Glazing is the term for inserting or fixing glass into an opening in a building’s external wall.

Altering the type, amount, or material used between layered glazing can significantly impact a window’s energy performance. That is why using different types of glazing or replacing old glazing is often used to reduce home’s heat loss.

Types of glass

Window glass comes in a range of options, each offering its own advantages. These can range from improved visual aesthetic to lower energy bills and increased safety.

Clear or tinted glasses are popular in both domestic and commercial buildings, allowing maximum light into the building while keeping heat and solar radiation out. Low-e coatings may be applied to control how much solar heat penetrates through windows while managing visible daylight transmission through them.

Another popular type of glazing is laminated glass. This product is created by stacking multiple sheets of regular glass on top of one another, making it heavier and stronger than standard sheets of glass, that good for tilt and turn windows.

Architects often utilize this type of glass when high impact strength is necessary and where shattering may occur. Examples include skylights and car windshields that contain this kind of glazing.

Toughened glass is 4 to 5 times stronger than regular float or clear glass, making it suitable for outdoor use as it can withstand intense weather conditions such as storms and rain.

Tempered glass is strengthened through either thermal or chemical treatments to increase its strength. It then cools gradually in order to reduce any internal stresses that could crack the pane of glass.

Annealed glass has more strength than regular annealed glass, yet is less prone to breaking into sharp, long shards – which could be hazardous if broken. It’s used for shower doors, refrigerator doors and windows, architectural glass pieces like divers’ masks and frameless balustrades, as well as frameless balustrades for safety.

Laminated glass is known for being tough and strong, as well as security performance; it often finds application in insecure locations like bridges, aquariums, or areas prone to natural disasters. Laminated glass consists of two pieces of ordinary or toughened glass sandwiched together by a plastic interlayer which holds them together and prevents them from breaking into sharp shards.

Sealants

Window glazing sealants are an integral component of window systems, made from various materials to provide a strong and long-lasting barrier against glass. These products come in various strengths to meet different needs and requirements.

Window glazing installations typically use silicone and polyurethane sealants. Both materials can be used for a range of applications and come in various colors to match your project’s design aesthetic.

These sealants come in white, black and gray to match your windows’ color; however, you can also opt for a custom hue for added design versatility. This option is perfect for builders and homeowners looking to add an individual touch to their project.

Silicone is an effective sealant suitable for many construction materials. It has the capacity to withstand temperatures and cure quickly, making it the ideal solution to protect against UV rays and other external factors.

Polyurethane sealants are available for outdoor weatherproofing applications and can be painted easily. With so many choices, you’re sure to find one that meets your needs.

Selecting the ideal sealant can guarantee that your window system reaches its full performance potential when installed. This is essential for manufacturers, contractors and installers when selecting which technology provides the most optimal seal.

When selecting a sealant, one factor to consider is its curing time. Caulks typically cure faster than putty and you can opt for latex-based putty instead of one containing linseed oil to expedite curing time even further.

If your project requires a strong seal but you don’t have the time or patience to wait for it to cure completely, window glazing putty can be an ideal solution. While it takes five to fifteen days for it to fully cure, you can expedite the process by using a hairdryer or drying products.

Weather stripping

Weather stripping is an essential tool used to secure window openings against moisture, air, and insects. It plays an integral role in the home energy-efficiency process and can be installed on a variety of products from replacement windows and doors alike.

Weather stripping installations not only seal gaps, but they also optimize window operation by containing and redirecting air – essential for comfort and energy savings. Materials used can range in thickness and width depending on the needs of both the window and home.

Foam tape is a common weather stripping used in replacement window installations due to its ease of application and cost-effectiveness. Available in various widths and thicknesses, foam tapes come with adhesive backings that make them simple to apply.

Another type of weather stripping is pressure-sensitive adhesive-backed foam, which comes in rolls of different lengths and thicknesses. It’s cost-effective, easy to apply, and works great at either the bottom or top of wooden sashes.

Another type of weather stripping is spring bronze, which requires more effort than other materials but provides a long-lasting window seal. To install this type, cut the spring bronze precisely to fit your window size using tin snips. Then drive in small nails to plug any gaps and securely fasten it in place.

Felt strips are another popular option, although they don’t provide as much insulation as other types of weather stripping. Plus, they require more work than other varieties – but are economical and can easily be applied using a stapler or hammer.

Spring-metal strips (V-shaped or single) come in bronze, copper or stainless steel finishes and they’re often packaged on rolls with brads for attachment. Although these weather stripping options appear straightforward to install, it’s essential that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take sufficient time to apply them correctly.

Installation

Window glazing is the process of inserting new glass panes into a window frame, offering various levels of energy efficiency and insulation. Options include single-, double- and triple-glazed windows which vary in price depending on their number of panes contained and seal quality provided.

Installation is usually carried out by a glazier, who is an experienced construction specialist with knowledge of glass use. They specialize in projects where the original frame needs to be retained but they can also be hired for brand-new window installation.

Before installing any glass, it is necessary to scrape away the old glazing compound and clean any rabbets on the outside of the window frame. Doing this helps avoid contamination from affecting the new glazing.

With a chisel or razor knife, scrape away any existing putty from the rabbets. Additionally, remove any glazing points (little metal triangles or diamonds) that remain inside the rabbets.

Next, insert a piece of window glass into the rabbet, making sure that its edges are touching the putty. Be mindful not to push too hard in the center as this could cause it to break. Apply even pressure across all edges with even pressure and press firmly down.

Repeat this step on all other rabbets until the entire window has been replaced with new glazing. After all of the rabbets have been cleaned and installed, prime the interior wood frame with a shellac-based primer such as BIN (which dries quickly). This primer makes quick work of this step and should not take more than minutes to dry.

Installing new glazing requires a window installer to tool putty into a depth of approximately 1/4 inch and press it into both wood and glass surfaces. While this step can take the most time, it is absolutely essential for getting the job done correctly.

Window putty comes in many varieties, but the most popular type is linseed oil-based putty. This variety is easier to work with and lasts for an extended period. Plus, it’s usually heated in a kettle before use which makes it much more workable.