Glass Windows

{{Infobox
|title = Glass Windows
|image        = [[File:Space holder.jpg|215px|alt=Block Glass Windows]]
|header5 = Other Names
|data6   = Window Glazing, Window Panes
|header7 = Description:
|data8   = Glass constitute the panel section of most replacement windows.}}

Glass windows have been in use since Roman times but didn't come into use until the Europeans adopted glass windows in the 17th century. When the industrial glass making process was introduced in the 19th century it became possible to create glass windows on a large scale and today windows are almost exclusively fitted with glass panels. 

== Sizes and Shapes ==
Glass windows can be included in windows of any shape or size. Window sizes include windows which can range from those as small as 12 inches in length or width to large sizes which can vary up to six feet in length or width. Glass window shapes may include window of any shape such as squares, rectangles, hexagons, octagons, circles, half-circles and quarter circles. 

== Glass Window Types ==
There are a wide variety of glazing options for glass windows. Homeowners can choose a replacement glass alternative that fits their home's architectural design as well as the needs and requirements of the residents. Glass windows should admit the maximum amount of light penetration and energy efficiency.  

=== Float Glass Windows ===
Float glass windows are manufactured using a float process in which a sheet of glass is repeatedly passed over a bed of molten tin.  Float class displays a uniform thickness, resulting in a glass surface which is bright and shiny. Modern windows are generally produced using a float glass production as opposed to those made of sheet glass whose surfaces are not as smooth or uniform as that of float glass. 

==== Float Glass Benefits ====
Float glass replacement windows offer a clear surface and a high degree of visibility. They can be developed further into other forms of glass including reflective glass, tinted glass or toughened glass. 

==== Float Glass Considerations ====
Float glass, on its own, does not offer enhanced features such as thermal insulating properties or safety features. Float glass, if not strengthened or otherwise reinforced, is vulnerable to breakage including  through forced entries. 

==== Float Glass Placements ====
Float glass windows are a suitable glazing option for any room in the house. Window additions, such as shutters and curtains, can increase the glass's insulation capabilities and decrease heating or cooling loss which is transferred through the window's glazing.

=== Multi Glass Windows ===
Multi glass replacement windows are manufactured using an insulated glass unit into which two or three layers of glass are set. An aluminum spacer separates the glass panes which are then sealed into the window sash. The air gap between the glass panes can be filled with an insulating glass such as argon or krypton gas to increase the window's energy efficiency. 

==== Multi Glass Benefits ====
The improved insulation of a multi glass window unit reduces air conditioning/heating costs and minimizes sound pollution from outside the house including traffic and other noises. The slender frames of a multi glass window unit fit in well with the overall architectural design the home. Multi pane windows provide enhanced home security. 

==== Multi-Pane Considerations ====
If any of the panes of a multi-pane window cracks or breaks the entire window unit must be replaced. Sometimes a crack develops in one of the panes, leading to condensation and necessitating replacement of the entire unit. Multi-pane windows are also a more expensive window replacement choice than single pane windows. 

==== Multi Glass Placements ====
Multi glass units are suggested for homes which are located in climates which are significantly hot or cold. Industry observers suggest that homeowners who live in extreme climates order triple pane windows for extra thermal insulation. Multi-glass windows are an appropriate window replacement alternative for any room which is exposed to the weather elements.

=== Reflective Glass Replacement Windows ===
The impact of the sun's radiation is minimized by the metallic coating which is laid on top of float glass in a reflective glass replacement window. In addition to reducing radiative heat transfer and glare the special metallic coating creates a mirror effect which prevents people standing outside the house from seeing into the home.   

==== Benefits of Reflective Glass Windows ====
Reflective glass replacement windows offer a reduced light and heat impact from the sun's radiation.  They can enhance the effectiveness of heating and air conditioning units. They provide a clear view of the outside from within the room yet block the view of inside rooms from outside during the daytime. 

==== Considerations of Reflective Glass Windows ====
After dark the view from outside the home becomes clear, necessitating curtains or blinds for a home's nighttime privacy.  

==== Placements of Reflective Glass Windows ====
Reflective glass replacement windows are ideal for rooms which are exposed to the sun. 

=== Toughened or Tempered Glass Replacement Windows ===
Tempered or toughened glass offers enhances a home's security. 

==== Toughened Glass Replacement Windows ====
Toughened glass replacement windows are produced when the manufacturer applies a special treatment to ordinary float glass. This treatment involves heating the glass to a very high temperature so that it begins to soften. The windows are then cooled rapidly which toughens the glass. Toughened glass can provide a glass panel which is up to four to five times stronger than regular float glass, presenting a home with enhanced window security. 

==== Tempered Glass Replacement Windows ====
The process of tempering the glass creates internal stresses inside the glass panels which cause a tempered glass panel, when broken, to crumble into small chunks instead of dispersing widely or splintering into jagged shards. The granular chunks of tempered glass are less likely to cause injury.

===== Benefits of Toughened or Tempered Glass Windows =====
Toughened and tempered glass replacement windows increase the security of a home and the safety of the people inside. 

Toughened glass reduces the likelihood of a burglary occurring through a broken window. It also protects the window's integrity in case a child or adult bumps into a window -- a significant advantage for windows which are located at or near floor level.

Tempered glass ensures that, if a window breaks, the breakage will not result in further injury to any individual. 

===== Considerations of Toughened or Tempered Glass Windows =====
The manufacturing process of creating toughened glass mandates that the glass be cut to size before it is toughened. Tempered glass cannot be re-cut or have polished edges or drilled holes which are added once the glass has undergone the toughening process. Therefore, these windows must be specially ordered. Damage to toughened glass will result in the glass shattering into pieces. This can include damage to either the center or edges of the glass. 
Because the manufacturing process of tempered glass creates surface waves, tempered glass may not be enhanced with a reflective coating. 

==== Placements of Toughened and Tempered Glass Windows ====
Toughened and tempered glass windows are a convenient window option for homes in which the windows are located at floor level where young children may bang up against a window sash. 

In addition, for windows which are easily accessible at street level, toughened glass creates a more difficult barrier for burglars who may try to enter the house through a broken window. Toughened glass windows are also suitable for second story bedroom windows in order to secure children located inside the house. 

=== Self-Cleaning Glass ===
Both hydrophobic and hydrophilic glass windows may be included as a glass window option for a home's replacement windows. Hydrophobic glass windows clean themselves by rolling droplets down the window to clean the window. Hydrophilic glass windows chemically break down absorbed dirt when the window is exposed to sunlight.

Self-cleaning glass windows are a suitable window option for windows which are located in areas which are not easily accessible for cleaning. They are a more costly window alternative. 

=== Design Glass Window Options ===
Various architectural designs and homeowner preferences may include a variety of other glass window options including tinted, textured or clouded privacy glass. These replacement window alternatives present the advantages of a glass window, both operating and [[PictureWindows|non-operating]], with an enhanced privacy appearance.

Etched glass  windows have images which are etched into the glass to create a personalized attractive window alternative. Homeowners can special order any etched design that they wish in a glass window. These windows are generally smaller sizes and installed in a prominent space in the central room of a home for maximum exposure.

[[Category:Replacement Windows]]