Example embodiments of this invention relate to a coated article including an
infrared (IR) reflecting layer of a material such as silver or the like, for use in an insulating glass (IG) window unit for example. In certain example embodiments, the
coating is a single-silver type
coating, and includes an overcoat including an uppermost layer of or including
silicon nitride and a layer of or including
tin oxide immediately under and contacting the
silicon nitride based overcoat. In certain example embodiments, the thicknesses of the
silicon nitride based overcoat and the
tin oxide based layer are balanced (e.g., substantially equal, or equal plus / minus about 10%). It has surprisingly been found that such balancing results in an improvement in thermal
cycling performance and improved mechanical durability. In certain example embodiments, the
coating may realize surprisingly good substantially neutral film side reflective coloration, and may achieve an improved visible transmission, SHGC ratio and low U-values. Moreover, in certain example embodiments, stress in the overcoat of the coating may be reduced by reducing
nitrogen gas flow (N2 ml / kW) and
cathode power during a sputter-
deposition process, thereby further improving thermal
cycling performance.