Six Types of Replacement Window Glass

Broken window panes can lead to energy loss and increase energy costs. Window glass replacement is a a simple fix to reduce these problems.

When is it a good idea to just replace the glass? This is a cheaper alternative to a complete replacement, replacement window glass and you can keep the window frames.

Types

Replacement window glass is a complicated process that general contractors and homeowners alike must take into account many aspects. This includes energy efficiency and protection. Glass is available in a diverse variety of thicknesses, styles, and options for customizing. In this blog post, we explore six different types of glass for windows to help you determine which one is the most suitable for your project.

Single Lite Glass

Single-pane glass is typically found in older buildings and in homes. It is easy to clean and provides clarity, but it does not provide the same insulation as double-paned windows of today. It's also a risk if it breaks, as it can easily become shards.

This kind of glass can be used for historical replications in which the glass has to match the design of the original property in order to keep it in good condition. It is not very energy efficient and should be changed with a new insulated glass unit.

Double Pane Insulated Glass

A very popular option for modern-day homeowners, this option comprises two panes glass that is tempered, separated by a spacer that is filled with air for insulation. This type of glass is more efficient in energy use than a single pane window and it can also reduce noise transmission and condensation.

Triple Pane Insulated Glazing

A step up from double-pane glass that is insulated this model has three panes of tempered glass with an gas filled with argon or Krypton between the panes for an even greater efficiency in energy use. The gases help to reduce the cost of energy by capturing heat in winter and letting it escape in summer.

The two other options can be decorative and add to the aesthetics of your home. Laminated glass or tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and can be utilized in areas that could be damaged by debris or weather conditions. For added privacy tinted or glazed glasses can be used instead of traditional glass. It is available in a variety of colors and can be frosted, etched, or decorated to enhance the window's appearance.

Thickness

Glass thickness is one of the most important factors to take into consideration when purchasing new windows or replacing old glass panes. The thickness of the glass, no matter if it is laminated or insulated, single strength or double strength, will impact a number characteristics such as security energy efficiency, security, and noise reduction. It is also important to think about local building codes and the requirements of the manufacturer.

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

Double-strength glasses are made by fusion of two or more sheets of glass with PVB (polyvinyl butyral). The fusion process uses extreme heat and pressure to create a strong, durable pane of glass that is about five times stronger than regular window glass. This kind of glass is recommended if you want your windows to resist damage from flying debris like balls or rocks.

Laminated glass resembles double-strength, but it has other advantages like noise reduction and security. This glass is created by fusing two or more sheets of clear interlocking glass by using layers of plastic or resin. The result is a sheet that is strong and difficult to break. This type of glass is suggested when your primary concern is protecting your pets or children from falls that could be accidental, and lessening the noise in your home.

Insulated glass is created by putting spacers between the glass to create an air space which can be filled with a variety of insulating gases to improve the window's performance. This can decrease the amount of air that can enter or leave the home. This glass comes in a variety of shapes and sizes.

You can tint the glass to add a touch of style or privacy. It is important to keep in mind that tinting will invalidate any warranty. The time frame for insulated replacement glass can vary from 7-10 days depending on size and customization.

Customization

You can upgrade the glass in your replacement windows to improve your home's privacy and energy efficiency. You can pick from options like Low E coating or the thickness of glass window replacement that is insulated and the amount air space between panes.

Energy-efficient glasses can lower your energy costs by reducing heat transfer between indoors as well as outdoors. Some of these options also lower noise, provide UV protection, and increase durability. You can choose tinted or frosty glasses to give an accent of color.

The decorative glass is not of any practical usage and is only used for aesthetic purposes. However it can give your home a unique look. You can pick from different styles and finishes to create an appearance that matches your personality. You can create a door or window with a custom-made shape.

Choose from single-paned, double-paned, or triple-paned windows with different amounts of airspace between the panes. The more airspace you have the more insulation your window will be.

Your contractor will provide you with an in-depth explanation of the glass types and prices. 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 windows to more energy efficient glass.

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

You can choose between tinted, frosted, or patterned glass. This type of window can provide distinct appearance and provide additional privacy, but it's important to think about how this will affect the lighting and style of your home. You can also find specialty windows with features that improve security and ease of use, such as spring tensioners to avoid the windows from crashing and sensors to identify the possibility of damage.

Installation

If you are looking to replace the glass in just one window or all of them, the process is fairly straightforward. First a professional will clean the opening by removing old putty and scraping the grooves to remove any dirt. They will also drill three holes of 3/8 inch in diameter one at each of the ends and one in the middle, through the sill, and up through the headjamb. Then, they inject expanding foam into the sash weight pockets to fill any air gaps. Then, they apply an elastomeric sealant along the exterior edges of the frame, to protect it from moisture and close any gaps around the glass.

Before beginning the replacement process, take measurements of the window openings taking into consideration the width and thickness of the frame. 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 do not subtract this amount, new glass may be damaged during installation.

Contact the glass manufacturer to place an order with the exact dimensions for your replacement sash windows windows. They should be delivered within a few days of your initial phone call and they should be ready to install in about a week. Before beginning the removal process, you must take off the blinds or curtains which are located near your windows. Also, ensure that you have a clean work area. You should also put a sheet of plastic or a cloth on the floor in case broken glass does fall during the process.

Use a paint scraper to remove any wood moldings that are attached to your frame. Warm the glazing points of the frame before you try to pry them out. After the old window is removed using the paint scraper or hammer to clean the grooves where it was previously placed. Then, re-caulk the area with an elastomeric caulk to match the windows you are replacing.