What are the Glazing Technologies on Replacement Windows?

replacement windows in Vista, CA

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing options for replacement windows in Vista, CA. The right glazing options are just as important as finding the right window style and frame material as these will largely dictate the safety, efficiency, and longevity of your new windows. Here are a few of the things to keep in mind when choosing the glazing options for your replacement windows:

1. Multiple Panes

Single pane windows are brittle, inefficient, and do very little to protect the home. That is why the standard for insulated glazing units (IGUs) became two or more panes of glass. These units provide better insulation and protection. Finding the right number of panes largely depends on the local climate. Double pane windows are usually the standard, but homeowners can also choose IGUs with three or four panes depending on their needs.

2. Safety Glass

Another feature of modern windows is safety glass. It is specially manufactured and similar to the glass used on windshields for vehicles. Tempered glass is heated and rapidly cooled to improve tensile strength. Not only does it take more force to break this type of glass, but also if it does shatter it breaks into smaller, less dangerous pieces. Another option is laminated glass where two pieces of glass are bonded to a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB). The interlayer keeps much of the glass in place, even if the window gets broken. The last is impact resistant glass which combines the technologies of both tempered glass and laminated glass. These products are specifically designed to withstand blunt force impacts.

3. Inert Gas Fills

It is not ordinary air trapped between panes of glass on IGUs. It has too much play and expands and contracts based on temperature changes. Instead, manufacturers use inert gasses. They have a bit more density and are not as reactive. The most common noble gas used for IGUs is argon gas. It makes up more of the atmosphere making it more readily available. It also has great energy performance in the larger gaps between the glass panels. Krypton has more density and works best in the tighter spaces between glass. Unfortunately, it is not as available and thus comes at a higher price tag.

4. Tints and Coatings

Colored window tints are applied to the glass to help reduce some solar heat gains and reduce the visible transmittance of light. They have usually colored tints and can be relatively easy to spot. The most common tints are either blue, grey, bronze, or green. Some of these applications can block as much as 45% of solar radiation, but that also means blocking much of the visible light.

5. Low-E Glass

Low-E coatings are a better option if homeowners want to block radiant heat transfer but still retain plenty of natural light. These ultrathin metallic coatings are practically invisible, allowing almost all-natural light to pass through. But these work to stop radiant heat from transmitting through the glass. Manufacturers can apply these coatings to different surfaces of the glass to keep heat out in summer, but help retain heat inside the home in winter.

For more information on modern glazing, technologies contact Pelican Replacement Windows. Our experts can help you find the right replacement windows in Vista, CA to match your unique needs.

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