Six Types of Replacement Window Glass

Damaged window panes can cause energy loss and increase utility costs. Replacement of windows is a a simple fix to reduce these issues.

What is the best idea to replace only the glass? This option is often cheaper than a full replacement and you can retain your window frames.

Types

Replacement window glass is a complex procedure that general contractors and Replacement window glass homeowners alike must take into consideration many factors. This includes energy efficiency, security, and appearance. Glass is available in a diverse range of thicknesses, styles and options for customization. In this blog post, we look at six different types of window glass to help determine which one may be the best fit for your project.

Single Lite Glass

Single-pane glass is commonly found in older structures and houses. It is easy to clean and provides clarity, but it does not provide the same level of insulation like modern double-paned windows. It could also be a risk if it breaks as it could easily turn into fragments.

This type of glass is usually required for historical replication since the glass must be a replica of the original design in order to preserve the original design. It is not energy efficient and should be changed by a new, insulated window unit.

Insulated Double-paned Glass

This option is a popular choice for homeowners of today. It consists of two panes tempered glass, separated by an air-filled spacer. This type of glass can be more energy efficient than a single-pane window, and reduces the transmission of noise and condensate.

Triple Pane Insulated Glazing

This is an upgrade to double-paned glass with insulated coating. It has three panes tempered glass and an argon gas or krypton fill between them for greater energy efficiency. The gases hold heat in the winter and keep it out during the summer, helping to reduce energy bills.

The final two choices can be decorative and enhance the appearance of your home. Laminated glass or tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and can be used in areas that might be damaged by weather or debris conditions. To provide additional privacy, tinted or glazed glass can be used instead of traditional glass. It comes in a variety of colors and it can be etched, frosted, or decorated to improve the appearance of the window.

Thickness

Glass thickness is a crucial aspect to take into consideration when purchasing new windows or replacement Window glass replacing old glass panes. No matter if it's single strength, double strength, laminated or insulated the thickness of the glass will impact various aspects, including security, energy efficiency and noise reduction. It is also important to take into consideration local construction codes and requirements from the manufacturer.

The simplest type of window glass is single strength, which is a basic piece of clear glass. It is 3/32" thick and is used in a majority of residential applications. Double strength window glass may be required if you are in an airport or high-rise building.

Double-strength window glass is made by fusing at least two sheets of glass together with PVB or polyvinylbutyral. The fusion process uses high heat and pressure to produce a tough, durable piece of window glass that is five times stronger than standard glass. This kind of glass is recommended if you wish to protect your windows from damage from flying debris like balls or rocks.

Laminated glass has many advantages over double-strength glasses, including noise reduction and safety. It is made by fusing two or more sheets of transparent, interlocking glass with layers of plastic or resin. The result is a glass that is durable and hard to break. This type of glass is suggested for those who are concerned about protecting your children or pets from accidental falls, as well as reducing the noise level within your home.

Insulated glass can be produced by adding spacers to the glass. This creates an air space which can then be filled with different insulating gasses to improve the window performance. This will reduce the amount of air that is able to enter or leave the home. Glass comes in a wide range of sizes and shapes.

The insulated glass can also be tinted in order to add an element of privacy or style. It is important to keep in mind that tinting will invalidate any warranty. The turnaround time for insulated replacement glass could vary from 7-10 days depending on the size and customization.

Customization

Depending on your goals for new replacement windows, you may wish to upgrade the glass to improve the efficiency of your home's energy use and privacy. You can choose from options such as Low-E coating and thickness of insulated glass and the amount of air space between panes.

Energy-efficient glasses can lower your energy costs by cutting down on the transfer of heat between indoors and outdoors. Some of these options can also lower noise, provide UV protection, and increase durability. You can choose tinted or frosty glasses to add a splash of color.

The decorative glass is not of any practical purpose and is used only to be used for aesthetic purposes. However, it can make your home unique. You can choose from a wide range of styles and colors to create a style that suits your personality. You can even choose to create a door or window with a custom shape.

You can choose between double-pane, single-pane and triple-pane windows with varying levels of airspace between the panes. The more airspace you can have, the better the insulation of your window.

Your contractor can provide an in-depth description of the kinds of glass available and their costs. They can also suggest the best type of glass for your needs. You can ask them to replace your windows with more energy-efficient glass.

Modern replacement windows often have a warm-edge gas spacer which protects the area where the frame meets the glass and a layer that is filled with argon. These features keep the window warmer in winter and cooler during summer.

You can choose from tinted, frosted, or patterned glass. This option can provide a unique look and offer added privacy, but it's important to take into consideration how this will affect the lighting and style of your home. You can also find specialty windows with features that enhance security and ease of use including spring tensioners to avoid the windows from crashing and sensors to identify potential damage.

Installation

Whether you want to replace window handles the glass in one window or all of them, the process is fairly straightforward. First a professional will clean the opening by removing old putty and then scraping the grooves to remove any dirt. They will also drill holes of 3/8-inch diameter one at each end, and a single hole in the center and down through the sill and up through the head jamb. Then, they'll inject expanding foam into the sash weight pockets to fill any air gaps. Then, they apply an elastomeric sealant to the exterior edges of the frame to shield it from moisture and fill any gaps in the new glass.

Before you begin the replacement process, measure the width and height of the window openings taking into consideration the thickness and width of the framing. Subtract 1/8 inch from the height and width measurements to allow for the frame to expand and contract according to the weather. If you don't subtract this amount, the glass you are installing could be damaged during the installation process.

Once you have the measurements, call your glass manufacturer and place an order for the exact dimensions of the replacement windows. You should receive them within some days of the initial phone call and they should be ready to install in about a week. Before you begin the removal process, remove any blinds or curtains which are located near your windows. Also, make sure that your workspace is clean. It is also recommended to lay an unfinished sheet of plastic or cloth on the floor in case any broken glass does fall during the process.

Use a paint scraper remove any wood moldings attached to your frame. If there are any glazing points made of steel that are attached to the frame, use a heating gun to soften them before trying to remove them. After taking off the old window using a hammer or paint scraper to clean the grooves the window that it was originally put in. Then, you can re-caulk the area with an elastomeric caulk that matches the replacement windows.