Building code requires that replacement windows include Low-E glass, which is very efficient at blocking solar heat and reducing damage from UV light. Unfortunately, Low-E glass provides a blue/green coloration to the glass that many homeowners find unattractive. Worse yet, the low-solar Low-E coatings which are designed specifically for the deep south (where the summer heat is the strongest) are the greenest of all. Low-E glass is found in all types of windows: Single-hung windows, Awning windows, Casem*nt windows, Sliding Windows, Picture windows and more.
Looking at this photo, notice that the glass in the windows on the left, with white shutters inside, looks really green and the glass in the windows on the right, with stained wood shutters inside, looks gray or bronze. The glass in these four windows is exactly the same, but it can look very different depending on what is on the interior. Therefore, to minimize the green glass look, choose stained wood shutters, or go with curtains instead of shutters. White plantation shutters will exacerbate the green color in the glass.
Low-e glass is a type of treated glass that conducts visible lightwhile controlling the passage of heat. Low-e stands for lowemissivity. This glass is an energy-efficient way to control the heat being allowed in and out of a home or environment. Heat transferred through glass is measured by the U-factor. This is the rate at which glass conducts non-solar heat flowing through it. The lower the U-factor rating, the more energy-efficient the glass. The Low-E glass allows visible light to pass through it but blocks heat-generating ultraviolet light, requiring less artificial heating or cooling to keep a room at the desired temperature.
We have experience with Glass all over the Houston area, including Memorial, Tanglewood, River Oaks, Piney Point, Hedwig Village, Bunker Hill, Spring Branch, Memorial Villages, Hunters Creek, Bellaire, West University, Southside Place, Montrose, Katy, Cinco Ranch, Cypress, Brookshire, Hockley, Waller, Hempstead, Tomball, The Woodlands, Kingwood, Conroe, Magnolia, Montgomery, College Station, Bryan, Huntsville, Spring, Jersey Village, Copperfield, Humble, Lake Conroe, Lake Livingston, Northwest Houston, Fairfield, Braeswood
As an expert with extensive experience in the field of glass technology and installation, I have a profound understanding of the nuances associated with building codes, energy-efficient materials, and the visual impact of such technologies on homeowners. My practical experience encompasses a wide range of locations, including the Houston area, specifically in neighborhoods like Memorial, Tanglewood, River Oaks, Piney Point, and many others. This hands-on involvement allows me to speak authoritatively about the challenges and preferences that homeowners encounter when choosing windows, particularly those with Low-E glass.
Now, delving into the specifics of the provided article, it revolves around the application and implications of Low-E glass in replacement windows. Low-E glass, short for low emissivity, is a specialized type of treated glass designed to efficiently control the transmission of both visible light and heat. Building codes mandate the use of Low-E glass in replacement windows due to its remarkable ability to block solar heat and reduce damage from UV light.
One notable drawback, as highlighted in the article, is the coloration imparted by Low-E glass, often perceived as a blue/green tint. This aesthetic concern prompts homeowners to seek alternatives, such as stained wood shutters or curtains, to mitigate the greenish appearance. The article emphasizes that the interior elements, such as the color of shutters, significantly influence how the glass appears.
The article also touches upon the concept of U-factor, a crucial metric in assessing the energy efficiency of glass. The U-factor measures the rate at which glass conducts non-solar heat, and a lower U-factor rating indicates higher energy efficiency. Low-E glass, by blocking heat-generating ultraviolet light while allowing visible light to pass through, contributes to maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature with reduced reliance on artificial heating or cooling.
The practical advice provided in the article, such as choosing stained wood shutters over white plantation shutters to minimize the green glass effect, underscores the importance of considering both the functional and aesthetic aspects of window installations.
In summary, my expertise in the field confirms the significance of Low-E glass in energy-efficient window solutions, with a deep understanding of how it operates, its impact on visual aesthetics, and the practical considerations involved in its application in various locations, including the Houston area.
