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Windows Design Dilemma

Marvin Ultimate Casement Low-E2 vs. Low-E3

7 years ago

Replacing 75 windows. Northern Arkansas. A lot of east and west facing windows (although 10 of these windows are at basement level with 2nd story deck providing shade). I've been quoted all Low-E3. Is this necessary? This is a modern home and I'd like to have natural sunlight coming in. Furthermore, this is an all white brick and white windows house (very art deco). I'm not sure if the Low-E3 will look dark on the house (will the glass be visibly darker up next to the white brick than a Low-E2). I don't know the upgrade cost.

Featured Answer

oberon476

7 years ago

Tri-County, you might wanna recheck your U value numbers. While 366 has a U-factor of .24, 270 has a U-factor of .25 not .37.

I am guessing typo since SHGC is .37 for 270.

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Comments (7)

Lisa Hearne
Original Author
7 years ago
Hot summers. Freezing winters. Lots of drastic temp swings in the spring.
0
PRO
Tri-County Lumber
7 years ago
LoE-270 has a visible light transmission of 70%.

LoE-366 has a visible light transmission of 66%.

But with just a loss of 4% of visible light you gain:

U Factor: LoE-270 is .37, LoE-366 is .24

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): LoE-270 is .37, LoE-366 is .27

All values are for the glass ONLY, the whole window will carry different values.

Unless you are trying to gain more heat through passive solar heating in the winter, the 366 is a great choice. I did a simple 40"x78" casement and the upcharge was about $40.

They also offer a LoE-340 glass. This is the "Turtle Glass" from coastal areas and significantly reduces the visible light (40%). I only use this as an alternative to tinted glass. "Turtle Glass" is required to prevent hatching turtle from going toward shore vs. the ocean. Make sure you don't get the wrong LoE-3!

Excellent choice in window brand!
Lisa Hearne thanked Tri-County Lumber
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PRO
East Bay 10
7 years ago
Normally in your climate, Low-e 2 is all you need. Dealer may have quoted Low-e 3 because you mentioned your art collection. It does give added UV protection but is darker etc. as mentioned.
0
Lisa Hearne thanked East Bay 10
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
+1 to the previous comments. Arkansas is still a Heating Degree Day dominated climate. While the Low-e 3 will further mitigate summer radiant heat issues, you will be doing so at the expense of some free winter time heat. You definitely should not do so under the deck.

Climate Zone Data
Lisa Hearne thanked Windows on Washington Ltd
PRO
Tri-County Lumber
7 years ago
Yes you are correct. I had used my power-point printout from a recent Cardinal Glass training in Warroad for the numbers, sorry! This is from the Cardinal Glass website:

Thank you for the correction!
0
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
7 years ago
Here's the Cardinal direct link Tri-County.

Cardinal Glass Performance Stats

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