Why Homeowners Are Choosing Reglazing for Sunrooms & Solariums
As a treasured part of your home, the sunroom provides a bright and airy space to relax and enjoy the outdoors. But over time, those ample windows that let in sunlight can lose their luster and dim the room.
Double-pane windows are the most prevalent type used in homes and sunrooms today. They consist of two panes of glass separated by a layer of air or gas to provide insulation. While durable, double-pane windows still have a limited lifespan. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), these windows last around 20 years on average before needing replacement.
Signs that your sunroom, solarium, or greenhouse glass needs to be replaced:
- Condensation or fogging between window panes
- Visible cracks, chips, or scratches in the glass
- Drafts indicating broken window seals
- Faded or worn window frames
What is Reglazing?
Reglazing is the process of removing old glazing (the glass panes) from windows and replacing them with new glazing. This restores windows to a clear, like-new condition. It goes beyond basic window cleaning to improve visibility and brightness.
During reglazing, any minor damage to window frames is also repaired. Deteriorated seals around the panes are replaced to make windows weathertight and energy-efficient. Historic architectural details like curved glass, stained glass, or leaded glass can be preserved.
Why Homeowners Choose Reglazing
- Lower Cost of a new sunroom or solarium
Rather than investing in completely new sunroom, reglazing saves homeowners money. Exact pricing depends on the number of glass panes, but reglazing costs a fraction of a whole new solarium or greenhouse. If the structure is in good shape, it’s an affordable way to upgrade.
- Quick and Convenient Process
In most cases, the entire reglazing process takes just a few days. After removing old glass, new custom-cut panes are precisely installed and sealed. This causes little disruption to your household compared to lengthy window replacement projects.
- Environmentally Friendly
Since the existing structure stays in place, reglazing produces less waste. It’s a sustainable option that benefits the environment.
Trust Sunshine Rooms for your reglazing project
Don’t settle for lackluster windows that darken your sunroom. Our professional contracted installation teams will install new glass to let the sunshine back in. Contact us today for a free consultation and estimate. We work nationwide with homeowners. It’s time to fall in love with your sun-filled space again!
Reglazing Q & A
How can I tell if my sunroom frames are in good enough condition to make reglazing worth it versus fully replacing the whole structure? What should I look for?
Check window frames and supports for signs of rot, insect damage, cracks, or water staining to gauge remaining structural integrity. Test windows for smooth operation and make sure insulation seals around openings are intact without gaps or air leaks. As long as the underlying structure is sound, reglazing is a great investment, but major foundation or support repairs may indicate a full sunroom replacement makes more economic sense. Consider asking a building inspector or contractor to evaluate the condition of the foundation and knee-walls as well.
I have special glass features in my solarium like curved glass, tinted glass, or glass block. Can these types of glass still be matched and reglazed or would they need to be completely redone?
In most cases, yes, we can source comparable glass products to seamlessly replace these special features during reglazing. For unusual curves or rare glass types, we may recommend taking dimensions and images to suppliers to recreate as close to the originals as possible. Let our team assess your existing glasswork to advise the best approach.
Are there smart glass technologies like electrochromic or photochromic glass available for reglazing sunrooms? How do they work and what are the pros and cons?
Yes, both electrochromic and photochromic glass options are available for sunroom reglazing projects. However, the cost of these new technologies can be beyond your budgeting expectations. Another potential limitation is that these advanced glass options may be difficult to source and cut for intricate or curved designs.
Electrochromic glass uses a thin conductive layer that allows it to tint when a low-voltage electrical current is applied. This allows you to actively control the tint level. Photochromic glass tints are automatically based on the intensity of natural UV light. Both provide heat control and UV protection. Electrochromics give more tint adjustability but come at a higher cost, while photochromics are more budget-friendly.
Recommended
Perfect! It’s exactly how we wanted them. The difference between our new solarium windows and our old curved UV-damaged Lexan ones is like night and day.
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