Types of Window Glass

In this article we will get into the different types of window glass that are available for you. Our team can provide quick glass replacement for those times when it is not an issue with security or importance. We handle custom mirrors, single pane glass, custom double pane units, storm door glass and tempered glass.

When you give us a call for glass replacement there is a few things you should know, depending on what use you have for the different types of window glass. First off, we will look at your window glass replacement. When you dial for a window replacement most glass companies will need to know some information about your window.

the different types of window glass

These questions below may be asked if you call ahead for a service.

Approximate size of the glass that needs to be replaced? This is provided to accurately quote your glass.

Is the window single or double pane? Pricing for single and double pane units are different and can widely adjust your cost.

Is the glass more that 24 inches from a door? By Federal Building code you must use tempered (safety glass) if it is closer than 24 inches from a door.

Is the glass clear or tinted? Pricing will be different for clear and tinted glass units.

Do you have a grid pattern in the glass? This will adjust the price as well.

With the information above you will be able to give us a call and get a accurate quote on the different types of window glass replacement services that you need. We offer a wide variety of glass available and the applications that they are required for.

The Different Types of Window Glass

  • Single Pane Glass
  • Double Pane Glass
  • Annealed (Plate) Glass
  • Tempered Glass
  • Laminated Glass

Single Pane Glass

Single pane windows are the most common type of windows. They are made up of a single piece of glass in residential applications the glass is typically no thicker than 1/8″, in commercial applications the glass is most commonly 1/4″ thick. Single pane windows for the most part are an obsolete product, other than the glass itself, many parts are no longer available for these windows. With that in mind, we recommend that you upgrade your windows with a high-quality dual pane window.

Double Pane Glass

Double pane windows are made up of two pieces of glass separated by an airspace that are physically sealed together and cannot be separated. Dual panes can be made up of countless combinations of glass and spacers to make the overall thickness anywhere from 7/16″ all the way up to 1 and 1/4″. Dual panes may also have tinted glass on the outer pane please note the tint when calling for an estimate. We can also upgrade your glass to tinted at an additional charge.  In general, the more airspace that there is in the unit the better the insulation the window provides. There are other factors that can improve the efficiency of your windows. Among the best options you can have on your windows is a low-E coating. This will allow your windows to reflect much of the heat and UV radiation away from the inside of your home. Keep in mind, while shopping for a dual pane replacement that there are different qualities of dual panes, ranging from no warranty to a ten-year warranty. Make sure you ask about warranty while shopping, some companies may offer no or less warranty order to quote you a lower price.

Annealed (Plate) Glass

Annealed glass is one of the most common glass around, however, it also has the potential of being one of the most dangerous glass types if used incorrectly. Many of the older homes in town still have annealed glass in their doors, this is a dangerous situation. Annealed glass in doors can break just by closing the door, or if someone were to walk into the door the glass would break into large, jagged shards that could potentially cause severe cuts. When replacing annealed glass in doors it is required that the “door opening” be brought up to code, thus requiring all glass within the main door frame be replaced with safety glass. We recommend all the glass in your home be inspected and brought up to current code.

Tempered Glass

Tempered glass possesses the basic visual qualities of annealed glass. The induced stress condition sometimes produces a slight bow in tempered glass lites. Tempered glass that has been manufactured in a vertical tempering oven contains small surface depressions resembling dimples along one edge. These marks are caused by the pointed metal tongs which support the glass during its passage through the oven. Glass which is passed horizontally through an oven may contain a very slight surface wave caused by contact with the rollers. The waviness can sometimes be detected when viewing reflected images from a distance.

If you require a quote for any style glass replacement in your window frame or just want to order a glass unit you can give us a phone call at the number above or fill out a service form on our website. We service all the Chicago area and the suburbs for new units in your windows and sliding doors.

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