4 Replacement Glass Window Features You Might Not Think About

4 Overlooked Features of Replacement Window Glass

Replacing your windows doesn’t always mean tearing out the entire frame and starting from scratch. As long as the original frame is still in good condition, you may be able to just replace the glass. This option is more budget-friendly and a lot less messy.

But before diving into a window glass replacement project, it’s important to consider several features that impact performance and comfort. Here are four often-overlooked aspects of replacement glass for windows that can make a big difference in your home.

1. Energy Efficiency with Low-E Coatings and Argon Gas

Home efficiency starts with the right kind of window glass. Two small but impactful upgrades include Low-E coatings and argon gas.

What Are Low-E Coatings?

Low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings are invisible layers of metal oxide applied to window glass. These coatings reflect infrared light, helping heat stay inside during the winter and keeping it outside during the summer. This improves home comfort and reduces the load on your heating and cooling system. As an added bonus, Low-E glass blocks up to 99% of harmful UV rays, so your floors, furniture, and curtains don’t fade as quickly.

Why Use Argon Gas?

Argon is a clear, odorless, non-toxic gas that’s heavier than air. It acts as an insulator when sealed between two panes of glass, reducing heat transfer to improve your home’s thermal performance year-round. Expect lower utility bills, fewer drafts, and more consistent temperatures when you choose double-pane window glass replacement with argon gas.

2. Blinds Between the Glasses

Also called built-in blinds, blinds between the glass are window coverings sealed between two panes of glass inside a window or patio door. This glass window feature is especially popular in homes with a modern or minimalist aesthetic.

The benefits of built-in blinds include:

• Zero maintenance: These blinds are immune to dust and grime, so you’ll never have to spend an afternoon wiping down individual slats ever again.
• Kid- and pet-friendly: Built-in blinds have no exposed cords, making them a safer option in homes with small children or curious animals.
• Easy to use: Most built-in blinds are controlled by a small magnetic slider or remote, so adjusting light and privacy is a breeze. No cords, no hassle.
• Stay in place: Unlike traditional blinds, they won’t sway in the breeze or bang around when someone slams the patio door.
• Stylish and practical: Blinds between the glass give your space a streamlined look while still allowing you to adjust light and privacy as needed.

3. Tinted and Privacy Glass

If your goal is better comfort or more privacy, you don’t necessarily need blackout curtains or bulky blinds—tinted and privacy glass get the job done in a classy, streamlined way.

What Is Tinted Glass?

You might be most familiar with tinted car window glass, but it’s also an option for your home. Tinted windows reduce glare and solar heat by filtering out sunlight, which makes a big difference when your west-facing windows get blasted by the sun in the afternoon. Choosing tinted residential window glass replacement maintains a cooler interior and protects your furniture from fading.

What Is Privacy Glass?

Privacy glass obscures visibility while still allowing in natural light. It’s popular in bathroom and closet windows for obvious reasons. Options include frosted, textured, and decorative glass. Base your decision on your style preferences and how much privacy you want.

4. Advanced Glass Technologies for Comfort and Safety

Glass has come a long way since the single-pane windows of the past. Today’s window technology can improve comfort, safety, and peace of mind—if you choose carefully. Here are some innovations to consider:

• Impact-resistant glass: Areas prone to hurricanes, high winds, or rowdy neighborhood baseball games benefit from impact-resistant glass. It’s engineered with a tough plastic interlayer to withstand strong impacts without shattering into dangerous shards. This type of glass even boasts soundproofing qualities to muffle cars, airplanes, or noisy neighbors.
• Tempered glass: This type of safety glass is heat-treated to be several times stronger than standard annealed glass. When it breaks, it shatters into small, blunt pieces instead of sharp shards. It’s commonly used in shower doors, car windows, and entry doors for safety.
• Smart glass: Also known as switchable glass, this technology allows you to control your window’s transparency. With a flick of a switch or a tap on your phone, your glass can go from clear to frosted. It’s ideal for customizing privacy, reducing glare, and minimizing heat gain.

Next Steps to Installing Replacement Windows

Upgrading your windows is the perfect chance to enhance energy efficiency, safety, and aesthetics. Baker Glass is proud to be Jacksonville’s premier glass installation and repair company. Our knowledgeable and friendly glass specialists provide the best customer service in the region. We never cut corners; instead, we focus on your complete satisfaction every time. Contact us today for a free window glass replacement estimate.