FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Are these low-e windows?

Matt | Posted in General Discussion on June 1, 2009 02:09am

Bought a new crib.  Need to streamline our lifestyle a bit due to bad economy, etc.  Cheaper to buy than build.   Still sizing up the new (to us) house.  Haven’t actually closed yet – Friday.  House was built in 2005, and at that time Low-E windows weren’t required by code.  House has some other energy related upgrades like sealed crawl space and radiant barrier roof sheathing.

Anyway, take a look at the attached pic.  Are those low-E windows?

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. USAnigel | Jun 01, 2009 02:12pm | #1

    If there is no markings on the window, short of drilling a hole and testing the gas, don't know how you can tell.

    1. Piffin | Jun 01, 2009 02:25pm | #2

      Maybe I be wrong, but my understanding is that low E comes from the coating on the glass. Which side of which piece depending on climate variablities.seems the stenciled corner would indicate... 

       

      Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

    2. User avater
      Matt | Jun 01, 2009 02:36pm | #3

      You can tell by how they look.  I'm no expert though.  I do know from expierence that if you install a non-low-E sash in a double hung window frame that has the other sash low-E it the difference is easily noticable. 

      There probably is some very tiney text in the corner of the glass, but I don't think it will say "Low-E".  I think you need to get the window mfg to decode it.  At this point, I'm not even sure who the window mfg is.

      Looking at the pic I posted, the glass appears to be pretty tinted.  Why would it be tinted if not Low-E?    

       

      Edited 6/1/2009 7:49 am ET by Matt

      1. calvin | Jun 01, 2009 02:49pm | #4

        Hold a match or candle to the glass.  You should see 4 images of the flame.  One will be discolored if low e film is present.  The position of that diff. color will tell you what surface the e-coating is on.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

        Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

        http://www.quittintime.com/

         

        1. User avater
          Matt | Jun 01, 2009 02:52pm | #5

          Did you just make that up?  :-)

          Seriously, neat trick....  when you say >> You should see 4 images of the flame.  << does that mean in the reflection, or as you look through from the other side of the sash?

          1. calvin | Jun 01, 2009 03:41pm | #7

            Strike the match, hold match up to the glass (inside or the outside too I imagine).  View from the same side.  Yes, it will be the reflection and there will be 4 with dbl pane/6 with triple.

            No test for gas, tho you used to be able to see what appears as the bottom of a pop rivet in the division strip.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

            Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

            http://www.quittintime.com/

             

        2. GRCourter | Jun 01, 2009 03:19pm | #6

          How cool is that!

          1. calvin | Jun 01, 2009 03:44pm | #9

            Pretty darn cool when the Marvin rep told me about it 20 yrs ago.  I questioned low e on a single unit that was delivered to my home with the rest of the whole house order.  However, somebody else's name was on the unit.  The supplier had a miss order and stuck that one in my package.  Low and behold, no miscolored flame image.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

            Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

            http://www.quittintime.com/

             

          2. User avater
            BillHartmann | Jun 01, 2009 10:14pm | #13

            IIRC the "glass guy" (Oberon sp?) has posted more details on this and what all different types and combinations will show in that test..
            William the Geezer, the sequel to Billy the Kid - Shoe

        3. wane | Jun 01, 2009 03:42pm | #8

          that's 3 images, the low e is only on 1 piece of glass (at least in this climate), and 1 additional reflection for each piece of glass ..

          1. calvin | Jun 01, 2009 03:47pm | #10

            Wane, the reflection appears on each side of the glass.  2 pcs of glass, 2 images each.

            Try it.

            edit:  If you look dead on straight exactly perfect.........you probably only see 1 image.  Slide that head over just a bit.

            A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

            Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

            http://www.quittintime.com/

             

            Edited 6/1/2009 8:49 am ET by calvin

          2. User avater
            Matt | Jun 01, 2009 08:07pm | #11

            I tried it on a window that I knew was low-e.  The furthest away image looked more orange.  It will be several days until I can try it on the "new" house.  Good trick!

          3. User avater
            jonblakemore | Jun 01, 2009 08:32pm | #12

            It should not be the furthest image, but the second or third reflection that will show a different color.At least, AFAIK, all Low-E coatings are on the inside of the insulated glass unit. So, the outer flame is the plane exposed to the elements and the side, I believe, that would not be coated. 

            Jon Blakemore RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA

          4. calvin | Jun 02, 2009 12:14am | #16

            Matt,

            Jon's got it right.  The image difference should be on one of the two middle ones.  If the last one looks diff..........the "e" would be on the exterior and scratchoffable.

            Try it at night, a little easier to view than in daylight.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

            Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

            http://www.quittintime.com/

             

          5. User avater
            Matt | Jun 02, 2009 03:16am | #17

            I saw 2 reflected images.  The one that appeared furtherst from me looked more orange.  They were double pane windows.  I checked a few different windows.  I think the glass surfaces that are facing you are the ones that reflect.  So in a double pain insulated window, of the 4 surfaces, the 2 surfaces facing away don't reflect the image, only the 2 facing toward you.

          6. calvin | Jun 02, 2009 03:29am | #18

            Matt, that may be the way it is in Sunny Raleigh, but up here in Ohio, if you have two pcs of glass, you got 4 flame images.

            I suppose with those old style insul units where the spacer was maybe a qtr inch, the images might be jambed up close and appear as only two.

            Please, put down the beer and check again.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

            Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

            http://www.quittintime.com/

             

          7. User avater
            Matt | Jun 02, 2009 05:13am | #21

            OK - you got me on all counts - except that tonight's beer helped me see clearer.. ;-)

            Actually there are 4 images and the 2 back images are rather dim and much more visable at night - like now - not like earlier in "sunny Raleigh".   And John is right - the 2 back images are definately of a blueish-green hugh.  BTW - my current house has low-e I know because I paid the bucks $$$ back 10 years ago when they weren't that popular.

            I still have to wait until I get over to the new crib.  Thursday or Friday...

            I was hoping someone could just tell from the pics.  In the pic, they do look "tinted" doen't they??

            BTW - the owner of the new (to me) house is a doctor so likely may not know what kind of windows they are.  Also the house was occupied by a renter (their nanny and her BF).  Besides, I don't think the owner wants to talk to me....  after the low ball offer they were practically forced to take... :-)

             

          8. calvin | Jun 02, 2009 05:28am | #23

            My work here is done.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

            Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

            http://www.quittintime.com/

             

          9. User avater
            jonblakemore | Jun 02, 2009 03:33am | #19

            Matt,I just tested several insulated glass units. All of the double pane lites showed four reflections, the triple pane units showed six reflections. The inner and outer reflection of the individual pieces of glass are pretty close to each other, if you're not looking at the right angle they will appear to be the same reflection.The proportions of the distance between the images are something like this (each "|" represents a reflection):|..|.............|..|A 9 lite exterior door, with no Low-E, shows no flame color change. An Andersen gliding door shows the Low-E on the inside of the outer pane. My windows show the inner side of the inside pane as being coated with Low-E. A triple pane sample shows the surfaces towards the inside of the outer and middle panes as being Low-E coated.In all of my experience, the color change of the reflection takes on a blue hue. You're Low-E coating may be a different material, but that's what I've seen. 

            Jon Blakemore RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA

          10. FastEddie | Jun 01, 2009 10:18pm | #14

            If you look dead on straight exactly perfect ... you might be a moth."Put your creed in your deed."   Emerson

            "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

          11. calvin | Jun 02, 2009 12:12am | #15

            Shoot, some of 'em here......

            if they look dead #### 'd straight and it's a mirror.....

            they drop dead of fright.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

            Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

            http://www.quittintime.com/

             

  2. shellbuilder | Jun 02, 2009 03:34am | #20

    The garage door lights are in a really odd position, what's the story with those?

     

    1. User avater
      Matt | Jun 02, 2009 05:16am | #22

      >> The garage door lights are in a really odd position, what's the story with those? <<

      Yea - I think I noticed that but hadn't given it a second thought....  Can you come over and correct that for me? :-)

      Edited 6/1/2009 10:34 pm ET by Matt

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Making the Move to Multifamily

A high-performance single-family home builder shares tips from his early experience with two apartment buildings.

Featured Video

Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by Brick

Watch mason Mike Mehaffey construct a traditional-style fireplace that burns well and meets current building codes.

Related Stories

  • Fire-Resistant Landscaping and Home Design Details
  • A New Approach to Foundations
  • A Closer Look at Smart Water-Leak Detection Systems
  • Guest Suite With a Garden House

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data