Low-e windows have caused fires and property damage when curved glass focuses sunlight

Low-emissivity window glass, designed for energy efficiency, has ignited fires and damaged property by concentrating reflected sunlight.

• Concentrated reflected sunlight from low-emissivity windows has scorched wooden decking, melted artificial turf, and damaged plants.
• In one extreme case, a series of fires was traced to newly fitted low-E windows.
• After three fires in one week, the affected homeowner moved a propane tank away from the focal point.