Six Types of Replacement Window Glass

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

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

Types

Replacement window glass is a complex process that homeowners and general contractors alike must consider many factors. This includes energy efficiency and security. Glass is available in a variety of styles, thicknesses and customization options. This blog post explores six different types window glass 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 provides clarity however, it does not provide the same insulation as double-paned windows of today. It is also dangerous if it breaks, as it is prone to turning into shards.

This kind of glass could be used for historical replications in which the glass has to be in line with the style of the original property to preserve it. It isn't very energy efficient and should be replaced with a new insulated glass unit.

Double Pane Insulated Glass

This is a popular choice among homeowners of today. It is comprised of two panes of tempered glass that are separated by an air-filled spacer. This kind of glass is more energy-efficient than a single pane window and it can also reduce condensation and noise transmission.

Triple Pane Insulated Glazing

This is an upgrade from double-paned glass that is insulated. It is made up of three panes of tempered glass and an argon gas or krypton fill between them for a higher level of energy efficiency. The gases suffocate heat in the winter months and keep it out during the summer, helping to reduce energy costs.

The last two options are decorative and can add to the aesthetic of your exterior of your home. Laminated glass or tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and can be used in areas that might be damaged by debris or weather conditions. Glass that is tinted or glazed can be often used in place of traditional glass to provide privacy. It comes in a variety 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 buying Windows replacement Glass for the first time or replacing glass panes that are already in use. No matter if it's single strength double strength, double strength, laminated or insulated, the thickness of the glass will impact several aspects including energy efficiency, security and sound reduction. Local requirements for building codes and manufacturer requirements are essential to keep in mind.

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

Double-strength windows are made by fusion of at most two sheets of glass together with PVB or polyvinylbutyral. The fusion process utilizes extreme heat and pressure to create an extremely tough, durable piece of glass that is around five times stronger than normal window glass. This type of glass should be used if you wish to protect your windows from flying debris like balls or rocks.

Laminated glass replacement window is similar in structure to double-strength glass, but it comes with additional benefits such as noise reduction and security. It is created by fusing at least two sheets of clear glass with interlocking plastic or resin to form a strong, layered panel that is extremely difficult to break. This kind of glass is recommended when your primary concern is protecting your children or pets from falls that could be accidental, and reducing the noise level within your home.

Insulated glass can be created by adding spacers to the glass. This creates an air space that can be filled with various gasses that are insulating to improve the window's performance. This will reduce the amount of air that escapes or gets into the home, thus increasing the energy efficiency. Glass comes in various shapes and sizes, ranging from square or rectangular to arched or circular.

The insulated glass can be tinted to add an element of privacy or style. It is important to keep in mind that tinting will void any warranty. The turnaround time for insulated replacement glass can vary between 7 and 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 increase the efficiency of your home's energy use and privacy. You can select 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 reduce your energy bills by cutting down on the transfer of heat between the indoors and outdoors. Certain types of glass can also lower noise, provide UV protection, and increase durability. You can also pick tinted glass to add a splash of color, or frosted glass for more subtle appearance.

The purpose of decorative glass is to enhance the aesthetics and has no practical uses however it can be an excellent way to make your home more distinctive. You can pick from a wide range of styles and colors to create a style that is a reflection of your style. You can even choose to have a window or door with a unique shape.

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

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

Many modern replacement handles for windows windows come with a warm-edge spacer to protect the area where the frame meets the glass, and a layer of argon gas to fill the gaps between the panes. These features allow windows to remain warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

While it's typical to select the standard clear glass, you may also choose patterns, frosted, or tinted windows. This can give you a unique look and offer more privacy, however it's important to take into consideration how this will affect your home's lighting and style. There are also special windows with features to improve security and user-friendliness, such as spring tensioners to prevent crashes or the possibility of damage.

Installation

The procedure is straightforward It doesn't matter if you want to replace glass in only one window or all of them. A professional will first make the opening ready, taking off the old putty. They will then scrape the grooves in order to remove any dirt. They will also drill three holes of 3/8 inch in diameter, one at each end, and a single in the middle, through the sill and up through the headjamb. They will then inject expanding foam into the sash weight pockets to fill air gaps. Finally, they will apply an elastomeric caulk around the frame's edges to guard against moisture and close the gaps between the glass.

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

Contact the glass manufacturer to place an order, indicating the exact dimensions for your replacement windows. They should be delivered within some days of your initial phone call and they will be ready for installation within a few days. Before you begin the removal process, you must take off any curtains or blinds close to your windows. Also, be sure to have a clean workspace. It is also recommended to put a piece of cloth or plastic down on the floor to stop any broken glass that could fall.

If you're ready to start removal of the old window, start by using a paint scraper or an old chisel to remove any pieces of wood molding that are fixed to the frame. If there are any glazing points made of steel, use a heat gun to soften them prior trying to remove them. After removing the old window using a hammer or paint scraper to clean the grooves the window that it was originally put in. Then, seal the area using an elastic caulk that matches your replacement windows.