Replacement Window Glass Explained In Less Than 140 Characters

Six Types of Replacement Window Glass

A damaged window is an issue that could lead to energy loss and higher energy bills. Window glass replacement is a straightforward solution to eliminate these issues.

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

Types

Replacement window glass is a complicated process that general contractors and homeowners alike must consider various factors. This includes energy efficiency as well as security. Glass is available in a diverse variety of thicknesses, styles and options for customization. This blog post explores six different kinds of window glass to help you decide which one is suitable for your project.

Single Lite Glass

Single pane glass is commonly found in older homes and buildings. While it provides clarity and is easy to clean, it doesn't offer the insulation benefits of double-pane windows that are more modern. It could also be a risk when it is broken because it is prone to becoming shards.

This kind of glass is usually required for reproduction of historical significance because the glass window replacement has to be a replica of the original style in order to protect the original design. It isn't very energy efficient and should be changed with a new insulated glass unit.

Double Pane Insulated Glass

A favorite choice for modern homeowners, this option consists 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 energy efficient than a single-pane window, and reduces noise transmission and condensate.

Triple Pane Insulated Glazing

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

The last two options can be decorative and improve the aesthetics 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 weather or debris conditions. For extra privacy, tinted or glazed glass can be used instead of traditional glass. It comes in a wide variety of colors, and can be etched, frosted, or designed to improve the appearance of the window.

Thickness

Glass thickness is a key aspect to be considered when buying new windows or replacing old glass panes. Whether it is single strength double strength, double strength, laminated, or insulated, the thickness of the glass will affect various aspects, including security, energy efficiency and sound reduction. Local requirements for building codes and manufacturer requirements are also important to keep in mind.

Single strength is the simplest type of glass used for windows. It is a simple sheet made of clear glass. This glass is 3/32 inch thick and used in residential applications. Double strength window glass might be required if you are in a high-rise or airport building.

Double-strength window glass is made by fusing at least two sheets of glass together with PVB, or polyvinyl butyral. The process of fusion uses extreme heat and pressure to produce an extremely durable, strong pane of glass that is about five times stronger than regular window glass. This type of glass is ideal if you wish to protect your windows from flying debris like balls or rocks.

Laminated glass resembles double-strength, but it has other advantages such as noise reduction and security. It is made by gluing at least two sheets of clear glass with layers of interlocking plastic or resin to form a strong layer that is extremely difficult to break. This kind of glass is ideal in cases of safeguarding your children and pets from falls and also making it easier to reduce noise in your home.

Insulated glass can be produced by adding spacers to the glass. This creates an airspace that can then be filled with various insulating gasses to improve the performance of windows. This will reduce the amount of air that escapes or enters the home, which improves the energy efficiency. This glass is available in various shapes and sizes that range 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. It is important to remember that tinting will void any warranty. The time frame for replacing insulated windows glass can vary from 7 to 10 business days depending on the size and custom nature of the order.

Customization

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

Energy-efficient glasses can lower your energy bills by decreasing heat transfer between indoors and outdoors. Some of these glass options can also reduce noise, provide UV-ray protection, and improve durability. You can choose tinted or frosty glasses to give a splash of color.

Decorative glass is purely aesthetic and has no functional uses, but it can be an excellent option to make your home unique. You can pick from various designs and finishes to create an appearance that matches your personality. You can even create a door or window with a custom shape.

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

Your contractor will provide you with an in-depth description of the glass types and prices. They can also recommend the type of glass that would best suit your requirements. You can also ask them to replace your windows with more energy-efficient glass.

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

While it's normal to pick a clear, standard glass, you can choose frosted, patterned, or tinted windows. This can give you distinct appearance and provide added privacy, but it's important to take into consideration the impact this can have on your home's lighting and style. You can also find specialty windows with features that enhance security and ease of use like spring tensioners to avoid slams and sensors that detect the possibility of damage.

Installation

If you're looking to replace the glass in one window or all of them, the process is pretty simple. A professional will first make the opening ready, taking off the old putty. They will then scrape the grooves to remove any dirt. They will also drill holes of 3/8-inch diameter one at each end, and a single hole in the middle and down through the sill, and up to the head jamb. Then, Replacement Window Glass they inject expanding foam into the sash-weight pockets to fill any air gaps. Finally, they will apply an elastomeric caulk along the frame's exterior edges to protect against moisture and fill in the gaps between the glass.

Measure the window openings prior to you begin the replacement process. Make sure to include the thickness and width. Also, subtract 1/8 inch from the width and height measurements to allow for expansion and contraction of the frame when weather changes. If you don't subtract this amount the new glass may be damaged in the process of installation.

Once you have the measurements, contact your glass manufacturer and make an appointment for the exact dimensions of the replacement windows. You should receive them within a few days after your initial phone call, and they'll be ready to install within about a week. Prior to starting the removal process, clear out any blinds or curtains from near your windows and make sure that you have a clear area to work from. It is also recommended to put a piece of cloth or plastic on the floor to hold any broken glass that may fall.

If you're ready to start removing the old window pane begin by using a paint scraper or an old chisel to take away any pieces of wood that are connected to the frame. If there are any metal glazing points, use a heat gun to soften them prior trying to remove them. After the old window has been removed and discarded, use the paint scraper or hammer to clean the grooves in which it was originally installed. Re-caulk with an elastomeric sealant that matches the windows that are replaced.