Six Types of Replacement Window Glass

Broken window panes can lead to energy loss and higher energy costs. Replacement of windows is a an easy fix to eliminate these issues.

But when is it sense to replace only the glass? It's a much cheaper alternative to a complete replacement, and you will be able to keep your window frames.

Types

Replacement window glass is a complex procedure that general contractors and homeowners alike must take into consideration numerous factors. This includes energy efficiency and protection. Glass comes in a variety styles, thicknesses and customization options. In this blog post, we look at six different kinds of window replacement panes glass to help you decide which one is the most suitable for your project.

Single Lite Glass

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

This kind of glass can be used for historical replications where the glass must be a replica of the original building to preserve it. It is not energy efficient and should be replaced with a new insulated window unit.

Insulated Double-paned Double-paned Glass

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

Triple Pane Insulated Glazing

This is an upgrade from double-paned insulated glass. It has three panes tempered glass and an argon gas or Krypton fill in between for greater energy efficiency. The gases help to reduce the cost of energy by capturing heat in winter and keeping it out during summer.

The final two choices can be decorative and enhance the aesthetics of your home. Laminated glass or tempered glass are stronger than regular glass and can be used in areas that may be damaged by debris or weather conditions. To provide additional privacy tinted or glazed glasses can be used instead of traditional glass. It is available in a wide variety of colors and it can be etched, frosted, or designed to improve the look of windows.

Thickness

Glass thickness is a crucial factor to consider when buying new windows or replacing old glass panes. No matter if it's single strength, double glazing replacement window strength, laminated, or insulated, the thickness of the glass will impact various aspects, including energy efficiency, security and sound reduction. Local construction codes and manufacturer specifications are essential to keep in mind.

Single strength is the most basic type of glass for windows. It is a basic sheet made of clear glass. The glass is 3/16" thick and is utilized in the majority of residential applications. Double strength window glass could be required when you are in an airport or high-rise building.

Double-strength glass is made by fusing two or more glass sheets with PVB (polyvinyl butyral). The fusion process uses extreme pressure and heat to create an extremely tough, durable piece of glass that is about five times stronger than standard window glass. This type of glass should be used when you want to protect your windows from flying debris, such as rocks or balls.

Laminated glass has many advantages over double-strength glass, including noise reduction and security. This glass is created by fusing two or more sheets of transparent, interlocking glass with layers of resin or plastic. The result is a panel that is strong and difficult to break. This kind of glass is ideal in cases of protecting your children and pets from falls as well as the reduction of noise levels in your home.

Insulated glass is made by adding spacers between the glass to create an air space which can be filled with a variety of insulating gases to enhance the window performance. This reduces the amount of air that escapes or gets into the home, thus increasing the efficiency of energy. Glass is available in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from square or rectangular to arched or circular.

The insulated glass can also be tinted in order to add an element of style or privacy. However, it is crucial to remember that the application of tint does void any warranty. The turnaround time for insulated replacement glass could vary between 7 and 10 days, based on size and customization.

Customization

Depending on your objectives for replacing windows, you may wish to upgrade the glass to improve your home's energy efficiency as well as privacy. You can pick from options like Low-E coating and thickness of insulated glass and the amount of air space between panes.

Energy-efficient glass replacement on windows can reduce your energy consumption by cutting down on the transfer of heat from the indoors and outdoors. Some of these glass options can also reduce noise, offer UV-ray shielding and increase the durability. You can also pick tinted glass to add a splash of color or frosted glass for more subtle appearance.

Decorative glass is purely aesthetic and has no practical use however it can be an excellent way to make your home unique. You can pick from a variety of styles and colors to create a look that is a reflection of your style. You can even have a window or door with a unique shape.

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

Your contractor will be able to provide you with a thorough description of the various types of glass available and their prices. They can also recommend the kind of glass that best suits your requirements. You can ask them to upgrade your windows to more energy efficient glass.

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

You can choose between tinted, frosted, or patterned glass. This can give you an unique appearance and provide added privacy, but it's important to think about the impact this can have on the lighting and design of your home. You can also find speciality windows that have features that enhance security and user-friendliness like spring tensioners that stop slams or sensors that detect possible damage.

Installation

The procedure is straightforward, whether you want to replace glass in only one window or all of them. First professionals will prepare the opening by removing old putty and scraping the grooves to remove any dirt. They will also drill three holes that are 3/8-inch in diameter, one at each end and one 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. In the end, they will apply an elastomeric caulk along the frame's outer edges to guard against moisture and seal the gaps around the new glass.

Before you begin the replacement process, take measurements of your window openings, making sure to take into account the thickness and width of the framing. Also subtract 1/8 inch from both the height and width measurements in order to allow for expansion and contraction of the frame when the weather changes. If you don't subtract this amount the glass you are installing could be damaged during the installation process.

Once you have the measurements, contact your glass manufacturer and make an order for the exact dimensions of the replacement windows. After your initial phone call you should receive the windows within a couple of weeks. They will be ready to install within a week. Before beginning the removal process, you must take off the blinds or curtains close to your windows. Also, ensure that your workspace is clean. You should also place a piece or cloth or plastic down on the floor to stop any broken glass that could fall.

Use a paint scraper remove any wood moldings attached to your frame. Warm the glazing points of the frame before you attempt to pull them off. After removing the old window using a hammer or paint scraper to clean the grooves which it was originally installed. Then, seal the area using an elastomeric caulk that matches the replacement windows near me windows.