What are the Glazing Options for Window Replacement?

When it comes to choosing products for window replacement in Beaverton, OR the frame material and window styles are important. But many homeowners also forget to really consider the glazing options at their disposal. These upgrades can make a big difference in the efficiency, privacy, and comfort of their home. Here are the glazing technologies homeowners need to consider:   

Number of Panes 

Insulated glazing units (IGUs) feature multiple manes of glass sealed together as a single unit. This means modern windows can have anywhere from two to four separate panes of glass on a window. This adds protection, insulation, and reduces noise pollution. But do they need that many panes between them and the elements? Perhaps not. The standard is two panes of glass for homes in Oregon. This provides enough of a barrier for most homes in the area. Some homeowners go up to three panes, but that is usually just for the colder regions.   

Inert Gas Fills 

Most homeowners think it is normal air vacuum sealed between the panes. The truth is oxygen is still reactive to temperature changes, and it can expand and contract. This can cause seal failure on the IGUs and render them less efficient. Better options are inert gasses. These have more density, are not as reactive, and have better thermal performance. Common gasses on modern IGUs include argon, krypton, and xenon gas. Argon is the most popular and most readily available. Krypton is more expensive but works better in narrower gaps between the panes if homeowners want a slimmer profile. Xenon gas is fairly new but has even better thermal performance.   

Etched Glass 

Many homeowners want the benefit of natural light without compromising on privacy. An elegant solution is an etched glass. This allows light to filter inside but prevents people outside from seeing in. There are several design patterns to choose from, as well as levels of opaqueness. From simple to elaborate, you are sure to find something to suit your needs.  

Laminated Glass 

Another improvement is the implementation of safety glass on residential windows. These windows feature a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) between the panes. This allows the glass to hold together, even when shattered. Not only does this prevent the glass from breaking into large, dangerous shards, but also makes it more difficult for intruders to break in through the windows.   

Spectrally Selective Low-E Coatings 

As you can imagine, clear glazing allows a significant amount of solar radiation to pass through. This is not good for efficiency. These special coatings are where window technology really starts to show off. Manufacturers can apply special coatings that only reflect certain wavelengths of light while remaining transparent to others. These special coatings admit as much daylight as possible while simultaneously preventing the transmission of as much solar heat as possible. These are now the status quo for many commercial and residential buildings. And since their adoption in the 90s manufactures have taken steps to improve performance making them more colorless, durable, and transparent.   

If you have questions about glazing technology for window replacement in Beaverton, OR contact EnergyGuard Windows & Doors. Our experts can walk you through the pros and cons of each technology and help you find the best solutions for your home. To set up an appointment contact (503) 554-5500 or visit 516 E. 2nd St., Newberg, OR 97132.