Six Types of Replacement Window Glass

A damaged window pane can be an issue that can lead to lower energy usage and higher energy bills. Window glass replacement is an easy solution to eliminate these issues.

When is it a good idea to replace only the glass? It's a much cheaper option than a full replacement, and you can keep your window frames.

Types

When it comes time to replace windows, homeowners and general contractors need to consider a variety of factors that impact their overall goals. This includes energy efficiency, protection, and appearance. Glass comes in a variety designs, thicknesses and options. In this blog post, we explore six different kinds of window glass to help determine which one is the most suitable for your project.

Single Lite Glass

Single-pane glass is commonly found in older buildings and in homes. While it offers clarity and is easy to clean, it doesn't provide the superior insulation properties of modern double-pane windows. It's also a risk if it breaks, as it is prone to turning into pieces.

This kind of glass could be used for replicas of historical buildings, where the glass must be a replica of the original building to preserve it. However, it's not very efficient and should be replaced with a brand new, insulated window unit.

Double Pane Insulated Glass

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

Triple Pane Insulated Glass

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

The other two choices are decorative and enhance the look of your exterior home. Laminated glass or tempered glass are 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 glasses can be used instead of traditional glass. 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 a crucial aspect to be considered when buying new windows or replacing old glass panes. The thickness of the glass, regardless of whether it is laminated or double strength, insulated, or single strength double strength, will affect a number characteristics such as security and energy efficiency as well as the reduction of sound. Local construction codes and manufacturer specifications are also important to be aware of.

The simplest type of window and door replacement glass is single strength - which is a basic piece of clear glass. This glass is 3/32 inch thick and is commonly used in residential applications. If you live in a high-rise, or your home is close to an airport, your windows replacement glass might require double strength window glass.

Double-strength window glass is produced by fusion of at least two sheets of glass with PVB or polyvinylbutyral. The process of fusion uses extreme heat and pressure to create a strong, durable pane of glass that is about five times stronger than regular window glass. This type of glass is recommended if you wish to protect your windows from damage by flying debris, such as rocks or balls.

Laminated glass resembles double-strength but has additional perks like noise reduction and safety. It is created by fusing at least two sheets of clear glass together with interlocking plastic or resin to create a sturdy layer that is hard to break. This type of glass should be used if you are concerned about protecting your children and pets from falling, and also reducing noise levels in your home.

Insulated glass is produced by putting spacers between the glass to create an air space that can be filled with a variety insulating gases to improve window performance. This will reduce the amount of air that is able to enter or leave the home. Glass is available in a variety of sizes and shapes.

The insulated glass can be tinted to provide an element of style or privacy. However, it is crucial to remember that the application of tint does not invalidate any warranty. Turnaround for insulated window replacement glass can vary from 7 to 10 business days based on the size and custom nature of the order.

Customization

Depending on your goals for replacement windows, you may want to upgrade the glass to enhance your home's energy efficiency and privacy. You can choose from a variety of options, including Low-E coating and thickness of insulated glass and the amount of air space between panes.

Energy-efficient glass can help reduce your energy consumption by reducing the transfer of heat from the indoors and the outdoors. Some of these glass options can also cut down on noise, provide UV-ray protection and enhance the durability. You can pick tinted or frosted glasses to add a splash of color.

Glass that is decorative has no practical use and is only for aesthetic purposes. However it can make your home unique. You can pick from a variety of patterns and finishes for the perfect look that suits your style. You can even have a window or door with a unique shape.

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

Your contractor will provide you with an in-depth explanation of kinds of glass available and their costs. They can also suggest the most suitable glass for your requirements. You can ask them to upgrade your old windows with more energy-efficient glass.

A lot of modern replacement windows have a warm-edge gas spacer that insulates the area between the frame and the glass, and also 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 standard clear glass, you may also choose patterns, frosted, or tinted windows. This can give you distinct appearance and provide added privacy, but it's important to think about how this will affect the lighting and style of your home. There are also special windows that have features that enhance security and ease of use, such as spring tensioners that stop crashes or potential damage.

Installation

The process is simple It doesn't matter if you want to replace glass in only one window or all of them. First professionals will prepare the opening by removing old putty and scraping the grooves clean. They will also drill 3/8-inch diameter holes one near each end and a single hole in the center along the sill and then up through the head jamb. Then, they will inject expanding foam into the sash-weight pockets to fill any air gaps. Then, they apply an elastomeric caulk along the frame's outer edges to guard against moisture and close the gaps between the glass.

Take measurements of your window openings prior to when you begin the replacement process. Be sure to include the width and thickness. Subtract 1/8 inch from the width and height measurements to allow the frame to expand and contract in response to the weather. If you don't 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 measurements of the replacement windows. After your initial phone call you should receive your windows within a few weeks. They will be ready to install within one week. Before you begin the removal process, take out any curtains or blinds close to your windows and ensure that you have a clean area to work from. It is also recommended to put an unfinished sheet of plastic or a cloth on the floor in case broken glass should fall during the process.

Use a paint scraper remove any wood moldings that are attached to your frame. If there are any metal glazing points that are attached to the frame, use a heating gun to soften them before trying to remove them. Once the old window is removed and discarded, use a paint scraper or hammer to clean the grooves in which it was originally installed. Then, re-caulk the area using an elastomeric caulk that matches the windows you are replacing.