Six Types of Replacement Window Glass

A damaged window is an issue that can result in energy loss and increased costs for utilities. Window glass replacement is a straightforward fix to reduce those problems.

When is it a good idea to replace just the glass? This is usually less expensive than a full replacement and you can also keep the window frames.

Types

Replacement window glass is a complex process that general contractors and homeowners alike must take into consideration numerous aspects. This includes energy efficiency, safety and aesthetics. Glass is available in a wide range of thicknesses, styles and options for customization. This blog post outlines six different types window glass in order to help you choose which one is suitable for your project.

Single Light Glass

Single pane glass is common in older homes and buildings. While it provides clarity and is easy to clean, it does not have the enhanced insulating properties of modern double-pane windows. It is also a danger when it is broken because it is prone to becoming fragments.

This kind of glass is often required for historical replication because the glass has to be a replica of the original design in order to protect the original design. However, it's not very efficient and should be replaced with a brand new insulation-free window unit.

Insulated Double-paned Glass

A favorite option for modern-day homeowners, this design consists of two panes of tempered glass separated by a spacer which is filled with air for insulation. This type of glass is more efficient in energy use than a single pane window, and can also help reduce noise transmission and condensation.

Triple Pane Insulated Glass

A step up from a double-pane insulated glass this model has three panes of tempered glass with an gas filled with argon or Krypton between the panes for an even greater efficiency in energy use. The gases suffocate heat in winter and keep it out in the summer, helping to further reduce energy costs.

The other two choices are decorative and improve the appearance of your exterior home. Laminated or tempered glass is more durable than normal glass, which makes it a great choice for areas susceptible to damage due to debris or weather conditions. Glass that is tinted or glazed is often used in place of glass that is traditional for more privacy. It comes in a variety of colors and can be etched, frosted, or decorated to improve the appearance of the window.

Thickness

Glass thickness is an important aspect to be considered when buying new windows or replacing old glass panes. Whether it is single strength double strength, double strength, laminated, or insulated, the thickness of the glass will impact several aspects such as security, energy efficiency and sound reduction. It is also essential to take into consideration local building codes and requirements from the manufacturer.

The most basic type of window glass is single strength - which is a basic sheet of clear glass. The glass is 3/8 inch thick and used in residential applications. Double strength window glass might be required for those who are in an airport or a high-rise building.

Double-strength glass is made by fusion of two or more sheets of glass with PVB (polyvinyl butyral). The process of fusion uses extreme heat and pressure to create an extremely durable, strong pane of glass that is around five times stronger than regular window glass. This kind of glass is recommended if you wish to protect your windows from damage from flying debris like rocks or balls.

Laminated glass resembles double-strength, but it has other advantages such as noise reduction and security. It is created by fusing at a minimum two sheets of clear glass with interlocking plastic or resin to create a sturdy layer that is hard to break. This type of glass is recommended if you are concerned about protecting your pets and children from falls, as well as making it easier to reduce noise in your home.

Insulated glass is made by putting spacers in between the glass to create an air space that can be filled with a variety of insulating gases to enhance the window performance. This can reduce the amount of air that escapes or enters the home, thus increasing the efficiency of energy. Glass is available in various sizes and shapes that range from square or rectangular to circular or arched.

You can tint the insulated glass to give it a touch of class or privacy. However, it is important to keep in mind that tinting does void any warranty. The time frame for replacing insulated windows glass can range from 7-10 business days based on the size and nature of the order.

Customization

You may upgrade the glass in your replacement windows to enhance your home's privacy and energy efficiency. You can choose from options like Low-E coating and insulated glass thickness and the amount of air space between panes.

Energy-efficient glasses can lower your energy bills by reducing heat transfer between indoors as well as outdoors. Some of these options can also reduce noise, offer UV protection, and Replacement Window Glass improve durability. You can choose tinted or frosted glasses to add some color.

Glass that is decorative is only for aesthetic purposes and has no functional uses however it can be a great option to make your home more unique. You can pick from a variety of styles and colors to create a look that suits your personality. You can even choose to have a door or window with a customized shape.

Choose between single-paned, double-paned, or triple-paned windows with different amounts of airspace in between the panes. The more airspace the window has, the better it will be insulated.

Your contractor will provide you with an in-depth description of the types of glass and their prices. They will also be able to recommend the kind of glass that best suits your requirements. You can also ask them to replace window handles your windows with more energy-efficient glass.

Many modern replacement windows include a warm-edge gas spacer that is insulated where the frame meets the glass. It also includes a layer of argon to fill in the gaps. These features 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 colored, frosted or tinted windows. This type of window can provide distinct appearance and provide added privacy, but it's important to think about how this will affect the lighting and design of your home. There are also special windows with features that enhance security and ease of use, such as spring tensioners to avoid slams and sensors that detect potential damage.

Installation

If you are looking to replace the glass in one window or all of them, the procedure is fairly straightforward. First professionals will prepare the opening by removing the old putty and then scraping the grooves clean. They will also drill three holes of 3/8 inch in diameter one at each of the ends and one in the middle, across the sill and up through the headjamb. Then, they inject expanding foam into the sash weight pockets to fill any air gaps. Finally, they will apply an elastomeric caulk around the frame's edges to shield against moisture and close the gaps between the glass.

Before beginning the replacement process, take measurements of the window openings making sure to take into account the size and thickness of the framing. Also subtract 1/8 inch from the height and width measurements to allow for expansion and contraction of the frame when the weather changes. If you do not subtract this amount, the new glass could be damaged during the installation process.

Once you have the measurements, contact your glass manufacturer and place an order for the exact dimensions of your replacement windows. After the initial call you should receive the windows within a couple of weeks. They'll be ready for installation within about a week. Prior to starting the removal process, clear out any curtains or blinds from near your windows and make sure that you have a clean workspace. You should also put an unfinished sheet of plastic or a cloth on the floor in case broken glass falls during the process.

Use a paint scraper to remove any wood moldings that are attached to your frame. If there are any glazing points made of steel you can use a heat gun to soften them before trying to remove them. After the old window has been removed using the paint scraper or hammer to clean the grooves where it was previously placed. Then, re-caulk the area using an elastomeric caulk to match the replacement windows prices windows.