Six Types of Replacement Window GlassA damaged window pane can be an issue that could cause energy loss and higher energy bills. Window glass replacement can be an easy fix to lessen these problems.
When is it a good idea to replace just the glass? This is a cheaper option than a full replacement and you can keep your window frames.
Types
Replacement window glass is a complex process that homeowners and general contractors alike must take into consideration many factors. This includes energy efficiency, security and appearance. Glass is available in a variety of styles, thicknesses, and customization options. This blog post explores six types of window glass in order to help you decide which one is the best fit for your project.
Single Light Glass
Single-pane glass is typically found in older structures and houses. It is easy to clean and offers clarity however it doesn't offer the same insulation as double-paned windows of today. It can also be dangerous in the event of a break, as it can easily become shards.
This kind of glass could be used for historical replications, where the glass must be in line with the style of the original building to keep it in good condition. It is not energy efficient and should be changed with a new insulated glass unit.
Insulated Double-paned Glass
This is a popular choice for modern homeowners. It is comprised of two panes of tempered glass separated by an air-filled spacer. This type of glass can be more efficient in energy use than a single pane window and can reduce noise transmission and condensate.
Triple Pane Insulated Glazing
A step up from a double-pane insulated glass, this option has three panes of tempered glass, each with an gas filled with argon or Krypton between the panes to create an even higher efficiency in energy use. The gases can help reduce the cost of energy by capturing heat in the winter months and keeping it out in summer.
The last two options are decorative and can improve the appearance of your exterior of your home. Laminated glass or tempered glass are stronger than regular glass and can be used in areas that might be damaged by weather or debris conditions. For extra privacy tinted or glazed glass is an alternative to traditional glass. It comes in a range of colors, and it can be etched, frosted, or decorated to improve the appearance of the window.
Thickness
Glass thickness is among the key factors to consider when purchasing new windows or replacing glass panes that are already in use. The thickness of the glass, no matter if it is laminated, insulated, single strength or double strength, can affect several aspects that include security energy efficiency, security, and sound reduction. It is also important to take into consideration local building codes and requirements from the manufacturer.
The most basic type of window replacement near me glass is single strength - which is a basic sheet of clear glass. The glass is 3/16" thick and is utilized in the majority of residential applications. If you reside in a high-rise, or your home is near an airport, your windows could require double strength window glass.
Double-strength window glass is made by fusion of at most two sheets of glass with PVB or polyvinylbutyral. The process of fusion uses extreme pressure and heat to create a strong, durable pane of glass that is around five times stronger than regular window glass. This type of glass is recommended if you wish to protect your windows from damage by flying debris, such as balls or rocks.
Laminated glass offers many advantages over double-strength glass including noise reduction and security. It is made by combining 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 for window replacement is recommended when your primary concern is protecting your children or pets from accidental falls, as well as lessening the noise within your home.
Insulated glass can be made by adding spacers to the glass. This creates an air space which can be filled with various gasses for insulation to enhance the performance of windows. This will reduce the amount of air that escapes or gets into the home, thus increasing the energy efficiency. Glass is available in a wide range of shapes and sizes.
You can tint the insulated glass to add a touch of elegance or to enhance privacy. It is important to remember that tinting does not void any warranty. The turnaround time for replacement of insulated window replacements near me glass can vary from 7 to 10 business days based on the size and nature of the order.
Customization
Based on the goals you have for replacing windows, you might want to upgrade the glass to enhance your home's energy efficiency as well as privacy. You can select from alternatives like Low E coating and the thickness of glass that is insulated and the amount of air space between panes.
Energy-efficient glasses can cut down on your energy costs by reducing heat transfer between indoors and outdoors. Certain types of glass can also reduce noise, provide UV protection, and increase durability. You can also pick tinted glass to add a splash of color, or frosted glass for more subtle appearance.
Glass that is decorative has no practical usage and is only used for aesthetic purposes. However it can create a unique home. You can choose from a wide range of styles and colors to create a style that is a reflection of your style. You can select to have a window or door with a customized shape.
You can choose between single-pane, double-pane and triple-pane windows, with different amounts of airspace between panes. The more airspace you can have, the better insulated your window will be.
Your contractor will be able to provide you with a thorough explanation of the different types of glass that are available and their prices. They will also be able to recommend the best glass for your needs. You may also ask them whether they can upgrade your old windows to more energy efficient glass.
Modern replacement windows come with a warm-edge spacer that protect the area where the frame meets the glass and an argon gas layer to fill in the gaps between the panes. These features allow windows to stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
While it's common to choose a standard clear glass, you can also select colored, frosted or tinted windows. This type of window can provide a unique look and offer more privacy, however 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 use, such as spring tensioners to avoid slams and sensors that detect the possibility of damage.
Installation
The process is simple, whether you want to replace glass in just 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 three holes that are 3/8-inch in diameter, one at each end, and a single in the middle, across the sill and up through the headjamb. Then, they inject expanding foam into the sash-weight pockets to fill any air gaps. In the end, they will apply a layer of elastomeric caulk along the frame's outer edges to guard against moisture and seal the gaps around the new glass.
Measure the window openings prior to you begin the replacement glass for window near me process. Be sure to include the width and thickness. Subtract 1/8 inch from the height and width measurements to allow for the frame to expand and contract according to the weather. If you don't subtract this amount, new glass may be damaged during installation.
Contact your glass manufacturer to place an order, indicating the exact dimensions for your replacement windows. They should be delivered within some days of the initial phone call and they will be ready to install within a few days. Before you begin the removal process, take down any curtains or blinds which are located near your windows seal replacement. Also, be sure that your workspace is clean. You should also place a sheet of plastic or a cloth on the floor in case any broken glass does fall during the process.
Use a paint scraper to remove any wood moldings that are attached to your frame. If there are any glazing points made of metal you can use a heat gun to soften them prior to attempting to pry them off. After the old window has been removed, use a hammer or paint scraper to clean the grooves in which it was previously placed. Then, re-caulk the area with an elastic caulk that matches your replacement glass for windows windows.