Six Types of Replacement Window Glass

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

But when is it sense to only replace the glass? This is usually less expensive than a full replacement and you can retain the window frames.

Types

Replacement window glass is a complex process that general contractors and homeowners alike must take into consideration many aspects. This includes energy efficiency, safety, and appearance. Glass is available in a wide variety of thicknesses, styles, and options for customization. This blog post will explore six different types window glass in order to help you decide which one is best for your project.

Single Light Glass

Single-pane glass can be used in older buildings and houses. Although it is clear and is easy to clean, it does not offer the insulation benefits of modern double-pane windows. It can also be dangerous in the event of a break because it is prone to becoming shards.

This type of glass is often required for reproduction of historical significance since the glass must be in line with the original design to protect the original property. It is not energy efficient and should be replaced with a new insulated window unit.

Double-paned Insulated Glass

A favorite choice for modern-day homeowners, this design comprises two panes glass that is tempered, separated by a spacer which is filled with air to provide insulation. This kind of glass could be more efficient in energy use than a single pane window and can reduce noise transmission and condensate.

Triple Pane Insulated Glass

A step up from double-pane insulated glass this model has three panes of tempered glass with an gas filled with argon or Krypton between the panes to provide an even higher efficiency in energy use. The gases help to reduce energy costs by capturing heat in the winter months and letting it escape in summer.

The two other options are decorative and add to the appearance of your home. Laminated or tempered glass is more durable than normal glass, which makes it a great choice for areas that are susceptible to being damaged by debris or weather conditions. Glass that is tinted or glazed is often used in place of glass that is traditional for more privacy. It is available in a wide range of colors, and can be etched, frosted, or patterned to improve the appearance of the window.

Thickness

Glass thickness is one of the most important factors to take into consideration when purchasing new windows or replacing existing glass panes. Whether it is single strength double strength, double strength, laminated or insulated the thickness of the glass will impact various aspects, including energy efficiency, security and sound reduction. Local building codes and manufacturer requirements are also important to be aware of.

The most basic type of window glass is single strength, which is a basic piece of clear glass. It is 3/32" thick and is utilized in a majority of residential applications. Double strength window glass might be required for those who reside in a high-rise or airport building.

Double-strength window glass is produced by fusing at least two sheets of glass with PVB or polyvinylbutyral. The process of fusion uses extreme pressure and heat to create an extremely durable, strong pane 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 offers many advantages over double-strength glasses, including noise reduction and security. It is made by fusing at least two sheets of clear glass with layers of interlocking plastic or resin to form a strong and layered panel that is hard to break. This type of glass is recommended when you are concerned about protecting your pets and children from falls, and also the reduction of noise levels within your home.

Insulated glass is created by putting spacers between the glass to create an air space which can be filled with a variety of insulation gases to enhance the window replacement performance. This reduces the amount of air that escapes or enters your home, which improves the energy efficiency. Glass is available in a wide range of shapes and sizes.

The insulated glass can also be tinted to add an element of privacy or fashion. It is important to note that tinting will void any warranty. The turnaround time for insulated replacement glass can vary from 7-10 days depending on size and customization.

Customization

You can upgrade the glass of your replacement windows to increase your home's privacy and energy efficiency. You can select from options like Low-E coating and insulated glass thickness and the amount of air space between panes.

Energy-efficient glasses can cut down on your energy bills by decreasing the transfer of heat between indoors and outdoors. Some of these options can also lower noise, provide UV protection, and increase durability. You can also opt for tinted glass to add a splash of color or frosted glass to give a more subdued look.

Decorative glass has no functional purpose and is used only to be used for aesthetic purposes. However, it can make your home unique. You can pick from a variety of styles and colors to create a style that suits your personality. You can choose to create a door or window with a custom-designed shape.

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

Your contractor will be able to give you a detailed explanation of the various kinds of glass and their prices. They will also be able to recommend the kind of glass that will best meet your requirements. You can also ask them to upgrade your windows to energy efficient glass.

Many modern replacement windows include gas spacers with warm edges that protects the area where the frame meets with the glass. It also includes a layer of argon to fill in the gaps. These features keep the window warmer in the winter months and cooler in summer.

While it's typical to select a clear, standard glass, you can also select frosted, patterned, or tinted windows. This option can provide a unique look and offer additional privacy, but it's important to think about the impact this can have on the lighting and design of your home. There are also specialty windows with features that will improve security and ease of use, such as spring tensioners to avoid the windows from crashing and sensors to identify potential damage.

Installation

If you are looking to replace the glass in just one window handle replacement or all of them, the process is quite simple. A professional will first prepare the opening, removing the old putty. They will then scrape the grooves to remove any dirt. They will also drill three holes of 3/8 inch in diameter one at each of the ends, and a single in the middle, across the sill and up through the headjamb. Then, they will inject expanding foam into the sash weight pockets to fill any air gaps. Then, they'll apply an elastomeric sealant along the edges of the frame to shield it from moisture and close any gaps around the glass.

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

Contact your glass manufacturer to place an order with the exact dimensions for your replacement windows. After the initial call, you should receive the windows within a few weeks. They'll be ready to install within about a week. Before you begin the removal process, take out any curtains or blinds from near your windows and ensure that you have a clear workspace. It is also recommended to put a piece of plastic or cloth down on the floor to hold any broken glass that might fall.

When you're ready to begin removing the old window pane, start with a paint scraper or old chisel to remove any pieces of wood molding attached to the frame. If there are any glazing points made of metal that are attached to the frame, use a heating gun to soften them prior attempting to pry them off. After taking the old window off using a hammer or paint scraper to clean the grooves the window that it was originally put in. Then, re-caulk the area using an elastomeric caulk that matches the replacement windows.