Six Types of Replacement Window Glass

Broken window replacements panes can lead to energy loss and a rise in energy costs. Window glass replacement is a an easy fix to lessen the risk of these issues.

When is it a good idea to replace window handles just the glass? This is a cheaper alternative to a complete replacement and you can keep the window frames.

Types

When it comes to replacement window glass, homeowners and general contractors must take into consideration a variety of factors that impact their overall goals. This includes energy efficiency, safety and appearance. Glass is available in a broad range of thicknesses, styles and options for customizing. This blog post will explore six different types window glass to help you determine which one is suitable for your project.

Single Light Glass

Single pane glass is a common sight in older buildings and homes. It is easy to clean and provides clarity however it doesn't offer the same insulation as modern double-paned windows. It is also dangerous in the event of a break, as it is prone to turning into pieces.

This type of glass is often required for historical replication, as the glass must match the original design in order to protect the property. It is not very energy efficient and must be replaced with a new insulated glass unit.

Insulated Double-paned Double-paned Glass

A favorite choice for modern-day homeowners, this option is made up of two panes of glass that is tempered, 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 reduces the transmission of noise and condensate.

Triple Pane Insulated Glazing

A step up from a double-pane insulated glass this model has three panes of tempered glass that have an argon gas or krypton gas fill between the panes for an even higher efficiency in energy usage. The gases hold heat in the winter and keep it out in the summer, helping cut energy costs.

The two other options can be decorative and add to the beauty of your home. Laminated or tempered glass is stronger than normal glass, which makes it a great choice for areas susceptible to damage due to debris or weather conditions. For added privacy, tinted or glazed glass is an alternative to traditional glass. 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 key factors to consider when buying new windows or Window glass replacement replacing glass panes that are already in use. The thickness of the glass, whether it is laminated, insulation, single strength or double strength, will impact several aspects that include security and energy efficiency as well as sound reduction. It is also important to take into consideration local building codes and the requirements of the manufacturer.

Single strength is the most basic type of glass for windows. It is a basic sheet made of clear glass. It is 3/32" thick and is used in a majority of residential applications. If you live in a building that is high-rise, or your home is near an airport, your windows might 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 process of fusion uses extreme heat and pressure to create an extremely tough, durable piece of glass that is around five times stronger than standard window glass. This type of glass should be used for those who want to shield your windows from flying debris, like balls or rocks.

Laminated glass has many advantages over double-strength glasses, including noise reduction and security. This glass is created by fusing two or more sheets of clear interlocking glass by using layers of resin or plastic. The result is a sheet that is tough and difficult to break. This kind of glass is ideal in cases of protecting your pets and children from falls, and also making it easier to reduce noise in your home.

Insulated glass can be made by adding spacers to the glass. This creates an airspace that can be filled with different insulating gasses to improve the window performance. This will reduce the amount of air that is able to enter or leave the home. Glass is available in a wide range of shapes and sizes.

You can tint the glass to add a touch of style or to enhance privacy. However, it is important to keep in mind that tinting does void any warranty. The turnaround time for insulated replacement glass may vary from 7-10 days depending on the size and customization.

Customization

Depending on your goals for replacing windows, you may wish to upgrade the glass to improve the efficiency of your home's energy use and privacy. You can choose between alternatives like Low E coating, the thickness of glass that is insulated and the amount of air space between panes.

Energy-efficient glasses can cut down on your energy costs by cutting down on the transfer of heat between indoors and outdoors. Certain types of glass can also cut down on noise, provide UV-ray protection, and improve durability. You can also opt for tinted glass to add a pop of color or frosted glass to give a more subdued look.

Glass that is decorative has no practical purpose and is used only for aesthetic reasons. However it can make your home unique. You can choose from a wide range of designs and finishes to create a style that is a reflection of your style. You can choose to have a door or window with a customized shape.

You can pick between single-pane, double-pane, and triple-pane windows that have different amounts of airspace between panes. The more airspace you have, the better insulation your window will be.

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

Modern replacement windows are often fitted with a warm-edge spacer that insulate the area where the frame meets the glass and a layer of argon gas to fill the gaps between the panes. These features keep the window warmer in winter and cooler during summer.

While it's normal to pick the standard clear glass, you can opt for colored, frosted or tinted windows. This type of window can provide a unique look and offer additional privacy, but it's important to take into consideration the impact this can have on the lighting and design of your home. There are also windows with features that increase security and ease-of-use like spring tensioners that prevent the windows from crashing or the possibility of damage.

Installation

The process is simple, whether you want to replace glass for just one window or all of them. First, a professional will prepare 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 near each end, and one hole in the middle along the sill, and up to the head jamb. Then, they'll inject expanding foam into the sash weight pockets to fill any air gaps. Then, they'll apply an elastomeric sealant to the exterior edges of the frame to shield it from moisture and fill any gaps in the new glass.

Measure the window openings prior to you begin the replacement process. Make sure to include the thickness and width. Subtract 1/8 inch both from the height and width measurements to allow for the frame to expand and contract with the weather. If you don't subtract this amount, the new glass could be damaged in the process of installation.

Contact your glass manufacturer to place an order, indicating the exact dimensions of your replacement windows. After your initial phone call you should receive the windows within a couple of weeks. They'll be ready to install in one week. Before you begin the removal process, clean out any curtains or blinds from near your windows and ensure that you have a clean workspace. You should also lay an unfinished sheet of plastic or a cloth on the floor in case any broken glass does fall during the process.

Utilize a paint scraper to remove any wood moldings attached to your frame. Warm the glazing points of the frame before you try to pry them off. Once the old window is removed using a hammer or paint scraper to clean the grooves where it was previously placed. Re-caulk using an elastomeric sealant that matches the replacement windows.