When you are shopping for new windows or window replacements, you might encounter the term window glazing. This essentially refers to the glass of the window, although it is sometimes used to refer to the putty that is used to hold the glass into position inside of the window. It is also used to refer to the process of installing window glazing compound.
Here is a look at the basics of window glazing.
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Types Of Window Glazing
Some of the more common types of window glazing include single glaze, double glaze, triple glaze, and low-E glaze.
Single Glaze
A single glaze, which may sometimes also be called a single pane, is a window that contains a single sheet of glass. These windows are considered the least energy-efficient type because a single layer of glass does not provide homes with much protection from fluctuating temperatures. This type of window was once the only type available and can still be found in many older homes, but they are not used very often in new builds.
Single glazed windows make it hard to regulate the temperature within the home and force the home’s HVAC systems to run harder than needed, leading to wear and tear on the heater and air conditioner and higher energy bills. Storm windows may be used with single glazed windows to provide an extra layer of insulation between the window and the outdoors.
Double Glaze
A double glaze or double pane window contains two sheets of glass that have a space between them. This space is often filled with argon gas to provide greater insulation. This is a nontoxic, odorless gas that is considered a poor heat conductor compared to air, making it better at insulating. However, the gas may leak out over time, so homeowners may need to have it refilled after several years.
Double glaze is currently the most common type of glazing encountered in home windows.
Triple Glaze
Triple glaze or triple pane windows contain three sheets of glass with argon gas between them. This type of window offers the best insulation, but it is also more expensive than other options. It is often found in colder climates that need extra insulation.
Low-E Glaze
Low-emissivity glaze, or low-E glaze, is a type of glass that is coated in an invisible layer of metallic oxide that stops heat from passing through the glass by reflecting ultraviolet rays back to the atmosphere.
Low-E glaze can be used on double pane or triple pane windows to increase their energy efficiency without making the window itself heavier. Windows that have low-E glaze may carry a higher price tag than their non-coated counterparts. However, these costs are typically recovered within 5 to 10 years through the resultant reduction in utility bills.
Low-E glaze can protect the home’s occupants from ultraviolet rays, although it does allow visible sunlight to make its way in and brighten the room because the glaze is invisible. Its UV protection also means that furniture and artwork are less vulnerable to fading.
It is also possible to tailor low-E coatings to either let the sun’s energy inside the home or block it out. For example, in colder areas, homeowners can opt for coatings that maximize the heat transmitted from the outside, as this solar heat gain can reduce heating costs. In hot regions, in contrast, low solar gain coatings can be used to keep cooling costs to a minimum.
Heat mirror glazing is another high-tech glazing system that can match or exceed the energy efficiency provided by triple pane windows without extra weight. It is made by placing a sheet of low-E film between the panes of insulated glass.
Glazing Compound
Glazing compound is a putty used to hold pieces of glass into place in older window sashes. This compound can enhance the energy efficiency of older windows by stopping drafts from passing through and sealing the space between the glass and the sash. It is not used in modern windows.
Glazing compound can last for decades depending on the quality of the installation work and the putty itself. When the glaze starts to crack and fall off, it is time for the glazing putty to be replaced.
Windows that are functioning poorly can be reglazed to help prevent heat loss in the home. If glass in your window has been damaged or cracked, it is best to fix it as quickly as possible by having it reglazed. Reglazing also allows older homes to retain their character by avoiding the need for a full replacement.
Reach Out To The Window Glazing Professionals
If you are looking to equip your home with high-quality windows or need information about window glazing, get in touch with the home improvement experts at Waterproof Caulking & Restoration. This family-owned company is dedicated to carrying out professional work at homes and businesses with dependable service.