Replacement Glass – Is it all the Same?

Replacement glass experts know that glass isn't just glass.  Different types of glass are suitable for different projects, depending on the location and use of the glass. Starting with windows, you might want to consider Low Emissivity (Low E) glass for windows to save on energy costs.  This type of glass is coated with a virtually invisible layer of metal or metallic oxide that can result in energy loss reduction of 30-50%.  In our climate, the Low E coating would be on the exterior side of the window glass, keeping the sun’s heat out.  Different types of Low E glass are available based on how much solar gain you want to allow – low, moderate or high.  Tinted glass is another choice for windows that get a lot of hot desert sun.  The tint will reduce the light in the room, so keep that in mind when choosing your window glass.

Tempered glass has been treated with heat to withstand force and increase the impact resistance of the glass.  It is used for tables, doors and windows.  This type of glass does not break into shards, but rather into small fragments that are not as sharp and likely to injure someone.  Tempered glass must be cut to size, and then tempered to maintain its strength.  Laminated glass is actually two thin pieces of glass bonded together with a layer of plastic, which holds the glass together in the case of breakage.  Both of these types of glass qualify as safety glass, which is required by Arizona building code in most windows in shower areas and also any window located with 24” of and entry door or walking surface.

Knowing the type of glass that’s best for your project or replacement needs is the first step in getting the job done right

Why replace your window when you can repair it?

If you continue to ignore your foggy dual pane windows or sliding glass doors because you know how expensive it’s going to be to replace them, one glass company in the Valley is providing a cost-effective solution. Left unaddressed, the water vapor between the glass panes will keep reappearing and drying, leaving a calcium buildup that will certainly ruin your view. The clouding in between the panes is caused by “solar pumping” which simply means that the heat of the sun causes expansion, putting pressure on your seal, and when temperatures cool, negative pressure results. This push and pull can cause breaches that allow air carrying moisture to pass in and out of the seal.


Window & Glass Pros have come up with a proven technique to simply remove the moisture, repair the seal and replace the glass. So, in addition to saving your windows and doors, you may also save up to 70% over replacing them. You are also saving some wear and tear on the environment.

Why add your perfectly good window glass to the almost 12 million tons of glass that Americans put into municipal waste every year? By repairing the seal and restoring your dual pane windows and doors, you extend the life of your windows at a significant savings to you, and you aren’t taxing the environment unnecessarily. You’ll also have windows and sliders that provide better R-value for insulating your home, and could potentially cut down on your energy costs. Even the smallest measures toward creating an energy efficient home can add up to potentially significant savings.