Alternative to Glass Windows

Alternative Glass Windows

Alternatives to Glass

Typically, burglars don’t like to break glass for entrance to a house because it is too noisy. However, you can’t count on all thieves doing the same thing. If a window can’t be forced open, robbers have been known to stick tape on to the window, break it, and quietly peel away the pieces to create an opening.

In order to improve the security of your windows, consider replacing the standard glass in the vulnerable areas with security glazing. Alternatives to ordinary window glass fall into four basic categories.

First, wire glass. Wire glass has wire mesh embedded in it. It breaks easily, but the wire holds most of the shards in places and impedes entry. This is a good choice for garage or basement windows.

Second, tempered glass. This type of glass is several times stronger than regular glass, but it will break if enough force is applied. Tempered glass is the standard glass used for storefront windows.

Third, plastic glazing.  Plastic glazing is often UL-listed for resistance to hits that would shatter and destroy ordinary glass.  The most common types are acrylic (Plexiglas) and polycarbonate (Lexan). Acrylic can deflect a thrown rock, but will break if hit with a hammer. Polycarbonate, which is twice as expensive, is virtually indestructible. It resists heat, flames, cold, hammers, picks, and axes. Both types of plastic glazing cost and weigh less than laminated glass, but they are also more easily scratched and turn yellow from exposure to sunlight.

The installation for plastic glazing is similar to installing regular glass panes except that it requires a more elastic silicone-base glazing compound to stand up to the grate rate of expansion.

Fourth, laminated glass. Laminated glass is the type of glass used in car windows. It consists of two layers bonded together with plastic in between. The glass will shatter, but they typically stick to the plastic instead of falling out. Laminated glass is heavy, costly, and much thicker than most other materials. Laminated glass  also has special installation requirements so a professional would need to install it should you choose this option for securing your home windows.

Re-glazing Windows:

Here are a few tips for re-glazing windows in a wooden sash window.

1)      Determine the size

2)      Chip off all the old glazing using a putty knife or chisel.

3)      Remove the old glazier’s points and scrape away the old compound

4)      Paint the groove with silicone if you are using it.

5)      Apply a 1/8 inch layer of glazing compound

6)      Line up one edge of the pane in the sash and embed it in the glazing compound.

7)      Press glazier’s points into sash with putty knife. Then apply ¼ inch bead of glazing compound and press it into place.

8)      Bevel the compound with a putty knife.

9)      Don’t paint silicone glazing compound.