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Do I want low-e glass in my porch windows?

6 years ago

Unheated 3 season porch already has storm windows. It gets beastly hot in the summer when afternoon sun hits it- will low e-glass help keep it cooler? Will it keep heat in in the winter? Even though unheated, Im assuming some heat escapes from the house..... but maybe its not worth the extra expense of low e glass? Thinking Larson gold double hung window.

Oh while Im asking questions, has anyone out there used the Larson Scenix porch window? Those look kind of neat - I like the idea of ventilation up at the top because thats where the hot air goes.

Featured Answer

PRO

Windows on Washington Ltd

last year

Except not being true for the vast majority of folks. You can easily specify a moderate SHGC coating that will not be overly green as well as even looking into windows with with Low Iron float glass or a gray or bronze tint.

Please be careful about what you read on the internet as gospel.

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Comments (8)

PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
6 years ago
Yes and yes. There is no reason to use a window in today's day and age without Low-e.
PRO
toddinmn
6 years ago
Low-E would be on the inside of the glass and unprotected on a single pane storm window.

For the price of the Scenix you could by some nice large vinyl Windows and make it a 3 season porch with the option of a 4 season
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What to do about windows that were installed with the wrong Low-E?
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I'd agree with the above. Its unfortunate that you are dissatisfied, however there is really no fault to be had with the company unless they somehow misrepresented what you were sold. You stated that you were uneducated on what the ratings meant, not that they weren't disclosed. You'd be surprised (or maybe not) how often sales reps are shut down when taking the time to explain the benefits and features of a product only to have the homeowner push them right into the pricing discussion. In fact, many folks don't even want a home visit at all, and there are companies who exist on the premise that they'll email you a price site-unseen. I'm not a fan of that, and I would definitely advocate for extensive discussion on these things, but an absence of that is not wrong per se. Regarding the glass, two points: 1) 366 is not at all inappropriate for your area. In fact, its likely the best choice, and a "standardized" offering among window companies in your region. 2) Replacing the glass can be done without damaging the window, however as alluded to above it may be cost prohibitive, not to mention that it may reduce the overall energy efficiency and potentially not make as much difference as you would expect. If its an avenue that you want to explore anyway, I'd discuss with your contractor and view samples. At worst, I wouldn't expect that they would try to make much margin given the circumstances, so perhaps you can get it done near cost... My best recommendation would be to give it a little bit of time, get acclimated to the change, and see if you still feel the same.
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Debbie Downer
Original Author
6 years ago
Thx all - Todd, not sure I understand the ramifications of your first sentence - sounds like you mean the low-e would not be effective as a single window on an enclosed porch - not worth the extra $$$?

Due to how the porch was constructed, its quite OK as a porch but to make it into a sunroom or more integrated with the interior would require extensive work - the next person can do it if they want! It faces north too which means as a sun room, the total lack of sun in the winter would be a definite problem LOL!
dchall_san_antonio
6 years ago
Beastly heat will vanish. We had low-e window installed in a west side condo, and it was amazing.
PRO
toddinmn
6 years ago
I meant that the low-E coating on a storm would be on the interior side of the glass where it would be more prone to damage ,It would be worth the extra dollars for sure. Usually it doesn't take much to install a vinyl on a porch , but hard to say without seeing it, just saying it could be in the price range of the Scenix.
Debbie Downer
Original Author
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
What kind of damage are you referring to - is it like the anti-glare coatings on eye glasses that get all scratched up within a week whether you touch them or not. Dont need that kind of aggravation! Since this is a porch I would need to clean them regularly and not worry about damage.
debbielombardi
last year
Always use clear glass. The “energy efficient” glass is green. When sunlight hits it, it will look green. Yuck.

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