Hi dmoore17,
From Gardenweb.com - Low E Windows
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/okgard/msg0322400832176.html
Question:
"I have a question about Low E windows. We are thinking about getting
our windows replaced with Low E windows. We don't have enough money
yet to do the sunroom, but when we do we were wondering if that might
hurt the plants. One of the guys that came and gave us an estimate
said that Low E windows will kill your plants. If that is the case, no
Low E for me! Anyone know anything about this?"
Answers:
"I have Low E windows in my house. My windows are double pane with
Argon gas in the space. I have not noticed any ill effects on my
plants. I have a cactus garden in my south windows and have started
seedling in these south windows. I would think Low E windows could not
"KILL" your plants.
The reason I installed Low E windows in my house is to keep heat
generated from the sun inside my house in winter and the heat outside
in the summer. The theory is when the suns elevation is high in the
summer the heat will be reflected back and not enter your home. In the
winter when the suns elevation is low the heat will be absorbed.
The heat gain in the winter would keep your sun room warmer than
regular windows and you would have less heating costs. I would think
it would be great in the summer cause your room would not overheat as
alot of the heat would be reflected. As far as the ultraviolet rays
that are blocked with Low E windows there is not enough reduction to
cause your plants to grow any less. Here is a link to an article that
adresses the Low E as related to plants that may help. In a nutshell
MIT has concluded that the use of clear Low E will not effect plant
health, growth rates or plant yeilds.
Personally I would buy the Low E."
*****
"We just had all our house windows replaced in January with the type
WSG has. The sunroom already had them when we purchased the home 2 1/2
years ago. I love them! I overwinter all my citrus in the sunroom and
they have been doing fabulously! It usually stays 10 - 15 degrees
warmer in that room over the winter than the outside temperature which
is important to me because it's an unheated area of the house."
=================================================
Choosing a greenhouse: grow food for the table--and the spirit--any
time of year. (garden & yard) from Mother Earth News, Feb-March, 2003
by Shane Smith
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_dls/m1279/2003_Feb-March/97174848/p2/article.jhtml?term=
"The lifespan of glass can be indefinite (until a rock or hailstone
attack). Energy-conserving technological advances include low-e glass,
which has a coating that reduces the amount of heat that escapes
through the glass, and Heat Mirror[R] glass, with its thin,
transparent film that reflects heat. The film is usually sealed
between two panes of glass.
These low-e options improve insulation in a double-sealed unit and are
available in different degrees from low-reflectance to high light
transmittance. For most greenhouses you'd want the highest
transmittance available. The advantage of low-e coatings is that they
reduce overall heat loss. The disadvantage is that these coatings also
block incoming heat from the sun, which people in colder climates and
those designing solar greenhouses will want.
Advantages to using glass include its very low level of expansion and
contraction with varying temperatures. Unlike many plastics, glass is
not combustible, nor does it easily scratch like plastics do. Clear
glass creates sharp shadows and does not diffuse light much--less
optimal for growing plants but great if you want views from your
greenhouse."
=================================================
Four basic steps to follow when considering a Greenhouse or Sunroom project:
http://www.greenhousesandsunrooms.com/ds_faqs.asp
What are the different types of glass generally used?
"The application of the greenhouse plays a big part in this decision.
There is Heat Mirror, which is the most efficient insulated glass unit
on the market today. It is a powerful combination of transparency and
infrared reflection, allowing the glass to block summer heat and
retain winter warmth, and maximize the passage of natural daylight.
The overall thickness of insulated units is generally 7/8".
The second best alternative is Solar Cool Tinting combined with Low E
/ Argon gas fill insulated units. The overall thickness is also 7/8".
The third and most common type is Clear Over Clear tempered glass.
When using this type of insulated glass unit in a very sunny location,
exterior shading is strongly recommended. Double glass units are the
most effective for temperature control. The R-Value varies from 2.8 to
9.5 depending on the application. These types of greenhouses are ideal
for the residential grower who desires to grow all year long."
=================================================
History of Greenhouses
http://www.geocities.com/PicketFence/6769/
"The traditional covering for greenhouses, glass is the preferred
material for permanence. It lasts indefinitely although it does become
brittle with age. Since glass is breakable it is more difficult and
dangerous to install, it also requires a much sturdier frame than
plastic covered greenhouses. Glass has undergone many improvements in
recent years. Among the most important is increased strength (double
and triple strength ratings) to resist breaking. Larger panes are also
available; because fewer structural members are needed, more light can
enter the greenhouse. Frosted and hammered panels can be used break up
the light rays for more even distribution. Other advances have cut
down on heat loss. Double-walled tempered glass reduces it by about
one third. Low-emissivity, or low-e, coating, is another option; it
reduces heat loss without a corresponding loss of light. In addition
to being energy efficient, low-e glass reduces condensation, partially
blocks ultraviolet rays, and makes the inside glass warmer to the
touch."
=================================================
FLORIAN GREENHOUSE
http://www.floriangreenhouse.com/glass.html
"All of our MC Low-E glazings reduce damaging U.V. light. Reducing
U.V. is important for growing plants & protecting tender seedlings.
Fact: No ultraviolet light requirements have been documented for plant
growth according to Denver Botanical Garden's Horticultural Department
and published reference materials. Using MC Low-E gives plants a
tremendous advantage since it will greatly reduce the amount of cold &
warm spots in the area increasing plant growth & room comfort. We also
offer commercial grower's polycarbonate (which naturally blocks almost
100% of U.V.) However, this will yellow in about 5-10 years, is not
aesthetically pleasing, and doesn't give the performance of the MC
Low-E."
Keyword search:
plants grow low-e insulated glass
low-e insulated glass growing plants
low-e hurt plant growth
Best regards,
tlspiegel |
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