Article:  Replacement Window Glass Components

Types of Home Windows Glass:

     Most glass in replacement windows of today is 1/8 inch thick.  The very cheapest windows will have glass panes that are a bit thinner. Glass that is 1/8 inch thick or better is sometimes called "double strength" glass.

     The thicker the glass, the better the insulation as well as the sturdier and more break resistant. Sales people pitching their product will often "knock" on their samples of glass demonstrating more of a "thud" as a better and thicker glass type.

     Some windows offer 1/4 inch thick glass. The insulation benefit over the 1/8 inch is minimal.  The thicker glass makes the window very heavy as well as cuts down on light in the house.  Some houses structure is not capable of bearing the weight. Careful thought should be made before purchasing windows that are "too thick". 

     If your house is in a hurricane area and your house structure can withstand the weight, thicker windows could be beneficial.

     Also, remember that the light coming through thick window glass will be less and your view out will be more distorted.

     Some windows come with tint-- gray or bronze for example. The tint will not help with the energy efficiency of the window. It also will not keep someone from the outside from looking into the house (no privacy). It will however, help if the window is in a particular position to cast glare into the house-- maybe onto a tv set for example. Tinted windows will make interior rooms darker and stop some glare.

     Single pane glass is one pane of glass in a frame.

     Double pane glass is two panes of glass separated by a spacer of some kind in the window. Most replacement windows today are double paned windows.

     Triple pane glass is 3 panes of glass each separated by spacers. Triple pane glass is sold as being more durable (possibly, unless the glass itself in a double pane product is superior) and more energy efficient (also possibly, unless the window construction/spacer and materials again in a double pane window are superior).

     Triple paned windows are exceedingly heavy. Some house structures cannot bear the weight.

     Plan carefully if choosing triple pane windows. They are VERY expensive, very heavy and usually lesser quality that the best double paned windows.

     In addition, in double pane windows particularly since they are the most common, the space between the actual glass panes should ideally be 1/2 to 3/4 inch for optimal insulation effect. Most window makers actually measure from the outside edge of glass to the other outside edge of glass for 3/4 inch. That gives 1/2 inch space "between" the two panes. It's important to know that since the sales people generally won't know that and will be eager to take out a ruler for their product.

     Michael Dennis

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About the author

IPS Group, Inc. Board Member and Director of their Home Improvement Division, Michael Dennis is an avid real estate fix and flip investor, a former long-time replacement window salesman, and the author of several books and websites on home replacement windows including How to Save Thousands on Replacement Windows: The Homeowner's Insider Secrets Manual, and the tell-all report on the big-brand home improvement centers, The 7 Myths The Big-Brand Home Improvement Centers Want You to Believe About Replacement Windows.  Visit their website at www.vinylwindowmanufacturer.com to get your copy TODAY.

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