Probably not if it was underneath the insulation. But you give no details on: amount of insulation, type of insulation, construction style of attic, or how cold it gets in your winters, so it's difficult to give you a reliable response.

I have always admired houses with floor to ceiling windows to let all the light in and to make the space look more open and free flowing. The thing is, living in a neighborhood that has sub-par security (but not outright sketchy), I don't have much ideas on how to get that floor to ceiling window look but still have that sense of security. Here are some of the ideas I had in mind: One solution I've seen was to have these thick beams that would accent the huge windows and yet spaced just right to prevent from someone from squeezing in. Another thing I've thought of is to line the glass with 3M security film, but while it deters burglars, some smart guy would probaly try to pierce it with something shrap. It should work if I'm just out for a couple of hours and the burglar needs to bail immediately but if by some chance they noticed that I'm on vacation, I bet they're gonna take the time to rip it out. One thought was to go with the 'church like' windows where you could break the glass but the metal bars would not be big enough to fit a person. Though im still thinking how breaking a glass near the locking mechanism and then using their arm to unlock the whole door part would be counteracted. A friend had thick metal grills installed, does the job but I think it would feel like a jail cell. And he checks all the grills every night if they're locked tight. I know there should be compromises, but any recommendations or ideabooks you can share, it would be appreciated.

Hmm - so one is up to R-12.5 and the other one does not list an R value that I can find. So where is the R20 window? There is essentially zero solar heat transfer into a north facing window in the winter. There might be a few scattered BTUs reflecting off the lake. But generally close enough to zero that it certainly isn't "outperforming" a R30 wall. A south window is different of course. And we are talking about the Midwest which isn't really known for its sunny winter days. Now, the other issue is the cost. Does anyone have a quote on a say 10x10 foot wall of windows in quad pane? May be worth it, maybe not. Sometimes posters here have antiquated ideas about heating costs with modern equipment/materials- I can get on board with that. But windows are pretty bad generally when it comes to heat loss. Most people are going to pay $10k for the extra panes on large windows. But some might. Trimming the bottom 3 feet off the window is a LOT cheaper. Blinds don't stop the majority of unwanted heat transfer in on a West or East facing window. South is not nearly as much of an issue with overhangs.

Short term trend, we had plenty of these in the past... Wood paneling, popcorn ceilings, olive appliances, olive green OR pink carpets, shaggy mats in a bathroom, wall of metal /glass tiles kitchen, glass block showers, flowery room border wallpaper, all white houses with all white kitchens and bedrooms, accent walls [with uncoordinated color], lets not forget carpeting in the kitchens and bathrooms, clocks everywhere, wall of tree trunk parts sliced .5" thick, narrow plank wood floors, parquet square tiles, HDTV made at home in 10 minutes decor [only looks good from certain angle]