Six Types of Replacement Window Glass
A damaged window is an issue that can cause energy loss and higher energy bills. Window glass replacement is a straightforward solution to eliminate these issues.
But when does it make sense to only replace the glass? This is typically less expensive than a full replacement and you can retain the window frames.
Types
When it comes time to replace window glass, homeowners as well as general contractors must take into consideration a variety of aspects that affect their overall goals. This includes energy efficiency as well as security. Glass comes in a variety of styles, thicknesses and customization options. This blog post outlines six different kinds of window glass to help you choose which one is the best fit for your project.
Single Lite Glass
Single-pane glass is typically used in older buildings and in homes. Although it is clear and is easy to clean, it doesn’t offer the insulation benefits of modern double-pane windows. It is also a danger when it is broken because it is prone to becoming fragments.
This type of glass can be used to replicate historical designs where the glass must be in line with the style of the original property to keep it in good condition. However, it’s not very efficient and should be replaced with a brand new glass unit that is insulated and.
Double-paned Insulated Glass
This option is a popular choice among homeowners who are more modern. It consists of two panes of tempered glass separated by an air-filled spacer. This kind of glass can be more energy efficient than a single-pane window and reduce condensate and noise transmission.
Triple Pane Insulated Glass
A step above a double-pane insulated glass, this option has three panes of tempered glass that have an gas filled with argon or Krypton between the panes for an even higher efficiency in energy use. The gases suffocate heat in winter and keep it out in the summer, helping to reduce energy bills.
The last two options can be decorative and add to the beauty of your home. Laminated or tempered glass is stronger than regular glass, making it an ideal choice for areas susceptible to damage due to debris or weather conditions. Tinted or glazed glass is often used in place of traditional glass to provide privacy. It comes in a variety of colors and can be etched, frosted or designed to improve the look of windows.
Thickness
Glass thickness is a key aspect to take into consideration when purchasing 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, including security, energy efficiency and noise reduction. It is also crucial to take into consideration local building codes and the requirements of the manufacturer.
The most basic kind of window glass is single strength – which is a basic piece of clear glass. It is 3/32 inches thick and is used in residential applications. Double strength window glass could be required if you are in an airport or a high-rise building.
Double-strength window glass is produced by fusion of at most two sheets of glass together with PVB, or polyvinyl butyral. Fusion processes use high heat and pressure to produce a durable, strong pane of window replacement panes glass that is five times more durable than normal glass. This type of glass is recommended for those who want your windows to withstand damage by flying debris, such as rocks or balls.
Laminated glass is similar to double-strength glass, but it comes with additional benefits such as noise reduction and safety. It is made by gluing at least two sheets of clear glass together with layers of interlocking plastic or resin to form a strong and layered panel that is extremely difficult to break. This type of glass should be used in cases of protecting your children and pets from falls and also the reduction of noise levels within your home.
Insulated glass is made by adding spacers between the glass to create an air space that can be filled with a variety insulating gases to enhance the window performance. This will reduce the amount of air that is able to enter or leave the home. This glass is available in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from square or rectangular to circular or window arched.
The insulated glass can also be tinted in order to add an element of privacy or fashion. It is important to note that tinting will void any warranty. The time frame for replacing insulated windows 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 in your new replacement windows to increase your home’s security and energy efficiency. You can select from options such as Low-E coating, insulated glass thickness, and the amount of air space between panes.
Energy-efficient glasses can cut down on your energy costs by decreasing heat transfer between indoors and outdoors. Certain types of glass can also reduce noise, provide UV-ray protection and increase the durability. You can choose tinted or frosty glasses to give an accent of color.
The purpose of decorative glass is to enhance the aesthetics and does not have any functional uses however it can be an excellent way to make your home unique. You can choose from a variety of designs and finishes to create a look that is a reflection of your style. You can choose to create a door or window with a custom-designed 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 you have, the better insulation your window will be.
Your contractor can provide an in-depth explanation of the types of glass and their costs. They can also suggest the kind of glass that will best meet your needs. You can ask them to upgrade your old windows with more energy efficient glass.
Modern replacement windows often have a warm-edge gas spacer that protects the area between the frame and the glass, and also a layer of argon to fill in the gaps. These features help keep the window warmer in winter and cooler during summer.
While it’s common to choose a clear, standard glass, you can also opt for patterns, frosted, or tinted windows. This can give a unique appearance and may also provide privacy. However, it’s important to consider the impact on the style of your home and lighting. You can also find speciality windows that have features that enhance security and user-friendliness like spring tensioners to prevent slams or sensors that detect possible damage.
Installation
Whether you want to replace the glass in just one window or all of them, the procedure is quite simple. First, a professional will prepare the opening by removing old putty and then scraping the grooves clean. They will also drill three holes of 3/8-inch in diameter one at each end, window and a single in the middle, through the sill, and finally 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 on the exterior edges of the frame to protect 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 taking into consideration the size and thickness of the framing. Also subtract 1/8 inch from both the width and height measurements to allow for expansion and contraction of the frame as the weather changes. If you don’t subtract this amount, the glass you are installing could be damaged during the installation process.
Contact the glass manufacturer to place an order with the exact dimensions of your replacement windows. You should receive them within a few days after the initial phone call and they will be ready to install within a few days. Before you begin the removal process, remove the blinds or curtains that are near your windows. Also, be sure that your workspace is clean. It is also recommended to place 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 metal you can use a heat gun to soften them prior to attempting to pry them off. After taking off the old window using a hammer or paint scraper to clean the grooves in the window that it was originally put in. Then, seal the area with an elastomeric caulk to match the replacement windows.