Six Types of Replacement Window Glass

Broken window panes can lead to energy loss and higher cost of utilities. Window glass replacement can be an easy fix to lessen these issues.

What is the best idea to replace just the glass? It's a much cheaper alternative to a complete replacement, and you can keep your window frames.

Types

Replacement window glass is a complicated process that both general contractors and homeowners alike must take into account many aspects. This includes energy efficiency and protection. Glass is available in a broad variety of thicknesses, styles and options for customizing. In this blog post, we look at six different types of glass for windows to help you determine which one is the best fit for your project.

Single Light Glass

Single-pane glass can be used in older buildings and houses. It is easy to clean and offers clarity however, it does not offer the same insulation as modern double-paned windows. It is also dangerous when it breaks, since it can easily become fragments.

This kind of glass is usually required for replacement window glass reproduction of historical significance since the glass must match the original design in order to protect the original property. However, it is not very efficient and should be replaced by a new, insulated window unit.

Double Pane Insulated Glass

This option is a popular choice among modern homeowners. It is comprised of two panes tempered glass, separated by an air-filled spacer. This kind of glass could be more energy efficient than a single-pane window and reduce condensate and noise transmission.

Triple Pane Insulated Glass

This is an upgrade to double-paned glass that is insulated. It is made up of three panes of glass that are tempered and an argon gas or Krypton fill between them to provide a higher level of energy efficiency. The gases hold heat in winter and keep it out in summer, helping to further reduce energy costs.

The final two options can be decorative and improve the appearance of your 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. 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 can be etched, frosted, or patterned to enhance the window's look.

Thickness

Glass thickness is among the most important factors to take into consideration when purchasing new windows or replacing glass panes that are already in use. No matter if it's single strength, double strength, laminated, or insulated, the thickness of the glass will impact various aspects, including security, energy efficiency and sound reduction. Local construction codes and Replacement window glass manufacturer specifications are also important to keep in mind.

The most basic type of window handle replacement glass is single strength - which is a simple sheet of clear glass. The glass is 3/16" thick and is used in a majority of residential applications. If you live in a high-rise or you live near an airport, your windows could require double strength window glass.

Double-strength windows are made by fusion of at most two sheets of glass with PVB, or polyvinyl butyral. The fusion process uses extreme pressure and heat to create a strong, durable pane of glass that is around five times stronger than standard window glass. This type of glass should be used if you wish to protect your windows from flying debris such as rocks or balls.

Laminated glass has many advantages over double-strength glasses, including noise reduction and safety. It is created by gluing at least two sheets of clear glass together with interlocking resin or plastic to form a strong and layered panel that is extremely difficult to break. This type of glass is recommended if you are concerned about protecting your pets and children from falling, as well as reducing noise levels within your home.

Insulated glass is produced by putting spacers in between the glass to create an air space which can be filled with a variety of insulation gases to improve window performance. This will reduce the amount of air that escapes or enters the home, thus increasing the efficiency of energy. This glass comes in a wide range of sizes and shapes.

The insulated glass can also be tinted to provide an element of style or privacy. However, it is important to keep in mind that tinting does void any warranty. The turnaround time for insulated replacement glass can vary from 7-10 days based on size and customization.

Customization

Based on the goals you have for replacing windows, you may wish to upgrade the glass to enhance your home's energy efficiency and privacy. You can pick from options such as Low E coating, insulated thickness of glass, and the amount of air space between panes.

Energy-efficient glass can reduce your energy bills by cutting down on the transfer of heat between indoors and the outdoors. Certain types of glass can also reduce noise, provide UV protection, and increase durability. You can choose tinted or frosted glasses to bring some color.

Glass that is decorative has no practical usage and is only used for aesthetic purposes. However it can create a unique home. You can pick from a wide range of designs and finishes to create a style that is a reflection of your style. You can even create a door or window with a unique shape.

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

Your contractor will provide you with an in-depth description of the glass types and costs. They can also recommend the type of glass that best suits your requirements. You can also ask them to replace your windows to more energy efficient glass.

Modern replacement windows often have gas spacers with warm edges that insulates the area between the frame and the glass and a layer argon to fill the gaps. These features help keep the window warmer in the winter months and cooler in summer.

You can choose from tinted, frosted, or patterned glass. This type of window can provide distinct appearance and provide added privacy, but it's important to consider the impact this can have on the lighting and style of your home. There are also special windows that have features that enhance security and user-friendliness like spring tensioners that stop slams or sensors that detect the possibility of damage.

Installation

Whether you want to replace the glass in just one window or all of them, the procedure is fairly straightforward. First a professional will clean the opening by removing the old putty and then scraping the grooves clean. They will also drill holes of 3/8-inch diameter one near each end and a single hole in the center along the sill, and up to the head jamb. Then, they inject expanding foam into the sash weight pockets to fill any air gaps. Finally, they will apply a layer of elastomeric caulk along the frame's outer edges to shield against moisture and fill in the gaps between the glass.

Take measurements of your window openings prior to when you begin the replacement process. Make sure to include the width and thickness. Also subtract 1/8 inch from both the width and height measurements in order to allow the expansion and contraction of the frame when the weather changes. If you do not subtract this amount, the new glass may be damaged during installation.

Once you have the measurements, contact your glass manufacturer and place an order for the exact dimensions of your replacement windows. They should be delivered within a few days of your initial phone call and they will be ready for installation within a few days. Before beginning the removal process, take down any curtains or blinds that are near your windows. Also, make sure that your workspace is clean. It is also recommended to lay a sheet of plastic or a cloth on the floor in the event that broken glass should fall during the process.

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