Are you asking if you should replace the windows you just had installed?

Well, spend more money. Or don’t. You can’t have buyers remorse after the fact unless you are prepared to pay for the privilege. It isn’t the builder’s fault that they installed what your architect specified and you paid to have ordered.

Sorry but I agree you should have had a better talk with the architect? Or was this decided by the contractor either way it should have been discussed

There was no architect, just a building designer, and he didn't specify type of windows. Under 'general' in his plans, he noted that it was the contractor's responsibility to select products that meet codes. The windows meet codes, but the contractor didn't even realize there was such a thing as VT (VLT) rating, so he certainly didn't educate me to window options before buying and installing the windows.

Post on the [Windows Forum[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/windows-dsbr0-bd~t_28591). Also note that what I think is going on is the LoE coating on your windows. There are different levels of LoE coatings that can be ordered for windows. The most standard is LoE-272, which provides ultraviolet light protection sufficient for the majority of climates in the U.S. There is a lower level of LoE-180, and a higher level of LoE-366. The larger window manufacturers like Marvin, Andersen, Pella and Kolbe make their windows with LoE-272 standard. So, someone like a general contractor or architect would not have to specify LoE-272 when ordering windows, since it is usually standard. The term “VT” or “VLT” would not be part of the order.

However, homes in areas like Arizona often opt for the higher-level coating of LoE-366. That coating often gives a coloration to the window. Because LoE-366 is not standard, it is specified as an upgrade when the windows are ordered. If LoE-366 is on your windows, you should have been told about it. Having said that, LoE coating cannot be removed. You’d have to switch out the windows if you don’t want that coating.

[Houzz Windows Forum[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/windows-dsbr0-bd~t_28591) - if you are going to post there, provide the brand of the windows, your general location, and the type of windows if you know it.

Actually, no, you should not assume the windows are LoE-272. As I wrote above, that is the standard coating for most new windows in the U.S. It does not give any coloration to the window. As I wrote, a LoE-366 coating would.

I think the cost you will incur to replace the windows is something you will just have to accept. It is amazing to me that such a large part of the renovation was done without your input. I cannot imagine not asking about the windows while planning the renovation. The windows must have cost tens of thousands. This is a tough lesson learned for you. But you should have asked about them. What DID you ask about in this renovation? Was the whole thing done without any of your input? The windows must rank close to the top in proportion of cost of the renovation, and therefore should have gotten your attention.

Who did the design work here? That is who should have specified the windows. Then the builder used those design specifications to bid the project. And he just ordered what was specified.

I was asked if I wanted double or single hung windows. Period. There was no mention of options. I had no knowledge of codes requirements and of low-e windows, much less knowledge of the variations within low-e windows.

When you are buying a refrigerator or dishwasher, do you not care about brand name? Or what the features of the fridge or dishwasher are? And they are just a fraction of the cost of windows. Do you know now what is the brand of your windows?

This issue has nothing to do with knowing code requirements. And since LoE 272 is standard, you didn't need to know about that, though as soon as you google "how to choose windows", it comes up. Given the cost proportionally of windows to your project, you should have asked about them, and taken 15 minutes online to learn about them. This is not about trying to make you feel bad; it's about saying you have to just accept the windows as is, or accept the additional cost of replacing them.

Maybe artificial lighting will be cheaper at this point.

I would suggest hiring a designer ASAP. You need to be sure that there are no more assumptions that you will be unhappy with. You need documentation of your choices, and need to consider all of the choices together as a whole. That requires design expertise.

Melinda, it’s been 9 months since you posted your query. I’m curious as to how you resolved the situation. I’m in a similar situation right now. Did you replace the windows? Were you able to adapt to the lower VLT? Both? Neither?

My guess is if you replaced the windows with a lighter Low-E, you were probably only able to gain about 10% additional VLT. I’m considering doing that myself, but can’t tell whether or not it will be worth the effort.

LIve in Wisconsin and had all windows replaced with Marvin and Anderson (sliders) low e standard, so I assume 272. Initially, I also disliked them as I wasn't seeing enought "yellow" light. I swore my house plants would not grow due to these windows. One year later and I didn't see any problems or notice a difference in quality of light. Although it took the cat a little longer to realize that her favorite sun spot on the floor was no longer warm. Have recently had 3200k LED recessed lights installed in the kitchen. I knew I would hate the "blueness"of the light. Oh contrare, I love the clarity of the LED bulbs and appreciate lack of heat the old style bulbs gave off.

Thanks, HazelCraddock - good to hear. It is hard to judge the low-E light degradation effect. It varies widely as a function of outside light, background color, angle, etc.

@Prez Life we are also in the same situation. Did you end up replacing your windows? We had never been in someone's house with Low-e windows, so the hue and VLT issue just wasn't on our radar. Our window company just proposed the 366 windows (because they didn't even bother to look up our climate zone, which would have allowed 272) and we unfortunately didn't do any research since our primary concern was noise. The Milgard website for SunCoatMAX had no mention of VLT. We are now weighing whether we should do anything and push our window company to pitch in since the sales guy admitted he never brought it up and made an incorrect assumption about our climate zone. I would love to hear whether going from 366 to 272 is worth it.

We stuck with the low-E windows and everything turned out fine! The human mind adapts to them with no problems.

I hate my low e impact glass door. My windows look amazing and the low e door with the gray haze is two thumbs down! i don’t recall the person telling me this was a con about the low e, because i would have never gotten it.

Low E is required by code just about everywhere these days. What exact Low E coating did you get and where do you live?

Broward County. Oakland Park 33306. (My paper work says impact Low E. No Argon)

Thank you for any input!

I live in South Florida

"(My paper work says impact Low E. No Argon)"

I was figuring S. Florida most likely. But that does not tell us the Low E type you have installed. Does your paperwork say anything about the glass type (it should)? Are there any stickers on the sash edges? You check when they are tilted in.

Also if you do not mind instead of jumping on this old thread can you post this as a new topic in this subforum (windows)? There will be pro's there who may be able to offer more help. They will however need the window manufacturer and the Low E type that is on your windows.

I too live in Florida. i had new windows installed. the contract originally said low-e grey lami. i thought they would be too dark so had new order written up with low -e only.

unfortunately the original order was placed. windows arrived and put in. i did not realize they were the wrong tint till later in the day .

one slider and kitchen window. i am trying to get used to them but very dark in living room. should i have contractor replace to what i ordered? still owe him 1/2 of payment.

thank you im trying to love them.🙁

Hi Lynn,

Sorry for the late reply.

After 6 months of battling with the company that put my Low E glass door in, I got it changed out, just the glass to impact glass, gray tint with NO LOW E.
I am 100% happy now!!! My view with my windows looks amazing. ( I had to pay $500 more for this and they did not charge me for labor) I just could not live with that Low E. I hated it everyday. I still left my bad review on the Low E door on their website because people need to know what it will look like.

Suzanne

Do you have before and after pictures?

I am looking to install new windows. I am very concerned about low E blocking UV and increasing air pathogens. I have not been able to find any information about that.

" I am very concerned about low E blocking UV "

It does.

" and increasing air pathogens. "

It does not.

"... and increasing air pathogens. "

Are you asking if blocking UV light results in air pathogens in your home?

Yes,

UV rays are known for their germicidal properties, meaning they can kill microorganisms like bacteria and viruses.

it neutralizes viruses & bacteria by breaking down genetic material, making them unable to replicate themselves. Viruses that can't multiply can't spread.

Does the sun kill bacteria? Absolutely. The natural disinfecting power of the sun’s UV rays has been harnessed for centuries to promote hygiene and cleanliness. Embrace the power of the sun and let its rays help you maintain a cleaner, healthier environment