Replacement Window Glass: 11 Things You've Forgotten To Do

Six Types of Replacement Window Glass

A damaged window pane can be an issue that could cause lower energy usage and higher utility bills. Window glass replacement is an easy fix to minimize the problems.

What is the best idea to just replace the glass? This is typically less expensive than a full replacement and you can also keep your window frames.

Types

Window replacement is a complicated process that both general contractors and homeowners alike must consider various factors. This includes energy efficiency, protection, and appearance. Glass comes in a variety designs, thicknesses and options. This blog post explores six different types window glass in order to help you decide which one is the best fit for your project.

Single Lite Glass

Single pane glass is common in older buildings and homes. It is easy to clean and offers clarity however, it does not provide the same insulation as modern double-paned windows. It can also be dangerous in the event of a break as it could easily turn into fragments.

This type of glass is often required for reproduction of historical significance since the glass must be in line with the original design to preserve the property. It isn't very energy efficient and should be changed by a new, insulated window unit.

Double Pane Insulated Glass

This is a very popular choice among modern homeowners. It is comprised of two panes tempered glass that are separated by an air-filled spacer. This kind of glass could be more energy efficient than a single-pane window and reduce condensate and noise transmission.

Triple Pane Insulated Glass

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 for an even higher level of energy efficiency. The gases can help reduce the cost of energy by capturing heat in the winter months and letting it escape during summer.

The two other options are decorative and can improve the appearance of your exterior home. Laminated or tempered glass is more durable than regular glass, making it a great choice for areas susceptible to damage due to debris or window replacement weather conditions. For added privacy, tinted or glazed glass can be used in place of traditional glass. It comes in a variety of colors and can be frosted, etched, or decorated to enhance the window's appearance.

Thickness

Glass thickness is a key aspect to be considered when buying 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 several aspects including security, energy efficiency and sound reduction. It is also crucial to think about local building codes and the requirements of the manufacturer.

Single strength is the simplest type of glass used for windows. It is a simple sheet of clear glass. The glass is 3/8 inch thick and is used in residential applications. If you live in a high-rise building or you live close to an airport, your windows may require double strength window glass.

Double-strength glasses are made by fusing two or more sheets of glass with PVB (polyvinyl butyral). The fusion process utilizes extreme pressure and heat to create a strong, durable pane of glass that is around five times stronger than standard window glass. This kind of glass is recommended when you want to protect your windows from flying debris like balls or rocks.

Laminated glass has numerous advantages over double-strength glass including noise reduction and security. It is created by fusing at least two sheets of clear glass together with interlocking plastic or resin to create a sturdy, layered panel that is difficult to break. This kind of glass is recommended for those who are concerned about protecting your children or pets from falls that could be accidental, and reducing the noise level within your home.

Insulated glass can be produced by adding spacers to the glass. This creates an airspace that can be filled with various insulating gasses to improve the window performance. This can reduce the amount of air that escapes or gets into the home, thus increasing the efficiency of energy. Glass comes in a variety of shapes and sizes that range from square or rectangular to circular or arched.

You can tint the glass to give it a touch of class or to enhance privacy. It is important to remember that tinting will void any warranty. Turnaround for insulated window replacement glass can vary from 7 to 10 business days, depending on the size and custom nature of the order.

Customization

Depending on your goals for replacing windows, you may want to upgrade the glass to improve your home's energy efficiency as well as privacy. You can choose from a variety of options, including Low-E coating, insulated glass thickness, and the amount of air space between panes.

Energy-efficient glasses can cut down on your energy bills by reducing heat transfer between indoors as well as outdoors. Some of these options can also reduce noise, offer UV protection, and increase durability. You can also choose tinted glass to add a pop of color or frosted glass for more subtle appearance.

Decorative glass is purely aesthetic and does not have any practical uses however, it is a great way to make your home unique. You can choose from a variety of designs and finishes to create a style that suits your personality. You can create a door or window with a custom-designed shape.

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

Your contractor can give you an in-depth description of the types of glass and their costs. They can also suggest the best type of glass for your needs. You can ask them to replace upvc window handle your windows to more energy-efficient glass.

Many modern replacement windows come with a warm-edge separator to insulate the area where the frame meets the glass and a layer of argon gas to fill the gaps between the panes. These features help the window remain warmer in winter, and cooler in summer.

While it's normal to pick a standard clear glass, you can select patterns, frosted, or tinted windows. This can give a unique appearance and can offer additional privacy. However, it is important to consider the impact on the style of your home and lighting. There are also specialty windows with features that improve security and ease of operation like spring tensioners to prevent collisions and sensors to detect the possibility of damage.

Installation

If you're looking to replace the glass in just one window or all of them, the process is pretty simple. 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 3/8-inch diameter holes one near each end, and one hole in the center 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. Then, they'll apply an elastomeric sealant along the edges of the frame, to protect it from moisture and seal any gaps around the glass.

Before you begin the replacement process, take measurements of the window openings making sure to account for the size and thickness of the frame. Subtract 1/8 inches from the width and Window Replacement height measurements to allow the frame to expand and contract with the weather. If you don't subtract this amount, the new glass may be damaged during installation.

Contact your glass manufacturer to place an order, indicating the exact dimensions of your replacement windows. After your initial call you should receive the windows within a few weeks. They will be ready to install in about a week. Before beginning the removal process, remove any curtains or blinds close to your windows. Also, ensure that you have a clean work area. It is also recommended to place a piece or cloth or plastic down on the floor to catch any broken glass that may fall.

If you're ready to start removal of the old window, start by using a paint scraper or old chisel to remove any pieces of wood molding that are attached to the frame. Heat the metal glazing points before you attempt to pry them off. After removing the old window using a hammer or paint scraper to clean the grooves which it was originally installed. Re-caulk the area with an elastomeric sealant that is compatible with the new windows.