The Truth About Your Windows & Glass

Achieving A New Look With Window Glass Replacement

At Superior Replacement Windows of Peoria, we like helping our clients solve window problems by repairing or replacing the windows and glass. Even if you properly maintain your windows, over time glass can break, rollers can get stuck or the glass coatings can become outdated. Glass breakage can occur for many different reasons due to natural causes and human activities like golfing. There will come a time when renovation will be necessary. Homeowners will need to prepare for this eventuality. The good news is that we can always focus on one part at any given moment to keep the costs manageable. Whichever has the greatest need can get the higher priority. Replacement windows, for instance, may be considered if any of the following situations arise:

1. Major Window Damage

Windows in Peoria, AZ can suffer major damage in an instant or gradually over time. A storm could roll in with strong winds and hurl debris in every direction. If these smash into the glass, then the panels could shatter into pieces. Rain can get inside and cause flooding. The same thing can happen with virtually any type of object that gets into contact with great force like balls from a nearby golf course or toys being thrown around by kids. It is also possible for damage to accumulate slowly. We tend to ignore small cracks but these can grow bigger until they become intolerable.

2. Energy Efficiency Degradation

The perimeter of the house will greatly affect its energy efficiency. If there is poor insulation all around, then heat can quickly pass through the walls. The heating and cooling system will have to work harder just to maintain the desired temperature. This means higher monthly bills. The windows are particularly seen as weak spots as regular glass tends to have poor thermal efficiency. The area around them could also develop holes and slits where air can pass through. New windows have solved this problem through special coatings and multi-pane designs. Upgrades to energy efficient windows can be a good investment.

3. Improving Design & Aesthetics

Sometimes there really is nothing wrong with the current units but homeowners will still consider window replacement just to change the look of the house and improve aesthetics. Perhaps it’s an old building with an outdated design that is badly in need of a refresh. There are many homes in the older sections of Peoria that still have single pane glass and could use an upgrade to dual pane window glass. Maybe new owners just bought a house and want to put personal touches. Current owners might also be thinking of selling the house in the future which means they have to impress potential buyers. Many will try to renovate key parts so that they can increase the asking price.

History of Windows and Window Technology

The first windows were nothing more than primitive openings on roofs that allowed sunlight in during daytime. As humans evolved, the use of wood, animal hide, and cloth became more common. Translucent materials like cut up animal horns and shells were then pieced together within wooden or metal frames. The use of glass for windows became popular in Ancient Rome but it would take a long time before these panels could be made as thin and transparent as we know them today. Modern innovations such as coatings can change insulation properties, visual clarity, and overall strength. Stacking multiple glass such as in dual and triple-pane windows can vastly improve their energy efficiency.

Difference Between Glass Replacement and Window Replacement

Glass replacements are relatively less costly as only the panels themselves will have to be taken out. The rest of the unit stays intact so you need less effort and time to complete the project. In fact, many homeowners try to do this themselves. It can be dangerous so utmost care is necessary to prevent cuts from shards and the edges of the new glass units. Window replacements, in the other hand, is a lot harder as you will have to take out the entire frame and then restore the exterior stucco and interior dry wall. This might require specialized tools and expertise to pull off. Calling trained window installers is a good idea.

Professional help is particularly vital when replacing single pane windows. Installing dual pane windows require a high level of skill by a contractor such as http://www.ftcollinswindows.com to ensure excellent results. If the units are not installed properly, then they might not produce the kind of efficiency that is expected of them. Moisture may also seep into the gap between panes causing the surfaces to fog up. This will reduce visibility and create an unsightly window. Make sure that you hire a licensed window contractor like Superior Replacement Windows for peace of mind.