trusted specialist in modular studios, sunrooms, and enclosed glass patios. We are a licensed builder and 2024–2025 North Shore Local Business Awards winner.
✅ Custom design, premium materials
✅ Turnkey installation within 7–10 days
✅ Showroom available in Chatswood – visit us today!
Contact us for a free on-site consultation or explore more via our Instagram, Facebook.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to create a comfortable, elegant, and energy-efficient enclosed glass patio, Low-E double glazed glass is a smart investment. It outperforms cheaper alternatives in every meaningful way – from comfort and style to insulation and durability.
At Fresh Outdoor, we design and install custom outdoor living spaces that not only elevate your lifestyle but also boost your property value. Start your journey towards a better backyard today.
Ready to get started? Request a free quote or book a visit to our Chatswood showroom.