The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Replacement Window Glass
Six Types of Replacement Window Glass
A damaged window pane is an issue that can cause energy loss and higher costs for utilities. Window glass replacement is a simple fix to reduce those problems.
But when is it sense to replace just the glass? It's a much cheaper alternative to a complete replacement double glazed windows, and you can keep your window frames.
Types
Replacement window glass is a complex procedure that both general contractors and homeowners alike must consider various factors. This includes energy efficiency, safety and aesthetics. Glass comes in a variety styles, thicknesses, and customization options. This blog post explores six types of window glass to help you determine which one is the best fit for your project.
Single Light Glass
Single-pane glass can be found in older buildings and houses. While it provides clarity and is easy to clean, it doesn't provide the superior insulation properties of double-pane windows that are more modern. It's also a risk when it breaks, since it is prone to turning into fragments.
This type of glass is often required for reproduction of historical significance, as the glass must match the original design in order to preserve the property. It isn't very energy efficient and should be changed with a new insulated window unit.
Double-paned Insulated Glass
This option is a popular choice for homeowners who are more modern. It is comprised of two panes of tempered glass that are separated by an air-filled spacer. This kind of glass can be more efficient in energy use than a single pane window, and reduces condensate and noise transmission.
Triple Pane Insulated Glazing
A step up from a double-pane insulated glass this model has three panes of tempered glass that have an argon gas or krypton gas fill between the panes to create an even higher efficiency in energy usage. The gases hold heat in the winter and keep it out in summer, helping to further reduce energy bills.
The last two options are decorative and can improve the appearance of your home's exterior. Laminated glass or tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and can be used in areas that may be damaged by weather or debris conditions. Tinted or glazed glass is often used in place of traditional glass for added privacy. It comes in a wide range of colors, and it can be etched, frosted or patterned to improve the appearance of the window.
Thickness
Glass thickness is a crucial aspect to be considered when buying new windows or replacing old glass panes. The thickness of the glass, Replacement Window Glass regardless of whether it is laminated, insulation, single strength or double strength, can affect various aspects such as security and energy efficiency as well as noise reduction. It is also important to take into consideration local construction codes and requirements from the manufacturer.
The most basic kind of window glass is single strength, which is a simple sheet of clear glass. This glass is 3/32" thick and is used in most residential applications. If you live in a building that is high-rise, or your home is close to an airport, your windows might require double strength window glass.
Double-strength glass is created by fusion of two or more glass sheets together with PVB (polyvinyl butyral). The fusion process uses high temperatures and pressure to produce a durable, strong pane of window glass that is five times stronger than normal glass. This type of glass is recommended if you wish to protect your windows from flying debris like balls or rocks.
Laminated glass is similar in structure to double-strength but has additional perks like noise reduction and safety. It is made by fusing at a minimum two sheets of clear glass with interlocking resin or plastic to form a strong and layered panel that is hard to break. This kind of glass is recommended in cases of protecting your pets and children from falls, and also making it easier to reduce noise in your home.
Insulated glass can be created by adding spacers to the glass. This creates an airspace that can then be filled with various gasses for insulation to enhance the window performance. This reduces the amount of air that escapes or enters your home, which improves the energy efficiency. Glass is available in a variety of sizes and shapes, ranging from square or rectangular to circular or arched.
The glass insulated can also be tinted in order to add an element of style or privacy. It is important to remember that tinting will void any warranty. The turnaround time for insulated replacement glass could vary from 7-10 days depending on the size and personalization.
Customization
Depending on your goals for replacing windows, you may want to upgrade the glass to increase your home's energy efficiency as well as privacy. You can select from options such as Low-E coating and insulated glass thickness and the amount of air space between panes.
Energy-efficient glasses can lower your energy bills by decreasing the transfer of heat between indoors and outdoors. Some of these options can also lower noise, provide UV protection, and improve durability. You can choose tinted or frosty glasses to add an accent of color.
Glass that is decorative is only for aesthetic purposes and doesn't have any practical use however, it is an excellent option to make your home more unique. You can choose between various styles and finishes to create the perfect look that suits your personality. You can choose to create a door or window with a customized shape.
Choose from single-paned, double-paned, or triple-paned windows with different amounts of airspace in between the panes. The more airspace you can have the more the insulation of your window.
Your contractor will give you a detailed explanation of the different types of glass that are available and their prices. They will also be able to recommend the kind of glass that best suits your requirements. You can ask them to replace your old windows with more energy efficient glass.
Many 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 in the gaps between the panes. These features help keep the window warmer in winter and cooler during summer.
While it's common to choose a clear, standard glass, you can opt for frosted, patterned, 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 windows that have features that enhance security and ease-of-use, such as spring tensioners that prevent slams or sensors that detect potential damage.
Installation
The procedure is easy It doesn't matter if you want to replace glass in only one window or all of them. A professional will first prepare the opening, removing the old putty. They will then scrape the grooves to remove any dirt. They will also drill holes of 3/8-inch diameter one at each end and a single hole in the middle, 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 apply an elastomeric sealant along the edges of the frame to protect it from moisture and close any gaps around the new glass.
Before beginning the replacement process, measure the width and height of the window openings taking into consideration the width and thickness of the frame. Also subtract 1/8 inch from both the width and height measurements to allow for expansion and contraction of the frame when weather conditions change. If you do not subtract this amount, the 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. You should receive them within a few days after the initial phone call and they will be ready for installation within a few days. Before beginning the removal process, clean out any curtains or blinds close to your windows and make sure that you have a clean workspace. It is also recommended to put a sheet of plastic or cloth on the floor in case broken glass should fall during the process.
If you're ready to start removing the old window pane begin by using a paint scraper or an old chisel to remove any pieces of wood molding attached to the frame. If there are any metal glazing points you can use a heat gun to soften them prior to trying to pull them off. After the old window has been removed using a paint scraper or hammer to clean the grooves where it was originally installed. Re-caulk with an elastomeric sealant that matches the replacement windows.
