Latest Discussions : Windows & Doors

01:39PM | 11/04/04

Member Since: 11/03/04
1 lifetime posts

Low-E Replacement Windows

Tags: Windows & Doors

I am replacing windows on my enclosed terrace where I keep many plants over the winter. Has anyone ever heard that Low-E glass is not good to get if you have many plants because it blocks UV rays that plants need to survive? Window Wizards told me this, but others who gave me an estimate said it's not true! Someone else said Low-E only blocks some UV rays and not all. What to do? I've tried to research this but can't find anything on Low-E and plants. Please help.

tomh

03:50PM | 11/04/04

Member Since: 07/01/03
549 lifetime posts

Really good question here. Plants do use light in the blue and red portion of the visible light spectrum and reflect the green light in the middle of the spectrum. So wavelengths shorter than 400 nanometers in the ultra-violet range and longer than 700 nm in the infra-red range, and those in the middle between 500 and 600 nm are not important to plants. The desired spectrum for plants is 400 to 500 and 600 to 700 nm, and this is light in the visible spectrum.

Basically this means, if a window transmits true color, as opposed to a tint, it is probably satisfactory for plants. Some low-e coatings distort light color. Windows with a blue, green bronze or red tint are not transmitting the entire visible light spectrum, and are a poor choice for growing plants and can distort colors in a room.

Choose a Low-e window with a natural appearance and you, and your plants will be fine.