New Dual Pane Window Glass Options

A Guide To Selecting Dual Pane Insulated Glass

Energy Efficient Window Glass Unit

Dual pane windows fail for a number of reasons. Seals break down over time and your windows can become foggy with moisture and condensation inside the unit. Chips, cracks and other types of damage can occur to the glass, causing the glass to become compromised and the entire dual pane window will need to be replaced. Fortunately, Superior Replacement Windows has the ability to replace a dual pane glass unit without disturbing the window frame and any exterior finishes (stucco, siding, stone facades, paint).

One of the most frequently asked questions we receive about window glass replacement is, “What type of glass do you have and what are my options?” Typically, we can carefully assess the thickness, color and type of glass of the current dual pane windows and match it accordingly. However, if multiple windows have failed or are broken, the owner may decide to upgrade the windows using a number of energy efficient options. Depending on the age of the home or commercial building, outdated glass thicknesses can also be upgraded to improve the strength and performance of the glass.

Glass Options

Annealed

Annealed glass is the most commonly used glass for dual pane windows in homes and even some office applications. It’s the least expensive option and is usually 0.125 – 0.1875 inches thick depending on the size of the window.

Tempered

Tempered glass, also known as safety glass, is required for windows within 24 inches of a doorway and is also used for glass entry doors and sliding glass doors. Tempered glass is stronger than annealed glass and upon impact shatters in tiny shards that are virtually harmless to humans and animals.

Finishes and Reflective Coatings

For bathroom applications or locations where privacy is an issue, obscure glass may be used on the interior layer of the dual pane window. Rain and satin are also popular privacy options for bathroom and enhance the design of the window.

Bronze reflective coatings can be used for both privacy and solar reflection. In Phoenix, bronze reflective glass is used for commercial windows, however, some higher-end homes also incorporate reflective glass on South and West facing exteriors to reflect intense sunlight.

Energy Efficient Options

Energy Advantage Glass

Energy advantage glass is the lowest cost low-e glass option which has a hard coating that optimizes the amount of heat gain and loss across the surface of the glass. In the Arizona summer, we want the amount of UV energy that passes through the windows to be minimized and trap the cool air inside the home. In the Arizona winter, we want the clear glass to allow the sun rays to pass through the glass and get trapped on the inside of the home. In the Phoenix area, the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) is the most important number to understand because it measures the amount of heat gain the glass will absorb. The lower the SHGC, the less heat is allowed inside the window and the less your cooling bill will be during the summer months. SHGC is measured in a range from 0-1 with typical values in the 0.3-0.4 range for the glass supplied by Superior Replacement Windows.

Solarban^® 60 and RLE 70/36

Solarban^® and RLE are the trade names for low-e window glass that has a soft coating applied to the glass. The proprietary coating allows more daylight in while also blocking the harmful UV rays, brightening the living space and also making it more energy efficient. Both of these low-e glass types insulate up to 50% better than standard clear insulating glass.

Triple Pane Windows

Triple pane windows are constructed in the same manner with an additional layer of glass sandwiched between the two outer panes, forming another insulation barrier between the exterior and interior of the home.

Design Options

Muntins are bar grids sandwiched between the two layers of glass to give the windows a classic look.

Dual pane window glass can be provided for all window designs including arches, picture windows and sliders (horizontal and vertical).

Recent Project

Dual Pane Window Replacement Project

A Phoenix homeowner called about replacing a dual pane window that was located above their front door. The window had been struck by a golf ball and needed to be replaced. The window was facing South and so a low-e glass was used and the unit was filled with Argon to improve the insulation rating. First the broken dual pane glass was removed from the window frame and discarded. After scraping away the old silicone seal, new silicone was applied to the frame. The new window was lifted above the door and carefully set into the frame. Due to the size of the insulated glass unit, this job required the help of three glaziers. Although this was a difficult installation due to the location and weight of the dual pane unit, everything went smooth and the new window looks fantastic.

A new dual pane glass unit takes 3-5 days for us to fabricate and is custom cut to fit the size of your window. When ordering a new dual pane windows, please ask about glass color, type, energy efficiency and special coatings based on the desired performance of the new window.

To learn more about dual pane window glass replacement and discuss your options with one of our glaziers, please call us at (602)-777-3717 or visit us:

from Superior Replacement Windows Phoenix AZ https://windowrepairphoenix.com/new-dual-pane-window-glass-options/

Winner Best of Houzz 2017

Superior Replacement Windows Wins Best of Houzz 2017

Superior Replacement Windows is proud to have earned the coveted Houzz award for excellent service in 2017:

The Best of Houzz award is given to a company who maintains the highest level of customer service throughout the year. Houzz.com, is the leading platform for home renovation and design and gives the award to the top professional glass companies on Houzz.

Superior Replacement Windows is a glazing and window replacement company in the Phoenix area who provides window repair and glass replacement services for residential and commercial properties. Specialties include custom glass shower doors and enclosures, window installation, energy efficient windows and storefront glass replacement. The company also offers same day service for single pane window glass replacement and dual pane sliding glass door window replacement in stock sizes.

Free price quotes are available over the phone or through the website quote form.

Superior Replacement Windows
4202 E Elwood St #21
Phoenix, AZ 85040
(602) 777-3717
Find us on Google Maps

from Superior Replacement Windows Phoenix AZ https://windowrepairphoenix.com/winner-best-of-houzz-2017/

Same-Day Service Available For Stock Sliders

Get Your Sliding Glass Door Repaired Fast!

Same-Day Sliding Glass Door Replacement

Do you have a sliding glass door that is broken and you need to replace it fast? Superior Replacement Windows has replacement glass available in standard sizes for sliding glass doors. If you call today, we’ll fit you into our route schedule for same day replacement. All of our sliding glass doors come with a written warranty for both the glass unit and the installation.

Dual pane (low-e glass) and single pane sliding glass doors come in standard sizes and thicknesses so we are able to stock them on our installation vehicles and also in our shop for same-day delivery. When we send a glazier to your home or office, they’ll make a final determination that your sliding glass door is of a standard size and we have glass on hand to do the replacement immediately. If the glass door is not a standard size or if the glass is a different color or thickness, custom glass will be fabricated in our factory in 3 to 5 days.

Patio Glass Doors in Stock

Typical signs that your sliding or patio glass door needs replacement is moisture on the interior of the glass pane, discoloration of the glass, a crack or chip compromising the seal or foggy build-up on the inside of the window. Tempered glass is required to meet building codes and safety standards for glass doors. Tempered glass breaks into tiny pieces when broken and is virtually harmless to humans and pets that come in contact with the glass.

Call or contact Superior Replacement Windows today for a free estimate over the phone and to schedule your sliding glass door replacement in Phoenix, Arizona.

Superior Replacement Windows
4202 E Elwood St #21
Phoenix, AZ 85040
(602) 777-3717

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from Superior Replacement Windows Phoenix AZ https://windowrepairphoenix.com/same-day-service-available-for-stock-sliders/

Caring For A Bird That Strikes A Window

The Bird Conservation Network claims that more than 100 million North American birds die yearly from impact after a window collision. Most occur in more secluded areas, but they can happen in residential neighbors as well, especially in the spring time when mating season is in full swing. If you have had a bird fly into your window, you may have many questions and concerns. You may be concerned about a cracked window or you may be concerned for the bird. Here are a few questions that may be swirling through your mind when a bird hits your window and the answers to these questions.

Why Do Birds Fly Into Windows?

Glass is translucent and unfortunately, a bird cannot always see that glass is glass or a window is a window. It’s even harder for the bird to tell what it is when they see the reflection of a tree in the window or another bird in the glass. They fly straight into it without ever realizing what occurred. And unfortunately, they typically fly head first right into your hard glass.

What Should You Do If a Bird Hits Your Window?

If a bird hits your window, the first thing that you should do is assess the condition of the bird. Any damage done to your window will remain, but for the bird, it may be a life or death situation.

How Do You Care for a Bird That Has Hit Your Window?

After a bird hits your window, try to locate the bird. It will likely be near the window. If the bird is sitting upright, watch it for about five minutes and see if it recovers. If the bird is simply stunned, it may need a few minutes to collect itself before it flies off. If the bird has not made any attempt to move far after several minutes, you may need to take more action.

If the bird is not moving, throw on a pair of gloves and grab a shoe box or other secure box with a lid. The box should be large enough so the bird can spread her winds. Then poke holes in the top. Line the bottom of the box with something soft, like an old sheet or towel. Place a small bowl of water in there. Lift the bird up and place him inside of it. Place the box somewhere dark and not too hot or cold. After an hour or two has passed, take the box outside and open it up. If the bird has a concussion, it should have healed by now and flown away.

If a bird is convulsing, has an obviously broken wing or does not return to the wild in a couple of hours, you will want to call a local bird or wildlife rehabilitation center.

What Should You Not Do if a Bird Hits Your Window?

If a bird hits your window, you should not leave the bird to recover on its own. Many predators will prey on the helpless bird, who is unable to fly off or fend for itself. It is also important to note that it is illegal to keep a wild bird in your possession for a prolonged period of time. As such, you should always hand it over to a rehabilitator instead of nursing it back to health yourself.

How Do You Inspect Your Window For Damage?

Once the bird is safe or secured, you will want to inspect your window for damage. You will be able to notice any signs of obvious trauma, such as cracked window or a chipped window. If either of these are present, you may need to have resin injected into the glass to keep the chip or crack from growing, or replace the window for aesthetic reasons.

You should also gently push on the window. Depending on the size of the bird, the impact could be so great that the bird could have damaged the seal holding your window in place. If the window wiggles or moves when you push on the glass, you will want to contact a window repair company to examine the glass or reinforce it.

When Should Your Window Be Repaired or Replaced?

As a general rule of thumb, if you do not see any damage, your window or glass likely does not need to be repaired or replaced.

If there is damage, the size of the damage and your aesthetic preferences determine whether the window can be repaired or replaced. A chip larger than the size of a quarter should not be repaired. And a crack that cannot be hidden under a dollar bill is too large too fix. However, keep in mind that filling in the crack or chip will not cause it to go away. It will be visible. As such, if you want perfect looking windows, your only option at that point may simply be to replace them, rather than to have them repaired.

If a bird has flown into your window, the first thing to do is assess the health of the bird. If the bird is still alive, you will want to care for the bird. Once you have done all you can do for the bird, it is time to inspect your window. If your window is in need of window repair or window replacement, contact one of our glass specialists to assist you with making the needed repairs.

from Superior Glass Window Repair in Phoenix AZ http://windowrepairphoenix.com/caring-for-a-bird-that-strikes-a-window/

New Window Replacement in Phoenix AZ

This was a recent window replacement project for Superior Glass in Phoenix, Arizona.

from Superior Glass Window Repair in Phoenix AZ http://windowrepairphoenix.com/new-window-replacement-in-phoenix-az/

A Guide To Energy Efficient Windows For Arizona Homeowners

According to the US Department of Energy (DoE), windows account for about 50% of the energy loss in a building or home, with single-glazed windows and clear glass being the biggest culprits. For this reason, if you live in an area that tends to be extremely hot in the summer and cold in the winter, such as the Arizona desert, you should install energy-efficient windows. Below is a brief history and the latest information about energy-efficient windows.

The Progression of Window Technology from Past to Present

Energy Efficient Home Windows For Phoenix Arizona

Energy-efficient window technology has evolved considerably since the 1950s when Alastair Pilkington, technical director of British glass manufacturer Pilkington Brothers, invented a process of creating float glass, which was the flattest and most even glass at the time. This high-quality glass was a significant breakthrough in energy-efficient window technology because it made possible the application of window coatings. In fact, float glass is used in all windows today. The 1950s also saw the emergence of insulated glass (Thermopane), a technology that was originally patented in 1865. Designed to mimic the double glass liner of a Thermos bottle, the original version of the Thermopane consisted for two glass panes joined together with an air space between them. Over time, glass manufactures widened the space between the two panes to boost the energy efficiency of the glass. To prevent the structure from collapsing due to stress forces, glass manufactures use steel and rubber spacers to absorb expansion and contraction movement of the glass panes. By 2007, about 90% of all windows installed on residential and commercial buildings in the US had insulating glazing by 2007.

The 1980s produced the low-E glass as well as gas-filled IGUs. A low-E coating basically a thin layer of transparent metal that reflects light in or out of a room. Released in 1981, the first low-E coating contained a suspended film. Today, however, glass manufacturers simply deposit the coating on the glass, thereby reducing the cost of production. Additionally, glass manufacturers may fill the air space between panes with a low-conductivity gas, such as argon or krypton, to reduce heat loss by convection. As of 2005, over 50% of all windows contained a low-E coating.

One of the most notable inventions of the 2000s in this space is the dynamic glass, which is essentially a window glass that can switch from clear to opaque to control the amount of heat leaving or entering a room. This aspect differentiates it from a privacy glass, which has no energy-saving function.

How Energy Efficient Windows Can Lower Energy Costs

While windows provide a building with ventilation, warmth and light, they can have a negative impact on a building’s energy efficiency. Unfortunately, poor energy efficiency often means higher energy costs. Fortunately, you can cut your energy costs by either improving the energy efficiency of your existing home windows or replacing your windows with energy-efficient windows.

You can use various strategies to make your existing windows more energy efficient and improve the indoor comfort of your home. For instance, you can add storm windows to reduce air leakage and improve your indoor comfort. Secondly, you can use caulking and weather stripping to reduce air leakage around your windows. The former is ideal for stationary gaps, cracks or small joints (less than one-quarter inch wide), whereas the latter is ideal for operable windows and doors (building components that move). Thirdly, you can use energy-efficient window coverings and treatments to reduce heat gain in the summer and heat loss in winter. It is worth noting that window treatments and coverings are largely ineffective at reducing infiltration and air leakage.

In some case, it may be more cost-effective and practical to replace your old windows with new, energy-efficient windows. While the initial cost of installing new energy-efficient may be high, you will recoup your initial investment over time through lower cooling and heating costs. Some of the key factors to consider when choosing energy-efficient windows include the R-value, design and installation procedure.

Latest Technology Innovations in Energy Efficient Windows

Cross-section of multi pane energy efficient window

Windows account to up to 50% of a building’s energy loss, says the DoE. For this reason, researchers in the field are constantly working to develop more energy efficient windows. For instance, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is currently developing an innovative insulation window film capable of reducing a building’s energy use by as much as 33%. Consisting of nano-to micrometer-sized vacuum capsules sturdy enough to be integrated with standard window plastics, the NREL’s vacuum insulation film can be applied like a typical low-emissivity (low-e) coating.

Early estimates from the NREL indicate that the thermal resistance of a millimeter thick layer of the vacuum insulation film is R-20. Put another way, the vacuum insulation film is as good as standard wall insulation. Besides reducing energy loss, the film also preserves the view and improves a building’s indoor comfort. Additionally, this new technology, which combines vacuum insulation materials and processes with low-emissivity plastic films, will improve the energy efficiency of the existing window retrofit technologies by as much as 80% without significantly increasing the cost of such technologies. It is worth noting that you can retrofit this vacuum insulation film onto your windows, which means you would not necessary need to undertake expensive repair or renovation projects in order to enjoy the benefits of this vacuum insulation film.

Considerations for Arizona Residents

If you live in Phoenix, AZ, you should install energy-efficient windows or upgrade to insulated glass windows as part of a renovation project. Such windows can help you lower your energy consumption, and ultimately, your energy costs. Your home should be designed with a balance between viewing the beauty of the desert from inside your home to the energy efficiency of the building envelope. To get a fee price quote on upgrading and replacing your windows, please contact us.

from Superior Glass Window Repair in Phoenix AZ http://windowrepairphoenix.com/a-guide-to-energy-efficient-windows-for-arizona-homeowners/