Choosing Between Window or Glass Replacement

Homes and commercial buildings in Tempe range from older homes in central parts of the city around Arizona State University to newer homes in areas south of the US60 freeway. There has been a boom of commercial development along the 202 freeway and many new multi-story apartments, condos and office buildings now overlook Tempe Town Lake.  Over time, the windows in your apartment may deteriorate and lose their initial appeal, break or have failed seals. Replacement windows or window glass replacement do an excellent job of improving the ambiance and appeal of a house. Most importantly, they allow the home owner to take advantage of modern trends such as energy efficient windows  and glass low-e coatings which significantly lower running costs. Here’s everything you ought to know about window replacement.

A Brief History of Residential Windows

The first application of window structures can be traced back to 13 century BC where openings in a roof were used to admit light. Overtime, animal hide and cloth were used to cover window openings to shield inhabitants from harsh natural elements. However, the invention of plate glass was a significant milestone in that it opened up endless possibilities in how windows could be implemented in people’s homes. The Romans were the first known civilization to use glass for window construction. Despite being a major step forward, early glass windows had poor optical qualities and it was not until centuries later that transparent windows became a reality. Today we have perfected industrial float glass making processes which in turn has made it possible to have modern floor-to-ceiling windows.

Window Replacement Vs. Glass Replacement

It’s important to understand all the window options available including whether to opt for a replacement windows or just glass replacement. Replacement windows by http://www.greeleywindowcompany.com are designed to retrofit homes that are being remodeled or for instances where the existing window has to be removed completely before replacement.  Retrofit windows have a component known as nail fin frame whereby the new windows will have to be directly nailed onto the structural frame.

Window glass replacement is a money saving option where annealed or tempered glass inserts are installed into an existing window frame. When replacing single pane glass the glazier cuts the glass onsite to fit within the existing framework without removing any interior and exterior frame or wall elements. Dual pane glass replacement is similar, however, insulated glass units must be manufactured prior to delivery so they precisely fit the window frame. In either case, new glass has many advantages including clarity and the ability to upgrade the energy efficient low-e coating.

The Latest Window Technology

Today much of the talk around window replacement is centered on the adoption of energy efficient windows. Some countries even offer incentives to encourage more application of energy efficient windows in a bid to reduce energy bills. Modern trends include the use of low emissivity glass as well as the use of advanced composites to reduce heat transmission.

Double-pane v Triple-Pane

Double-glazed windows consist of two panes with a space sandwiched between them. Double-pane windows have been known to lower heat lost by up to 50%. Some double-glazed windows contain argon gas which is an excellent heat insulator. Triple-glazed windows are a huge step up from both single pane and double-glazed windows. In fact, triple pane windows are 20 to 30% more energy efficient compared to dual pane windows. However, you should expect to pay significantly more for a triple-glazed glass window than both the double and single-pane options.’

Considerations Prior to Window Replacement

Choice of glass: with options such as single pane, dual pane, triple pane, tempered glass, laminated glass and annealed glass, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of options. Since the glass surface is the single largest component of any window, it’s essential that you invest in glass with the highest performance low-e coating which can save you a lot of money in energy costs.

Frame materials: frames are made from different materials ranging from aluminum, traditional wood, fiberglass to vinyl. When choosing a frame consider factors such as durability, cost and appearance.

Style: advancements in glass and frame technology have enabled designers to come up with a host of unique styling ideas to suit homeowners’ needs. However, it’s always advisable to adopt a window replacement style that matches your homes interior décor. Vinyl replacement windows for example come in a variety of colors options which do not chip, fade or flake and hardly require repainting in future.

Hiring a Window Replacement Company

Tearing out and installing new windows requires the involvement of a skilled window technician. Choosing a window replacement company like Superior Replacement Windows is probably the most important decision you will have to make before embarking on the actual project. Choose companies that have a reputation of meeting client’s needs. Choose a firm that has experience and knowledge of implementing the latest trends at reasonable prices. With so many entities claiming to offer best-in-class services, you best bet of avoiding fraudsters is by checking consumer reviews in local directory listings.