When having a new home built, or if you need replacement windows for your current home, you might take the time to consider the type of glass you want to use in order to add some style and even some insulation to the windows themselves. New windows give you the opportunity to upgrade to a glass that looks and functions better for the space, but you need to exercise some caution when choosing to ensure any glass window repairs can easily be undertaken. Note what this means, and then you can discuss the best option for your home with a window installer.
Decorative glass
Stained or painted glass can add some visual interest to a window or to a door if used as an inset. The coloured sections can be random or can depict a certain scene. However, note that coloured glass is often very thin so the paint can easily adhere to the surface. This makes painted glass a poor choice for a room where you may need added insulation.
Etched glass has a type of scratching along the front to add visual interest. This can also be a random pattern or a particular decoration, such as the look of a waterfall.
If you do choose any of these options, consider the difficulty of getting that glass repaired if it should break, as you would need to replace the broken piece with very similar pieces; etched glass can also be difficult to repair and keep the pattern intact. Avoid using these types of glass in a location where it may suffer any type of damage, such as facing a roadway that produces lots of flying gravel.
Glazing
Glazing refers to how many panes of glass actually make up a window; those panes will be sealed together with air or argon gas between them. Double-glazing is typically recommended for every home as it provides lots of insulation; triple-glazing is good for added sound insulation and in places where the windows may tend to rattle and vibrate for any reason. If you live near an airport, which produces both noise and vibrations, or near an industrial area with lots of large trucks that drive nearby, triple glazing can be the best choice.
You may be able to forego double glazing in a few rooms to save money, such as a lavatory, where you don't necessarily need insulation. Added glazing does keep the windows more secure from damage, so exercise caution in choose single panes, and have a window repair person on call if you do decide on single-paned glass for any room of your home.
Share