What are Glazing Options for Window Replacement? 

When it comes to getting window replacement in Carlsbad, CA the frame material and window style you choose are important. But perhaps more important are the glazing options and technologies you choose. The glazing options you choose largely contribute to the efficiency, safety, and comfort of your home. There are so many new features to consider, some you may not even be aware of. Here is what you should know about your options:  

  1. Number of Panes

Long ago there was only one pane of glass between the inside and outside of the home. This did little to protect against heat transfer and the elements. Next, the standard became two panes of glass for added protection. This is still true today, but over the years the technology has evolved. Double pane insulated glazing units (IGUs) feature spacers, inert gas fills, and more. And today you can choose two or three panes of glass on most replacement windows depending on the climate.    

  1. Gas Fills

The space between panes of glass is not filled with normal air. Instead, manufacturers pump special, nontoxic gas between the panes. These are called noble gasses. They are colorless and odorless but have more density than normal air. As a result, they can reduce heat transfer and make windows even more efficient. The most common gasses in use today include argon, krypton, and xenon. They do not expand and contract due to temperature fluctuations and keep the seals of your windows intact even longer.   

  1. SafetyGlass 

Safety glass is another important development in window technology. Tempered glass is heated and rapidly cooled to increase strength. And if this glass does break it shatters into small pieces less likely to cause damage. Laminated glass is plies of glass adhered to an interlayer of polyvinyl butyral. When this glass breaks it adheres to the interlayer, remaining largely intact. Both are great advancements that improve the safety and security of new windows.   

  1. Tints

Colored window tints are special coatings on the glass meant to lower the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). They can absorb up to 45% of solar radiation. They can also help reduce glare and the visible transmittance of light. Most tints are blue or green, grey, or bronze in color. And while they do reduce heat transfer, they are not as effective as low-E coatings.   

  1. Low-E Coatings

Low-E windows feature special coatings of metallic oxide applied to the surface of the glass. Because they are ultra-thin these coatings still allow plenty of natural light to filter through but block even more radiant heat. And depending on the functionality, manufacturers can apply low-E coatings to different surfaces of multi-pane windows.  

For more information about glazing technology on window replacement in Carlsbad, CA contact Pelican Replacement Windows. We are a full-service window company that has been serving the San Diego area since the 1980s. To schedule an appointment you can call (760) 598-6422 or visit us at 2210 La Mirada Dr., Vista, CA 92081.  

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