Who knows their glass?

[Boomyal]

I am seeking to replace the west facing glass in my bay window set.

The large center window is fixed, the two side windows are single hung. Our primary reason for wanting to replace the glass is due to the fogging in the large center window. After years of intermittant fogging, the inside of the double pane is a bit cloudy in areas.

While attempting to solve one problem, we thought we could solve another one, ie, horrible summer afternoon sunlight, that fades the fabrics and wreaks havoc on the pyanee.

We got one outrageous bid from a local window company to replace the three windows. Sooooo, I called a glass company. The price is much more palatable, just to replace the glass in all three window frames.

Here in lies my question. In both cases, they will replace, either the windows or just the glass with Low-E glass. Low-E glass, as I understand it, is for heat transfer. That would be good but our primary concern is for UV protection for the contents inside. When I look up Low-E, on the internet, I see nothing about UV.

What should I be asking for? I do not get good answers from either of the vendors.

 

[Xcusme]

Re: Who knows their glass?

Hey Boom,

In the past , I've used interior applied window films, what a difference. Goes on fast, stays put and works a treat at resisting UV infiltration. Ya might want to look into it.
Something like this....
http://www.nywindowfilm.com/aboutwindowfilm.htm

 

[ob]

Re: Who knows their glass?

Here's some more read.Near the bottom it mentions the 'low e ' glass.
http://www.alpeninc.com/features/uv/index.html

 

[tommays]

Re: Who knows their glass?

I used Anderson high performance sun windows

They have a noticeable tint compared to standard glass and claim to cut down on fade

They helped on the AC bill as my has a full Southern exosphere and the sun was like flame thrower with the standard glass



Tommays

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Who knows their glass?

Low E actually gives you better performance with UV (heat) then it does cold. The glass maker should also be using at least Argon gas between the glass for an additional barrier. When you give the specs for the glass make sure you leave a 1/2 inch on all four sides for the rough opening. You will want to use shims on the bottom as well so you can use insulation on the bottom. I hate spray foam and only use fiberglass insulation. If you use spray insulation make sure it is the non expandible type.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Who knows their glass?

Hey Boom,

In the past , I've used interior applied window films, what a difference. Goes on fast, stays put and works a treat at resisting UV infiltration. Ya might want to look into it.
Something like this....
http://www.nywindowfilm.com/aboutwindowfilm.htm

Considering we need to replace the main window in this set anyway, I would just as soon be able to incorporate UV protection into the glass sets. Exterior films may be effective but they are too suseptable to deterioration.

I have been doing more looking on the internet and it is pretty well accepted that although Low E glass reduces UV, it does not do sufficiently to signifigantly reduce fading. It's main attribute is heat reflectance.

I found one glass mfg'r (Climagard SPF-UV) and have emailed them to see if their glass is available locally.

http://www.climaguardspf.com/faq.html

Euro, I'm not replacing the windows. I am re-glazing. Although our double pane frames are not the latest, greatest, whizbang, enviro-friendly frames, the are good solid aluminum and I don't want to have to go thru the cost and the tearing up of the exterior to put new ones in. A neighbor put in new windows and they all have a goofy frame around them.

 

[Rob454]

Re: Who knows their glass?

I woudl jsut go get new windows and then have the windows tinted. one of my buddies does that and he is so damn busy these days doing window tinting
Rob

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Who knows their glass?

I woudl jsut go get new windows and then have the windows tinted. one of my buddies does that and he is so damn busy these days doing window tinting
Rob

You trying to bankrupt me Rob. I got a quote to replace the three windows pictured above and it was 3K. Don't need to take out a mortgage just to deal with windows, thank you!