Window Glass Types: Glazed Windows

What Is Window Glazing?

Glazed windows refer to the panes of glass that are used inside of a window frame. There are single, double or triple panes. Often, the terms window panes and window glazing are used interchangeably by contractors. To achieve double glazing, the panes are aligned parallel to each other and glazed or sealed using a putty with space in between. The space between the two glass panes can be either air or gas filled. The two panes of glass and the gas inside form an insulating barrier, called an insulated gas unit (IGU), that helps keep heat and cold from passing through. Thus, helps to keep the temperature inside your home comfortable in both warm and cold climates.

Types of Glazed Windows

Choosing the right windows for your home doesn’t just contribute to curb appeal. Its energy efficiency also goes a long way toward keeping your space cool during summer and warm in winter. To find the right product, however, you’ll need to understand how window glazing can benefit your home.

Single-Glazed Windows

Also called single-pane windows, these windows only have one sheet of glass inside the frame. If you have an older home, chances are you have single-glazed windows because those were the only types widely available when these houses were built. However, if you are thinking about installing new windows, this may not be a great choice for your home. Single-glazed windows are considered less energy-efficient than other types as they allow hot or cool air to escape from your home. This makes it difficult for your HVAC system to run at its most effective level.

On the other hand, single-pane windows add to the authentic look of older homes, so some homeowners may choose to continue using them to maintain a certain aesthetic. In addition, single-glazed windows are less expensive than other kinds — $50 to $200 per window. They’re also more lightweight so you don’t need heavy-duty frames to support them. They may be a good choice for areas of the home that don’t need to be well-insulated, such as the garage or shed.

Double-Glazed Windows

Double-glazed windows consist of two panes of glass that have a space between them. In order to create insulation, gas or air is used to fill the space between panes. As a result, double-glazed windows are more energy-efficient, and they can help reduce outside noises inside your home.

Despite these benefits, it’s important to keep in mind that double-glazed windows are significantly more expensive than single-glazed windows at $385 to $850 per window. To get the most out of your investment, you will need to replace all the windows in your home. Also, if you haven’t taken other measures to ensure your home is properly insulated, getting double-glazed windows may not help much. Another factor to consider is the fact that although argon gas (one of the gases used for insulation) is not harmful, it does leak over time. You may need to have the windows filled again at some point.

Triple-Glazed Windows

If you live in an extreme climate, triple-glazed windows, which are three panes of glass with gas between panes, are a good choice. These windows are the most energy-efficient variety, but they are also the most expensive — costing $550 to $3,550 per window. However, these upfront costs may be offset by the amount you save on energy bills later. In addition, triple-glazed windows are the most effective at noise reduction, making your home feel more snug and comfortable as you avoid disruptive sounds from the outside world.

Can I Add Glazing to Existing Windows?

It’s not always cost-effective to replace all the windows in your home, particularly if the frames are still in good shape and not too old. If you have poorly-insulated single-pane windows, you can add an additional pane of glass to them.

Retrofit double-glazing, usually made out of PVC or acrylic laminate, is applied to your existing single-pane windows to effectively turn them into double-glazed windows. Another method to achieve this uses an acrylic insert held into place by magnets.

Either way, by retrofitting your windows you can keep the frames you already have, and get some of the benefits of insulated glazing.

When You Should Replace Your Windows Instead of Adding Glazing

There are still situations in which a total window replacement makes the most sense. You should start budgeting for replacements if your windows display any of the following:

Windows Fog Easily

The energy efficiency of your windows depends on the type of window frame and glass as well as how expertly the window was joined and installed. If you see condensation or fog on your windows, it’s a sure sign that your manufacturer or installer slacked on the job — and your best bet will be to splurge for some new windows that have a reputation for performing well.

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Windows Are Hard to Open or Clean

If the windows become stuck or jammed easily, then they’re not really doing their job, and in some cases, stuck windows could be a fire hazard. If you avoid opening your windows, it’s time for a replacement set.

Window Frames Are Rotten or Warped

The benefits of double glazing hardly apply to windows with shoddy frames. In fact, unless your frames are in great shape, it’s generally best to go ahead and replace them.

Window Style is Outdated

If you’re unhappy with the look of your windows, it’s better to plan for an eventual replacement than invest in a temporary solution, especially if you think you might put your house back on the market one day.

When You Should Retrofit Windows With Double Glazing

You should only add double glazing if your window frames are in top condition. Also make sure they’re of the highest quality and that the installation went off without a hitch. Here’s when retrofitting is appropriate:

• You Want Better Energy Performance From Your Windows: Double-pane windows typically deliver better overall energy savings. Retrofit glazing with laminate may not be as effective, but it still improves efficiency.
• You Really Like Your Existing Window Frames: If you have custom, historical, or one-of-a-kind frames that are difficult to replace, retrofitting lets you keep them while improving performance.
• You’re Sure Window Glass Is the Problem: Sometimes inefficiency comes from poor sealing, not the glass itself. Check and replace caulking around window seals before assuming the panes are to blame.

Find an Experienced Contractor

Finding an experienced contractor for your window installation doesn’t have to be a chore, thanks to Modernize. We frequently speak to homeowners about their home improvement projects, so we understand what you need and can help you locate a trusted professional in your area. In fact, our recent interviews revealed that 90 percent of homeowners wanted help finding and vetting contractors. To meet this need, we created a free, digital Contractor Checklist as a simple, step-by-step guide to help you find the right contractor for your project.

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