Six Types of Replacement Window Glass
Broken window panes can lead to energy loss and higher cost of a window replacement of utilities. Replacement of windows is a a simple fix to reduce these issues.
What is the best idea to just replace the glass? This is usually less expensive than a full replacement and you can retain your window frames.
Types
Window replacement is a complex process that general contractors and homeowners alike must take into consideration various factors. This includes energy efficiency as well as security. Glass is available in a wide variety of thicknesses, styles and options for customization. In this blog post, we look at six different kinds of window glass to help decide which one is the best fit for your project.
Single Light Glass
Single pane glass is common in older buildings and homes. While it offers clarity and is easy to clean, it does not offer the insulation benefits of modern double-pane windows. It can also be dangerous if it breaks as it can easily become fragments.
This kind of glass is typically required for historical replication because the glass has to be a replica of the original design in order to protect the original property. It isn’t very energy efficient and should be replaced by a new, insulated window unit.
Double Pane Insulated Glass
This is a popular choice among homeowners who are more modern. It is comprised of two panes of 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 condensation and noise transmission.
Triple Pane Insulated Glazing
A step above a 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 greater efficiency in energy use. The gases can help reduce energy costs by trapping heat in winter and letting it escape during summer.
The other two options are decorative and can improve the appearance of your exterior home. Laminated glass or tempered glass are stronger than regular glass and can be used in areas that might be damaged by weather or debris conditions. To provide additional privacy tinted or glazed glass can be used instead of traditional glass. It comes in a variety of colors and can be frosted, etched or decorated to enhance the window’s appearance.
Thickness
Glass thickness is a key aspect to be considered when buying new windows or replacing old glass panes. The thickness of the glass, regardless of whether it is laminated, insulation, single strength or double strength, will affect various aspects that include security and energy efficiency as well as the reduction of sound. Local construction codes and manufacturer specifications are also important to remember.
The most basic kind of window glass is single strength, which is a basic sheet of clear glass. It is 3/32″ thick and is utilized in a majority of residential applications. If you live in a building that is high-rise or you live close to an airport, your windows might require double strength window glass.
Double-strength glasses are made by fusing two or more glass sheets together with PVB (polyvinyl butyral). The fusion process uses high heat and pressure to produce an extremely durable and strong piece of window glass that is five times stronger than normal glass. This kind of glass is recommended for those who want your windows to resist damage from flying debris like rocks or balls.
Laminated glass is similar to double-strength, but it has other advantages such as noise reduction and safety. It is made by combining two or more sheets of clear, interlocking glass with layers of plastic or resin. The result is a panel that is tough and difficult to break. This type of glass is suggested for those who are concerned about protecting your pets or children from falls that could be accidental, and lessening the noise in your home.
Insulated glass is created by putting spacers in between the glass to create an air space that can be filled with a variety insulating gases to improve window performance. This can decrease the amount of 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 add a touch of elegance or privacy. It is important to note that tinting will void any warranty. Turnaround for insulated window replacement glass can range from 7-10 business days, depending on the size and nature of the order.
Customization
You can change the glass in your replacement windows to improve your home’s security and energy efficiency. You can select from options like Low E coating, the thickness of glass that is insulated and the amount air space between panes.
Energy-efficient glasses can lower your energy bills by cutting down on the transfer of heat between indoors and outdoors. Certain types of glass can also reduce noise, offer UV protection, and increase durability. You can also opt for tinted glass to add a pop of color, or frosted glass for a more subdued look.
Glass that is decorative is only for aesthetic purposes and has no functional uses however, it is an excellent option to make your home more unique. You can choose from a variety of designs and finishes to create a style that matches your personal style. You can have a window or door with a custom-designed shape.
You can choose between single-pane, double-pane and triple-pane windows with varying levels of airspace between the panes. The more airspace you have, the better insulated your window cost replacement will be.
Your contractor can give you an in-depth explanation of the glass types and prices. They will also be able to recommend the most suitable glass for your requirements. You can ask them to replace your windows to more energy-efficient glass.
A lot of modern replacement windows have gas spacers with warm edges that protects the area 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 choose between frosted, patterned or tinted glass. This option offers a unique appearance and may also provide privacy. However, it is important to think about the impact on the style of your home and lighting. You can also find specialty windows with features that increase security and ease of operation like spring tensioners to avoid the windows from crashing and sensors to identify the possibility of damage.
Installation
The procedure is straightforward, whether you want to replace glass in only 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 three holes that are 3/8-inch in diameter one at each of the ends and one in the middle, across the sill, and up through the headjamb. They will then inject expanding foam in the pockets of sash weights to fill air gaps. Then, they’ll apply an elastomeric sealant on the exterior edges of the frame, to protect it from moisture and fill any gaps in the glass.
Measure your window openings before you begin the replacement process. Be sure to include the width and thickness. Subtract 1/8 inch both from the width and height measurements to allow for the frame to expand 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.
Contact your glass manufacturer to place an order, indicating the exact dimensions of your replacement windows. After the initial call you should receive the windows within a few weeks. They will be ready to install within one week. Before you begin the removal process, clear out any curtains or blinds from near your windows and make sure that you have a clear area to work from. It is also advisable to place an unfinished sheet of plastic or cloth on the floor in case any broken glass does fall during the process.
Use a paint scraper remove any wood moldings that are attached to your frame. Heat the metal glazing points before you attempt to pull them off. After the old window is removed, use a paint scraper or hammer to clean the grooves in which it was previously placed. Re-caulk using an elastomeric sealant that matches the windows that are replaced.