Six Types of Replacement Window Glass

A damaged window pane is an issue that could cause energy loss and higher utility bills. Replacement of windows is a a simple fix to reduce these problems.

But when does it make sense to only replace the glass? It's a much cheaper alternative to a complete replacement, and you can keep the window frames.

Types

Replacement window glass is a complicated process that both general contractors and homeowners alike must take into account numerous aspects. This includes energy efficiency and protection. Glass comes in a variety designs, thicknesses and Replacement Window Glass options. This blog post will explore six different kinds of window glass in order to help you decide which one is suitable for your project.

Single Light Glass

Single-pane glass is commonly found in older buildings and homes. While it provides clarity and is easy to clean, it does not offer the insulation benefits of modern double-pane windows. It's also a risk when it breaks, since it can easily become pieces.

This kind of glass is typically required for historical replication because the glass has to match the original design to preserve the original property. However, it's not very efficient and should be replaced with a brand new insulation-free window unit.

Double Pane Insulated Glass

This is a popular choice among modern homeowners. It is comprised of two panes of tempered glass separated by an air-filled spacer. This kind of glass could be more energy efficient than a single-pane window, and reduces noise transmission and condensate.

Triple Pane Insulated Glazing

This option is an upgrade from double-paned glass with insulated coating. It has three panes glass that are tempered and an argon gas or Krypton fill in between for a higher level of energy efficiency. The gases help to reduce the cost of energy by capturing heat in winter and keeping it out in summer.

The final two options can be decorative and enhance the appearance of your home. Laminated or tempered glass is stronger than regular glass, making it an ideal choice for areas susceptible to being damaged by debris or weather conditions. For extra privacy, tinted or glazed glass can be used instead of traditional glass. It comes in a wide variety of colors and it can be etched, frosted, or decorated to enhance the window's look.

Thickness

Glass thickness is among the most important factors to take into consideration when buying windows for the first time or replacing glass panes that are already in use. The thickness of the glass, regardless of whether it is laminated or insulation, single strength or double strength, will impact several aspects such as security, energy efficiency, and the reduction of sound. It is also crucial to think about local building codes and the requirements of the manufacturer.

The most basic type of window glass is single strength, which is a basic sheet of clear glass. It is 3/32" thick and is utilized in the majority of residential applications. If you reside in a high-rise building or live near an airport, your windows may require double strength window glass.

Double-strength window glass is made by fusion of at most two sheets of glass with PVB or polyvinylbutyral. Fusion processes use high heat and pressure to create an extremely durable and strong piece of window glass that is five times more durable than normal glass. This kind of glass is recommended if you want your windows to withstand damage from flying debris such as balls or rocks.

Laminated glass has numerous advantages over double-strength glasses, including noise reduction and safety. It is created by fusing at a minimum two sheets of clear glass together with interlocking plastic or resin to form a strong, layered panel that is hard to break. This type of glass is recommended when your primary concern is protecting your children or pets from accidental falls, and reducing the noise level within your home.

Insulated glass is made by adding spacers between the glass to create an air space which can be filled with a variety of insulation gases to enhance the window seal replacement performance. This will reduce the amount of air that enters or leaves the home. Glass comes in a wide range of sizes and shapes.

The insulated glass can also be tinted to provide an element of privacy or fashion. It is important to remember that tinting will void any warranty. The turnaround time for insulated replacement glass could vary between 7 and 10 days, based on the size and customization.

Customization

Based on the goals you have for replacing windows, you might want to upgrade the glass to enhance the efficiency of your home's energy use and privacy. You can pick from options such as Low E coating and the thickness of glass that is insulated and the amount of air space between panes.

Energy-efficient glasses can cut down on your energy bills by decreasing heat transfer between indoors as well as outdoors. Some of these options can also reduce noise, provide UV protection, and increase durability. You can also pick tinted glass to add a pop of color or frosted glass for a more subdued look.

Glass that is decorative is only for aesthetic purposes and has no functional uses however, it is an excellent option to make your home more unique. You can pick from a variety of patterns and finishes for an appearance that matches your personality. You can even choose to have a door or window with a unique shape.

Choose from single-paned, double-paned triple-paned, or single-paned windows. Each has different amounts of airspace in between the panes. The more airspace the window has, the better it will be insulated.

Your contractor can give you an in-depth explanation of the glass types and prices. They can also suggest the best glass for your requirements. You can ask them to replace your windows to energy efficient glass.

A lot of modern replacement windows have a warm-edge gas spacer that is insulated between the frame and the glass, and also a layer of argon to fill in the gaps. These features help the window stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

While it's common to choose a clear, standard glass, you can also select patterns, frosted, or tinted windows. This option can provide a unique look and offer additional privacy, but it's important to consider how this will affect the lighting and style of your home. There are also special windows with features to improve security and ease-of-use, such as spring tensioners that stop the windows from crashing or possible damage.

Installation

The procedure is easy, whether you want to replace glass in just one window or all of them. First professionals will prepare the opening by removing the old putty and then scraping the grooves clean. They will also drill three holes of 3/8-inch in diameter one at each of the ends and one in the middle, through the sill, and finally through the headjamb. They will then inject expanding foam into the pockets of sash weights to fill air gaps. Then, they apply an elastomeric sealant to the exterior edges of the frame to protect it from moisture and fill any gaps in the glass.

Take measurements of the window openings prior to you begin the replacement process. Make sure to include the width and thickness. Subtract 1/8 inch both from the height and width measurements to allow the frame to expand and contract in response to the weather. If you do not subtract this amount, new glass may be damaged during installation.

Call your glass manufacturer to place an order, indicating the exact dimensions of your replacement windows. They should be delivered within a few days of the initial phone call and they should be ready for installation in about a week. Prior to starting the removal process, take out any curtains or blinds close to your windows and make sure that you have a clean workspace. You should also put a piece of cloth or plastic on the floor to hold any broken glass that may fall.

If you're ready to start taking down the old window begin with an old chisel to take away any pieces of wood molding that are attached to the frame. If there are any glazing points made of steel you can use a heat gun to soften them prior attempting to pry them off. After removing the old window, use a hammer or paint scraper to clean the grooves which it was originally installed. Then, re-caulk the area using an elastomeric caulk to match the windows you are replacing.