Vinyl Replacement Window Glass

The glass in a vinyl replacement window is the most significant part of the window.  The glass has the largest surface area of any replacement window product.  Glass must go through a special process before becoming a replacement window including going through special "baking" ovens and being exposed to different chemicals and liquids along the way to assist in the process of making a high quality product.  Glass must be carefully moved throughout the window making process and it most go through a detailed inspection process before it is sealed into an insulated glass unit (IGU).

Cutting systems use computer calibrated laser technology for precise cuts based on the measurements of each individual window that is being made.  Typically both pieces of glass for a window unit are cut at the exact same time so they are precisely the same.  Great care is taken by top window manufacturers to reduce stress cracks such as using a coating of oil on the glass during the cutting process.

Once the glass is cut for each specific window the edges are polished down for the right fit when the material is used to assemble the insulated glass unit. 

Certain types of glass have to be further treated depending on its use.  For example, tempered glass which is used for safety reasons in some applications must go through a super heating process at 1400 degrees to cure the glass to change the molecular properties of the glass and convert it so that when it breaks, it shatters into thousands of tiny pieces lessening the likelihood of injury.  One practical example of tempered glass is in patio doors due to the fact that the glass reaches below the height of eighteen inches.  In Maryland any window below 18" is required to be tempered glass for safety precautions.

Low emissivity film (LowE) is added to the glass before it is moved on to the stage of making it into an IGU and lasers detect any imperfections for a clear finished prior to the glass being sealed in.