replacement glass in existing frame

13 years ago

I usually lurk on a different forum, but I have a question that I hope you can help with. We have two large fixed glass windows (about 5-ft x 4-ft) above our front door. The frames are good, and are mahogany, like the rest of the window frames in the house. The windows do not leak water or air, but nonetheless, there is a cold draft off of them in the winter.

I suspect that the best solution would be motorized cellular blinds to cover the windows in the winter, but my husband thinks replacing the glass in the windows would help. We currently have 3/8-in. double with low-E coating, and a glass company could replace with 5/8-in. low-E. We live in New England, and these windows are sheltered, but face north. My question is whether this would be worthwhile. For example, when replacing the glass in an existing frame, how does the installer ensure an air tight seal?

Thanks so much for your help.

Comments (3)

PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
13 years ago
Do I understand your posting that the current window does have low-e?

If that is the case, there is absolutely zero benefit in replacing the existing glass with an newer glass pack with low-e and/or argon.

The cold draft that you feel off the window is not air leakage but is what we refer to as a convective loop. The warm air rises, looses its heat to the glass, cools, and sinks. That is the air movement that you are feeling. The best thing you could do would be to put a cellular or thermal blind in front of that window.

You may tell you husband that he is wrong. Do it gently.
gwbr54
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks, windowsonwashington. The gentle telling will be key! So the extra 1/4-in. will not be noticeable in cutting down on convection?

Too bad in a way - I think it'll cost me same amount of $$ for the motorized shades, and for most of the year, I'd rather have bare windows.
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PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
13 years ago
The glass width that you have is more ideal for an Argon filled window but the ROI calculations will be so far out that you would be wasting your money.