Home Glass
What Is An Insulated Window?
Windows made of insulated glass have something other than a single pane of glass separating one side of the window from the other. They are considered essential in any serious effort to make a home or building as energy efficient as possible. There are a number of different strategies used for insulated glass in order to make it as effective as possible.
The first thing one should ask about when looking at insulated glass is the R-value. This value shows how prone the window is to losing heat. A window with an R-value of 1 is considered very inefficient. Most insulating glass units have an R-value of 2 or higher.
However, the R-value is not the only part of the puzzle to keep in mind. In fact, while an R-value of 3 may be the sign of a very efficient window, it may not make much sense in many environments to find a window with that high of a rating. Getting up to that number can be very costly and the costs may never be realized in potential energy savings. Therefore, that may make some insulated glass windows bad investments.
In addition to the energy savings and comfortable temperatures, insulated glass offers a number of other benefits as well. For example, insulated glass often cuts down on the amount of noise from outside. Second, the units are better guards against dust and pollen.
The most common types of insulated glass are those with multiple panes. Most insulated glass units are double-paned units, though some are triple-paned. Again, windows with double panes are the most likely to be the ones chosen by most people in most environments.
Most insulated glass windows with multiple panes have little in between those panes but air. However, choosing windows that have Argo or Krypton gas in between the panes can offer another level of protection. These gases help reduce convection currents between the panes and thus help slow any air transfer between the inside and outside. Both of these gases are non-toxic, so there is no need to worry should a window break. Some insulated glass may also be coated with a specialized coating which helps reflect the sun’s rays in the summer months.
For those who cannot afford to purchase insulated glass, there are other options as well. Choosing a plastic window covering during the winter months will help keep cold air penetration from taking place so quickly and will act much like insulating glass units. Also, using heavier drapes can cut down on the drafts created by inefficient windows tremendously.
What Does It Mean If a Window Is Low-E?
Low E glass coatings work by reflecting or absorbing IR light (heat energy). The thickness of the Low E coating and the position in the window (#2 or #3 surface) dictate how the window will perform.
- When installed on the #3 surface of an insulated glass unit (IG), the Low E coating will reflect IR heat from inside the room to help reduce the energy loss during the cold months, thereby reducing heating costs.
- When installed on the #2 surface of an IG unit, the Low E coating will reflect or absorb IR heat from the outside, thereby reducing solar gain and cooling costs during the warm months.
Glass that has a low-emissivity coating applied to it in order to control heat transfer through windows. Windows manufactured with low-E coatings typically cost about 10–15% more than regular windows, but they reduce energy loss by as much as 30–50%.
A low-E coating is a microscopically thin, virtually invisible, metal or metallic oxide layer deposited directly on the surface of one or more of the panes of glass. The low-E coating reduces the infrared radiation from a warm pane of glass to a cooler pane, thereby lowering the U-Factor of the window. Different types of low-E coatings have been designed to allow for high solar gain, moderate solar gain, or low solar gain. A low-E coating can also reduce a window's visible transmittance unless you use one that's spectrally selective.
To keep the sun's heat out of the house (for hot climates, east and west-facing windows, and un-shaded south-facing windows), the low-E coating should be applied to the outside pane of glass. If the windows are designed to provide heat energy in the winter and keep heat inside the house (typical of cold climates), the Low-E coating should be applied to the inside pane of glass.
Window manufacturers apply low-E coatings in either soft or hard coats. Soft low-E coatings degrade when exposed to air and moisture, are easily damaged, and have a limited shelf life. Therefore, manufacturers carefully apply them in insulated multiple-pane windows. Hard low-E coatings, on the other hand, are more durable and can be used in add-on (retrofit) applications. The energy performance of hard-coat, low-E films is slightly poorer than that of soft-coat films.
Although low-E coatings are usually applied during manufacturing, some are available for do-it-yourselfers. These films are inexpensive compared to total window replacements, last 10–15 years without peeling, save energy, reduce fabric fading, and increase comfort.
Does it help to go to triple pane windows?
The triple pane insulating glass systems usually feature Dual Soft-Coat Low-Emissivity Glass, one light of annealed Float Glass and a Krypton Gas charged chamber. In addition, the use of a Warm-Edge Spacer System to reduce the transfer of heat and cold along the edge of the glass is critical to the energy savings this style of window provides. This powerful combination boasts a great R value and results in driving lower utility bills and creating the most comfortable environment possible for your home and family. Distracted by the noisy bustle of the outside world? Triple pane windows reduce outdoor sound to quiet your home's environment. Most triple pane windows also incorporate a low-emissity and krypton enhanced glass system, which many times will qualify for the ENERGY STAR® label.
What is Tempered Glass?
Tempered glass is one of two kinds of safety glass regularly used in applications in which standard glass could pose a potential danger. Tempered glass is four to five times stronger than standard glass and does not break into sharp shards when it fails. Tempered glass is manufactured through a process of extreme heating and rapid cooling, making it harder than normal glass. The brittle nature of tempered glass causes it to shatter into small oval-shaped pebbles when broken. This eliminates the danger of sharp edges. Due to this property, along with its strength, tempered glass is often referred to as safety glass.
The thermal process that cures tempered glass also makes it heat resistant. Tempered glass is used to make the carafes in automatic coffee makers and the windows in ovens and gas fireplaces. Computer screens, skylights, door windows, tub enclosures and shower doors are more examples of places you will find Tempered glass. Building codes also require the windows of many public structures to be made of tempered glass.
Tempered glass breaks in a unique way. If any part of the glass fails, the entire panel shatters at once. This distinguishes it from normal glass, which might experience a small crack or localized breakage from an isolated impact. Tempered glass might also fail long after the event that caused the failure. Stresses continue to play until the defect erupts, triggering breakage of the entire panel.
In recent years, acrylic has replaced Tempered glass in many applications in which heat is not a factor. Acrylic is 20 times more impact resistant than glass and does not shatter like Tempered glass. Instead, acrylic dents if the impact is strong enough. If the force is sufficient to cause acrylic to fail, it will crack without shattering. Acrylic is also half the weight of glass and has many other advantages. However, it is flammable. Therefore, you won’t find it in any applications where there is heat or an open flame.
What are my options for glass used in bathrooms?
Bathroom windows often present us with privacy problems. Many times there is a large window over a bathtub or in a bathtub shower combination. Powder rooms are often located at the front of the house with a window looking out onto the front porch. These privacy problem areas are easily fixed with the use of decorative window film or obscure glass. By using our decorative window film or obscure glass you are able to make your bathroom totally private while at the same time letting the sun shine in! The large variety of patterns and styles are available so you to beautifully match any decor that you may have. With decorative window films and obscure types of glass, you will be able to keep your curtains open, let the light shine in and still maintain total privacy!
Is there special glass required for use in Marine applications?
Are you aware that in 1992, a new, safer and stronger type of marine window was necessary, and a company set out to replace the traditional rubber gasket style of window installation? They designed a high quality exterior grade P.V.C. marine window frame glazed with 6mm laminated safety glass (a thicker version of what is in your car). A year later, official government approval was given to begin installing these new windows in commercial fishing vessels of less than fifteen tons. Just as the transition from butyl to urethane in the 1970s improved the structure and integrity of auto glass installations, P.V.C. (vinyl) window frames are a revolutionary step in marine glass installations. P.V.C. framing is UV friendly, and, compared to metal frame windows, more affordable. There are no problems with corrosion and condensation. These windows are installed on the outside of the bulkhead, using stainless steel screws, a high performance silicone sealant, and 6mm laminated safety glass. This all but eliminates the danger of windows collapsing inside when damaged in high seas.
What about custom frameless shower enclosures?
Most custom frameless shower enclosures are manufactured from high quality tempered safety glass with highly polished edges; usually 3/8” or ½” in thickness. All hinges, glass clips and handles come in a variety of colors and have durable finishes that will never fade or wear off. Single sided and back-to-back towel bars and door handles are available and add some extra customization to the installation. Some of the most popular include chrome, brushed nickel and oil rubbed bronze. Precise measurements are very important when choosing a frameless shower door. Measurements should be taken off the shower door curb and the shower enclosure walls to ensure they are plum, level and square. If the measurements are not square, then you can order the glass out of square to make the opening square. All of these measurements are crucial because the frameless shower door glass must be an exact measurement to within 1/16". Once your glass door has been cut, notched, polished and tempered, its measurements cannot be adjusted. The glass must precisely fit the opening. Be sure to use a qualified installer when purchasing a custom show enclosure.
What to look for when choosing a window replacement company?
If you have an in house appointment with a window installer, it is time to get serious about the project. The in house visit is where you get the chance to fully understand what you are getting as a part of the window replacement package. You will be meeting with the window installation company at your house so you can talk about the project in terms of your exact situation, and not in general terms of a typical window replacement.
The questions below address important aspects of the window replacement process that you will want to know the answers to before beginning the project. It is important to ask as many questions as you need to make you feel that you understand and are comfortable with what the installer is proposing. This is your only chance to discuss it before moving forward in the process.
Questions to ask a window installer during the in house appointment.
- What warranty do you offer on your installation work?
- Can you show me a current copy of your liability insurance?
- Who handles service on the windows should something break?
- What is your plan if there is sheet rock, stucco, or brick damage during installation?
- Tell me about your entire installation day process.
- Walk me through how you remove an old window.
- Are you going to be on site for the installation? If not, who is my contact point?
- What is your process if there is a mistake when ordering a window?
- What will the interior trim look like on my windows when they are finished?
- What will the exterior trim look like on my windows when they are finished?
- Do you haul off all of the old windows, trim, and job site trash?
- Does your proposal include painting the interior trim?
- Describe how you weatherproof a new window (caulk, tape, foam etc.)
- How much visible glass will I lose with the replacement windows?
- Will my current window treatments work with the new windows?
Don't be afraid to ask a window installer these questions. You will be glad you did.