Were you aware that nearly 70 percent of energy loss occurs in your homes’ windows and doors, and that 90 percent of window heat loss occurs through the glass? Poor insulation allows the outside weather to have a drastic effect on the indoor temperature of your home. Many traditional homes throughout the United States have single-pane windows; however, if your home is relatively new, chances are that your home is equipped with double-pane windows.
Double-pane windows have been a staple part of the home-building process for the last two decades; they are preferred to their single-pane counterparts because they are much more energy efficient and a better insulator for your home. So what happens if only one pane of your window cracks or breaks? You’re probably wondering if you can simply repair the broken side or if the entire window needs to be replaced. Keep reading to find out the proper way to fix a double-pane window!
How Do Double Pane Windows Work?
Many homeowners and business owners opt for double-pane windows because of the incredible insulation they provide, as well as being energy efficient. But how do these double pane windows work exactly?
Double-pane windows are made up of two panes of glass separated by a spacer material, creating an air pocket to help better insulate your home. This tiny air pocket works to keep the outside temperatures from affecting the temperature of air inside your home. This space between the two panes is also equipped with a desiccant to prevent any condensation from forming.
Benefits of Having Double Pane Windows
There are many benefits of having double pane windows on your home or business. For starters, double-pane windows are very energy efficient! They can reduce energy usage by up to 18 percent during the summer and up to 24 percent during the winter months. Although it may be slightly more expensive initially for double-pane windows, it will cause the cost of heating and cooling your home to decrease significantly.
Double-pane windows are also beneficial because they act as a sound barrier, helping to shield your home from outdoor noise pollution. This can be extremely beneficial if you live in a busy part of the city or in noisy neighborhoods!
The Double Pane Window Replacement Process
While it may seem like a hassle to replace an entire window over just replacing one pane, it is necessary in order for it to be effective. Your double pane windows work very hard to reduce your monthly heating and cooling bills, lower your home’s energy consumption, and improve noise control throughout your home.
The two glass panes must have an airtight seal, which is impossible to achieve if you only replace one of the panes. Therefore, when it comes to replacing a pane in a double-pane window, both panes need to be replaced and professionally installed to maintain that necessary seal.
Call in Your Local Glass Specialist
When buying or replacing double-pane windows for your home or business, quality is top priority. Sometimes it can be hard to know where to start when you need to replace windows in your home, and it can be tempting to think that you’ll be able to replace the glass yourself and save some cash; however, glass is very fragile and installing it requires fitting the glass into very tight spaces. This is why it is very important to use a glass professional when replacing the glass in your home!
Our team of professional glaziers can work with you to select the best fit for you and your budget, while taking the guesswork out of selecting the best replacements. For expert glass installation and repairs for your residential or commercial needs, contact our team of professionals at Hiegel Glass today!