Failed Low-e coating removal? - Residential

Failed Low-e coating removal? - Residential

This might be the wrong site to ask this but here goes.

Want more information on low e film deleting manufacturers ? Feel free to contact us.

I have a couple of failed double pane windows in my house. The seals have given way, and the low-e coating has oxidized to the point where the inside layer of the window is no longer transparent (it appears gold, not fogged). I want to pull the insulated glass units out and reseal them.

Can the oxidized low-e coating be removed to restore the window to a clean, clear piece of glass, or is the oxidized layer permanent?

Thanks for any insight.

The company is the world’s best tempered glass for building supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Best way to clean Low-E coated glass? - Window Warriors

First, let's determine if it is exposed hard coat Low Emissivity or not. Some manufacturers, commercial and residential, are offering a "triple Low-E" coating, which includes both inside surfaces of the IG unit and either the exterior (Side 1) or interior (Side 4) with a Low-E coating. Side 1 coatings are used in warm weather zones, while side 4 coatings are used in cold weather zones. (The placement of "normal" single side 2 or 3 Low-E coating is also determined by your location).

OK - confused yet? Don't be. If you are dealing with an exposed Low-E coating, it can be cleaned, even post-construction non-routine cleaning. Just remember, NO METAL IMPLEMENTS (razors, steel or bronze wool) should be used, ever. The "don't use a squeegee" directions are written by folks who do not understand how a squeegee operates and should be ignored. How do you tell? Usually, exposed Low-E has a very "draggy" feel to it - whether you are using a squeegee or t-bar - or even a damp microfiber towel - the surface with exposed Low-E will have a noticeable drag effect.

Step 1: GET A DAMAGE WAIVER SIGNED OR WALK AWAY. NO MONEY, NO JOB IS WORTH EXPOSING YOUR COMPANY TO POTENTIAL PROBLEMS. There is a great waiver at IWCA.org, and Mike Draper @ Window Cleaner Safety has a great one. If you do not have a waiver that you use regularly, you are walking a legal tightrope. Proceed with caution.

Step 2: Things SAFE for exposed Low-E coatings include white pads and red pads. Chemicals USUALLY safe for exposed Low-E - TEST FIRST - include Oil-Flo, Barkeeper's Friend, Cera-Brite cooktop cleaner, Bon-Ami, Unger Rub-Out, abc Hard Water Stain remover, and acetone.

Step 3: Pricing for non-routine cleaning of exposed Low-E coatings should be at least three times the normal rate for non-routine cleaning, as the labor and chemical costs can get very high. If they aren't willing to pay it, and you are CERTAIN it is exposed Low-E, not just an IG unit with a "Low-E" round sticker on it, walk away. You WILL lose money if you don't charge a premium for cleaning this stuff.

When metal is used on exposed Low-E coatings, gray marks appear. This is usually not damage to the coating and can be mitigated. The gray marks are actually metal molecules that have rubbed off onto the coating - the Low-E coating is actually harder than the metal. Any of the pads and scouring agents mentioned above (NOT THE LIQUID CHEMS) can be used to remove the metal marks from Low-E.

Any other questions on this or related glass issues, feel free to contact me directly.

For more information, please visit switchable pdlc smart glass .