Low E windows

**David Watson** · 10-30-2017, 04:52 AM

I found siding issues on a home that's been damaged by the reflection of the windows. I'm sure we've all come across this. I understand the concept as to why it's happening, low E windows are the cause. I was wondering if there's a link to go for basic info on this situation. I want to attach it to my report so the client will have a basic understanding without being overwhelmed. And I'm wondering if any of you have a general statement you're willing to share.

Thanks for the your input.

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**Jim Luttrall** · 10-30-2017, 05:37 AM

Originally Posted by David Watson

I found siding issues on a home that's been damaged by the reflection of the windows. I'm sure we've all come across this. I understand the concept as to why it's happening, low E windows are the cause. I was wondering if there's a link to go for basic info on this situation. I want to attach it to my report so the client will have a basic understanding without being overwhelmed. And I'm wondering if any of you have a general statement you're willing to share.

Thanks for the your input.

I think you will find this was happening before low E windows became popular. To my understanding it is more properly ascribed to insulated windows and their tendency to form a curve under certain circumstances which concentrates reflected light onto nearby surfaces. Maybe low E exacerbates the issue but standard double pane windows did it before the low E coating became common.
At least one class action lawsuit site is out there and several hits on the subject but nothing I would use in a report. https://www.houselogic.com/remodel/w...iding-to-melt/

**Jerry Peck** · 10-30-2017, 05:52 AM

And not just windows either.

The photos are from our daughter's house in Asheville, NC. I took these late last week when we stopped by a couple of days ago and I saw this as I drove into her driveway.

First photo shows bright white spots on the side of their house. Fortunately, her house does not have vinyl siding as I can imagine what bright summer sun would do versus the winter sun.

Second photo shows what they are from.

Third photo shows the distance involved.

**Jim Luttrall** · 10-30-2017, 05:56 AM

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

And not just windows either.

The photos are from our daughter's house in Asheville, NC. I took these late last week when we stopped by a couple of days ago and I saw this as I drove into her driveway.

First photo shows bright white spots on the side of their house. Fortunately, her house does not have vinyl siding as I can imagine what bright summer sun would do versus the winter sun.

Second photo shows what they are from.

Third photo shows the distance involved.

Except for the windows on the neighbors house I don't see the possible origin of the reflection.

**Jerry Peck** · 10-30-2017, 06:34 AM

Originally Posted by Jim Luttrall

Except for the windows on the neighbors house I don't see the possible origin of the reflection.

Correct, the neighbor's windows and the DV fireplace vent.

That small, bright circle is from the fireplace vent cap.

**Gunnar Alquist** · 10-30-2017, 08:45 AM

The same thing happens on my girlfriend's house. A heavy shade screen solved the problem. Except the angle is so bizarre, I cannot figure out how it happens.

Of course, it's not just dual pane windows that are a problem. Sometimes, it's design.
http://www.businessinsider.com/the-v...s-vegas-2016-6
http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-w...ly-roasts-cars

**Jerry Peck** · 10-30-2017, 09:20 AM

Originally Posted by Gunnar Alquist

The same thing happens on my girlfriend's house. A heavy shade screen solved the problem. Except the angle is so bizarre, I cannot figure out how it happens.

Of course, it's not just dual pane windows that are a problem. Sometimes, it's design.
http://www.businessinsider.com/the-v...s-vegas-2016-6
http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-w...ly-roasts-cars

"
In a 2013 interview with The Guardian, Viñoly said he anticipated the "death rays" from both buildings.
"I knew this was going to happen," he said of London's skyscraper. "But there was a lack of tools or software that could be used to analyze the problem accurately ...
"

Sooo ... they "knew this was going to happen" ... and built it ANYWAY?