Six Types of Replacement Window Glass
Broken window panes can lead to energy loss and higher utility costs. Window glass replacement is an easy fix to reduce those problems.
But when is it sense to only replace the glass? This option is often cheaper than a complete replacement, and you can also keep the window frames.
Types
When it comes to replacement window glass, homeowners and general contractors must take into consideration a variety of factors that impact their overall goals. This includes energy efficiency as well as security. Glass comes in a variety styles, thicknesses and customization options. This blog post outlines six types of window glass in order to help you choose which one is best for your project.
Single Lite Glass
Single-pane glass can be found in older buildings and houses. It is easy to clean and offers clarity however, it does not offer the same insulation like modern double-paned windows. It is also dangerous in the event of a break, as it can easily become shards.
This type of glass can be used to replicate historical designs, where the glass must be a replica of the original building to keep it in good condition. It is not very energy efficient and must be replaced with a new insulated window unit.
Insulated Double-paned Glass
A very popular option for modern-day homeowners, this option is made up of two panes of tempered glass separated by a spacer which is filled with air for insulation. This kind of glass is more efficient in energy use than a single pane window, and it can also reduce condensation and noise transmission.
Triple Pane Insulated Glass
A step above a double-pane glass that is insulated, this option has three panes of tempered glass with an argon or krypton gas fill between the panes for an even higher level of energy efficiency. The gases help to reduce energy costs by trapping heat in winter and keeping it out during summer.
The other two choices are decorative and enhance the look of your exterior home. Laminated or tempered glass is more durable than regular glass, making it an ideal choice for areas that are susceptible to damage from debris or weather conditions. Tinted or glazed glass is often used in place of traditional glass for added privacy. It comes in a variety of colors and can be frosted, etched, glass replacement Windows or patterned to enhance a window replacement near me‘s appearance.
Thickness
Glass thickness is among the primary factors to be considered when purchasing new windows or replacing old glass panes. It doesn’t matter if it’s single strength, double strength, laminated or insulated glass, the thickness of the glass will impact various aspects, including energy efficiency, security and sound reduction. Local building codes and manufacturer requirements are important to be aware of.
The most basic kind of window glass is single strength, which is a basic sheet of clear glass replacement windows. The glass is 3/16″ thick and is used in the majority of residential applications. If you live in a high-rise or you live close to an airport, your windows could require double strength window glass.
Double-strength windows are made by fusion of at most two sheets of glass together with PVB or polyvinylbutyral. The fusion process uses extreme pressure and heat to create a strong, durable pane of glass that is around five times stronger than regular window glass. This type of glass is recommended if you want your windows to resist damage from flying debris like rocks or balls.
Laminated glass has numerous advantages over double-strength glass, including noise reduction and security. It is made by fusing at least two sheets of clear glass with layers of interlocking plastic or resin to form a durable layer that is extremely difficult to break. This type of glass is recommended for those who are concerned about protecting your children or pets from accidental falls, and reduce the noise levels in your home.
Insulated glass is made by adding spacers between the glass to create an air space which can be filled with a variety insulating gases to improve the window’s performance. This can decrease the amount of air that is able to enter or leave the home. This glass is available in a variety of shapes and sizes and shapes, from square to rectangular to arched or circular.
The glass insulated can also be tinted in order to add an element of privacy or fashion. It is important to remember that the application of tint does not invalidate any warranty. The turnaround time for replacement of insulated window glass can be anywhere from 7-10 business days based on the size and custom nature of the order.
Customization
You can upgrade the glass of your replacement windows to increase your home’s security and energy efficiency. You can choose between options like Low E coating, the thickness of glass that is insulated and the amount of air space between panes.
Energy-efficient glasses can lower your energy bills by cutting down on the transfer of heat between indoors and outdoors. Certain types of glass can also reduce noise, offer UV protection, and improve durability. You can pick tinted or frosted glasses to bring an accent of color.
The purpose of decorative glass is to enhance the aesthetics and does not have any practical uses however it can be an excellent way to make your home distinctive. You can pick from a variety of styles and colors to create a style that matches your personal style. You can select to create a door or window with a custom-made shape.
You can choose between single-pane, double-pane, and triple-pane windows with varying amounts of airspace between the panes. The more airspace you have the better the insulation of your window.
Your contractor will provide you with an in-depth description of the kinds of glass available and their costs. They can also recommend the glass type that will best meet your requirements. You can ask them to upgrade your windows with energy-efficient glass.
Modern replacement windows come with a warm-edge spacer that insulate the area where the frame meets the glass and a layer of argon gas to fill in the gaps between the panes. These features help the window remain warmer in winter, and cooler in summer.
You can choose from tinted, frosted or patterned glass. This can give a unique design and provides additional privacy. However, it is important to take into consideration the impact on the style of your home and lighting. There are also specialty windows that have features that enhance security and ease of use like spring tensioners to prevent collisions and sensors to detect the possibility of damage.
Installation
The procedure is easy, whether you want to replace glass in only one window or all of them. A professional will first prepare the opening, removing the old putty. They will then scrape the grooves in order to remove any dirt. They will also drill 3/8-inch diameter holes one at each end, and a single hole in the middle 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’ll apply an elastomeric sealant on the exterior edges of the frame, to protect it from moisture and fill any gaps in the glass.
Before you begin the replacement process, measure the width and height of your window openings, making sure to take into account the size and thickness of the framing. Also, subtract 1/8 inch from the width and height measurements to allow the expansion and contraction of the frame when weather conditions change. If you do not subtract this amount, the new glass may be damaged during installation.
Once you have the measurements, call your glass manufacturer and make an appointment for the exact dimensions of your replacement windows. They should be delivered within a few days of your initial phone call, and they will be ready to install within about a week. Before beginning the removal process, take down any curtains or blinds which are located near your windows. Also, be sure to have a clean workspace. It is also advisable to lay a sheet of plastic or a cloth on the floor in case broken glass falls during the process.
If you’re ready to start removing the old window pane, start with an old chisel, to remove any pieces of wood that are fixed to the frame. If there are any glazing points made of steel, use a heat gun to soften them prior trying to pull them off. After removing the old window and hammer, use a paint scraper to clean the grooves in which it was initially installed. Re-caulk the area with an elastomeric sealant to match the windows that are replaced.