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Is the glass in yourCincinnati home’s bay windows beginning to wiggle and wobble within the sash? Perhaps you’ve noticed a distinct draft when you walk by the window, or maybe you have older, single–pane glass windows that let the winter cold pass right through them. These are all signs that it’s time to replace the glass in your bay windows. Here’s a closer look at your options for replacing glass and some guidance as to why, in most cases, you’re better off replacing the entire window sash in each window.
The sash is the entire window unit, minus the frame. It’s the material that surrounds the glass — plus the glass itself. While there are companies that will remove the old glass from the window sash and insert new glass, you’re generally better off replacing the entire sash rather than just the glass.
There are a few reasons why replacing the entire sash is preferable. First, it’s often the more affordable option. Carefully removing the glass from the sash and inserting new glass is a very intricate process, and you’ll pay top dollar to have it performed. It’s a lot easier for a window replacement company to just remove each sash in your bay window and put new ones into place. Second, if the glass is beginning to loosen in the sash, then there’s a good chance the sashes themselves are not in good repair and actually need to be replaced, too. This is common with older wooden sashes, which are seen in most older Cincinnati homes.
When replacing bay windows in your Cincinnati home, you definitely want to focus on glass options that are energy-efficient in both the heat of summer and the cold of winter. Double–pane glass is a given. The layer of air between the two panes of glass acts as an insulator, stopping the transfer of heat.
Renewal by Andersen’s SmartSun™ glass is a great option. This low-e glass features a special coating that reflects heat waves. In the winter, it reflects heat waves back into your home, reducing your heating bills. In the summer, it reflects the sun’s rays back outdoors so your air conditioner does not have to work as hard. SmartSun glass also blocks UV rays, so you can relax in the sun streaming in through your bay windowwithout worrying that it will damage your skin.
You can find replacement windows with vinyl, aluminum, and wood sashes. However, your best option, in most cases, will be installing window sashes made from a composite material like Fibrex®. Fibrex is made from natural wood fibers, but it is resistant to rot and deterioration, and you don’t have to scrape and paint it as you would with real wood. Fibrex does not bow or bend in response to temperature fluctuations, so it stays tightly sealed against the glass in your bay window. This way, you don’t end up with the same loose, leaky glass windows a few years down the road.
With new window sashes, your bay window will be more efficient than ever. To learn more about replacing the glass in your bay window, contact Renewal by Andersen to schedule a free, in-home consultation with one of our knowledgeable associates.