low-e window damage...anyone have the web reference?

Travis · 06-22-11, 01:01 AM

Sorry about posting this here, but I couldn't think of any other place to ask.
There is a thread here somewhere which a contributor spoke out about low-e windows. It was referred to another site that had a detailed discussion, including a youtube video of a newscast that covered the story. Basically a low-e window distorted, turning it into a magnifying glass and warped vinyl siding of a neighbor.

I've been trying to locate this youtube video, but haven't had any luck. I just watched it a week ago, not sure why I can't find it now. Anyway, sorry about the off topic.

Ryland · 06-22-11, 09:57 AM

Any window can do that, it wouldn't happen just because of low-e glass, the solution is not to wrap your house in plastic.

Travis · 06-22-11, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryland

Any window can do that, it wouldn't happen just because of low-e glass, the solution is not to wrap your house in plastic.

I'm asking because I have low-e windows in my dining room that face East. A couple of the middle panes have a center distortion. In the mornings we cant hardly enjoy breakfast as the table heats up quickly. 12 years ago when the house was built I don't recall the room being that warm. Opening the window cools quickly so it makes me wonder about the lensing effect.

Ryland · 06-22-11, 11:24 AM

Low-E glass has less solar gain because it reflects some of the heat out, this is why it's not ideal for south facing windows if your goal is solar gain and you have good roof overhangs so if you were to replace your low-e glass with regular non coated glass your dinning room would get even warmer, the advantage is that low-e glass reflects heat back in and this is an advantage in the winter.
My info on solar gain from the two types of glass came from an environmental engineer that I used to work for who ran all the comparisons in choosing the best windows for his own house.

the issue with a window softening and distorting the siding of the house next door is due to the window becoming distorted in to a slight concave mirror and putting a focused beam of light on the house next door, this would not have an affect of turning the window in to a lens tho because for glass to work as a lens it has to vary in thickness.

Xringer · 06-22-11, 11:30 AM

Here's the video I posted before:
Energy Efficient Windows Melt Vinyl Siding - Boston News Story - WCVB Boston

The Low-E glass reflects light Before it gets into your home. Keeping it cooler inside.
But, that sunlight has to go somewhere.. If you live next door, good luck..

Hey, here's one without Low-E.. Just concave windows..
Man Finds Windows Melt His House - Boston News Story - WCVB Boston

Easy cure if too much sun is getting into a room: http://ecorenovator.org/forum/renova...n-project.html

Travis · 06-22-11, 12:21 PM

What would happen if the distortion were convex instead? Would that have the opposite effect, increasing heat into the interior?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryland

Low-E glass has less solar gain because it reflects some of the heat out, this is why it's not ideal for south facing windows if your goal is solar gain and you have good roof overhangs so if you were to replace your low-e glass with regular non coated glass your dinning room would get even warmer, the advantage is that low-e glass reflects heat back in and this is an advantage in the winter.
My info on solar gain from the two types of glass came from an environmental engineer that I used to work for who ran all the comparisons in choosing the best windows for his own house.

the issue with a window softening and distorting the siding of the house next door is due to the window becoming distorted in to a slight concave mirror and putting a focused beam of light on the house next door, this would not have an affect of turning the window in to a lens tho because for glass to work as a lens it has to vary in thickness.

Xringer · 06-22-11, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Travis

12 years ago when the house was built I don't recall the room being that warm.

Yesterday was the summer solstice, that means the sun will be at it's most
extreme summer positions with the longest period of daylight.

A few weeks before and after June 21 are likely to be the perfect time
frame to notice unusual heating solar effects, that aren't normally seen at other times..

06-22-11, 01:01 AM	#1
Travis Helper EcoRenovator Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 34 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	low-e window damage...anyone have the web reference? Sorry about posting this here, but I couldn't think of any other place to ask. There is a thread here somewhere which a contributor spoke out about low-e windows. It was referred to another site that had a detailed discussion, including a youtube video of a newscast that covered the story. Basically a low-e window distorted, turning it into a magnifying glass and warped vinyl siding of a neighbor. I've been trying to locate this youtube video, but haven't had any luck. I just watched it a week ago, not sure why I can't find it now. Anyway, sorry about the off topic.

06-22-11, 11:30 AM	#5
Xringer Lex Parsimoniae Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Woburn, MA Posts: 4,918 Thanks: 114 Thanked 250 Times in 230 Posts	Here's the video I posted before: Energy Efficient Windows Melt Vinyl Siding - Boston News Story - WCVB Boston The Low-E glass reflects light Before it gets into your home. Keeping it cooler inside. But, that sunlight has to go somewhere.. If you live next door, good luck.. Hey, here's one without Low-E.. Just concave windows.. Man Finds Windows Melt His House - Boston News Story - WCVB Boston Easy cure if too much sun is getting into a room: http://ecorenovator.org/forum/renova...n-project.html Last edited by Xringer; 06-22-11 at 11:41 AM..

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06-22-11, 09:57 AM	#2
Ryland Master EcoRenovator Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Western Wisconsin. Posts: 913 Thanks: 127 Thanked 82 Times in 71 Posts	Any window can do that, it wouldn't happen just because of low-e glass, the solution is not to wrap your house in plastic.

06-22-11, 11:24 AM	#4
Ryland Master EcoRenovator Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Western Wisconsin. Posts: 913 Thanks: 127 Thanked 82 Times in 71 Posts	Low-E glass has less solar gain because it reflects some of the heat out, this is why it's not ideal for south facing windows if your goal is solar gain and you have good roof overhangs so if you were to replace your low-e glass with regular non coated glass your dinning room would get even warmer, the advantage is that low-e glass reflects heat back in and this is an advantage in the winter. My info on solar gain from the two types of glass came from an environmental engineer that I used to work for who ran all the comparisons in choosing the best windows for his own house. the issue with a window softening and distorting the siding of the house next door is due to the window becoming distorted in to a slight concave mirror and putting a focused beam of light on the house next door, this would not have an affect of turning the window in to a lens tho because for glass to work as a lens it has to vary in thickness.