Low-e windows keep homes cool … but may set neighbours’ property on fire
Summary
Low-emissivity (low-E) windows help keep homes warm in winter and cool in summer by reflecting heat. However, if the glass is curved or bowed, it can focus the reflected sunlight onto nearby objects, sometimes causing fires on neighbors’ properties.Key Facts
- Low-E glass has a special coating that lets light in but reflects heat to improve energy efficiency.
- The glass keeps homes warm by reflecting interior heat back inside during winter.
- It also reflects solar heat away in summer to keep homes cool.
- If the glass is bowed or curved, it can act like a magnifying glass and concentrate heat on a single spot.
- Concentrated reflected heat has caused damage like scorching wooden decks and melting artificial turf.
- There have been cases where low-E windows caused fires on neighboring properties.
- Large buildings avoid curved reflective glass because of this fire risk, but smaller home windows may still cause problems if poorly made.
- One homeowner moved a propane tank after three fires linked to nearby low-E windows focused heat on it.
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