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Six Types of Replacement Window Glass

A damaged window pane is an issue that can cause energy loss and higher energy bills. Window glass replacement can be an easy fix to eliminate these issues.

What is the best idea to replace only the glass? It's a much cheaper option than a full replacement, and you can keep the window frames.

Types

When it comes time to replace window glass, homeowners as well as general contractors need to consider a variety of factors that impact their overall goals. This includes energy efficiency as well as security. Glass is available in a wide variety of thicknesses, styles and options for customizing. This blog post outlines six different kinds of window glass in order to help you choose which one is suitable for your project.

Single Light Glass

Single-pane glass is typically found in older structures and in homes. While it provides clarity and is easy to clean, it doesn't provide the superior insulation properties of modern double-pane windows. It's also a risk in the event of a break, as it is prone to turning into fragments.

This type of glass is typically required for historical replication because the glass has to be a replica of the original design in order to protect the property. It isn't very energy efficient and should be replaced by a new, insulated window unit.

Double Pane Insulated Glass

This is a very popular choice among homeowners of today. It consists of two panes tempered glass separated by an air-filled spacer. This kind of glass is more efficient in energy use than a single pane window and can also help reduce noise transmission and condensation.

Triple Pane Insulated Glass

This option is an upgrade to double-paned glass that is insulated. It is made up of three panes of glass that is tempered, and an argon gas or Krypton fill in between for a higher level of energy efficiency. The gases suffocate heat in the winter and keep it out in summer, helping to cut energy costs.

The final two choices can be decorative and add to the aesthetics of your home. Laminated glass or tempered glass are stronger than regular glass and can be used in areas that might be damaged by debris or weather conditions. For added privacy, tinted or glazed glass is an alternative to traditional glass. It comes in a variety of colors and can be frosted, etched, or patterned to enhance a window's appearance.

Thickness

Glass thickness is an important aspect to take into consideration when purchasing new windows or replacing old glass panes. The thickness of the glass, no matter if it is laminated, double strength, insulated, or single strength double strength, can affect several aspects that include security energy efficiency, security, and noise reduction. Local construction codes and manufacturer specifications are essential to be aware of.

The most basic kind of window glass is single strength, which is a basic sheet of clear glass. The glass is 3/8 inch thick and used in residential applications. If you live in a high-rise building, or your home is near an airport, your windows may require double strength window glass.

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 an extremely tough, window glass replacement durable piece of glass that is about five times stronger than normal window glass. This type of glass is recommended if want your windows to withstand damage from flying debris such as balls or rocks.

Laminated glass is similar in structure to double-strength but has additional perks such as noise reduction and security. This glass is created by combining two or more sheets of clear, interlocking glass with layers of plastic or resin. The result is a glass that is tough and difficult to break. This type of glass is recommended when your primary concern is protecting your pets or children from accidental falls, and lessening the noise in your home.

Insulated glass can be created by adding spacers to the glass. This creates an air space which can be filled with various gasses for insulation to enhance the window performance. This can reduce the amount air that is able to enter or leave the home. This glass comes in a wide range of shapes and sizes.

The insulated glass can be tinted in order to add an element of privacy or style. It is important to keep in mind that tinting can void any warranty. The turnaround time for replacement of insulated window glass can vary from 7 to 10 business days based on the size and custom nature of the order.

Customization

Depending on your objectives for replacing windows, you may want to upgrade the glass to improve your home's energy efficiency as well as privacy. You can choose between options such as Low E coating or the thickness of glass that is insulated and the amount air space between panes.

Energy-efficient glasses can cut down on your energy bills by decreasing the transfer of heat between indoors and outdoors. Some of these options can also reduce noise, provide UV protection, and increase durability. You can also pick tinted glass to add a pop of color or frosted glass for an ethereal look.

The purpose of decorative glass is to enhance the aesthetics and doesn't have any practical uses however it can be an excellent way to make your home more distinctive. You can choose from a variety of patterns and finishes to create a style that matches your personal style. You can also opt to have a door or window replacement with a custom shape.

You can pick between single-pane, double-pane and triple-pane windows with varying amounts of airspace between panes. The more airspace your window has, the better it will be more insulated.

Your contractor will provide you with an in-depth description of the glass types and costs. They will also be able to recommend the best type of glass for your needs. You can also ask them whether they can upgrade your old windows to more energy efficient glass.

Modern replacement windows come with a warm-edge spacer 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 keep the window warmer in the winter months and cooler in summer.

You can choose between tinted, frosted or patterned glass. This type of window can provide distinct appearance and provide more privacy, however it's important to take into consideration the impact this can have on the lighting and style of your home. There are also windows that have features that enhance security and ease of use, such as spring tensioners that prevent the windows from crashing or possible damage.

Installation

If you are looking to replace the glass in one window or all of them, the process is fairly straightforward. 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 near each end, and a single hole in the middle and down through the sill, and up to the head jamb. They will then inject expanding foam into the pockets of the sash to fill in air gaps. Finally, they will apply a layer of elastomeric caulk along the frame's exterior edges to protect against moisture and close the gaps around the new glass.

Before you begin the replacement process, take measurements of your window openings, taking into consideration the size and thickness of the frame. Subtract 1/8 inch from the width and height measurements to allow the frame to expand and contract according to the weather. If you don't 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 place an order for the exact dimensions of your replacement windows. After the initial call you should receive the windows within a couple of weeks. They'll be ready for installation within one week. Before beginning the removal process, take down any blinds or curtains close to your windows. Also, ensure that your workspace is clean. It is also advisable to lay an unfinished sheet of plastic or a cloth on the floor in the event that broken glass falls during the process.

Use a paint scraper remove any wood moldings that are attached to your frame. If there are any glazing points made of steel that are attached to the frame, use a heating gun to soften them before trying to pull them off. After the old window is removed using a paint scraper or hammer to clean the grooves where it was originally installed. Re-caulk using an elastomeric sealant that matches the replacement windows.