Six Types of Replacement Window Glass

Damaged window panes can cause energy loss and a rise in energy costs. Replacement of windows is a an easy fix to eliminate these issues.

But when is it sense to only replace the glass? This is usually less expensive than a complete replacement and you can retain your window frames.

Types

When it comes time to replace 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 is available in a diverse range of thicknesses, styles and options for customization. This blog post explores six types of window glass in order to help you determine which one is best for your project.

Single Light Glass

Single pane glass is common in older buildings and homes. It is easy to clean and provides clarity however it doesn't offer the same insulation as modern double-paned windows. It's also a risk in the event of a break, as it is prone to turning into fragments.

This kind of glass can be used for historical replications in which the glass has to be a replica of the original property in order to preserve it. It is not energy efficient and should be replaced by a new, insulated window unit.

Insulated Double-paned Glass

This is a very popular choice among homeowners who are more modern. It consists of two panes tempered glass that are separated by an air-filled spacer. This kind of glass could be more efficient in energy use than a single pane window and glass replacement windows reduce condensate and noise transmission.

Triple Pane Insulated Glass

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

The two other choices can be decorative and add to the beauty of your home. Laminated or tempered glass is stronger than regular glass, making it an excellent option for areas susceptible to being damaged by debris or weather conditions. Tinted or glazed glass is often used in place of traditional glass to provide privacy. It is available in a variety of colors and can be frosted, etched, or patterned to enhance a window's appearance.

Thickness

Glass thickness is one of the key factors to consider when purchasing new windows or replacing existing glass panes. The thickness of the glass, no matter if it is laminated, insulation, single strength or double strength, can affect several aspects such as security, energy efficiency, and the reduction of sound. It is also important to consider local building codes and requirements from the manufacturer.

Single strength is the most basic type of glass used for windows. It is a simple sheet of clear glass. The glass is 3/8 inch thick and used in residential applications. Double strength window glass could be required for those who reside in an airport or a high-rise building.

Double-strength window glass is produced by fusion of at most two sheets of glass with PVB or polyvinylbutyral. The fusion process uses extreme heat and pressure to create an extremely durable, strong pane of glass that is around five times stronger than standard window glass. This kind of glass is ideal when you want to protect your windows from flying debris like balls or rocks.

Laminated glass window replacement has numerous advantages over double-strength glass including noise reduction and safety. It is made by combining two or more sheets of clear interlocking glass using layers of resin or plastic. The result is a glass that is strong and difficult to break. This type of glass should be used when you are concerned about safeguarding your children and pets from falls and also making it easier to reduce noise in your home.

Insulated glass can be created by adding spacers to the glass. This creates an airspace that can be filled with different gasses for insulation to enhance the window's performance. This can reduce the amount air that can enter or leave the home. Glass is available in a variety of sizes and shapes.

You can tint the insulated glass to give it a touch of class or privacy. It is important to keep in mind that tinting can void any warranty. The time frame for insulated replacement glass can vary from 7-10 days based on the size and customization.

Customization

You may upgrade the glass of your replacement windows to improve your home's security and energy efficiency. You can pick from options such as Low-E coating and insulated glass replacement windows thickness and the amount of air space between panes.

Energy-efficient glasses can cut down on your energy costs by reducing heat transfer between indoors as well as outdoors. Certain types of glass can also reduce noise, offer UV protection, and improve durability. You can also choose tinted glass to add a pop of color or frosted glass for more subtle appearance.

The decorative glass is not of any practical purpose and is used only for aesthetic purposes. However it can create a unique home. You can choose from a variety of patterns and finishes to create a style that matches your personal style. You can also opt to have a door or window with a customized shape.

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

Your contractor will be able to give you a detailed explanation of the various kinds of glass and the costs associated with them. They can also suggest the best glass for your needs. You can ask them to replace your windows with more energy efficient glass.

A lot of modern replacement windows have a warm-edge gas spacer which is insulated where the frame meets the glass. It also includes a layer of that is filled with argon. These features allow windows to stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

You can pick from frosted, patterned or tinted glass. This can give you distinct appearance and provide added privacy, but it's important to take into consideration the impact this can have on your home's lighting and style. There are also special windows with features that increase security and ease of use, such as spring tensioners to prevent slams or sensors that detect possible damage.

Installation

The process is simple It doesn't matter if you want to replace glass in just one window or all of them. 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 at each end and a single hole in the middle along the sill, and up to the head jamb. They will then inject expanding foam into the sash window replacement weight pockets to fill air gaps. Then, they apply an elastomeric caulk along the frame's exterior edges to shield against moisture and close the gaps between the glass.

Before you begin the replacement process, take measurements of your window openings, making sure to take into account the width and thickness of the frame. Subtract 1/8 inch from the height and width measurements to allow for the frame to expand glass replacement windows and contract in response to the weather. If you don't subtract this amount the new glass could be damaged in the process of installation.

Once you have the measurements, contact your glass manufacturer and make an order for the exact measurements of the replacement windows. After your initial call you should receive the windows within a couple of weeks. They will be ready to install in one week. Prior to starting the removal process, clear out any curtains or blinds close to your windows and make sure that you have a clean workspace. It is also recommended to put a piece of cloth or plastic down on the floor to catch any broken glass that could fall.

If you're ready to start removing the old window pane begin with a paint scraper or an old chisel to take away any pieces of wood that are fixed to the frame. The glazing points of the metal should be heated before you attempt to pry them off. After the old window has been removed using a paint scraper or hammer to clean the grooves where it was previously placed. Re-caulk using an elastomeric sealant to match the replacement windows.