Six Types of Replacement Window Glass

A damaged window is an issue that can cause energy loss and higher energy bills. Window glass replacement is a straightforward fix to reduce those problems.

When is it a good idea to replace just the glass? This is usually less expensive than a complete replacement, and you can keep the window frames.

Types

Replacement window glass is a complicated process that homeowners and general contractors alike must take into account various factors. This includes energy efficiency and protection. Glass is available in a variety of designs, thicknesses and options. In this blog post, we explore six different types of window glass to help decide which one is the best choice for your project.

Single Lite Glass

Single-pane glass can be used in older buildings and homes. It is easy to clean and provides clarity however, it does not offer the same insulation like modern double-paned windows. It is also dangerous in the event of a break, as it can easily become shards.

This kind of glass can be used for replicas of historical buildings, where the glass must match the design of the original building to preserve it. However, it is not very efficient and should be replaced with a new insulation-free window unit.

Double-paned Insulated Glass

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

Triple Pane Insulated Glass

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

The two other options are decorative and improve the appearance of your exterior of your home. Laminated or tempered glass is stronger than regular glass, making it a great choice for areas susceptible to damage due to debris or weather conditions. To provide additional privacy tinted or glazed glass can be used in place of traditional glass. It is available 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 for the first time or replacing existing glass panes. Whether it is single strength, double strength, laminated or insulated, the thickness of the glass will impact various aspects, such as security, energy efficiency and noise reduction. It is also important to consider local building codes and the requirements of the manufacturer.

Single strength is the most basic type of glass used for windows. It is a simple sheet made of clear glass. It is 3/32 inches thick and used in residential applications. Double strength window glass might be required when you live in a high-rise or airport building.

Double-strength glass is created by fusion of two or more glass sheets with PVB (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 normal window glass. This kind of glass is recommended if you want your windows to resist damage from flying debris like balls or rocks.

Laminated glass has many advantages over double-strength glass, including noise reduction and safety. It is made by combining two or more sheets of transparent interlocking glass by using layers of resin or plastic. The result is a panel that is tough and difficult to break. This kind of glass is suggested for those who are concerned about protecting your pets or children from accidental falls, as well as reduce the noise levels in your home.

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

You can tint the insulated glass to add a touch of elegance or to enhance privacy. It is important to note that tinting will void any warranty. Turnaround for insulated window replacement glass can vary from 7 to 10 business days depending on the size and custom nature of the order.

Customization

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

Energy-efficient glasses can lower your energy bills by decreasing heat transfer between indoors as well as outdoors. Some of these options can also reduce noise, provide UV protection, and increase durability. You can pick tinted or frosty glasses to add some color.

The decorative glass is not of any practical use and is only for aesthetic reasons. However it can make your home unique. You can pick from various patterns and finishes for a look that fits your style. You can also opt to have a window or door with a custom 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 can have the more insulated your window will be.

Your contractor will provide you with an in-depth explanation of the glass types and prices. They can also suggest the kind of glass that would best suit your requirements. You can ask them to upgrade your windows with energy efficient glass.

A lot of modern replacement windows have gas spacers with warm edges that insulates the area between the frame and the glass, and also a layer of argon to fill in the gaps. These features help the window stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

While it's typical to select a clear, standard glass, you may also select frosted, patterned, or tinted windows. This option can provide a unique look and offer added privacy, but it's important to think about the impact this can have on the lighting and style of your home. There are also specialty windows that have features that increase security and ease of operation like spring tensioners to prevent collisions and sensors to detect the possibility of damage.

Installation

Whether you want to replace the glass in just one window or all of them, residential the procedure is quite simple. A professional will first prepare the opening, removing the old putty. They will then scrape the grooves in order to remove any dirt. They will also drill 3/8-inch diameter holes, one near each end and a single hole in the middle, down through the sill, and up to the head jamb. Then, they'll inject expanding foam into the sash weight pockets to fill any air gaps. Finally, they will apply an elastomeric caulk along the frame's outer edges to protect against moisture and close the gaps between the glass.

Measure your window openings before you begin the replacement process. Be sure to include the width and thickness. Also subtract 1/8 inch from the height and width measurements in order to allow the expansion and contraction of the frame as weather conditions change. If you don't subtract this amount, the new glass may be damaged in the process of installation.

Call your glass manufacturer to place an order with the exact dimensions of your replacement windows. They should be delivered within a few days after the initial phone call and they'll be ready for installation in about a week. Before you begin the removal process, take down any blinds or curtains close to your windows. Also, ensure to have a clean workspace. You should also place a piece or plastic or cloth down on the floor to hold any broken glass that might fall.

If you're ready to start removing the old window pane begin by using a paint scraper or an old chisel to remove any pieces of wood molding that are fixed to the frame. Heat the metal glazing points before you attempt to pry them out. After taking the old window off, use a hammer or paint scraper to clean the grooves in the window that it was originally put in. Then, seal the area using an elastic caulk that matches your replacement windows.