Six Types of Replacement Window Glass

Broken window panes can lead to energy loss and increase utility costs. Window glass replacement is an easy fix to reduce those problems.

But when does it make sense to replace only the glass? This is typically less expensive than a complete replacement handles for upvc windows, and you can retain your window frames.

Types

When it comes time to replace windows, homeowners and glazed general contractors must consider many aspects that affect their overall goals. This includes energy efficiency, safety and appearance. Glass comes in a variety styles, thicknesses, and customization options. In this blog post, we explore six different types of window glass to help you decide which one is the best fit for your project.

Single Lite Glass

Single-pane glass can be found in older structures and houses. It is easy to clean and provides clarity however it doesn't provide the same insulation as double-paned windows of today. It is also a danger if it breaks as it can easily become shards.

This kind of glass could be used to replicate historical designs where the glass must be a replica of the original building to keep it in good condition. However, it is not very efficient and should be replaced with a new insulation-free window unit.

Insulated Double-paned Glass

This is a very popular choice among homeowners who are more modern. It is comprised of two panes of tempered glass separated by an air-filled spacer. This kind of glass is more energy-efficient than windows with only one pane, and can also help reduce noise transmission and condensation.

Triple Pane Insulated Glass

This option is an upgrade from double-paned glass with insulated coating. It has three panes glass that is tempered, and an argon gas or krypton fill between them for greater energy efficiency. The gases help to reduce energy costs by trapping heat in the winter months and letting it out in summer.

The other two options are decorative and can enhance the look of your home's exterior. Laminated or tempered glass is more durable than normal glass, which makes it an ideal choice for areas susceptible to being damaged by debris or weather conditions. Tinted or glazed glass is often used in lieu of traditional glass to provide privacy. It is available in a variety of colors and it can be etched, frosted, or decorated to improve the look of windows.

Thickness

Glass thickness is one of the key factors to consider when buying windows for the first time or replacing glass panes that are already in use. The thickness of the glass, whether it is laminated or double strength, insulated, glazed or single strength double strength, will affect several aspects, including security and energy efficiency as well as sound reduction. Local requirements for building codes and manufacturer requirements are essential to remember.

Single strength is the most basic type of glass used for windows. It is a basic sheet made of clear glass. The glass is 3/16" thick and is used in the majority of residential applications. If you live in a building that is high-rise, or your home is close to an airport, your windows may require double strength window glass.

Double-strength windows are made by fusion of at most two sheets of glass with PVB or polyvinylbutyral. The fusion process utilizes extreme pressure and heat to create a strong, durable pane of glass that is approximately five times stronger than normal window glass. This type of glass is recommended if wish to protect your windows from damage by flying debris, such as balls or rocks.

Laminated glass has many advantages over double-strength glass, including noise reduction and security. It is made by combining two or more sheets of transparent, interlocking glass with layers of resin or plastic. The result is a panel that is durable and hard to break. This type of glass is suggested when your primary concern is protecting your pets or children from accidental falls, and lessening the noise within your home.

Insulated glass is produced by putting spacers in between the glass to create an air space that can be filled with a variety of insulation gases to enhance the window performance. This reduces the amount of air that escapes or enters the home, thereby improving the efficiency of energy. Glass is available in a variety of shapes and sizes that range from square or rectangular to circular or arched.

The insulated glass can also be tinted to add an element of privacy or fashion. However, it is important to remember that tinting does not void any warranty. The time frame for replacing insulated windows glass can range from 7-10 business days depending on the size and nature of the order.

Customization

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

Energy-efficient glasses can lower your energy costs by cutting down on the transfer of heat between indoors and outdoors. Some of these glass options can also cut down on noise, provide UV-ray protection and enhance the durability. You can choose tinted or frosted glasses to give an accent of color.

The decorative glass is not of any practical use and is only for aesthetic reasons. However, it can give your home a unique look. You can pick from a wide range of patterns and finishes to create a look that matches your personal style. You can have a door or window with a custom-made shape.

Choose from 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 better insulation your window will be.

Your contractor can provide an in-depth description of the kinds of glass available and their prices. They can also recommend the best type of glass for your requirements. You can also ask them to replace your windows with more energy efficient glass.

Modern replacement windows come with a warm-edge spacer that insulate the area where the frame meets the glass, and a layer of argon gas to fill in the gaps between the panes. These features help keep the window warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

While it's common to choose a clear, standard glass, you can also choose frosted, patterned, or tinted windows. This option can provide distinct appearance and provide added privacy, but it's important to think about the impact this can have on the lighting and style of your home. You can also find specialty windows with features that will improve security and ease of operation including spring tensioners to prevent the windows from crashing and sensors to identify potential damage.

Installation

If you are looking to replace the glass in one window, or all of them, the procedure is pretty simple. A professional will first prepare the opening, removing the old putty. They will then scrape the grooves in order to remove any dirt. They will also drill holes of 3/8-inch diameter, one near each end, and one hole in the center, down through the sill and up through the head jamb. They will then inject expanding foam in the pockets of the sash to fill in air gaps. Then, they will apply an elastomeric sealant on the exterior edges of the frame to protect it from moisture and close any gaps around the glass.

Measure the window openings prior to you begin the replacement process. Make sure you include the thickness and width. Also, subtract 1/8 inch from both the height and width measurements to allow the expansion and contraction of the frame when weather conditions change. If you do not subtract this amount, your new glass may be damaged during installation.

Once you have the measurements, call your glass manufacturer and place an order for the exact measurements of your replacement windows. After your initial call you should receive your windows within a few weeks. They'll be ready to install within one week. Before beginning the removal process, you must take off any curtains or blinds that are near your windows. Also, make sure to have a clean workspace. It is also recommended to place a piece of plastic or cloth down on the floor to stop any broken glass that may fall.

Use a paint scraper to remove any wood moldings attached to your frame. If there are any metal glazing points you can use a heat gun to soften them prior to trying to remove them. After the old window is removed using the paint scraper or hammer to clean the grooves where it was previously placed. Re-caulk with an elastomeric sealant to match the windows that are replaced.