Replacement Window Glass: 11 Things You re Forgetting To Do
Six Types of Replacement Window Glass
Damaged window panes can cause energy loss and a rise in energy costs. Window glass replacement is a straightforward fix to minimize the problems.
But when is it sense to replace only the glass? This option is often cheaper than a full replacement and you can keep the window frames.
Types
When it comes to replacement window glass, homeowners as well as general contractors need to consider a variety of factors that impact their overall goals. This includes energy efficiency as well as security. Glass is available in a wide range of thicknesses, styles and options for customization. This blog post explores six types of window glass in order to help you decide which one is suitable for your project.
Single Light Glass
Single pane glass is a common sight in older homes and buildings. It is easy to clean and offers clarity however it doesn't provide the same insulation like modern double-paned windows. 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 replicas of historical buildings in which the glass has to match the design of the original building to keep it in good condition. It is not very energy efficient and must be replaced by a new, insulated window replacements near me unit.
Double Pane Insulated Glass
This option is a popular choice among modern homeowners. It is comprised of two panes of tempered glass, separated by an air-filled spacer. This kind of glass could be more efficient in energy use than a single pane window, and reduces condensate and noise transmission.
Triple Pane Insulated Glazing
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 in between for a higher level of energy efficiency. The gases help to reduce energy costs by capturing heat in the winter months and letting it out during summer.
The two other options are decorative and can add to the aesthetic of your home's exterior. Laminated or tempered glass is stronger than regular glass, making it a great choice for areas susceptible to being damaged by debris or weather conditions. Tinted or glazed glass is frequently used in place of traditional glass to provide privacy. It is available in a wide range of colors, and can be etched, frosted or designed to improve the appearance of the window.
Thickness
Glass thickness is a crucial aspect to be considered when buying new windows or replacing old glass panes. The thickness of the glass, no matter if it is laminated, insulated, single strength or double strength, will affect various aspects such as security, energy efficiency, and the reduction of sound. Local building codes and manufacturer requirements are important to be aware of.
The simplest type of window glass is single strength - which is a basic piece of clear glass. The glass is 3/8 inch thick and is commonly used in residential applications. If you live in a high-rise building, or your home is near an airport, your windows might require double strength window glass.
Double-strength glass is created by fusing two or more glass sheets together with PVB (polyvinyl butyral). Fusion processes use high heat and pressure to create a durable, strong pane of window glass that is five times stronger than standard glass. This type of glass should be used when you want to protect your windows from flying debris, like balls or rocks.
Laminated glass is similar in structure to double-strength but has additional perks like noise reduction and safety. This glass is made by fusing at a minimum two sheets of clear glass together with interlocking resin or plastic to create a sturdy, layered panel that is extremely difficult to break. This type of glass is recommended for those who are concerned about protecting your pets or children from accidental falls, and reducing the noise level in your home.
Insulated glass can be made by adding spacers to the glass. This creates an air space which can then be filled with various gasses for insulation to enhance the window's performance. This will reduce the amount of air that escapes or enters the home, which improves the energy efficiency. Glass comes in a wide range of shapes and sizes.
The glass insulated can also be tinted to add an element of privacy or fashion. It is important to note that tinting will invalidate 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
You can change the glass in your new Replacement Window Near Me windows to enhance your home's privacy and energy efficiency. You can select from options such as Low E coating or 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 decreasing the transfer of heat between indoors and outdoors. Certain types of glass can also cut down on noise, offer UV-ray protection, and improve durability. You can also pick tinted glass to add a splash of color or frosted glass for more subtle appearance.
The purpose of decorative glass is to enhance the aesthetics and does not have any functional uses however it can be a great option to make your home more distinctive. You can pick from a variety of designs and finishes to create an appearance that matches your style. You can choose to have a door or window with a custom-made shape.
Choose from single-paned, double-paned triple-paned, or single-paned windows. Each has different amounts of airspace 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 types of glass and their costs. They can also recommend the most suitable glass for your needs. You can also ask them to upgrade your old windows with energy efficient glass.
A lot of modern replacement windows have gas spacers with warm edges that is insulated where the frame meets with the glass and a layer argon to fill in the gaps. These features help keep the window warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
You can pick from frosted, patterned or tinted glass. This can give you distinct appearance and provide additional privacy, but it's important to consider how this might impact the lighting and style of your home. There are also special windows with features that improve security and ease of use, such as spring tensioners to prevent collisions and sensors to detect the possibility of damage.
Installation
If you are looking to replace the glass in one window, or all of them, the procedure is quite simple. First a professional will clean the opening by removing old putty and then scraping the grooves clean. They will also drill holes of 3/8-inch diameter one at each end, and a single hole in the center, down through the sill and up through the head jamb. They will then inject expanding foam into the pockets of sash weights to fill air gaps. Then, they apply a layer of caulk made of elastomeric along the frame's exterior edges to guard against moisture and fill in the gaps around the new glass.
Before you begin the replacement process, measure the width and height of your window openings, making sure to take into account the width and thickness of the framing. Subtract 1/8 inches from the height and width measurements to allow for the frame to expand and contract in response to the weather. If you do not subtract this amount, your new glass could be damaged during installation.
Once you have the measurements, contact your glass manufacturer and place an order for the exact dimensions of your replacement windows. After your initial call, you should receive the windows within a few weeks. They'll be ready for installation within about a week. Before you begin the removal process, take down any curtains or blinds that are near your windows. Also, make sure that your workspace is clean. It is also recommended to place a piece of plastic or cloth down on the floor to catch any broken glass that might fall.
Use a paint scraper remove any wood moldings attached to your frame. The glazing points of the metal should be heated before you try to pry them out. After taking the old window off, use a hammer or paint scraper to clean the grooves which it was initially installed. Then, re-caulk the area with an elastic caulk that matches your replacement windows.