Six Types of Replacement Window Glass
A damaged window pane is an issue that can result in lower energy usage and higher energy bills. Window glass replacement is an easy fix to minimize the problems.
What is the best idea to just replace the glass? This is usually less expensive than a full replacement and you can also keep the window frames.
Types
Window replacement is a complex process that general contractors and homeowners alike must take into consideration various factors. This includes energy efficiency, protection, and appearance. Glass is available in a diverse range of thicknesses, styles, and options for customizing. In this blog post, we will look at six different kinds of window glass to help decide which one is the best fit for your project.
Single Light Glass
Single pane glass is common in older homes and buildings. While it provides clarity and is easy to clean, it does not provide the superior insulation properties of double glazed window replacement-pane windows that are more modern. It’s also a risk if it breaks, as it can easily become shards.
This type of glass can be used to replicate historical designs in which the glass has to be in line with the style of the original property to preserve it. However, it’s not very efficient and should be replaced with a new insulation-free window unit.
Double Pane Insulated Glass
A very popular choice for modern homeowners, this design is made up of two panes of glass that is tempered, separated by a spacer that is filled with air to provide insulation. This kind of glass is more efficient in energy use than a single pane window, and can also help reduce condensation and noise transmission.
Triple Pane Insulated Glass
A step up from a double-pane glass that is insulated 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 use. The gases trap the heat in the winter and keep it out during the summer, helping to further reduce energy costs.
The two other options are decorative and add to the aesthetic of your exterior of your home. Laminated or tempered glass is more durable than regular glass, making it a great choice for areas that are prone 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 wide variety of colors and it can be etched, frosted, or patterned to improve the look of windows.
Thickness
Glass thickness is among the most important factors to take into consideration when buying windows for the first time or replacing glass panes that are already in use. Whether it is single strength, double strength, laminated, or insulated glass, the thickness of the glass will affect several aspects including security, energy efficiency and sound reduction. It is also essential to take into consideration local building codes and the requirements of the manufacturer.
The most basic kind of window handles replacement glass is single strength – which is a simple sheet of clear glass. The glass is 3/8 inch thick and is commonly used in residential applications. Double strength window glass could be required when you are in an airport or a high-rise building.
Double-strength window glass is made by fusion of at least two sheets of glass with PVB, or polyvinyl butyral. Fusion processes use high heat and pressure to create an extremely durable and strong piece of window glass that is five times more durable than normal glass. This kind of glass is recommended for those who want your windows to withstand damage from flying debris such as balls or rocks.
Laminated glass is similar to double-strength, but it has other advantages such as noise reduction and security. This glass is created by combining two or more sheets of clear interlocking glass by using layers of resin or plastic. The result is a glass that is strong and difficult to break. This type of glass is ideal when you are concerned about protecting your pets and children from falling, and also the reduction of noise levels in your home.
Insulated glass can be made by adding spacers to the glass. This creates an air space which can be filled with different gasses that are insulating to improve the window performance. This will reduce the amount of air that escapes or enters your home, thereby improving the energy efficiency. This glass comes in a variety of sizes and shapes.
You can tint the glass to add a touch of style or to enhance privacy. It is crucial to remember that tinting does not void any warranty. The time frame for insulated replacement glass can vary from 7-10 days based on the size and customization.
Customization
Depending on your objectives for replacement windows, you may want to upgrade the glass to enhance your home’s energy efficiency as well as privacy. You can choose between options such as Low E coating, insulated thickness of glass, and the amount air space between panes.
Energy-efficient glasses can cut down on your energy costs by decreasing heat transfer between indoors as well as outdoors. Some of these glass options can also reduce noise, offer UV-ray shielding and increase the durability. You can choose tinted or frosty glasses to add an accent of color.
Decorative glass is purely aesthetic and does not have any practical uses however, it is a great option to make your home more distinctive. You can choose between different patterns and finishes for a look that fits your personality. You can select to create a door or window with a customized shape.
Choose between single-paned, double-paned triple-paned or single-paned windows that have different amounts of airspace between the panes. The more airspace you can have the more the insulation of your window.
Your contractor will be able to provide a comprehensive explanation of the different types of glass available and the costs associated with them. They will also be able to recommend the kind of glass that would best suit your needs. You can also ask them if they can upgrade your old windows to more energy efficient glass.
Modern replacement windows are often fitted with a warm-edge spacer that create a barrier between the frame meets the glass and a layer of argon gas to fill in the gaps between the panes. These features allow windows to remain warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
You can choose from tinted, frosted or patterned glass. This can give a unique appearance and can offer additional privacy. However, it’s important to take into consideration the impact on the style of your home and lighting. There are also special windows that have features that enhance security and ease-of-use like spring tensioners that stop the windows from crashing or potential damage.
Installation
If you’re looking to replace the glass in one window, or all of them, the process is fairly straightforward. A professional will first prepare the opening by 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 end and one in the middle, across the sill, and finally through the headjamb. They will then inject expanding foam into the sash weight pockets to fill air gaps. Finally, they will apply a layer of caulk made of elastomeric along the frame’s exterior edges to protect against moisture and seal the gaps around the new glass.
Before you begin the replacement process, take measurements of your window openings, taking into consideration the width and thickness of the framing. Also subtract 1/8 inch from the height and width measurements to allow for expansion and contraction of the frame as weather conditions change. If you don’t subtract this amount, the new glass could be damaged during the installation process.
Once you have the measurements, call your glass manufacturer and make an appointment for the exact dimensions of the replacement windows. They should be delivered within a few days of your initial phone call and they’ll be ready for installation within a few days. Before beginning the removal process, remove any curtains or blinds that are near your windows. Also, ensure to have a clean workspace. Also, you should place a piece or cloth or plastic down on the floor to hold any broken glass that could fall.
When you’re ready to begin taking down the old window begin by using a paint scraper or old chisel, to remove any pieces of wood molding that are connected to the frame. Warm the glazing points of the frame before you try to pry them off. After taking the old window off, use a hammer or paint scraper to clean the grooves which it was originally installed. Re-caulk the area with an elastomeric sealant that is compatible with the new windows.
