Using Gorilla glass for home building

Perceived Innovation vs Existing Window Tech

• Several commenters note that triple- and even quadruple-pane windows have been common for decades, especially in Europe, and see the article’s framing as overhyping.
• Gorilla Glass is viewed mainly as a way to make inner panes thinner, lighter, and potentially cheaper, not as enabling multi-pane glazing itself.

Cost, Affordability, and ROI

• Many homeowners see window upgrades as an expensive “luxury,” especially in the US, with full-house replacements quoted from ~$8K to $26K+.
• Some report substantial energy savings (e.g., ~30% in one case) after upgrading from old single-pane or leaky aluminum frames, suggesting payback over years.
• Others emphasize that real-estate markets often don’t price in better windows; kitchens and bathrooms add more visible resale value.
• Financing and timing are big constraints: upgrades are hardest right after purchase when buyers are cash- and credit-constrained, even if that’s the ideal time to renovate an empty house.

DIY vs Professional Installation

• For newer, standard-framed construction, some describe window replacement as a relatively approachable DIY job.
• For older or stucco-clad houses, nonstandard sizes, or structural changes to openings, it becomes complex and often requires pros and custom units.
• There’s debate over resizing openings; technically possible but can involve reframing, permits, and siding/drywall removal.

Regional Differences and Standards

• Triple-pane is considered standard in many Eastern European contexts and increasingly normal in parts of Europe; in North America it’s often a “premium” upgrade.
• Contributors link differences to labor costs, higher energy prices in Europe, and code requirements; in some markets energy ratings are part of listings and clearly valued.

Advanced and Alternative Technologies

• Vacuum-insulated units (e.g., LuxWall) are discussed: extremely high R-values but skepticism about long-term vacuum integrity, impact resistance, bowing, and maintenance.
• Getters and internal supports are mentioned as engineering solutions, but durability over decades is seen as uncertain.
• Transparent aerogel-based windows (e.g., Aeroshield) are noted as a promising but likely expensive future option.

Historic and Special-Case Windows

• For pre-1940 homes, some advocate restoring original windows plus storms rather than replacing, citing aesthetics, longevity, and modest net efficiency gains.
• Others caution that older homes were designed to “breathe,” and tightening only windows without holistic insulation and moisture management can cause mold/rot.

Comfort, Noise, and Design Considerations

• Multiple users highlight major subjective benefits: better thermal comfort, less interior cold, and strong noise reduction from triple-pane or very thick/laminated glass.
• Simple passive design (e.g., awnings that admit winter sun but block summer sun) is praised as a powerful complement to high-performance glazing.