What Is a Replacement Window Spacer?

When a window has more than one pane of glass, it uses one or more window spacers to keep the panes of glass in place and preserve a tight seal. This helps keep insulating gasses like argon from escaping. Before you replace old windows in your home or business, choosing quality replacement window spacers is important. Here’s some more information about window spacers, the types of window spacers available, and how to select the best type for your needs.

What Is a Replacement Window Spacer?

A replacement window spacer is the same as a regular window spacer. The spacer, also called the window spacer bar, borders the edges of the window, keeping the panes of glass in position despite temperature and other environmental changes. A double-paned window has one spacer, and a triple-paned window has two spacer bars.

Many double- and triple-paned windows have a window desiccant underneath their spacers. It’s a material such as clay or silica gel that absorbs moisture and keeps condensation from collecting between the panes of glass. If you have a window that has visible problems in the spacer it's best to replace the entire window or replace the sash because you won't be able to restore those spacers.

What Are the Different Types of Window Spacers?

Many window spacer types are available. Window spacers for double glazing work with windows that have two panes, and triple glazing window spacers work with three panes of glass.

Window Spacer Types

Stainless steel window spacers are some of the strongest available, and they’re very good at retaining insulating gasses like argon or krypton. They also look great in contemporary or high-end windows. Tin-plated steel spacers provide more protection from heat loss, and they can be more durable than stainless steel or aluminum. Aluminum window spacers are inexpensive and common in many areas, but they can expand and contract with the weather, making the seal eventually fail. This can lead to condensation, mold, mildew, musty odors, or stress cracks around windows.

Foam window spacers are some of the most effective, and you won’t need to worry about mold or moisture. However, they don’t last as long as metal window spacers. Vinyl window spacers are good at reducing heat transfer and increasing energy efficiency. However, the material could emit gas when exposed to high temperatures, making the spaces between the window panes look cloudy or foggy. Rubber window spacers also help reduce heat transfer, but they’re not as easy to manufacture into different shapes as metal window spacers.

Many window spacers undergo warm edge testing to find out which ones are least conductive to heat. The ones with the best performances are often called warm edge spacers because they keep the inner edges of glass warmer, reducing condensation. Technoform offers hybrid warm edge spacers made from a combination of polypropylene and ultra-thin stainless steel for superior durability as well as energy efficiency.

Do I Get To Choose the Type of Window Spacer in My Window?

If you’re having a window custom-made, you may be able choose the type of window spacer and spacer color depending on what the manufacturer has available. Before you decide what type of window you want to install in your home or business, look at the specifications carefully, including the window spacer type. There are many options available, and you can find windows with many different spacers, colors, dimensions, and other characteristics.

When you're ready to speak to a window retailer make sure to ask about the window spacer options for the windows they offer. You'll definitely impress the sales person and it lets them know they are working with an informed shopper. If you live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and are interested in purchasing new windows for your home please contact us, Brennan Enterprises, to discuss your options.