Moving from single pane windows to dual

[Unicorn Driver]

Hi,

My old coach has single pane windows which I had cut out reflectix shades for the inside of the windows.

My new coach has dual pane windows.

I have read I cannot use reflectix on dual pane, is this true?

Should I have window awnings fitted or some type of solar shade?

Thanks,

[AudiDudi]

What's the reasoning behind not using reflectix on dual pane? Too much temperature difference between the two panes?

On a side note, with temps in the low 90's, my single pane rear window was reading 115 inside with the sun hitting it. I added reflectix and the inside temp dropped to 92. The outside window temp was then ~150.

[Unicorn Driver]

Hi,

Not 100% sure what the issue was but read it on here a few times. I would like to still use reflectix but don't want to damage my windows.

[TLGPE]

I think AudiDudi explained it. Without the reflectix, the glass was 115 degrees because the light went through the glass once, absorbed some heat and showed 115 degrees. With the reflectix, the light went through twice and heated the glass to 150 degrees.

I do not know if the 150 reading will hurt the glass, but it might, and that would be the reason for the caution.

Reflective film on the outside could be a better choice.

Tom

[Unicorn Driver]

Yes, putting reflectix on the outside would be best. Wondering how I would attach it.

[AudiDudi]

Originally Posted by 1stMH

Yes, putting reflectix on the outside would be best. Wondering how I would attach it.

Good question. I've never seen it put on the outside. IMO, a better solution is to get the 90% sun blocking screens installed on the outside that snap on. But those are *way* more than reflectix. I may go that route next winter in AZ.

[Gary RVRoamer]

Why not just regular automotive window tint film, the reflective type? Doesn't reflect as well as reflectix and doesn't insulate at all, but you can still see out it. The dual pane glass has some modest insulation value (R-value) by itself.

150 is not too hot for automotive glass - cars in the sun often get that hot. But regular car glass is laminated, not dual pane. In dual pane, the air between the panes gets hot too. Cheaply made dual panes (is there any other kind in an RV?) may soften the seal between the panes and eventually leak, leading to "foggy windows". Of course, dual pane in RVs often do that anyway, so hard to say whether adding Reflectix caused a problem or not.

[Unicorn Driver]

Thanks Audi Dudi,

I will check those out.

Hi Gary,

Tinting could be an option also. On my old coach I paid 160$ to get both drivers and passenger windows done. So probaly 600-700$ for all of them.

[AudiDudi]

Originally Posted by 1stMH

<snip> On my old coach I paid 160$ to get both drivers and passenger windows done. So probaly 600-700$ for all of them.

I had a quote a few months ago to have them made/installed onsite for about $600. That was 3 side windows and a one piece for the 3 windows on the back.

[Unicorn Driver]

I would be happy to pay 600$ for it.

[UFO Pilot]

My 08 Winne Destination came with window tinting so dark you can't see in during the day. At night you see "shadows" only. We has snap on outside shades made for all the windows while staying in a RV Park in Mesa. The are black and are supposed to block 95%. I think we paid less than $400 for 6 windows. We use reflectix on the inside when it is really hot. We always use it when the MH is in storage.

[Unicorn Driver]

Hi UFO Pilot.

I cannot remember if the Latitude I am getting has tint.

I would like to contine using reflectix as I prefer sleeping in absolute darkness :-)

[UFO Pilot]

Originally Posted by 1stMH

Hi UFO Pilot.

I cannot remember if the Latitude I am getting has tint.

I would like to contine using reflectix as I prefer sleeping in absolute darkness :-)

Looking at the previous link you posted, is has the dark tint like mine.

https://www.generalrv.com/product/us...e-37g-765971-9

[Unicorn Driver]

Thats great, It will save me some cash :-)