Six Types of Replacement Window Glass

Broken window panes can lead to energy loss and increase energy costs. window replacement glass replacement is an easy fix to minimize the problems.

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

Types

Replacement window glass is a complicated process that general contractors and homeowners alike must take into consideration many factors. This includes energy efficiency, Replacement Window Glass safety and appearance. Glass is available in a diverse variety of thicknesses, styles and options for customization. In this blog post, we will look at six different kinds of glass for windows to help you decide which one is the most suitable for your project.

Single Lite Glass

Single pane glass is common in older homes and structures. It is easy to clean and provides clarity however, it does not provide the same insulation as double-paned windows of today. It can also be dangerous when it breaks, since it can easily turn into pieces.

This type of glass can be used for historical replications, where the glass must match the design of the original property to keep it in good condition. However, it is not very efficient and should be replaced with a brand new insulation-free window glass replacement unit.

Insulated Double-paned Glass

A very popular option for modern-day homeowners, this type of window consists of two panes of glass that is tempered, separated by a spacer that is filled with air to provide insulation. This type of glass is more energy-efficient than a single pane window, and it can also reduce condensation and noise transmission.

Triple Pane Insulated Glass

A step up from double-pane glass that is insulated, this option has three panes of tempered glass, each with an argon gas or krypton gas fill between the panes to provide an even greater efficiency in energy usage. The gases aid in reducing energy costs by capturing heat in the winter months and letting it out in summer.

The final two options can be decorative and add to the appearance of your home. Laminated glass or tempered glass are stronger than regular glass and can be used in areas that might be damaged by weather or debris conditions. Glass that is tinted or glazed is often used in place of traditional glass to provide privacy. It is available in a variety of colors and can be frosted, etched or designed to enhance a window's appearance.

Thickness

Glass thickness is an important aspect to be considered when buying new windows or replacing old glass panes. It doesn't matter if it's single strength or double strength, laminated or insulated, the thickness of the glass will affect various aspects, such as security, energy efficiency and sound 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. This glass is 3/32 inch thick and is commonly used in residential applications. If you live in a building that is high-rise or you live near an airport, your windows could require double strength window glass.

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

Laminated glass has numerous advantages over double-strength glass including noise reduction and security. It is made by fusing two or more sheets of clear, interlocking glass with layers of plastic or resin. The result is a glass that is strong and difficult to break. This type of glass is recommended for those who are concerned about protecting your children or pets from accidental falls, as well as reducing the noise level in your home.

Insulated glass is created by putting spacers in between the glass to create an air space that can be filled with a variety insulating gases to improve window performance. This can reduce the amount air that is able to enter or leave the home. Glass comes in a variety of sizes and shapes.

You can tint the insulated glass to add a touch of style or privacy. It is important to keep in mind that tinting will invalidate any warranty. The turnaround time for replacement of insulated window glass can be anywhere from 7-10 business days depending on the size and custom nature of the order.

Customization

You may upgrade the glass of your replacement windows to improve your home's privacy and energy efficiency. You can pick from alternatives like Low E coating and insulated thickness of glass, and the amount air space between panes.

Energy-efficient glass can reduce your energy bills by decreasing the transfer of heat between the indoors and the outdoors. Some of these glass options can also reduce noise, offer UV-ray protection and enhance the durability. You can also choose tinted glass to add a pop of color or frosted glass to give an ethereal look.

Glass that is decorative is only for aesthetic purposes and has no practical uses, but it can be an excellent option to make your home unique. You can choose between various patterns and Replacement Window Glass finishes for a look that fits your personality. You can also opt to have a window or door with a unique shape.

Choose between double-paned, single-paned triple-paned, or single-paned windows. Each has different amounts of airspace between the panes. The more airspace you can have the better insulated your window will be.

Your contractor can provide an in-depth explanation of the types of glass and their prices. They can also recommend the best type of glass for your requirements. You can also ask them to upgrade your windows to energy efficient glass.

Many modern replacement windows include a warm-edge gas spacer which insulates the area between the frame and the glass and a layer argon to fill in the gaps. These features help keep the window warmer in the winter months and cooler in summer.

While it's typical to select a standard clear glass, you can also select frosted, patterned, or tinted windows. This can give you a unique look and offer additional privacy, but it's important to think about how this might impact the lighting and style of your home. You can also find speciality windows with features to improve security and user-friendliness, such as spring tensioners to prevent the windows from crashing or possible damage.

Installation

If you're looking to replace the glass in just one window, or all of them, the process is quite simple. A professional will first make the opening ready, taking off the old putty. They will then scrape the grooves in order 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, through the sill, and up through the headjamb. Then, they'll inject expanding foam into the sash-weight pockets to fill any air gaps. Then, they apply an elastomeric sealant along the exterior edges of the frame to shield it from moisture and close any gaps around the new glass.

Before beginning the replacement process, measure the width and height of the windows' openings making sure to account for the size and thickness of the frame. Also, subtract 1/8 inch from the width and height measurements in order to allow the expansion and contraction of the frame when weather conditions change. If you don't subtract this amount the new glass could be damaged during the installation process.

Once you have the measurements, contact your glass manufacturer and place an order for the exact dimensions of the replacement windows. After your initial phone call you should receive your windows within a couple of weeks. They'll be ready to install within one week. Before you begin the removal process, take out any curtains or blinds close to your windows and make sure that you have a clean area to work from. Also, you should put a piece of cloth or plastic down on the floor to stop any broken glass that might fall.

If you're ready to start removing the old window pane, start by using a paint scraper or an old chisel to remove any pieces of wood that are fixed to the frame. Heat the metal glazing points before you attempt to pull them off. After the old window is removed and discarded, use the paint scraper or hammer to clean the grooves where it was previously installed. Then, you can re-caulk the area using an elastomeric caulk that matches your replacement windows.