If you have an older home in Baytown with a skylight that has seen better days, then it might be time to think about repairing or replacing the plate glass for improved energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal. Our experienced window repair team in Baytown can help!
Plate glass is the standard type of window material used in most skylights found on older homes throughout Baytown and surrounding communities. Knowing how to repair this type of horizontal plate glass windows can make a big difference in keeping your home looking beautiful, while simultaneously making sure the interior remains cool during hot summer months.
For all your residential window repairs in Baytown, from skylights to sidelights, contact our helpful team at Joey’s Glass today.
What is Plate Glass?
Plate glass, also known as flat glass or sheet glass, is a type of glass that is manufactured in large, flat sheets. It is produced by pouring molten glass onto a flat surface, where it is then allowed to cool and solidify into a smooth, uniform sheet.
Unlike other types of glass, such as tempered or laminated glass, plate glass does not undergo additional processing or treatments to alter its strength or resilience. It can withstand normal wear and tear, but is more susceptible to cracking or shattering under impact or stress such as extreme weather events.
Plate glass is not particularly energy efficient due to its lack of insulative properties, making your skylight a likely source of heat loss during winter and heat gain during summer.
If your older skylight currently has plate glass in place, it may be worth considering a Baytown window repair upgrade to improve its energy efficiency and overall durability.
Upgrading Your Skylight Glass
Skylights are a great way to bring natural light into your home, but their size and placement require special considerations when it comes to glass needs.
Skylight designs and materials must meet federal safety specifications, including resilience against high winds, hail, hurricanes, and fall protection. They are also required to meet specific performance standards for air infiltration, design pressure, water penetration, and load testing.
Typically, a skylight requires a large horizontal piece of glass, which can present unique challenges when it comes to installation and maintenance. Using some type of reinforced glass is the best option to ensure durability and prevent cracking or breakage over time. Additionally, special coatings or treatments may be necessary to prevent excessive heat gain or loss through the skylight, particularly in our area where we experience such hot summers.
When it comes to skylights, it’s important to work with a professional installer who can help you choose the right glass and other features to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Glass Options for Skylight Window Repair in Baytown
Here are some of the best glass options you should consider when replacing old plate glass skylights:
- Tempered Glass: This type of glass is strengthened through a process of extreme heating and rapid cooling, making it much stronger than standard plate glass. If it breaks, it shatters into small granular chunks instead of jagged shards, reducing the risk of injury. Tempered glass is a good choice for skylights due to its strength and safety features.
- Laminated Glass: Laminated glass consists of two or more layers of glass bonded together with a plastic interlayer. This design helps keep the glass intact even if it’s broken, resulting in a “spider web” cracking pattern instead of shattering into pieces. Additionally, laminated glass offers better sound insulation, blocks nearly 99% of UV radiation, and is highly impact-resistant, making it an excellent option for skylights in locations prone to extreme weather conditions.
- Tempered-over-Laminated Glass (Best Option): This option offers the best of both worlds, combining the strength of tempered glass and the safety features of laminated glass. It features a layer of tempered glass for superior strength and resistance to temperature changes, and a laminated layer for enhanced safety and UV protection. This combination makes it the most durable and safest choice for skylights, particularly in regions with intense weather conditions.
Given the strong sunlight and UV levels in the Baytown area, you can also consider adding a specialty coating to your glass to increase its protection from the sun. One of the best options here is Low-E glass, or low-emissivity glass. This glass is specially treated with a thin, metallic coating that reflects heat back to its source, keeping your home warmer in the winter by reflecting heat back inside, and cooler in the summer by reflecting the sun’s heat away. It also blocks harmful more UV rays from the sun which can fade carpets, furniture, and curtains.
Choose Glass Over Plastic for Skylights
Although there are many other materials that can be used for skylights, glass remains the best choice. While plastic or polycarbonate options may seem like an attractive alternative due to the lower price point, there are several problems that come with them.
One major issue is that these materials tend to yellow and become brittle over time, which can significantly reduce their lifespan. Additionally, plastic and polycarbonate skylights are much more susceptible to damage from hail or other types of severe weather, making it more likely that they will actually need to be replaced sooner than a glass skylight.
Overall, while it may be tempting to opt for a cheaper or seemingly easier option, choosing a glass skylight can help ensure that your home remains beautiful and functional for years to come.
Baytown Window Repair for Skylight Upgrades
When it comes to repairing your skylight, you want to trust the job to experts who know what they’re doing. Choose a professional team that has experience working with all sizes and types of window glass in homes from every era, from older houses to new builds. We take safety seriously and follow strict guidelines for every job.
At Joey’s Glass, you can count on us to get the job done quickly and efficiently, leaving you with a functioning skylight that you can rely on. You can trust that your windows will look great for years to come. Contact us today for a free quote!