Six Types of Replacement Window Glass
Broken window panes can lead to energy loss and replacement window glass increase utility costs. Window glass replacement is an easy solution to eliminate these issues.
What is the best idea to replace just the glass? This is typically less expensive than a complete replacement, and you can retain the window frames.
Types
Replacement window glass is a complicated process that general contractors and homeowners alike must take into consideration numerous factors. This includes energy efficiency as well as security. Glass comes in a variety of designs, thicknesses and options. This blog post will explore six types of window glass to help you determine which one is best for your project.
Single Light Glass
Single pane glass is commonly found in older homes and buildings. It is easy to clean and offers clarity, but it does not provide the same insulation like modern double-paned windows. It’s also a risk if it breaks, as it can easily become shards.
This kind of glass is usually required for historical replication because the glass has to match the original design in order to preserve the original design. However, it is not very efficient and should be replaced by a new insulation-free window unit.
Insulated Double-paned Double-paned Glass
A very popular choice for modern homeowners, this type of window is made up of two panes of tempered glass separated by a spacer which is filled with air for insulation. This type of glass can be more efficient in energy use than a single pane window and reduce noise transmission and condensate.
Triple Pane Insulated Glass
A step up from a double-pane glass that is insulated this model has three panes of tempered glass with an argon or krypton gas fill between the panes for an even greater level of energy efficiency. The gases suffocate heat in the winter months and keep it out in summer, helping to further reduce energy bills.
The last two options can be decorative and improve the appearance of your home. Laminated glass or tempered glass are stronger than regular glass and can be used in areas that may be damaged by debris or weather conditions. For extra privacy tinted or glazed glasses is an alternative to traditional glass. It is available in a variety of colors and can be frosted, etched, or decorated to enhance the window’s appearance.
Thickness
Glass thickness is among the most important factors to take into consideration when purchasing new windows or replacing glass panes that are already in use. No matter if it’s single strength double strength, double strength, laminated, or insulated the thickness of the glass will impact various aspects, including security, energy efficiency and sound reduction. It is also important to consider 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. The glass is 3/16″ thick and is utilized in most residential applications. Double strength window glass may be required for those who are in an airport or high-rise building.
Double-strength glasses are made by fusion of two or more glass sheets with PVB (polyvinyl butyral). The process of fusion uses high heat and pressure to create an extremely durable and strong piece of window glass that is five times stronger than standard glass. This kind of glass should be used for those who want to shield your windows from flying debris like balls or rocks.
Laminated glass is similar in structure to double-strength glass, but it comes with additional benefits like noise reduction and safety. This glass is created by fusing two or more sheets of transparent interlocking glass by using layers of resin or plastic. The result is a panel that is durable and hard to break. This type of glass should be used when you are concerned about protecting your children and pets from falls, as well as the reduction of noise levels in your home.
Insulated glass can be made by adding spacers to the glass. This creates an airspace that can then be filled with different gasses for insulation to enhance the window’s performance. This can decrease the amount of air that enters or leaves the home. Glass is available in a wide range of sizes and shapes.
You can tint the insulated glass to give it a touch of class or to enhance privacy. It is crucial to remember that tinting does not void any warranty. The time frame for insulated replacement glass can vary from 7-10 days depending on the size and customization.
Customization
Depending on your goals for new replacement windows, you might want to upgrade the glass to increase the efficiency of your home’s energy use and privacy. You can pick from options such as Low E coating or insulated thickness of glass, and the amount air space between panes.
Energy-efficient glasses can lower your energy costs by cutting down on the transfer of heat between indoors and outdoors. Certain types of glass can also lower noise, provide UV protection, and improve durability. You can also opt for tinted glass to add a pop of color or frosted glass for more subtle appearance.
Decorative glass is purely aesthetic and has no practical use, but it can be an excellent option to make your home more unique. You can choose between various designs and finishes to create the perfect look that suits your personal style. You can choose to have a window replacement panes or door with a customized shape.
You can choose 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 insulation your window will be.
Your contractor can give you an in-depth description of the glass types and prices. They can also suggest the glass type that best suits your requirements. You can ask them to replace window handle your old windows with energy efficient glass.
Many modern replacement windows include a warm-edge gas spacer that is insulated where the frame meets the glass and a layer argon to fill the gaps. These features help keep the window warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
While it’s typical to select a standard clear glass, you may also select colored, frosted or tinted windows. This option can provide a unique look and offer additional privacy, but it’s important to take into consideration the impact this can have on your home’s lighting and style. There are also specialty windows that have features that enhance security and ease of use including spring tensioners to prevent slams and sensors that detect the possibility of damage.
Installation
If you are looking to replace the glass in one window or all of them, the process is fairly straightforward. First a professional will clean the opening by removing the old putty and scraping the grooves clean. 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. They will then inject expanding foam in the sash weight pockets to fill air gaps. Then, they apply an elastomeric caulk around the frame’s edges to guard against moisture and close the gaps between the glass.
Before you begin the replacement process, measure the width and height of the window openings making sure to take into account the thickness and width of the frame. Also, subtract 1/8 inch from 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 new glass could be damaged in the process of installation.
Call your glass manufacturer to place an order, indicating the exact dimensions for your replacement windows. They should be delivered within a few days after the initial phone call and they’ll be ready for installation in about a week. Before you begin the removal process, remove the blinds or curtains which are located near your windows. Also, ensure that you have a clean work area. Also, you should put a piece of plastic or cloth down on the floor to stop any broken glass that might fall.
When you’re ready to begin removing the old window pane, start by using an old chisel, to remove any pieces of wood molding that are connected to the frame. The glazing points of the metal should be heated before you attempt to pry them off. After taking off the old window and hammer, use a paint scraper to clean the grooves in which it was initially installed. Re-caulk with an elastomeric sealant that matches the replacement windows.