Six Types of Replacement Window Glass

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

But when is it sense to replace just the glass? This option is often cheaper than a complete replacement, and you can retain the window frames.

Types

Replacement window glass is a complex procedure that general contractors and homeowners alike must consider various factors. This includes energy efficiency, security and aesthetics. Glass is available in a wide variety of thicknesses, styles, and options for customizing. This blog post outlines six types of window glass to help you choose which one is suitable for your project.

Single Light Glass

Single pane glass is common in older buildings and homes. It is easy to clean and offers clarity, but it does not provide the same level of insulation as double-paned windows of today. It can also be dangerous if it breaks, as it is prone to turning into fragments.

This kind of glass could be used for replicas of historical buildings where the glass must match the design of the original property in order to preserve it. It isn't very energy efficient and should be replaced with a new insulated glass unit.

Insulated Double-paned Double-paned Glass

A popular choice for modern-day homeowners, this option is made up of two panes of glass that are tempered and separated by a spacer which is filled with air to provide insulation. This type of glass can be more efficient in energy use than a single pane window and can reduce condensate and noise transmission.

Triple Pane Insulated Glass

A step above a double-pane glass replacement for window that is insulated, this option has three panes of tempered glass, each with an argon gas or krypton gas fill between the panes to provide an even greater efficiency in energy use. The gases aid in reducing energy costs by trapping heat in the winter months and keeping it out in summer.

The last two options are decorative and can improve the appearance of your exterior home. Laminated glass or tempered glass is stronger than regular glass and can be used in areas that may be damaged by debris or weather conditions. To provide additional privacy tinted or glazed glass is an alternative to traditional glass. It is available in a wide range of colors, and can be etched, frosted or patterned to enhance the window's look.

Thickness

Glass thickness is a key aspect to take into consideration when purchasing new windows or replacing old glass panes. The thickness of the glass, no matter if it is laminated or insulated, single strength or double strength, can affect a number characteristics such as security and energy efficiency as well as the reduction of sound. Local building codes and manufacturer requirements are essential to keep in mind.

Single strength is the most basic type of glass used for windows. It is a basic sheet made of clear glass. The glass is 3/16" thick and is utilized in most residential applications. If you reside in a high-rise or live close to an airport, your windows could require double strength window glass.

Double-strength window glass is produced by fusion of at most two sheets of glass with PVB, or polyvinyl butyral. The fusion process uses high temperatures and pressure to create a tough, durable piece of window glass that is five times stronger than normal glass. This kind of glass should be used if you wish to protect your windows from flying debris such as rocks or balls.

Laminated glass is similar to double-strength but has additional perks such as noise reduction and safety. It is made by fusing two or more sheets of transparent interlocking glass using layers of plastic or resin. The result is a glass that is durable and hard to break. This type of glass is suggested when your primary concern is protecting your children or pets from accidental falls, and reduce the noise levels within your home.

Insulated glass can be made by adding spacers to the glass. This creates an air space which can then be filled with various gasses for insulation to enhance the window's performance. This can reduce the amount air that is able to enter or leave the home. This glass comes in a wide range of sizes and shapes.

You can tint the glass to add a touch of style or to enhance privacy. However, it is important to remember that tinting does void any warranty. The turnaround time for replacement of insulated window glass can range from 7-10 business days based on the size and custom nature of the order.

Customization

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

Energy-efficient glass can reduce your energy costs by decreasing the transfer of heat between indoors and the outdoors. Certain types of glass can also cut down on noise, provide UV-ray protection, and improve durability. You can pick tinted or frosty glasses to give a splash of color.

Glass that is decorative has no practical usage and is only used to be used for aesthetic purposes. However it can give your home a unique look. You can choose from a variety of styles and colors to create a style that matches your personal style. You can select to create a door or window with a custom-made shape.

You can pick between single-pane, double-pane and triple-pane windows, with different amounts of airspace between panes. The more airspace your window has the better it will be more insulated.

Your contractor will provide you with an in-depth explanation of the glass types and costs. They can also recommend the best glass for your requirements. You can also ask them if they can change your old windows to more energy efficient glass.

Modern replacement windows are often fitted with a warm-edge spacer to protect the area where the frame meets the glass and an argon gas layer to fill in the gaps between the panes. These features allow windows replacement to stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

You can choose between tinted, frosted, or patterned glass replacement for window. This can give you a unique look and offer additional privacy, but it's important to think about how this will affect your home's lighting and style. There are also specialty windows that have features that enhance security and ease of operation including spring tensioners to prevent collisions and sensors to detect potential damage.

Installation

Whether you want to replace the glass in just one window or all of them, the procedure is quite simple. A professional will first make the opening ready, taking off 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 center and down through the sill and up through the head jamb. Then, they'll inject expanding foam into the sash weight pockets to fill any air gaps. Then, they apply an elastomeric sealant to the edges of the frame to protect it from moisture and fill any gaps in the new glass.

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

Once you have the measurements, call your glass manufacturer and make an order for the exact dimensions of your replacement windows. After the initial call you should receive your windows within a couple of weeks. They'll be ready to install within about a week. Before beginning the removal process, clear out any blinds or curtains from the windows in front of them and ensure that you have a clean workspace. It is also advisable to place a plastic sheet or cloth on the floor in case any broken glass should fall during the process.

When you're ready to begin taking down the old window, start by using an old chisel to take away any pieces of wood that are fixed to the frame. If there are any glazing points made of steel you can use a heat gun to soften them prior to attempting to pry them off. After removing the old window using a hammer or paint scraper to clean the grooves in the window that it was originally put in. Re-caulk the area with an elastomeric sealant that matches the windows that are replaced.