Six Types of Replacement Window Glass

Damaged window panes can cause energy loss and increase energy costs. Window glass replacement is a simple fix to minimize the problems.

When is it a good idea to replace just the glass? This is a cheaper option than a full replacement windows panes and you can keep your window frames.

Types

Window replacement is a complicated process that homeowners and general contractors alike must take into account many aspects. This includes energy efficiency, safety, and appearance. Glass comes in a variety styles, thicknesses and customization options. This blog post explores six types of window glass in order to help you choose which one is suitable for your project.

Single Lite Glass

Single-pane glass is typically found in older structures and houses. It is easy to clean and provides clarity, but it does not offer the same insulation as modern double-paned windows. It is also a danger if it breaks as it can easily become shards.

This type of glass is often required for reproduction of historical significance because the glass has to be in line with the original style in order to preserve the original property. However, it is not very efficient and should be replaced by a new insulation-free window unit.

Insulated Double-paned Glass

This is a very popular choice among modern homeowners. It consists of two panes tempered glass separated by an air-filled spacer. This kind of glass is more energy efficient than a single pane window and it also helps reduce noise transmission and condensation.

Triple Pane Insulated Glass

A step up from double-pane insulated glass, this option has three panes of tempered glass that have an gas filled with argon or Krypton between the panes to provide an even higher level of energy efficiency. The gases trap the heat in the winter months and keep it out in summer, helping to further reduce energy costs.

The other two choices are decorative and enhance the look of your exterior home. Laminated or tempered glass is stronger than normal glass, which makes it a great choice for areas that are prone to damage from debris or weather conditions. For extra privacy, tinted or glazed glass can be used in place of traditional glass. It is available in a wide range of colors, and it can be etched, frosted or decorated to enhance the window's look.

Thickness

Glass thickness is one cost of a window replacement the most important factors to take into consideration when buying new windows or replacing glass panes that are already in use. It doesn't matter if it's single strength or double strength, laminated, or insulated, the thickness of the glass will impact various aspects, including security, energy efficiency and noise reduction. Local requirements for building codes and manufacturer requirements are important to keep in mind.

The most basic kind of window glass is single strength - which is a simple sheet of clear glass. It is 3/32" thick and is used in a majority of residential applications. Double strength window glass could be required when you are in an airport or a high-rise building.

Double-strength windows are made by fusion of at most two sheets of glass with PVB, or polyvinyl butyral. The process of fusion uses extreme heat and pressure to produce an extremely durable, strong pane of glass that is approximately five times stronger than normal window glass. This kind of glass is recommended if want your windows to withstand damage from flying debris like rocks or balls.

Laminated glass has many advantages over double-strength glasses, including noise reduction and safety. This glass is created by combining two or more sheets of clear interlocking glass using layers of resin or plastic. The result is a panel that is strong and difficult to break. This type of glass is ideal in cases of safeguarding your children and pets from falling, and also making it easier to reduce noise in your home.

Insulated glass is produced by adding spacers between the glass to create an air space that can be filled with a variety insulating gases to improve the window's performance. This can decrease the amount of air that can enter or leave the home. This glass comes in a variety of shapes and sizes.

The insulated glass can be tinted in order to add an element of privacy or style. It is important to remember that tinting will invalidate any warranty. The time frame for insulated replacement glass may vary from 7-10 days based on the size and personalization.

Customization

Based on the goals you have for new replacement window glass near me windows, you may wish to upgrade the glass to improve your home's energy efficiency as well as privacy. You can select from options like 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 the transfer of heat between indoors and outdoors. Some of these options also reduce noise, provide UV protection, and increase durability. You can also opt for tinted glass to add a pop of color, or frosted glass for an ethereal look.

Decorative glass is purely aesthetic and doesn't have any practical uses however it can be a great option to make your home distinctive. You can choose from a wide range of styles and colors to create a look that suits your personality. You can create a door or window with a custom-designed shape.

You can choose between single-pane, double-pane, and triple-pane windows, with different levels of airspace between the panes. The more airspace you can have the more insulated your window will be.

Your contractor can give you an in-depth explanation of the types of glass and their prices. They will also be able to recommend the kind of glass that will best meet your requirements. You might also ask whether they are able to change your old windows to more energy efficient glass.

Many modern replacement windows include gas spacers with warm edges that insulates the area where the frame meets the glass and a layer argon to fill the gaps. These features allow windows to remain warmer in winter, and cooler in summer.

You can choose from tinted, frosted, or patterned glass. This can give you an unique appearance and provide more privacy, however it's important to think about how this will affect the lighting and design of your home. There are also special windows that have features that enhance security and ease of operation including spring tensioners to avoid slams and sensors that detect the possibility of damage.

Installation

Whether you want to replace the glass in one window or all of them, the procedure is fairly straightforward. A professional will first prepare the opening, removing the old putty. They will then scrape the grooves to remove any dirt. They will also drill holes of 3/8-inch diameter, one near each end and a single hole in the middle and down through the sill and then up through the head jamb. They will then inject expanding foam into the pockets of sash weights to fill air gaps. Then, they will apply an elastomeric sealant to the exterior edges of the frame to shield it from moisture and fill any gaps in the new glass.

Before you begin the replacement process, measure the width and height of the window openings taking into consideration the width and thickness of the framing. Also, subtract 1/8 inch from the height and width measurements in order to allow the expansion and contraction of the frame when weather changes. If you don't subtract this amount, your new glass may be damaged during installation.

Contact the glass manufacturer to place an order with the exact dimensions of your replacement windows. After the initial call you should receive the windows within a couple of weeks. They will be ready to install in about a week. Prior to starting the removal process, clear out any blinds or curtains from near your windows and ensure that you have a clean workspace. It is also advisable to lay a plastic sheet or a cloth on the floor in case broken Window Replacement glass falls during the process.

Use a paint scraper remove any wood moldings attached to your frame. If there are any metal glazing points that are attached to the frame, use a heating gun to soften them before trying to remove them. After taking off the old window and hammer, use a paint scraper to clean the grooves in which it was initially installed. Re-caulk using an elastomeric sealant to match the replacement windows.