10 No-Fuss Methods For Figuring Out Your Replacement Window Glass

Six Types of Replacement Window Glass

Window panes damaged by damage can result in energy loss and increase cost of utilities. Window glass replacement is a straightforward solution to eliminate these issues.

But when is it sense to replace just the glass? It's a much cheaper option than a full replacement, and you can keep the window frames.

Types

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

Single Lite Glass

Single-pane glass can be used in older buildings and houses. Although it is clear and is easy to clean, it does not offer the insulation benefits of modern double-pane windows. It's also a risk in the event of a break, as it can easily turn into fragments.

This type of glass is often required for reproduction of historical significance since the glass must be a replica of the original design to preserve the original design. It is not very energy efficient and must be replaced with a new insulated window unit.

Double Pane Insulated Glass

A popular choice for modern-day homeowners, this option consists of two panes of tempered glass separated by a spacer that is filled with air to provide insulation. This kind of glass can be more energy efficient than a single-pane window and reduce noise transmission and condensate.

Triple Pane Insulated Glazing

A step up from double-pane insulated glass, this option has three panes of tempered glass that have an gas filled with argon or Krypton between the panes for an even greater efficiency in energy usage. The gases aid in reducing energy costs by capturing heat in winter and keeping it out in summer.

The last two choices are decorative and enhance the look of your exterior of your home. Laminated or tempered glass is stronger than regular glass, making it a great choice for areas susceptible to damage due to debris or glaze weather conditions. For extra privacy tinted or glazed glasses can be used instead of traditional glass. It is available in a wide variety of colors, and it can be etched, frosted or glaze designed to enhance the window's look.

Thickness

Glass thickness is an important aspect to be considered when buying new windows or replacing old glass panes. No matter if it's single strength double strength, double strength, laminated or insulated the thickness of the glass will impact various aspects, including security, energy efficiency and noise reduction. Local building codes and manufacturer requirements are essential to be aware of.

Single strength is the simplest type of glass used for windows. It is a simple sheet made of clear glass. This glass is 3/32" thick and is used in a majority of residential applications. If you live in a high-rise building, or your home is close to an airport, your windows may require double strength window glass.

Double-strength glass is made by fusion of two or more glass sheets with PVB (polyvinyl butyral). The process of fusion uses high heat and pressure to produce an extremely durable and strong piece of window glass that is five times stronger than standard glass. This kind of glass should be used for those who want to shield your windows from flying debris, such as rocks or balls.

Laminated glass has many advantages over double-strength glass, including noise reduction and safety. It is made by fusing two or more sheets of transparent, interlocking glass with layers of plastic or resin. The result is a panel that is durable and hard to break. This kind of glass is suggested if your primary concerns are protecting your pets or children from accidental falls, as well as lessening the noise in your home.

Insulated glass can be produced by adding spacers to the glass. This creates an air space that can then be filled with various gasses that are insulating to improve the window performance. This can reduce the amount air that can enter or leave the home. Glass comes in a variety of sizes and shapes, ranging from square or rectangular to circular or arched.

The glass insulated can also be tinted to add an element of privacy or style. It is important to remember that tinting will invalidate any warranty. The time frame for insulated replacement glass can vary between 7 and 10 days, based on the size and customization.

Customization

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

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

The purpose of decorative glass is to enhance the aesthetics and does not have any functional uses, but it can be an excellent way to make your home more distinctive. You can pick from a variety of styles and finishes to create an appearance that matches your personal style. You can select to have a window or door with a custom-made shape.

Choose from single-paned, double-paned triple-paned or single-paned windows that have different amounts of airspace between the panes. The more airspace you can have the more insulation your window will be.

Your contractor will be able to provide a comprehensive explanation of the various kinds of glass that are available and their prices. They can also suggest the type of glass that will best meet your needs. You can also ask them to upgrade your windows with 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 the gaps between the panes. These features keep the window warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

You can choose between tinted, frosted or patterned glass. This can give a unique design and provides additional privacy. However, it's important to consider the impact on your home's style and lighting. There are also special windows with features that will increase security and ease of operation, such as spring tensioners to avoid collisions and sensors to detect potential damage.

Installation

The procedure is easy it doesn't matter if you wish to replace glass in only one window or all of them. First professionals will prepare the opening by removing old putty and scraping the grooves clean. They will also drill 3/8-inch diameter holes one near each end and a single hole in the middle, down through the sill and then up through the head jamb. They will then inject expanding foam into the sash weight pockets to fill air gaps. Then, they apply an elastomeric sealant to the exterior edges of the frame, to protect it from moisture and seal any gaps around the new glass.

Before you begin the replacement process, measure the width and height of the windows' openings making sure to account for the width and thickness of the framing. Also subtract 1/8 inch from both the height and width measurements in order to allow the expansion and contraction of the frame when the weather changes. If you don't subtract this amount, the new glass may be damaged in the process of installation.

Contact your glass manufacturer to place an order, indicating the exact dimensions for your replacement windows. After your initial phone call you should receive your windows within a couple of weeks. They'll be ready to install within about a week. Before beginning the removal process, clean out any blinds or curtains from near your windows and make sure that you have a clean workspace. It is also advisable to place a plastic sheet or a cloth on the floor in case any broken glass falls during the process.

If you're ready to start taking down the old window, start by using a paint scraper or old chisel to take away any pieces of wood molding that are connected to the frame. Heat the metal glazing points before you try to pry them off. After taking off the old window, use a hammer or paint scraper to clean the grooves the window that it was originally put in. Re-caulk with an elastomeric sealant to match the replacement windows.