Six Types of Replacement Window Glass

Window panes damaged by damage can result in energy loss and higher cost of utilities. Window glass replacement is a a simple fix to reduce the risk of these issues.

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

Types

Replacement window glass is a complex process that both general contractors and homeowners alike must consider numerous aspects. This includes energy efficiency, safety and appearance. Glass comes in a variety of styles, thicknesses, and customization options. This blog post outlines six different types window glass to help you choose which one is best for your project.

Single Lite Glass

Single pane glass is a common sight in older buildings and homes. Although it is clear and is easy to clean, it doesn't have the enhanced insulating properties of modern double-pane windows. It could also be a risk in the event of a break because it is prone to becoming fragments.

This kind of glass can be used to replicate historical designs, where the glass must be a replica of the original property to keep it in good condition. It is not very energy efficient and must be replaced with a new insulated window unit.

Double Pane Insulated Glass

This option is a popular choice for homeowners of today. It is comprised of two panes of tempered glass that are separated by an air-filled spacer. This kind of glass can be more energy efficient than a single-pane window replacement companies, and reduces the transmission of noise and condensate.

Triple Pane Insulated Glazing

A step up from a double-pane insulated glass This option comes with three panes of tempered glass that have an argon or krypton gas fill between the panes for an even greater level of energy efficiency. The gases suffocate heat in the winter months and keep it out in summer, helping reduce energy bills.

The final two choices can be decorative and improve the beauty of your home. Laminated or tempered glass is more durable than regular glass, making it an ideal 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 comes in a variety of colors and can be frosted, etched, or patterned to enhance a window's appearance.

Thickness

Glass thickness is one of the key factors to consider when purchasing new windows or replacing glass panes that are already in use. It doesn't matter if it's single strength double strength, double strength, window glass replacement laminated or insulated, the thickness of the glass will affect a number of characteristics including energy efficiency, security and noise reduction. It is also essential to think about local construction codes and requirements from the manufacturer.

Single strength is the most basic type of glass for windows. It is a simple sheet made of clear glass. It is 3/32" thick and is utilized in a majority of residential applications. If you reside in a high-rise building, or your home is close to an airport, your windows could require double strength window glass.

Double-strength window glass is produced by fusion of at most two sheets of glass together with PVB, or polyvinyl butyral. The fusion process uses high temperatures and pressure to create a tough, durable piece of window glass that is five times stronger than standard 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 safety. It is made by combining two or more sheets of transparent interlocking glass by using layers of plastic or resin. The result is a glass that is tough and difficult to break. This type of glass is recommended when your primary concern is protecting your pets or children from accidental falls, as well as reducing the noise level 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 window performance. This will reduce the amount of air that is able to enter or leave the home. This glass is available in a variety of sizes and shapes, ranging from square or rectangular to circular or arched.

You can tint the glass to add a touch of elegance or to enhance privacy. It is important to remember that tinting will invalidate any warranty. The time frame for insulated replacement handles for windows glass may vary between 7 and 10 days, based on size and customization.

Customization

Depending on your goals for replacement windows, you may wish to upgrade the glass to enhance your home's energy efficiency and privacy. You can choose between options such as Low E coating, insulated thickness of glass, and the amount of air space between panes.

Energy-efficient glass can cut down your energy costs by decreasing the transfer of heat from the indoors and outside. Certain types of glass can also lower noise, provide UV protection, and improve durability. You can also opt for tinted glass to add a pop of color, or frosted glass for a more subdued look.

Decorative glass is purely aesthetic and does not have any practical uses however it can be a great way to make your home unique. You can pick from a variety of designs and finishes to create a look that is a reflection of your style. You can have a door or window with a custom-designed shape.

You can choose between single-pane, double-pane and triple-pane windows, with different levels of airspace between the panes. The more airspace you have the more the insulation of your window.

Your contractor can give you an in-depth explanation of kinds of glass available and their costs. They can also recommend the best type of glass for your requirements. You can ask them to upgrade your old windows with energy-efficient glass.

Modern replacement windows come with a warm-edge separator to create a barrier between the frame meets the glass and an argon gas layer to fill the gaps between the panes. These features keep the window warmer in the winter months and cooler in summer.

While it's common to choose a standard clear glass, you may also opt for patterns, frosted, or tinted windows. This can give a unique design and provides additional privacy. However, it is important to think about 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, such as spring tensioners that prevent slams or sensors that detect the possibility of damage.

Installation

The procedure is easy, whether you want to replace glass in just one window or all of them. First, a professional will prepare the opening by removing old putty and scraping the grooves clean. They will also drill 3/8-inch diameter holes one at each end, and a single hole in the middle along the sill and then up through the head jamb. Then, they inject expanding foam into the sash weight pockets to fill any air gaps. In the end, they will apply a layer of caulk made of elastomeric along the frame's outer edges to shield against moisture and close the gaps around the new glass.

Before you begin the replacement process, take measurements of the windows' openings making sure to take into account the thickness and width of the framing. Also, subtract 1/8 inch from the width and height measurements to allow for expansion and contraction of the frame as weather conditions change. If you don't subtract this amount, your new glass may be damaged during installation.

Contact the glass manufacturer to place an order with the exact dimensions of your replacement windows. You should receive them within a few days after your initial phone call and they will be ready to install within a few days. Before you begin the removal process, remove any blinds or curtains close to your windows. Also, make sure that you have a clean work area. You should also lay a sheet of plastic or a cloth on the floor in the event that broken glass falls during the process.

Use a paint scraper to remove any wood moldings attached to your frame. If there are any metal glazing points, use a heat gun to soften them before trying to pull them off. After taking the old window off, use a hammer or paint scraper to clean the grooves which it was originally installed. Then, re-caulk the area with an elastomeric caulk that matches the replacement windows.