Six Types of Replacement Window Glass

A damaged window pane is an issue that can cause energy loss and increased costs for utilities. Replacement of windows is a an easy fix to eliminate these problems.

What is the best idea to replace only the glass? This option is often cheaper than a complete Replacement window Panes and you can also keep your window frames.

Types

Window replacement is a complex procedure that general contractors and homeowners alike must take into account various factors. This includes energy efficiency, protection and appearance. Glass comes in a variety of designs, thicknesses and options. This blog post explores six different types window glass to help you decide which one is best for your project.

Single Lite Glass

Single pane glass is common in older buildings and homes. While it offers clarity and is easy to clean, it doesn't offer the insulation benefits of double-pane windows that are more modern. It can also be dangerous when it breaks, since it is prone to turning into pieces.

This type of glass can be used for replicas of historical buildings where the glass must match the design of the original property in order to keep it in good condition. It is not energy efficient and must be replaced with a new insulated glass unit.

Double Pane Insulated Glass

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

Triple Pane Insulated Glass

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

The other two options are decorative and can add to the aesthetic of your exterior home. Laminated or tempered glass is more durable than normal glass, which makes it an ideal choice for areas that are susceptible to being damaged by debris or weather conditions. For extra privacy tinted or glazed glasses can be used in place of traditional glass replacement for windows. It comes in a range of colors and can be frosted, etched or decorated to enhance the window's appearance.

Thickness

Glass thickness is one of the primary factors to be considered when purchasing new windows or replacing existing glass panes. No matter if it's single strength or double strength, laminated or insulated the thickness of the glass will affect various aspects, including energy efficiency, security and noise reduction. Local building codes and manufacturer requirements are also important to be aware of.

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

Double-strength window glass is made by fusion of at least two sheets of glass with PVB, or polyvinyl butyral. Fusion processes use high heat and pressure to create 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 to shield your windows from flying debris, such as rocks or balls.

Laminated glass has many advantages over double-strength glasses, including noise reduction and security. It is made by fusing two or more sheets of clear, interlocking glass with layers of resin or plastic. The result is a panel that is strong and difficult to break. This type of glass is ideal in cases of safeguarding your children and pets from falls, as well as making it easier to reduce noise within your home.

Insulated glass can be produced by adding spacers to the glass. This creates an airspace that can be filled with different gasses that are insulating to improve the window's performance. This will reduce the amount of air that can enter or leave the home. Glass is available in various sizes and shapes, ranging from square or rectangular to arched or circular.

The glass insulated can also be tinted to provide an element of privacy or fashion. It is important to remember that tinting will invalidate any warranty. Turnaround for insulated window replacement glass can be anywhere from 7-10 business days based on the size and nature of the order.

Customization

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

Energy-efficient glass can reduce your energy consumption by decreasing the transfer of heat between indoors and outside. Some of these glass options can also reduce noise, provide UV-ray protection, and improve durability. You can pick tinted or frosty glasses to add an accent of color.

Glass that is decorative has no practical use and is only for aesthetic reasons. However it can give your home a unique look. You can choose between different styles and finishes to create a look that fits your personality. You can also opt to create a door or window with a unique shape.

Choose from single-paned, double-paned triple-paned, or single-paned windows. Each has different amounts of airspace in between the panes. The more airspace you can have the better the insulation of your window.

Your contractor can provide an in-depth explanation of kinds of glass available and their prices. They will also be able to recommend the glass type that best suits your needs. You can also ask them to upgrade your windows to more energy efficient glass.

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

You can pick from tinted, frosted, or patterned glass. This option can provide an unique appearance and provide added privacy, but it's important to take into consideration the impact this can have on the lighting and style of your home. You can also find speciality windows with features that increase security and user-friendliness like spring tensioners that stop crashes or possible damage.

Installation

The procedure is easy, whether you want to replace glass in just one window or all of them. First a professional will clean the opening by removing the old putty and then scraping 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 center, down through 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 will apply an elastomeric sealant on the exterior edges of the frame to shield it from moisture and close any gaps around the new glass.

Before you begin the replacement process, measure the width and height of the windows' openings making sure to account for the width and thickness of the frame. Also, subtract 1/8 inch from the width and height measurements to allow for expansion and contraction of the frame when weather changes. If you do not subtract this amount, the new glass could be damaged during the installation process.

Contact your glass manufacturer to place an order, indicating the exact dimensions for your replacement windows. After your initial phone call you should receive the windows within a couple of weeks. They will be ready to install within about a week. Before you begin the removal process, you must take off any blinds or curtains which are located near your windows. Also, make sure that your workspace is clean. It is also recommended to place an unfinished sheet of plastic or cloth on the floor in the event that broken glass falls during the process.

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