Some Of The Most Common Mistakes People Make With Replacement Window Glass
Six Types of Replacement Window Glass
Window panes damaged by damage can result in energy loss and increase utility costs. Window glass replacement is a an easy fix to eliminate these issues.
When is it a good idea to replace just the glass? This is a cheaper alternative to a complete replacement and you can keep your window frames.
Types
When it comes to replacement windows, homeowners and general contractors need to consider a variety of factors that impact their overall goals. This includes energy efficiency and protection. Glass is available in a variety of designs, thicknesses and options. This blog post will explore six types of window glass in order to help you decide which one is the best fit for your project.
Single Lite Glass
Single pane glass is commonly found in older homes and structures. While it offers clarity and is easy to clean, it doesn't offer the insulation benefits of modern double-pane windows. It can also be dangerous if it breaks as it can easily become shards.
This kind of glass could be used for historical replications in which the glass has to match the design of the original property in order to preserve it. It is not very energy efficient and should be replaced with a new insulated glass unit.
Double-paned Insulated Glass
This option is a popular choice for homeowners of today. It is comprised of two panes tempered glass, separated by an air-filled spacer. This type of glass is more energy efficient than windows with only one pane, and it also helps reduce condensation and noise transmission.
Triple Pane Insulated Glazing
This option is an upgrade from double-paned insulated glass. It has three panes tempered glass and an argon gas or Krypton fill in between for an increased level of energy efficiency. The gases trap the heat in the winter months and keep it out during the summer, helping to reduce energy costs.
The final two options can be decorative and add to the appearance of your home. Laminated or tempered glass is more durable than regular glass, making it a great choice for areas that are prone to being damaged by debris or weather conditions. Glass that is tinted or glazed is often used in lieu of glass that is traditional for more privacy. It comes in a range of colors and can be frosted, etched or local patterned to enhance a window's appearance.
Thickness
Glass thickness is among the key factors to consider when buying new windows or replacing glass panes that are already in use. Whether it is single strength double strength, double strength, laminated, or insulated the thickness of the glass will impact various aspects, including energy efficiency, security and noise reduction. Local construction codes and manufacturer specifications are essential to keep in mind.
Single strength is the simplest type of glass for windows. It is a basic sheet of clear glass. It is 3/32" thick and is used in a majority of residential applications. Double strength window glass may be required when you reside in an airport or high-rise building.
Double-strength glass is created by fusing two or more glass sheets together with PVB (polyvinyl butyral). The process of fusion uses high temperatures and pressure to produce an extremely durable and strong piece of window glass that is five times stronger than normal glass. This kind of glass is recommended if wish to protect your windows from damage from flying debris like balls or rocks.
Laminated glass has numerous advantages over double-strength glasses, including noise reduction and security. This glass is created by fusing two or more sheets of clear interlocking glass using layers of plastic or resin. The result is a sheet that is strong and difficult to break. This kind of glass is recommended if your primary concerns are protecting your pets or children from falls that could be accidental, and reduce the noise levels within your home.
Insulated glass is produced by putting spacers in between the glass to create an air space which can be filled with a variety of insulating gases to enhance the window performance. This can reduce the amount air that enters or leaves the home. Glass comes in a wide range of shapes and sizes.
You can tint the glass to give it a touch of class or to enhance privacy. It is important to keep in mind that the application of tint does void any warranty. Turnaround for insulated window replacement glass can be anywhere from 7-10 business days based on the size and nature of the order.
Customization
You can upgrade the glass of your replacement windows to improve your home's privacy and energy efficiency. You can choose from options like Low-E coating and insulated glass thickness and the amount of air space between panes.
Energy-efficient glasses can cut down on your energy costs by cutting down on heat transfer between indoors as well as outdoors. Certain types of glass can also reduce noise, offer UV-ray shielding and enhance the durability. You can pick tinted or frosted glasses to give some color.
The purpose of decorative glass is to enhance the aesthetics and does not have any functional uses however it can be an excellent option to make your home unique. You can choose from a wide range of patterns and finishes to create a look that is a reflection of your style. You can even have a window or door with a customized shape.
You can choose between double-pane, single-pane and triple-pane windows that have different amounts of airspace between the panes. The more airspace your window has, the better it will be well-insulated.
Your contractor will be able to provide you with a thorough description of the various types of glass and their prices. They can also suggest the best glass for your needs. You might also ask if they can change your old windows to more energy efficient glass.
Many modern replacement windows come with a warm-edge separator to protect the area where the frame meets the glass, and a layer of argon gas to fill the gaps between the panes. These features keep the window warmer in the winter months and cooler in summer.
While it's typical to select the standard clear glass, you may also select patterns, frosted, or tinted windows. This can give you a unique look and offer added privacy, but it's important to consider the impact this can have on the lighting and design of your home. There are also windows with features that increase security and ease of use, such as spring tensioners that stop crashes or possible damage.
Installation
The process is simple It doesn't matter if you want to replace glass in only one window or all of them. A professional will first make the opening ready, taking off 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 then up through the head jamb. They will then inject expanding foam in the pockets of sash weights to fill air gaps. Then, they will apply an elastomeric sealant along the exterior edges of the frame to shield it from moisture and fill any gaps in the new glass.
Take measurements of your window openings prior to when you begin the replacement process. Be sure to include the thickness and width. Subtract 1/8 inches from the height and width measurements to allow the frame to expand and contract in response to the weather. If you do not subtract this amount, the new glass may be damaged during the installation process.
Once you have the measurements, contact your glass manufacturer and make an order for the exact dimensions of the replacement windows. You should receive them within a few days after your initial phone call and they will be ready for installation within a few days. Before beginning the removal process, take out any curtains or blinds from the windows in front of them and make sure that you have a clean workspace. Also, you should put a piece of cloth or plastic on the floor to stop any broken glass that may fall.
If you're ready to start removal of the old window begin with an old chisel to take away any pieces of wood molding fixed to the frame. If there are any metal glazing points that are attached to the frame, use a heating gun to soften them before trying to pull them off. Once the old window is removed, use a paint scraper or hammer to clean the grooves where it was previously installed. Then, you can re-caulk the area with an elastomeric caulk to match your replacement handles for upvc windows windows.
