The Basics of Window Glass Replacement
Repairing damaged windows is a cost-effective way to increase your home's energy efficiency as well as reduce heating and cooling costs. It is essential to keep your window frames in good shape for a tighter seal to prevent condensation between the windowspanes.
Performing window glass replacement requires a few items and tools. Put on eye protection and gloves before beginning. Wearing pliers, take off old glazing points--tiny fasteners that secure the pane to the frame.
Frame Material
It is important to consider the frame material when replacing windows. It affects the appearance, the efficiency of the energy used and the maintenance requirements of the window throughout its life. The material used for the frame can influence the performance and durability of your window, which affects the return on investment.
The most popular frame material is wood. Other materials include vinyl, aluminum and fiberglass. Each of them has its own benefit to homeowners. For instance, wood frames provide a natural aesthetic and superior insulation properties, while aluminum provides durability in cold climates. For log cabins as well as historic homes frames made of wood or wood-clad make a great choice. Fiberglass is a great option for modern designs.
The choice of the best frame material will also depend on your budget, installation method and the design of your home. The frame material is a major factor in the total cost of your windows, so make sure to take this into consideration carefully.
For example, if you are looking for the highest efficiency in energy consumption available, consider getting fiberglass or wood-clad windows with an R-value around zero or less. The lower the R value is, the better the windows will be well-insulated. Moisture resistance is another important aspect to consider. This determines the degree to which your windows are able to resist condensation.
If you're looking to find a high-end but budget-friendly alternative, vinyl is the way to go. It's a durable, tough material that can withstand harsh weather conditions. It also requires little maintenance and is available in a broad variety of textures, colors, and designs to complement any home.
Vinyl is a great choice for sunny locations, as it doesn't fade or discolor due to UV exposure. It's not recommended for humid or rainy climates, however, as it could deteriorate under these conditions.
Fiberglass frames are a fantastic option for homeowners due to the fact that they offer a high degree of thermal efficiency and durability. They also come in a variety of textures, colors and designs that enhance the interior design of your home. Although they are more expensive than vinyl or aluminum frames, they are an excellent investment for homeowners, especially those who live in warmer climates.
The most recent synthetic frames are made of fiberglass strands woven through heated resin. This material is becoming more popular due to its ability to stand up to extreme weather conditions, household use and insect or rot damage. It is also a great choice for coastal or humid areas, and is available in a variety of appealing colors and finishes.
Glass Thickness
Glass is available in different thicknesses, depending on the use that it will be put to. Thicker glass is more durable and able to resist breaking, while thinner glass has a tendency to shatter. Glass thickness can vary based on design, performance and building codes. Most standard residential windows come with clear float glass that can range from 3-5mm thick. Different types of windows like bay or bow can have thicker glass due to design specifications and energy efficiency goals.
The glass can be tempered or annealed depending on its type and thickness. Tempered glass is stronger and has a higher solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), and insulates better than annealed. While annealed is cheaper, it's less robust and less durable than tempered glass.
Before purchasing a new pane of glass be sure to measure the height and width of your window opening in at least two locations. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement in order to purchase an exact replacement pane. This slight undersizing can simplify the installation and allow room for seasonal expansion and contraction.
Once you have the exact dimensions, take the glass to your local hardware store or home center. Make use of a small amount of linseed and glazing point on the glazier's blade to make the glass to fit perfectly into the frame. Press the putty gently into the glass, making sure it is flat against the rabbet. When the putty is dry then a light layer of linseed oil may be applied to a glazier's knife to help in the removal of the glass pane in the future.
If you're looking to increase the efficiency of your existing window, you should consider replacing your windows with krypton gas-filled
cheap Double glazed windows-pane windows. Krypton reduces heat transfer,
cheap double glazed Windows which reduces your cooling expenses during summer. Laminated glass is also more resistant to breaking than annealed or tempered glass. It's around five times stronger than normal glass and is able to stand up to the force of a toy or rock.
Glass Style
Glass is a key element of aesthetics and function of buildings, homes, and other structures. Glass windows are a great method to allow the illusion of light and clarity while retaining the privacy. Six different kinds of glass are used in windows. Each has a specific purpose.
The standard clear glass used in most windows is called float glass. It's a good choice for budget-conscious homeowners since it isn't treated or upgraded. If you wish to improve its energy efficiency and increase its visibility, you can improve the glass by adding an insulating gas or air between the panes.
Tempered glass is a strong glass that is heated and cooled during the process of making it stronger than regular window glass. It is four times stronger and is the most widely used glass for windows. The glass is usually laminated, which improves its strength and durability. It is coated with an invisible film to help resist scratches and other damage to surfaces.
Heat-strengthened glasses are somewhere between the annealed glass and the glass that has been tempered when it comes to strength and durability. It's slightly less durable than the tempered glass, but it's still more durable than float. This kind of glass is a great choice for windows with exteriors because it can withstand the force of winds and storms.
It is a transparent glass that is either painted, textured or both. It is difficult to see through, but it allows plenty of light to flow through. It is easy to clean and does not streak. If you want an elegant look you can choose obscured glass that has a metallic coating on one side. It acts as a mirror.
If you are replacing double-pane windows you can improve their efficiency by filling the space between the two panes by using the gas argon or krypton for frost resistance and to reduce noise. You can also choose low emissivity (low-E) glass, which is coated to minimize infrared heat and UV light without affecting your view, or reducing natural lighting.
Installation
Window glass replacements are usually much simpler than full frame installation. However, you must employ the appropriate safety equipment to safeguard yourself from any unexpected breakage. Wearing thick gloves and safety eyewear is vital and so is putting an asterisk-shaped grid across the
broken window pane to prevent any further damage. You can also temporarily tape the cracks to prevent them from spreading.
Installers will apply a thin layer of caulk on the outside of the window once it is installed. This will ensure that there is an airtight seal.