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Why don't we use awnings anymore (2022)

(thecraftsmanblog.com)
413 points samclemens | 5 comments | 15 Oct 24 22:11 UTC | HN request time: 0s | source
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NathanKP ◴[16 Oct 24 00:14 UTC] No.41854398[source]▶
I think the builders of the past would be amazed by modern technology like argon filled double paned windows with advanced window films to reflect the heat instead of letting it in.

But yes, let's bring back the awnings too. Sometimes the low tech ways are easiest and best. I will say that I don't think awnings alone can save a stick built modern house from the heat. Part of the key to old houses staying cool was high thermal mass: lots of brick and stone that could stay cool during the day. As great as modern insulation is at keeping hot and cool separate, a modern insulated wall doesn't cool it's surroundings like a high thermal mass wall would.

Moving to a world where we combine passive cooling and high thermal mass construction with the benefits of modern tech will be key in my opinion.

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Modified3019 ◴[16 Oct 24 00:22 UTC] No.41854448[source]▶
There’s Argon in those? Interesting. I wonder if anyone’s tried adding an electrode for plasma effects.
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mordechai9000 ◴[16 Oct 24 01:27 UTC] No.41854761[source]▶
I wonder how long the argon actually lasts in practice. The industry claims 20 years under normal conditions.
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1. WalterBright ◴[16 Oct 24 06:42 UTC] No.41856230{3}[source]▶
Yeah, the gas leaks out after a while, then your double pane glass fogs up on the inside and costs $$$ to replace.
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2. nnevod ◴[16 Oct 24 11:44 UTC] No.41857969[source]▶
To fog up, it has to pass water molecules, which are way larger than gas molecules. I've seen only a few IGUs fog up, all of them had clearly visible damage, and they are ubiquitous here, with many 20+ years old. And the IGUs themselves aren't very expensive either (unless they're over 1sqm individually), frames indeed are.
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3. datadrivenangel ◴[16 Oct 24 13:14 UTC] No.41858713[source]▶
My parents redid their home with a dud batch from a company that offered 30 years guarantees. Company was out of business within 10 years and 20 years later ~60% of them are fogged. Still very energy efficient.
4. avidiax ◴[16 Oct 24 16:59 UTC] No.41861296[source]▶
I've seen a video about fixing that yourself. Seems like a missing market opportunity, since replacing windows costs many thousands, so you could probably charge hundreds to provide this as a service.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXyQWqK9lg0

5. WalterBright ◴[16 Oct 24 18:26 UTC] No.41862134[source]▶
The seals on them degrade and leak.

I've had a lot of them fog up with no damage.