Only one side of my double pane window is broken, can you replace the glass on just that one side?
Unfortunately, the answer to this question is “No.” . Your double-pane glass is one “unit” consisting of two pieces of glass that are glued to a spacer bar. If one side of the unit breaks it is necessary to replace the whole unit. The good news is that you do not have to replace the whole window (frame and all); you can just replace the insulated glass unit.
The seal is broken on my insulated glass unit and it is foggy, can this be repaired or will I have to replace it?
We do not provide insulated glass unit (IGU) repair service because replacement is the best solution in this case. Although there are companies that provide a de-fogging/cleaning process to eliminate the condensation and clean the inner panes, it does not repair the original seal and often is a “temporary fix”. Note that once the seal is broken on an IGU the glass is no longer insulated and the window loses it’s R Value. Should you choose to give the de-fogging/cleaning process a try, we recommend that you ensure the company you hire has been in business for longer than 10 years as this will increase the likelihood of them still being in business to honour their warranty.
What is an Argon gas unit?
Some insulated glass units are filled with a Aragon gas and it further improves the insulating ability of the unit. These units are very effective for insulation but are more expensive and the gas dissipates after a while.
What is Laminated Glass?
Laminated glass is manufactured by baking together 2 or more lites of glass, with a vinyl interlayer in between, at extremely high temperatures. There are many benefits of using laminated glass. First and foremost is safety. Laminated glass is the preferred glass in all overhead glazing applications because when broken, the glass will stay in place adhering to the vinyl interlayer, unlike tempered glass which shatters, causing a large amount of glass pieces to fall below. Laminated glass can also contribute to the security of your premises. It is an excellent product for security applications because the vinyl interlayer prevents immediate entry after the glass is broken. Laminated glass is superior to films applied to glass because the vinyl is located between the glass layers providing better clarity and improved durability. Traditionally glass has been a poor sound insulator, but not anymore. The vinyl interlayer in laminated glass acts as an excellent sound dampener for many applications. The number of layers can be altered depending on the sound dampening required for each specific area. The noise from traffic, public transportation, or just “neighborhood” noises can now be minimized or eliminated by using laminated glass. Laminated glass also works well for solar control and ultraviolet protection. The vinyl used in laminated glass eliminates approximately 99% of UV rays that can damage interior furnishings including carpets, hardwood flooring, artwork and furniture. The vinyl interlayers also provide a number of solar control properties depending of the type of vinyl requested. Laminated glass is dramatically increasing in popularity. It is a product that offers not just one, but many benefits to the user. So call us today for your free estimate!
What is Tempered Glass?
Tempered glass, also referred to as safety glass, is a glass that has been heated to approximately 1200 degrees Fahrenheit and then immediately cooled. This process causes the glass to become extremely strong and resistant to easy breakage. It is approximately 4-6 times stronger than regular (annealed) glass. It is used in applications where glass breakage may cause bodily harm to a person, such as in doors and in windows that are so low to the ground that a foot may accidentally penetrate the glass. When tempered glass breaks it breaks into tiny popcorn sized pieces as opposed to big shards and although these small pieces can still cause minor cuts; the bodily harm it causes is much less than the big shards of regular broken glass. It is also used where extra strong glass is essential such as tub or shower glass and railing glass applications; and the glass in automobiles (other than the windshield, which is laminated glass). Tempered glass cannot be cut once it has been tempered, therefore the glass must be cut and/or drilled to specification prior to the tempering process.
I need the glass replaced in my window. What information will you need to provide me with a quick and easy estimate over the telephone?
Typically, if you have more than 1 or 2 windows that require repair, we will need to visit the site to provide you with a free estimate. However, if you have just one or two windows and would like an estimate over the telephone here are some of the questions we will ask you:
- Is the window or door single glazed or double-pane?
- What is the approximate size of the window or door?
- Is the glass clear, tinted or obscure?
- Is the window located on the first floor or upper floor of your home and is it easily accessible from outside?
What is the warranty on your insulated glass units?
All of our Insulated Glass Units come with a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty against seal failure.