The Glass and Mirror Specialists

Replace the glass, not the window!

If the glass in your windows is broken or foggy, you’ve probably asked yourself this question: Can I just replace the glass in my window, or do I need to replace the whole window?

The answer is really quite simple. Unless the window frame itself is damaged, there is no need to replace the window, we can change the glass without disrupting the window and frame. Weather you have single pane glass or double pane glass the Ace team can guide you in the right direction in selecting the best choice for your application.
Most people don’t realize its fairly quick, easy, inexpensive and highly effective to change out that broken/cracked, failed/foggy glass. We are highly educated in glass, and glass replacement. Here is a quick reference guide:

Single pane glass. Consists of one layer, which is typically anywhere between 2mm and 6mm in thickness, and is not insulating.

Double pane glass. This type of glass has many different names. Can be referred to as a thermal unit, sealed unit, or an IGU which stands for Insulated Glass Unit. Whatever you call it, it all means the same thing. It is a glazing system that consists of two (or more) panes of glass that sits inside the window frame. It is separated by a vacuum or gas-filled pocket of air that helps with insulation and reduces heat transfer. An adhesive spacer is applied between each layer of glass, separating each pane. Needless to say it’s that insulation that helps keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

The ‘seal’ in an IGU can last anywhere from 10 years to over 20 years. Once that seal fails, you will see signs of moisture build up between the glass, mould or mildew, water leaks, etc. At this time the sealed unit must be replaced.

If the glass is broken, or even has a small crack in it, you have lost the seal.

You might find yourself wondering…why do I have moisture inside the glass, but the glass is not broken? Well the high Summer temperatures causes the air trapped between the two panes of glass to expand causing the centre of the unit to swell like a balloon, as the temperature drops the air contracts and the unit goes into negative deflection causing the glass to contract in the middle. This constant expansion and contraction is called solar pumping, the stress this causes on the perimeter seal eventually causes the seal to fail.

Call the pro’s at the Ace team today for any questions we will be happy to help.