What Is Window Glazing?

When you want to enjoy the view of your landscape and neighborhood but don't want to brave the elements, the more windows you have, the better. But while windows let in natural light, they also let in noise and the heat of the sun. You could be losing up to 30% of your residential cooling or heating through inefficient windows. Understanding what window glazing is can help you maximize the efficiency of your windows.

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What Is Window Glazing?

The term "window glazing" means two different things. It refers to the type and number of glass panes in your window as well as the process of adding, securing or replacing glass in a window frame. Reglazing a window simply means to replace the window glass or sealant holding the window glass in place. You can upgrade your window to include more panes to make it more efficient.

Types of Window Glazing Explained

You might see windows referred to as double-glazed or triple-glazed. This simply refers to the number of panes or layers of glass in the window. So, a double-glazed window has two layers of glass, while a single-glazed window has only one layer.

The gap between layers serves as insulation and helps improve the efficiency of the window, so the more panes you have, the more efficient the window.

What Is the Process Like?

Whether you're resealing an existing window or replacing a broken glass pane, the general process of window glazing or reglazing is the same.

First, the existing window glass and all caulking or sealant around the edges is removed. Once the frame is completely clean, new window glass is installed in the frame and secured with small metal fasteners, called glazing points, around the edges. The final step is to seal all around the window with a waterproof putty to keep moisture out. This sealant usually has to be cured for a few days or weeks before you can expose it to the elements or paint over it.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Glazing Windows?

A properly installed window offers improved insulation, a reduction in noise and a longer lifespan for your window. Choosing glass with more layers, such as double-glazed or triple-glazed windows, improves energy efficiency in your home.

The biggest con of reglazing your windows is the cost. This is especially true if you're upgrading to windows with more panes. Keep in mind that the energy savings and better comfort levels in your home could be worth the price of reglazing.

If you're debating between reglazing the window or replacing the entire thing, compare costs before making a decision. Sometimes reglazing multipaned windows is comparable in cost to simply replacing the window.

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Should I Glaze My Windows?

Now you know what window glazing is, you can make an informed decision about whether to have your windows reglazed. If the glass in your window shows damage, including cracks, warping or holes, you should reglaze your window immediately.

If you notice drafts or leaking air around the edges of the window, you might consider reglazing the entire window or applying caulking to seal the edges. Condensation between the panes of your window can also be a sign that the window needs reglazing or resealing.

A warped or cracked window frame might not be suitable for reglazing. You might need a full window replacement instead. Consider upgrading to a double-pane or triple-pane window if you want to improve energy efficiency in your home.

Other Options for Improving Window Efficiency

In addition to window glazing, you can improve window efficiency by adding a coating to the glass. Solar efficiency films block out UV rays to keep out heat in summer. Caulking or weatherstripping around the edges of the window could provide additional weatherproofing and prevent air leaks.