Six Types of Replacement Window Glass

Damaged window panes can cause energy loss and increase utility costs. Window glass replacement can be an easy fix to eliminate these issues.

When is it a good idea to just replace the glass? This is typically less expensive than a complete replacement, and you can retain your window frames.

Types

When it comes to replacing windows, homeowners and general contractors must take into consideration a variety of aspects that affect their overall goals. This includes energy efficiency, safety and appearance. Glass is available in a broad range of thicknesses, styles, Replacement Window Glass and options for customization. This blog post outlines six types of window glass to help you determine which one is best for your project.

Single Lite Glass

Single pane glass is a common sight in older homes and structures. While it provides clarity and is easy to clean, it does not have the enhanced insulating properties of the modern double-pane windows. It is also a danger if it breaks as it could easily turn into shards.

This kind of glass could be used for historical replications, where the glass must match the design of the original property to preserve it. However, it's not very efficient and should be replaced with a brand new glass unit that is insulated and.

Insulated Double-paned Glass

This option is a popular choice among homeowners who are more modern. It is comprised of two panes tempered glass separated by an air-filled spacer. This kind of glass is more energy efficient than a single pane window, and can also help reduce noise transmission and condensation.

Triple Pane Insulated Glazing

A step above a double-pane insulated glass This option comes with three panes of tempered glass with an argon gas or krypton gas fill between the panes to provide an even greater efficiency in energy usage. The gases hold heat in the winter and keep it out in summer, helping to further cut energy costs.

The other two choices are decorative and enhance the look of your home's exterior. Laminated or tempered glass is more durable than regular glass, making it an ideal choice for areas that are prone to damage from debris or weather conditions. For extra privacy tinted or glazed glass is an alternative to traditional glass. It comes in a variety of colors and can be frosted, etched or patterned to enhance a window's appearance.

Thickness

Glass thickness is a crucial aspect to take into consideration when purchasing new windows or replacing old glass panes. The thickness of the glass, regardless of whether it is laminated, insulation, single strength or double strength, will impact a number characteristics that include security and energy efficiency as well as sound reduction. It is also important to take into consideration local building codes and requirements from the manufacturer.

Single strength is the simplest type of glass used for windows. It is a simple sheet of clear glass. The glass is 3/16" thick and is used in most residential applications. Double strength window glass could be required if you live in a high-rise or airport building.

Double-strength glass is made by fusing two or more glass window replacement sheets together with PVB (polyvinyl butyral). The fusion process uses extreme heat and pressure to produce an extremely durable, strong pane of glass that is approximately five times stronger than standard window glass. This kind of glass is recommended if you want your windows to withstand damage by flying debris, such as rocks or balls.

Laminated glass offers many advantages over double-strength glasses, including noise reduction and security. This glass is made by gluing at least two sheets of clear glass with layers of interlocking resin or plastic to form a strong, layered panel that is extremely difficult to break. This type of glass is recommended when you are concerned about protecting your pets and children from falling, as well as making it easier to reduce noise in your home.

Insulated glass can be made by adding spacers to the glass. This creates an air space which can then be filled with various gasses that are insulating to improve the performance of windows. This can reduce the amount of air that escapes or gets into the home, which improves the energy efficiency. Glass comes in various sizes and shapes that range from square or rectangular to arched or circular.

You can tint the insulated glass to add a touch of elegance or to enhance privacy. It is important to note that tinting will void any warranty. The time frame for replacing insulated windows glass can vary from 7 to 10 business days depending on the size and nature of the order.

Customization

Based on the goals you have for new replacement windows, you may want to upgrade the glass to enhance your home's energy efficiency as well as privacy. You can choose from a variety of options, including Low-E coating, insulated glass thickness, and the amount of air space between panes.

Energy-efficient glass can reduce your energy costs by cutting down on the transfer of heat between the indoors and outdoors. Certain types of glass can also cut down on noise, provide UV-ray protection and increase the durability. You can also choose tinted glass to add a splash of color or frosted glass to give a more subdued look.

The purpose of decorative glass is to enhance the aesthetics and has no practical uses, but it can be an excellent option to make your home unique. You can choose between different styles and finishes to create the perfect look that suits your personal style. You can select to have a door or window with a custom-designed shape.

You can pick between single-pane, double-pane and triple-pane windows that have different amounts of airspace between the panes. The more airspace you can have the more insulated your window will be.

Your contractor can provide an in-depth explanation of types of glass and their prices. They can also recommend the best type of glass for your needs. You may also ask them whether they are able to change your old windows to more energy efficient glass.

Modern replacement windows come with a warm-edge separator to insulate the area where the frame meets the glass, and an argon gas layer to fill the gaps between the panes. These features allow windows to remain warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

While it's typical to select the standard clear glass, you can also select frosted, patterned, or tinted windows. This option can provide distinct appearance and provide added privacy, but it's important to consider the impact this can have on the lighting and design of your home. You can also find specialty windows that have features that increase security and ease of operation like spring tensioners to prevent collisions and sensors to detect the possibility of damage.

Installation

The procedure is easy It doesn't matter if you want to replace glass for just one window or all of them. First a professional will clean the opening by removing old putty and scraping the grooves to remove any dirt. They will also drill three holes of 3/8 inch in diameter one at each end, and a single in the middle, across the sill and up through the headjamb. Then, they inject expanding foam into the sash weight pockets to fill any air gaps. In the end, they will apply a layer of caulk made of elastomeric along the frame's outer edges to guard against moisture and fill in the gaps between the glass.

Measure your window openings prior to when you begin the replacement process. Be sure to include the width and thickness. Also, subtract 1/8 inch from the width and height measurements in order to allow for expansion and contraction of the frame as the weather changes. If you don't subtract this amount, your new glass could be damaged during installation.

Once you have the measurements, contact your glass manufacturer and place an order for the exact measurements of your replacement windows. You should receive them within some days of the initial phone call and they should be ready to install within about a week. Before you begin the removal process, remove any curtains or blinds that are near your windows. Also, ensure to have a clean workspace. You should also place a piece of plastic or cloth down on the floor to catch any broken glass that could fall.

Use a paint scraper remove any wood moldings attached to your frame. If there are any glazing points made of metal that are attached to the frame, use a heating gun to soften them prior to attempting to pry them off. After taking the old window off, use a hammer or paint scraper to clean the grooves which it was originally installed. Then, you can re-caulk the area with an elastomeric caulk that matches the windows you are replacing.