Six Types of Replacement Window Glass
A damaged window pane can be an issue that can result in energy loss and increased energy bills.
Window glass replacement is an easy fix to reduce those problems.
When is it a good idea to just replace the glass? This is a less expensive option than a full
replacement windows glass and you can keep your window frames.
Types
When it comes to replacement window glass, homeowners and general contractors need to consider a variety of aspects that affect their overall goals. This includes energy efficiency and security. Glass comes in a variety styles, thicknesses and customization options. This blog post outlines six different kinds of window glass to help you determine which one is the best fit for your project.
Single Light Glass
Single pane glass is commonly found in older homes and structures. While it offers clarity and is easy to clean, it doesn't have the enhanced insulating properties of the modern double-pane windows. It could also be a risk in the event of a break because it is prone to becoming fragments.
This kind of glass could be used for replicas of historical buildings, where the glass must match the design of the original building to preserve it. It is not energy efficient and should be replaced by a new, insulated window unit.
Insulated Double-paned Double-paned Glass
A popular choice for modern homeowners, this design consists of two panes of tempered glass separated by a spacer that is filled with air for insulation. This kind of glass could be more energy efficient than a single-pane window, and reduces noise transmission and condensate.
Triple Pane Insulated Glazing
A step up from double-pane glass that is insulated this model has three panes of tempered glass, each with an gas filled with argon or Krypton between the panes to create an even higher level of energy efficiency. The gases suffocate heat in winter and keep it out in summer, helping to cut energy costs.
The two other choices are decorative and improve the appearance of your exterior home. Laminated or tempered glass is stronger than normal glass, which makes it an ideal choice for areas that are prone to damage from debris or weather conditions. To provide additional privacy tinted or glazed glasses can be used in place of traditional glass. It is available in a variety of colors and it can be etched, frosted or designed to enhance the window's look.
Thickness
Glass thickness is a crucial 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. Local construction codes and manufacturer specifications are important to keep in mind.
The most basic type of window glass is single strength, which is a simple sheet of clear glass. It is 3/32 inches thick and is used in residential applications. If you live in a building that is high-rise or you live near an airport, your windows might require double strength window glass.
Double-strength glass is made by fusion of two or more glass sheets together with PVB (polyvinyl butyral). Fusion processes use high temperatures and pressure to produce a tough, durable piece of window glass that is five times stronger than standard glass. This type of glass is recommended if wish to protect your windows from damage from flying debris like balls or rocks.
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 together with interlocking resin or plastic to form a strong and layered panel that is difficult to break. This kind of glass is suggested when your primary concern is protecting your children or pets from accidental falls, as well as reduce the noise levels in your home.
Insulated glass can be created by adding spacers to the glass. This creates an air space which can then be filled with different gasses that are insulating to improve the window performance. This will reduce the amount of air that is able to enter or leave the home. Glass comes in a variety of shapes and sizes and shapes, from square to rectangular to arched or circular.
You can tint the insulated glass to add a touch of elegance or to enhance privacy. It is important to remember that tinting will void any warranty. Turnaround for insulated window replacement glass can vary from 7 to 10 business days based on the size and custom nature of the order.
Customization
Depending on your goals for replacement 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 insulated glass thickness and the amount of air space between panes.
Energy-efficient glasses can cut down on your energy costs by cutting down on heat transfer between indoors as well as outdoors. Certain types of glass can also cut down on noise, provide UV-ray protection and enhance the durability. You can pick tinted or frosted glasses to add an accent of color.
Decorative glass has no functional use and is only for aesthetic purposes. However it can give your home a unique look. You can choose from a variety of patterns and finishes to create a look that suits your personality. You can choose to create a door or window with a custom-designed shape.
Choose between single-paned, double-paned, or triple-paned windows with different amounts of airspace between the panes. The more airspace your window has, the better it will be well-insulated.
Your contractor can provide an in-depth description of the types of glass and their costs. They can also recommend the best type of glass for your needs. You might also ask if they can upgrade your old windows to more energy efficient glass.
Many modern replacement windows come with a warm-edge spacer to protect the area where the frame meets the glass, and a layer of argon gas to fill the gaps between the panes. These features help the window remain warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
While it's common to choose the standard clear glass, you may also select colored, frosted or tinted windows. This type of window has a distinctive appearance and can offer additional privacy. However, it is important to think about the impact on the style of your home and lighting. There are also specialty windows that have features that increase security and ease of use including spring tensioners to prevent the windows from crashing and sensors to identify potential damage.
Installation
If you're looking to replace the glass in just one window, or all of them, the process is fairly straightforward. First, a professional will prepare the opening by removing old putty and scraping the grooves clean. They will also drill 3/8-inch diameter holes, one near each end, and a single hole in the middle, down through the sill and then up through the head jamb. Then, they inject expanding foam into the sash-weight pockets to fill any air gaps. Then, they apply an elastomeric caulk along the frame's exterior edges to guard against moisture and close the gaps around the new 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 from the width and height measurements to allow the frame to expand and contract in response to the weather. If you don't subtract this amount, the new glass may be damaged in the process of 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 after your initial phone call, and they'll be ready to install in about a week.