Six Types of Replacement Window Glass

A damaged window pane can be an issue that could lead to energy loss and higher energy bills. Window glass replacement is an easy fix to reduce those problems.

But when is it sense to only replace the glass? This is a less expensive alternative to a complete replacement and you can keep the window frames.

Types

Window replacement is a complicated process that general contractors and homeowners alike must take into consideration various aspects. This includes energy efficiency, protection and aesthetics. Glass is available in a wide range of thicknesses, styles and options for customizing. This blog post outlines six types of window glass in order to help you choose which one is the best fit for your project.

Single Lite Glass

Single-pane glass is typically used in older buildings and houses. While it offers clarity and is easy to clean, it does not offer the insulation benefits of double-pane windows that are more modern. It can also be dangerous if it breaks, as it is prone to turning into fragments.

This kind of glass is usually required for historical replication, as the glass must be in line with the original style in order to preserve the original property. It is not energy efficient and must be replaced with a new insulated window unit.

Double Pane Insulated Glass

This is a popular choice among modern homeowners. It is comprised of two panes tempered glass separated by an air-filled spacer. This kind of glass can be more efficient in energy use than a single pane window and reduce noise transmission and condensate.

Triple Pane Insulated Glazing

A step up from double-pane glass that is insulated, this option has three panes of tempered glass that have an argon gas or krypton gas fill between the panes to create an even higher level of energy efficiency. The gases can help reduce energy costs by trapping heat in the winter months and letting it escape during summer.

The two other choices can be decorative and enhance the appearance of your home. Laminated glass or tempered glass are stronger than regular glass and can be utilized in areas that could be damaged by weather or debris conditions. Tinted or glazed glass is often used in lieu of glass that is traditional for more privacy. It is available in a wide range of colors, and can be etched, frosted, or patterned to improve the look of windows.

Thickness

glass window Replacements - www.healthndream.Com, thickness is one of the key factors to consider when buying new windows or replacing glass panes that are already in use. It doesn't matter if it's single strength, double strength, laminated, or insulated the thickness of the glass will affect a number of characteristics such as security, energy efficiency and sound reduction. It is also essential to take into consideration local building codes and requirements from the manufacturer.

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

Double-strength window glass is made by fusion of at most two sheets of glass with PVB, or polyvinyl butyral. The process of fusion uses high temperatures and pressure to produce a tough, durable piece of window glass that is five times stronger than normal glass. This kind of glass is recommended if want your windows to withstand damage from flying debris like balls or rocks.

Laminated glass offers many advantages over double-strength glass including noise reduction and safety. It is made by fusing two or more sheets of clear, interlocking glass with layers of plastic or resin. The result is a sheet that is durable and hard to break. This type of glass is suggested for those who are concerned about protecting your children or pets from accidental falls, and lessening the noise in your home.

Insulated glass can be produced 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 can enter or leave the home. This glass comes in a variety of shapes and sizes.

The insulated glass can be tinted to add an element of privacy or style. It is important to remember that tinting does void any warranty. Turnaround for insulated window replacement glass can range from 7-10 business days, depending on the size and custom nature of the order.

Customization

Based on the goals you have for replacing windows, you may want to upgrade the glass to increase the efficiency of your home's energy use and privacy. You can pick from alternatives like Low E coating and the thickness of glass that is insulated, and the amount of air space between panes.

Energy-efficient glass can reduce your energy consumption by reducing the transfer of heat between indoors and outside. Some of these glass options can also cut down on noise, offer UV-ray shielding, and improve durability. You can pick tinted or frosty glasses to bring some color.

Decorative glass is purely aesthetic and doesn't have any functional uses however, it is an excellent way to make your home more distinctive. You can choose between different designs and finishes to create the perfect look that suits your personality. You can choose to have a door or window with a custom-designed shape.

You can choose between single-pane, double-pane and triple-pane windows that have different levels of airspace between the panes. The more airspace you can have, the better insulated your window will be.

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

Modern replacement windows often have a warm-edge gas spacer that insulates the area where the frame meets the glass. It also includes a layer of argon to fill in the gaps. These features help the window stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

You can choose from frosted, patterned or tinted glass. This option can provide distinct appearance and provide added privacy, but it's important to think about how this will affect your home's lighting and style. You can also find speciality windows with features that increase security and ease of use, such as spring tensioners that prevent slams or sensors that detect potential damage.

Installation

If you are looking to replace the glass in one window or all of them, the procedure is pretty simple. First, a professional will prepare the opening by removing old putty and scraping the grooves clean. They will also drill holes of 3/8-inch diameter one at each end and a single hole in the middle along the sill and up through the head jamb. Then, they'll inject expanding foam into the sash weight pockets to fill any air gaps. Then, they apply an elastomeric sealant along the edges of the frame to protect it from moisture and seal any gaps around the glass.

Take measurements of the window openings prior to you begin the replacement process. Make sure to include the thickness and width. Subtract 1/8 inch from the width and height measurements to allow the frame to expand and contract according to the weather. If you do not subtract this amount, the glass you are installing could be damaged in the process of installation.

Once you have the measurements, contact your glass manufacturer and make an order for the exact measurements of your replacement windows. They should be delivered within a few days of the initial phone call and they will be ready to install within about a week. Before you begin the removal process, take down the blinds or curtains which are located near your windows. Also, make sure that your workspace is clean. It is also recommended to place a piece or plastic or cloth down on the floor to hold any broken glass that could fall.

Use a paint scraper to remove any wood moldings attached to your frame. If there are any glazing points made of metal, use a heat gun to soften them prior to attempting to pry them off. Once the old window is removed and discarded, use a paint scraper or hammer to clean the grooves in which it was originally installed. Re-caulk with an elastomeric sealant to match the new windows.