How To Outsmart Your Boss In Replacement Window Glass
Six Types of Replacement Window Glass
Damaged window panes can cause energy loss and a rise in cost of utilities. Window glass replacement is a straightforward fix to minimize the problems.
What is the best idea to replace just the glass? This is a less expensive option than a full replacement, and you can keep your window frames.
Types
When it comes to replacing window glass, homeowners and general contractors need to consider a variety of aspects that affect their overall goals. This includes energy efficiency, protection, and appearance. Glass comes in a variety of designs, thicknesses and options. This blog post outlines six different kinds of window glass in order 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 homes and structures. While it offers clarity and is easy to clean, it doesn't have the enhanced insulating properties of modern double-pane windows. It is also a danger when it is broken as it can easily become fragments.
This type of glass can be used for historical replications where the glass must be a replica of the original property to preserve it. It is not energy efficient and should be replaced with a new insulated glass unit.
Insulated Double-paned Double-paned Glass
This is a very popular choice for homeowners of today. It is comprised of two panes 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 reduce the transmission of noise and condensate.
Triple Pane Insulated Glazing
This is an upgrade to double-paned glass with insulated coating. It has three panes tempered glass and an argon gas or krypton fill between them for greater energy efficiency. The gases hold heat in winter and keep it out in summer, helping to further reduce energy bills.
The two other options are decorative and can enhance the look of your exterior of your home. Laminated glass or tempered glass is more durable than regular glass and can be utilized in areas that could be damaged by debris or weather conditions. Glass that is tinted or glazed is often used in place of traditional glass to provide privacy. It comes in a range of colors and can be frosted, etched or designed to enhance a window's appearance.
Thickness
Glass thickness is a crucial aspect to be considered when buying new windows or replacing old glass panes. It doesn't matter if it's single strength or double strength, laminated or insulated the thickness of the glass will impact a number of characteristics such as security, energy efficiency and noise reduction. It is also essential to consider local building codes and requirements from the manufacturer.
Single strength is the simplest type of glass for windows. It is a basic sheet of clear glass. This glass is 3/32" thick and is used in a majority of residential applications. Double strength window glass may be required when you live in a high-rise or airport building.
Double-strength glass is created by fusing two or more glass sheets with PVB (polyvinyl butyral). Fusion processes use high temperatures and pressure to create an extremely durable and strong piece of window glass that is five times stronger than normal glass. This type of glass is ideal if you wish to protect your windows from flying debris, like balls or rocks.
Laminated glass is similar to double-strength, but it has other advantages such as noise reduction and security. This glass is created by fusing two or more sheets of transparent, interlocking glass with 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 protecting your children and pets from falls, as well as reducing noise levels in your home.
Insulated glass is produced by adding spacers between the glass to create an air space which can be filled with a variety of insulating gases to improve window performance. This reduces the amount of air that escapes or enters the home, which improves the energy efficiency. This glass is available in various sizes and shapes, ranging from square or rectangular to arched or circular.
You can tint the glass to add a touch of style or to enhance privacy. It is important to keep in mind that tinting will void any warranty. The turnaround time for insulated replacement glass could vary from 7-10 days depending on the size and personalization.
Customization
You may upgrade the glass in your replacement windows to increase your home's privacy and energy efficiency. You can choose from options such as Low-E coating and thickness of insulated glass and the amount of air space between panes.
Energy-efficient glass can help reduce your energy bills by decreasing the transfer of heat from the indoors and outdoors. Some of these glass options can also cut down on noise, provide UV-ray protection and enhance the durability. You can choose tinted or frosted glasses to bring a splash of color.
Decorative glass has no functional use and is only for aesthetic purposes. However, it can make your home unique. You can pick from a wide range of patterns and finishes to create a style that is a reflection of your style. You can choose to create a door or window with a customized shape.
Choose between double-paned, single-paned triple-paned or single-paned windows that have different amounts of airspace between the panes. The more airspace your window replacement near me has, the better it will be well-insulated.
Your contractor will be able to provide you with a thorough explanation of the various kinds of glass available and their costs. They will also be able to recommend the most suitable glass for your requirements. You might also ask if they can upgrade your windows to more energy efficient glass.
Many modern replacement windows include a warm-edge gas spacer that protects the area 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.
While it's typical to select a standard clear glass, you can opt for frosted, patterned, or tinted windows. This can give you distinct appearance and provide additional privacy, but it's important to consider how this might impact your home's lighting and style. There are also specialty windows that have features that increase security and ease of use, such as spring tensioners to prevent the windows from crashing and sensors to identify potential damage.
Installation
Whether you want to replace the glass in just one window or all of them, the process is fairly straightforward. First, a professional will prepare the opening by removing old putty and then scraping the grooves clean. They will also drill three holes of 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 in the sash weight pockets to fill air gaps. In the end, they will apply a layer of elastomeric caulk along the frame's exterior edges to guard against moisture and seal the gaps between the glass.
Before beginning the replacement process, take measurements of the window openings making sure to take into account the thickness and width of the framing. Also, subtract 1/8 inch from both the height and width measurements to allow the expansion and contraction of the frame when weather conditions change. If you don't subtract this amount, the new glass could be damaged during installation.
Once you have the measurements, call your glass manufacturer and make an order for the exact dimensions of your replacement windows. They should be delivered within a few days of the initial phone call and they should be ready for installation within a few days. Before beginning the removal process, take out any curtains or blinds from the windows in front of them and make sure that you have a clear area to work from. Also, you should put a piece of cloth or plastic down on the floor to stop any broken glass that may fall.
If you're ready to start removing the old window pane, start by using a paint scraper or an old chisel to remove any pieces of wood molding that are attached to the frame. The glazing points of the metal should be heated before you try to pry them out. After removing the old window and hammer, use a paint scraper to clean the grooves in which it was originally installed. Then, seal the area with an elastomeric caulk that matches the replacement windows.