Window Glass
TEMPERED VS LAMINATED
What's the difference between tempered and laminated glass?
Learn the lingo ...
You may call us one day because your window is cracked, fogged or broken, and understandably, you would like to have some idea of what it is going to cost you to replace it.
Below is some helpful information to get you—and us—started, in providing that quote that you need.
Most standard residential windows are glazed with what is referred to as SSB or DSB plate glass. This glass is 1/16" of an inch and 1/8" of an inch respectively. This is the least expensive repair, and the fastest, as the glass can be cut right on the job, so only one trip is necessary.
Usually you can tell by the fact that it is fogged inside, which prompted your call in the first place, or you can see that you have one broken pane and one still intact in the same sash. If you have this type of glass, we will need to know the rough size, the thickness, if it has muntin bars inside it ...
... and if it is clear or tinted. If this is all to much for you, we will happily send someone out to determine these factors for you free of charge.
Any glass in a door or within 24 inches of a door, such as a sidelite, must be safety glass, which could be tempered, which breaks in tiny pieces when it experiences trauma ...
... or it may be laminated or even plastic or Plexiglass. Tempered takes a couple of days to manufacture, laminated is in stock and something that can be gotten much quicker, and Plexi is always available as a quick fix. Plexi comes in all the same thicknesses window glass comes in, but laminated is only available in a standard 1/4" thickness, which usually will work fine as a temporary or permanent repair in a door or sidelite.
You may have a patio door glass ...
Which come in three standard sizes and is not difficult to measure. Simply choose one of the doors and measure only the daylight opening, or from inside of the frame to inside of the frame. If it measures roughly 33 X 75, then it is a standard 34 X 76.
The other standard sizes are 28 X 76, and 46 X 76. It may be single or double pane, and it may be clear or tinted, so these details are important if calling in for a quote.
Hopefully this information will help you wade through the difficult details when you are seeking a phone quote for a window repair. Whether it's one window or 25, Alamo Glass is happy to provide your quote so feel free to call at any time with any questions you may have.
