The 10 Most Scariest Things About Replacement Window Glass

Six Types of Replacement Window Glass

Broken window panes can lead to energy loss and higher cost of utilities. Window glass replacement is a simple fix to minimize the problems.

When is it a good idea to just replace the glass? It's a much cheaper option than a full replacement, and you will be able to keep your window frames.

Types

Replacement window glass is a complicated process that homeowners and general contractors alike must consider various factors. This includes energy efficiency as well as security. Glass is available in a broad range of thicknesses, styles and options for customizing. This blog post outlines six types of window glass in order to help you decide which one is best for your project.

Single Light Glass

Single-pane glass can be found in older structures and homes. While it offers clarity and is easy to clean, it doesn't provide the superior insulation properties of double-pane windows that are more modern. It can also be dangerous in the event of a break, as it can easily turn into shards.

This type of glass can be used for replicas of historical buildings, where the glass must be in line with the style of the original property in order to keep it in good condition. It is not energy efficient and should be replaced with a new insulated window unit.

Double Pane Insulated Glass

A popular choice for modern homeowners, this type of window is made up of two panes of tempered glass separated by a spacer which is filled with air to provide insulation. This kind of glass can be more energy efficient than a single-pane window, and reduces the transmission of noise and condensate.

Triple Pane Insulated Glazing

A step up from double-pane glass that is insulated, this option has three panes of tempered glass with an argon gas or krypton gas fill between the panes to create an even higher level of energy efficiency. The gases hold heat in the winter months and keep it out in the summer, helping to further cut energy costs.

The two other choices are decorative and add to the aesthetic 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. For extra privacy tinted or glazed glasses can be used instead of traditional glass. It comes in a range of colors and can be frosted, etched or designed to enhance a window's appearance.

Thickness

Glass thickness is among the primary factors to be considered when buying windows for the first time or replacing old glass panes. The thickness of the glass, whether it is laminated or insulation, single strength or double strength, will affect various aspects, including security, energy efficiency, and the reduction of sound. Local construction codes and manufacturer specifications are essential to keep in mind.

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 a majority of residential applications. Double strength window glass might be required when you reside in an airport or a high-rise building.

Double-strength window glass is produced by fusion of at most two sheets of glass together with PVB or polyvinyl butyral. The fusion process utilizes extreme pressure and heat to create an extremely durable, strong pane of glass that is around five times stronger than normal window glass. This type of glass is recommended for those who want your windows to withstand damage from flying debris such as balls or rocks.

Laminated glass has numerous advantages over double-strength glass, including noise reduction and security. This glass is created by fusing two or more sheets of transparent, interlocking glass with layers of plastic or resin. The result is a sheet that is durable and hard to break. This kind of glass is recommended in cases of protecting your pets and children from falls and also the reduction of noise levels within your home.

Insulated glass can be made by adding spacers to the glass. This creates an airspace that can be filled with various gasses for insulation to enhance the window's performance. This can reduce the amount air that enters or leaves the home. Glass is available in a variety of sizes and shapes that range from square or rectangular to circular or arched.

You can tint the insulated glass to add a touch of style or to enhance privacy. It is important to remember that tinting will invalidate any warranty. The turnaround time for insulated replacement glass could vary from 7-10 days based on the size and personalization.

Customization

Depending on your goals for replacing windows replacement, you might want to upgrade the glass to enhance the efficiency of your home's energy use and privacy. You can select from options such as Low-E coating and thickness of insulated glass and the amount of air space between panes.

Energy-efficient glasses can cut down on your energy bills by cutting down on heat transfer between indoors as well as outdoors. Some of these glass options can also cut down on noise, offer UV-ray shielding and enhance the durability. You can choose tinted or frosty glasses to bring some color.

Glass that is decorative is only for aesthetic purposes and does not have any practical use however, it is a great option to make your home more distinctive. You can pick from different patterns and finishes for the perfect look that suits your personal style. You can even create a door or window with a unique shape.

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

Your contractor can provide an in-depth explanation of the types of glass and their prices. They will also be able to recommend the glass type that best suits your needs. You may also ask them whether they are able to upgrade your old windows to more energy efficient glass.

Modern replacement windows often have a warm-edge gas spacer which is insulated between the frame and the glass, and also a layer of argon to fill in the gaps. These features allow windows to remain warmer in winter, and cooler in summer.

You can choose from frosted, patterned or tinted glass. This type of window can provide distinct appearance and provide added privacy, but it's important to think about the impact this can have on your home's lighting and style. There are also specialty windows with features that will increase security and ease of operation like spring tensioners to avoid the windows from crashing and sensors to identify potential damage.

Installation

The procedure is straightforward it doesn't matter if you wish to replace glass for just one window or all of them. First a professional will clean the opening by removing the old putty and scraping the grooves to remove any dirt. They will also drill three holes of 3/8-inch in diameter one at each of the ends and one in the middle, through the sill, and up through the headjamb. Then, they'll inject expanding foam into the sash-weight pockets to fill any air gaps. In the end, they will apply an elastomeric caulk along the frame's outer edges to guard against moisture and close the gaps around the new glass.

Take measurements of the window openings prior to you begin the replacement process. Make sure to include the width and thickness. Also, subtract 1/8 inch from both the height and width measurements in order to allow for expansion and contraction of the frame as weather changes. If you don't subtract this amount, the new glass could be damaged in the process of 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 some days of the initial phone call and they should be ready to install in about a week. Before you begin the removal process, you must take off any blinds or curtains which are located near your windows. Also, ensure to have a clean workspace. You should also place a piece or plastic or cloth down on the floor to catch any broken glass that might fall.

Utilize a paint scraper to remove any wood moldings that are attached to your frame. Heat the metal glazing points before you attempt to pry them out. After removing the old window and hammer, use a paint scraper to clean the grooves which it was originally installed. Then, re-caulk the area using an elastomeric caulk that matches the windows you are replacing.