Re: Low E Windows are they worth it??
With all "special" windows (ie. not just standard double pane) - ask for performance figures for 5 years out.... No one will guarantee anything as typically any "gasses" they put in between the window panes will have diffused through any seal by then & all that is between them is good ol air like a normal double pane window. It really doesn't even take that long. Ask what the sealing material is - if there is not an aluminum foil layer or something similar there is no way that the low-e gasses will stay...
(even with something as simple as pre-insulated pipe - polyurethane sprayed foam encased in an extruded HDPE jacket - within 2-3 years the blowing agent will diffuse through the closed cell foam and through the HDPE jacket, lowering the insulation value by 20-30% - that is through solid extruded high density polyethylene)
With all "special" windows (ie. not just standard double pane) - ask for performance figures for 5 years out.... No one will guarantee anything as typically any "gasses" they put in between the window panes will have diffused through any seal by then & all that is between them is good ol air like a normal double pane window. It really doesn't even take that long. Ask what the sealing material is - if there is not an aluminum foil layer or something similar there is no way that the low-e gasses will stay...
(even with something as simple as pre-insulated pipe - polyurethane sprayed foam encased in an extruded HDPE jacket - within 2-3 years the blowing agent will diffuse through the closed cell foam and through the HDPE jacket, lowering the insulation value by 20-30% - that is through solid extruded high density polyethylene)
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