Six Types of Replacement Window Glass

Broken window panes can lead to energy loss and a rise in utility costs. Window glass replacement is a straightforward solution to eliminate these issues.

But when does it make sense to only replace the glass? This is typically less expensive than a full replacement and you can also keep the window frames.

Types

When it comes to replacement windows, homeowners and general contractors must consider many aspects that affect their overall goals. This includes energy efficiency, safety and aesthetics. Glass is available in a variety of designs, thicknesses and options. In this blog post, we explore six different kinds of window glass to help you decide which one is the best fit for your project.

Single Light Glass

Single pane glass is a common sight in older buildings and homes. While it offers clarity and is easy to clean, it does not offer the insulation benefits of double-pane windows that are more modern. It can also be dangerous if it breaks as it could easily turn into shards.

This type of glass is often required for historical replication, as the glass must be in line with the original design to preserve the original design. It is not energy efficient and should be replaced by a new, insulated window unit.

double glazed window replacement-paned Insulated Glass

This is a popular choice among modern homeowners. It consists of two panes tempered glass, separated by an air-filled spacer. This type of glass is more energy-efficient than a single pane window and it also helps reduce noise transmission and condensation.

Triple Pane Insulated Glass

This is an upgrade from double-paned glass with insulated coating. It is made up of three panes of tempered glass and an argon gas or krypton fill between them for greater energy efficiency. The gases suffocate heat in the winter months and keep it out during the summer, helping to reduce energy bills.

The last two options can be decorative and improve the appearance of your home. Laminated glass or tempered glass is stronger than regular glass and can be used in areas that might be damaged by debris or weather conditions. To provide additional privacy tinted or glazed glass can be used in place of traditional glass. It is available in a wide variety of colors, and can be etched, Window Replacement frosted, or patterned to enhance the window’s look.

Thickness

Glass thickness is a key aspect to take into consideration when purchasing new windows or replacing old glass panes. It doesn’t matter if it’s single strength, double strength, laminated or insulated the thickness of the glass will impact a number of characteristics including energy efficiency, security and noise reduction. It is also essential to take into consideration local building codes and requirements from the manufacturer.

The simplest type of window glass is single strength – which is a simple sheet of clear glass. It is 3/32 inches thick and is commonly used in residential applications. If you live in a high-rise building or live close to an airport, your windows might require double strength window glass.

Double-strength glass is made by fusing two or more glass sheets together with PVB (polyvinyl butyral). The fusion process 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 type of glass should be used for those who want to shield your windows from flying debris, like balls or rocks.

Laminated glass offers many advantages over double-strength glass including noise reduction and security. It is made by fusing two or more sheets of clear interlocking glass using layers of resin or plastic. The result is a panel that is tough and difficult to break. This kind of glass should be used when you are concerned about safeguarding your children and pets from falls as well as the reduction of noise levels in your home.

Insulated glass can be made by adding spacers to the glass. This creates an air space that can be filled with various gasses for insulation to enhance the window performance. This will reduce the amount of air that can enter or leave the home. Glass is available in a variety of sizes and shapes, window replacement ranging from square or rectangular to arched or circular.

You can tint the insulated glass to add a touch of style or privacy. However, it is crucial to remember that tinting does not invalidate any warranty. Turnaround for insulated window replacement 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 might want to upgrade the glass to improve your home’s energy efficiency and privacy. You can choose from options such as Low-E coating and insulated glass thickness and the amount of air space between panes.

Energy-efficient glass can cut down your energy consumption by reducing the transfer of heat from the indoors and the outdoors. Some of these options can also reduce noise, offer UV protection, and improve durability. You can choose tinted or frosty glasses to bring an accent of color.

Glass that is decorative is only for aesthetic purposes and has no functional uses however it can be a great option to make your home distinctive. You can pick from a wide range of styles and colors to create a look that suits your personality. You can choose to create a door or window with a custom-designed shape.

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

Your contractor can give you an in-depth description of the kinds of glass available and their prices. They will also be able to recommend the best type of glass for your needs. You can also ask them to upgrade your windows to more energy-efficient glass.

Modern replacement windows often have a warm-edge gas spacer that insulates the area where the frame meets the glass and a layer argon to fill in the gaps. These features allow windows to remain warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

While it’s typical to select the standard clear glass, you can opt for patterns, frosted, or tinted windows. This type of window has a distinctive appearance and can offer additional privacy. However, it’s important to take into consideration the impact on the style of your home and lighting. There are also windows with features that increase security and ease-of-use like spring tensioners to prevent crashes or potential damage.

Installation

If you are looking to replace window handle the glass in one window, or all of them, the procedure is pretty simple. A professional will first prepare the opening, removing the old putty. They will then scrape the grooves to get rid of any dirt. They will also drill three holes that are 3/8-inch in diameter, one at each end and one in the middle, through the sill and up through the headjamb. They will then inject expanding foam into the pockets of sash weights to fill air gaps. In the end, they will apply a layer of elastomeric caulk around the frame’s edges to protect against moisture and seal the gaps around the new glass.

Before beginning the replacement process, measure the width and height of your window openings, taking into consideration the thickness and width of the frame. Also, subtract 1/8 inch from the height and width measurements to allow for expansion and contraction of the frame when weather conditions change. If you don’t 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 appointment for the exact measurements of the replacement windows. They should be delivered within a few days after the initial phone call and they should be ready for installation in about a week. Before beginning the removal process, clear out any curtains or blinds from near your windows and make sure that you have a clear area to work from. You should also put a piece of cloth or plastic down on the floor to stop any broken glass that might fall.

Utilize a paint scraper to remove any wood moldings that are attached to your frame. Warm the glazing points of the frame before you attempt to pry them off. Once the old window is removed using a hammer or paint scraper to clean the grooves in which it was previously placed. Re-caulk using an elastomeric sealant that matches the replacement windows.