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Cut Rate Glass  /  Articles by: cutratedev
Categories Cutrateglass, Windows

7 Signs That You May Need Window Repair

7 Signs That You May Need Window Repair

On average, windows should last you anywhere from 15 to over 30 years. Of course, it’s common to run into problems during the lifespan of your windows, which means you’d need to get some repairs done to get the most use out of them.

But how can you tell when you need a professional to come and take a look?

Here are 7 signs that you may need window repair.

1. There’s Water Coming Through

If you’ve got water coming through your windows, then this is a huge sign that you need glass window repair.

For instance, when it rains, do you get droplets coming through into your home? Then that means you need to call a professional straight away.

Obviously, any water that isn’t where it belongs can cause mold issues. But that’s not the only problem you’ll have if water is coming through.

If your window’s not properly sealed and fixed, then it can cause cracks and other weaknesses to it. Not only that, but it’ll do so to your walls too.

As you can see, it’s vital you have your window fixed in this case, as it can cause significant structural damage, as well as health problems.

2. Your Windows get Foggy

Usually, it’s normal for your windows to get foggy every once in a while. But if they’re clouding up all the time, then that may indicate an issue.

If your windows are working properly, they should be good at keeping outside drafts where they belong: outside.

But if they’re not operating as well, then your windows might allow some outside air in. As a result, your windows will fog up; this is due to gaps in them.

You can always get a glass repair expert to take a look at it. But sometimes, it may be better to just completely replace them with more energy-efficient windows.

While this may cost you more upfront, the money you’ll save on your utility bills long-term will be worth it. It’ll pay for itself very quickly.

3. Your Windows Are Hard to Open (Or Close)

Your windows should open and close with ease. If they’re getting very difficult to move, then they may have warped a little.

Not only will this make it harder to open and shut windows, but it’ll also cause gaps and cracks in your windows. As a result, you may be losing valuable heat from your home through these holes.

A window repair professional can take a look at your windows and determine if they’re fixable. If the warping is really bad and it’s letting lots of airflow in the house, then you may have to consider a complete replacement.

4. Your Utility Bills Keep Increasing

Now that we’re getting out of wintertime and into spring, your utility bills should be decreasing as the temperature outside gets warmer. But if you find that they’re staying about the same, or even increasing, then there’s definitely something wrong.

Your windows not only let you get a good view of the outside world, but they also keep your home well-insulated. Remember how we said above that windows can have a lifespan of over 30 years? Well, this is only possible if you keep them maintained and working.

Every once in a while, you should inspect them to ensure everything’s sealed and working properly. If you notice anything seems off, then you’ll need to have a pro inspect your windows and make the appropriate fixes.

5. You Don’t Feel Comfortable

Your home is your haven, so you should be able to feel comfortable whenever you’re inside. But if you find yourself making frequent trips to the thermostat and you just can’t get warm or cold enough, then your windows might be the culprit.

Of course, it can always be a broken thermostat. But if you’ve inspected it and it’s working fine, then again, you need to look to your windows. Sometimes, all it’ll take is a simple repair job for your home to feel comfy again.

6. More Bugs Are Getting in Your Home

It’ll always be a fact of life that you’ll get bugs in your home. They want to seek shelter, after all, and your home is nice and cozy.

But if you’re noticing more and more bugs getting inside, then you probably have an issue with your windows; more specifically, the screens.

If you have wood frame windows, then they may shrink. And if you have vinyl or aluminum windows, then they may warp. Either way, it’ll affect how your window screens work.

Do you suspect your screens are causing more bugs to move into your home? Then get window screen repair to make everything alright again.

7. You Have Cracks in Your Window

Last, but not least, if you have cracks or chips in your window, then that’s a clear sign you need to get it repaired.

Not only is it not very aesthetically pleasing, but it’ll also let in air and moisture. It can also start spiderwebbing and turn into a bigger problem, so if you notice any small cracks, it’s best to get them taken care of ASAP to prevent larger issues from cropping up.

Schedule Window Repair Promptly

Now that you know some key signs to watch out for when it comes to your windows, you’ll be able to spot any trouble early on.

It’s vital you schedule window repair promptly. If you catch issues while they’re small, not only are they easier to fix, but they’re also cheaper to rectify.

By putting off repairs, you’re not doing yourself any favors. So make sure to quickly call the window experts at Cut Rate Glass for a repair job if you notice anything amiss. We’ll provide you with complete window care.

Think you need your windows repaired? Then get in touch with us now to schedule an appointment. We give free estimates!
Author cutratedev
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Categories Cutrateglass, Windows

A Guide to the Different Parts of a Window

A Guide to the Different Parts of a Window

How many times a day do you suppose you look out your windows? From when we check the weather to determine what we should wear in the morning to when we watch the sunset over our lawns, our windows give us our view on the world. But do you ever stop to think about how your windows are put together?

Windows are one of the more amazing and complex pieces of your home’s architecture, and they tend to get overlooked. Knowing some about the different parts of a window can help you better appreciate what an amazing feature of your home they are. Read on to learn the difference between a stile and a muntin and what role a sash lock plays in keeping your home safe.

Frame

There are two main pieces of a window: the frame and the glass. The frame is the whole structure that holds the glass in the window, much the same way that a rim holds a tire. The frame can consist of several other pieces that we’ll discuss more in detail later.

A window frame may be made up of a number of different materials. Wood was once the most common window frame material, but these days, vinyl and aluminum are more popular. These offer more durability and can come in a variety of colors, and vinyl can be painted.

Exterior Frame Pieces

Your window frame is made up of four primary pieces: the head, the jambs, the sill, and the jambliner. The head is the horizontal piece that runs across the top of your window. The head may be made up of many smaller pieces, including the siding, sheathing, drip cap, casing, and blind stop on the outside and the header, plaster, and lath, parting bead, and stop on the inside.

The sides of your exterior window frame are called the jambs. These help to guide your sashes as they move up and down in the exterior frame. If you have old double-hung windows, your jambs may have pulleys built into them near the top.

Your sill is the horizontal piece running across the bottom of your exterior window frame. Much like the head, your sill is made up of many smaller pieces. These include the siding and sheathing on the outside, the sub sill, the sill framing, and the plaster and lath on the inside. The jambliner is a strip of material on the sides of your window frame that helps to ensure a snug fit for the window sash.

Interior Frame Pieces

Your interior window frame, also called the sash, includes the pieces of wood that hold the glass in place for your window. This is the piece that slides up and down in your exterior window frame. If you have double-hung windows, you may have two full sets of these pieces.

The horizontal pieces of your window sash are called the rails. You have an upper and a lower rail; on double-hung windows, you’ll have two each of these. You may also have a check rail on a double-hung window that is where the upper part of the lower sash and the lower part of the upper sash come in contact.

The vertical pieces of your window sash are called the stiles. These help to support the glass and guide the windows in the frame. The vertical and horizontal pieces that subdivide your window frame within each sash are called the muntins.

Additional Window Pieces

Single- and double-hung windows also have parts that help the sashes move up and down. If you have old architectural-style double-hung windows, you’ll have pulleys at the top of your window jambs and ropes running through these into the sides of your stiles. At the other end, those ropes will attach to weights that run inside your window frame and help to counterbalance the windows and make it easier to raise them, lower them, and keep them in place.

More modern single- and double-hung windows use a spring-loaded balance to help counterbalance the weight of the window as it opens and closes. This mechanism is what keeps your windows from falling straight back down when you open them.

Your window will also come with some sort of a lift, a handle on the lower rail of the lower sash that helps you to open and close the window. Double-hung windows will feature a sash lock that has one half on the upper sash and one half on the lower. These two lock together and prevent windows from moving either up or down.

Casement Window Parts

Unlike single- and double-hung windows, casement windows do not move up and down in their frames. Rather, the sashes rotate on a horizontal or vertical axis to allow you to open the window. These windows can open either in or out and may come with limits on how far they can open.

Because casement windows don’t use the traditional mechanisms that single- and double-hung windows do, they don’t have the same lifting, balancing, or locking mechanisms. Instead, you’ll have a lock handle located on the jamb of your window that allows you to lock the window from the inside.

In place of a lift, you’ll have an operator on the jamb or sill of your casement window. This is a crank-operated device that allows you to open and close your windows. Your casement windows may also have some additional weatherstripping components to help prevent water from coming in or heat and cool from escaping.

Different Kinds of Glass

Inside the sashes of all your different windows, you might have different types of glass. The oldest and cheapest windows feature single-pane glass. As the name suggests, this is one single sheet of glass mounted in your sash with no additional insulating properties.

But because single-pane glass is so inefficient, insulated glass has gotten much more popular. This glass type features two panes of glass with a thin layer of gas separating them. Argon is frequently used in between these layers, as it is extremely effective at blocking heat loss.

There are also a number of different coatings you can get for your glass. Many of these are designed to help reflect UV rays and keep them from damaging your home and belongings. Reflective, low-emissivity, and laminated glass all fall into this category.

Fixed Window Parts

Some windows may not move at all, making them fixed-panel windows. These can include things like circle head windows, the half-circle windows that are common over doors and some prominent windows. Because these windows don’t move at all, they won’t have the same frame and sash components as other windows.

Fixed windows will have only the frame with the sash directly affixed to it. If it is over a window or a door, it may have a mullion at the bottom of it. A mullion is a major horizontal or vertical structural piece that separates and combines two or more windows.

Your fixed window may also have decorative pieces on it that make it look like it’s divided into multiple windowpanes. These decorative pieces are called grilles, and they only serve a visual purpose in your window. There may also be a small weep hole in the window sill that allows condensation or water to escape from your house without gathering inside the window.

Screens

Many single-hung, double-hung, and casement windows come with screens equipped. These thin mesh barriers prevent things like bugs and pests from coming inside even if the windows are open. This allows you to take advantage of a nice day and fresh air without chasing flies around your house for the next three days.

Screens are tightly woven layers of material, but they can come in different densities. Screens that are woven thicker will be harder to see through and will block out smaller bugs. But they will also block out more light and may obscure your view depending on their design.

You may find screens woven from a few different materials. Metal and plastic are popular options, but you may also find fiberglass. Talk to your window contractor about which screen type will give you the view you want and stop the bugs you don’t.

Learn More About the Parts of a Window

Windows are one of those things we take for granted every day. But knowing the different parts of a window can help you better understand how they function, especially if something breaks. It can also give you a new appreciation for these beautiful features that bring light and fresh air into our homes after winters that have been entirely too long.

If you’d like to get windows repaired or replaced at your home, check out the rest of our site at Cut Rate Glass. We provide residential window repair, retrofit windows and doors, and much more. Request a quote from us today and start seeing your life in a whole new light.

Author cutratedev
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Categories Cutrateglass, Windows

Arriving Home to a Broken House Window: What to do Next?

Broken Window

A broken house window is never a pleasant sight and can quickly become a hazard in your home.

After determining the cause, you’ll need to clean up the mess. It’s vital that you know what to do in this situation since the choices you make also determine the severity of the damage, whether or not there are injuries, and in some cases how much effort and money it’ll take to replace the window altogether.

Here’s the steps to take if a window breaks in your home.

Figure Out What Caused the Broken House Window

Before you find out how to fix a cracked glass window, determine the cause.

For example, if you need an emergency window repair after an intense storm, you’ll need to note what other belongings in the room may be at risk.

If there’s damage from the wind or precipitation, then you’ll have a much larger problem than that broken window. On the other hand, if you window breaks after children are playing around, the incident is more isolated and won’t likely have any other risks.

Secure the Affected Area

Even after you know the cause of your broken house window, it still isn’t time for the house window repair.

You’ll first need to block off the affected area as a temporary fix. If possible, you should request that everyone leave the room with the affected window and keep the door closed behind you.

If there isn’t a door to easily block off the area, notify the adults in the house, and ask for help keeping any children or pets away. Once everyone is removed from the area, you can begin securing the affected window. Keep in mind that when glass shatters due to an impact, there is sure to be pieces of glass that have scattered throughout the room.

Keep your shoes on, and make sure that they are sturdy enough to withstand broken glass pieces. Before doing anything near the broken house window, put some heavy-duty gloves on. To clear the area, you’ll need to pick up any stray pieces of glass so you’ll want to protect yourself as much as possible.

Find the Right Professionals to Help You

An open and empty window frame puts you at risk for weather-related issues, pest infestation, and theft. When it’s time for a cracked window repair, your first call should be to the most reputable window glass supplier you can find (like us, for example!) Our technicians can come in and replace the broken house window as soon as possible.

You should also give your insurance company a call to start a small claim. In your homeowners’ insurance policy, there should be information on what they’ll cover. The average homeowners’ insurance policy should cover the cost of the window replacement.

If you think that your window was damaged from vandalism or burglary, call law enforcement right away. Your local police station should send an officer over to view the damage, write up a report, and start the process of attempting to recover any of your belongings that were stolen during the incident.

Clear Any Stray Glass Around

Once you have an idea when a repairman is coming to your house and have started the claims report processes, it’s time to clean up the area around your broken window. Before you start, make sure that you’re wearing long pants and appropriate shoes, gloves, and a surgical mask (if available) for added protection. Leave the heavy handling to the professionals but protect yourself just as well as they would.

Be sure to gather everything you’ll need to use to move the glass for disposal. Wrap all pieces of glass in paper before placing them into plastic trash bags. This ensures that the glass debris remains securely bagged and also minimizes the risk of injury to you or anyone else who picks up your trash.

Once you’re ready to start cleaning, start by picking up the bigger pieces. You should also check if there’s glass left around the frame. If there are pieces of glass hanging, carefully check if it’s coming out easily — if so, put those pieces in the bag with the others.

If the glass is stuck in place, cover it with a towel and leave it within the frame for your repairmen to handle. Once the biggest pieces of glass are gone, use a broom to get rid of smaller pieces. If you have carpet, vacuum the area and use a damp paper towel to tell if there are any title particles left on the floor.

Keep a Temporary Window Covering

Best case scenario, after an emergency window repair, your repairman will be able to come to your home soon after the incident.

If you have to live with an empty frame for a while, don’t forget to put up a temporary covering to protect yourself. As mentioned earlier, it prevents potential bad weather, pests, and potential intruders from entering.

You can use heavy-duty garbage bags, plastic sheeting, or tarp to cover your open window until a repair specialist can properly help you.

Bottom Line

Following these guidelines and instructions can ensure that your home remains safe, secure, and comfortable.

A broken house window doesn’t have to ruin your day — it’s an issue that can be solved a lot easier than you think. All you need to do is speak with one of our specialists today, and you’ll soon get your home back in normal, running order.

Author cutratedev
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Categories Cutrateglass, Shower

Everything You Need to Know About Frameless Shower Glass Installation

Frameless shower glass installation

Have you ever stayed in a hotel or an Air BnB that had a shower that just felt luxurious?

When you think back to it, we’re willing to bet that shower had frameless glass walls and doors.

There’s something about frameless shower glass that feels like the height of elegance. With the right planning, you could have this luxury in your home.

Read on to learn more about shower glass installation and all the factors involved in it.

What Is Frameless Shower Glass?

Most glass showers use metal frames to hold the panes of glass in place.

This glass is relatively thin to keep costs down, so durability can be an issue. The joints of the metal frame can also be a visual obstruction and can provide a space for soap scum and hard water buildup to accumulate.

Frameless shower glass is a style of shower that gives you clean, elegant glass walls.

There’s no metal frame holding the walls in place, and the glass tends to be a bit thicker. This gives your bathroom a more polished luxurious feel, which is exactly what you want in a space designed to pamper you.

Cost

Because frameless shower glass has to be a little thicker in order to support itself without the metal frame, it tends to be a little pricier.

However, in the long run, you may save money on your shower installation if you take proper care of your frameless shower glass. The added durability translates to a longer lifespan, which means you won’t have to replace your shower as often.

In general, a frameless glass shower installation will cost you somewhere around $1,000.

Depending on your area, your vendor, and the specific products you choose, you may pay as little as $550 or as much as $1,300. Your price will also depend on the size of the shower you’re installing.

Custom Options

If you have a standard-size shower, you may be able to get a kit that will fit into your space.

If your shower space isn’t a standard size, you can still get the frameless glass shower of your dreams.

Each piece of glass will be custom-fabricated based on measurements taken of your shower area. You can pick from an array of different glass and hardware options to get the final look you want for your shower.

Types of Doors

One of the things you’ll need to decide on for your installation is what type of door you want.

There are two main categories to choose from: swinging and sliding. Which door style you pick will depend both on the effect you want and on your space.

If you want a truly frameless effect, you may want to go with a swinging door, which swings open on hinges. A sliding door will need at least a barn door-style metal bar running across the top. And while a swinging shower door can swing inwards, fire codes state that it must also be able to swing outwards, so you’ll need space to accommodate the door.

Glass Types

You may think that glass is glass is glass, but with frameless shower glass, that isn’t the case.

The most obvious difference in glass styles is frosted versus clear glass. In general, people prefer clear glass for the modern, open look it gives to a space, but frosted glass does offer slightly more privacy, something you may value if you have small children in the home.

You may also be able to get patterned glass which combines clear and frosted glass in a variety of attractive pattern options.

Cast glass is heavily textured and offers slightly more privacy than clear glass. And if you have a more expansive budget, you can get even get glass that can turn from clear to frosted with the flip of a switch.

Installation Process

When you get ready to get a frameless glass shower installed, the first step in the process will be a consultation with your contractor.

They’ll take a look at your shower area and bring product samples for you to take a look at and decide between. At this meeting, they may also take measurements of your shower area so they can begin manufacturing the needed glass pieces.

After the consultation, there will be a waiting period while your contractor gets your glass cut to size for you.

They’ll order the hardware you want, and when everything is ready, they’ll bring it in for installation. They’ll schedule an appointment with you, install the shower, and answer any remaining questions you may have about things like warranties and maintenance.

How to Clean Them

The beauty of frameless glass showers is the sparkling openness they bring to your space.

If the glass of your shower is smudged with handprints or coated with shower scum, it’s going to ruin the luxurious effect of the shower. You may be able to get a protective coating put on when the glass is installed to cut down on the amount of time you spend cleaning it.

Protective coating or no, you still need to set up a routine cleaning schedule for your glass.

Keep a squeegee in your bathroom and use it to dry your shower glass after every shower to prevent hard water buildup or little water spots. Always use an approved glass cleaner and a gentle cloth to clean your glass; harsher means could damage the finish on your glass.

Learn More About Shower Glass Installation

A frameless glass shower can be a beautiful addition to your home.

Knowing what you want going into your shower glass installation will help you pick materials that work well for your style and your budget.

If you’d like to get frameless shower glass installed, get in touch with us at Cut Rate Glass. We are a team of professionals skilled in glass replacement and installation with the lowest prices in Las Vegas.

Contact us today to request a quote on your job.

Author cutratedev
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Categories Cutrateglass, Windows

The Pros and Cons of Installing Glass Double-Pane Windows

2pane3_1

To replace windows, you can expect to spend between $200 and $1,800 per window.

By using a glass replacement service, you’ll save a lot of money. If you need new glass in your windows or are considering changing from single-pane to double-pane windows, you might be curious about the differences.

Glass replacement differs from window replacement in that it doesn’t involve removing and replacing the entire window frame. With a glass replacement, you can update the glass in your windows. If the window frames aren’t broken, there’s no reason to fix them.

Let’s take a look at the differences between single-pane and double-pane windows, as well as the pros and cons of each.

Single-Pane Windows vs Double-Pane Windows

If you don’t know what kind of windows you have, the first thing to determine is what the age of the window is. The more modern the window, the greater the chance you have double-pane windows. Older homes and older windows are where single-pane windows are more common.

Single-Pane Windows

A single-pane window is exactly what it sounds like. It has a single pane of glass that makes up the window.

This type of window was everywhere until double-pane windows started getting more popular in the 1970s. While single-pane windows are cheaper than double-pane, they have no other advantages.

You can still buy single-pane windows, but their use in new homes has vanished. A lot of people who don’t think they can afford double-pane windows consider single-pane windows.

You’ll save money upfront by buying single-pane windows, but in the long term will lose big. Single-pane windows can cost you hundreds in increased energy bills.

Double-Pane Windows

Losing heat through windows accounts for 25% to 30% of temperature loss. 

In the summer, the cool air is warmed through windows, and in the winter the opposite happens. Double-pane windows address this by making windows more energy efficient.

A double-pane window is constructed out of two pieces of glass, instead of one, and between them a thin layer of argon gas is injected. This provides a buffer between the outside temperature and the air inside. This improves energy efficiency and will save you money over the life of your windows.

Double-pane windows are more expensive to install than single-pane windows. The difference is not as great as you would think. If you’re just replacing the glass in your windows, the cost will be low.

Double-pane replacement up to 24 x 36 costs as low as $99 a window. That’s less than half of the lowest price to replace windows. Not only is it cheap, but you will experience the benefits of having double-pane windows.

Actual Dollars Saved

If you replace your single-pane windows with double-pane windows, you’ll save an average of $381 in the Las Vegas area every year.

This is because of the lower cost of your energy bills. Even replacing older double-pane glass with new glass, you can expect to save up to $60 a year.

The savings on energy bills will begin as soon as your new glass is installed. You’ll notice that your HVAC system has a much easier time keeping the temperature steady. This reduces the amount of wear and tear on your HVAC unit, and can even extend the life of your heating and cooling.

Sunlight Damage

The sun is constantly bombarding our world with powerful UV radiation. The same reason why we get sunburns also affects our furniture. Carpet, sofas, chairs, and even clothing left out in the sun will slowly become damaged.

Single-pane windows don’t do a good job of stopping sunlight. Double-pane windows can help to protect the inside of your house from the harsh forces outside. Replacing your single-pane with double-pane windows can save you more than just on utility bills.

Blocking Noise

Double-pane windows block more outside noise than single-pane windows. In a single-pane window, there’s no barrier between sound except for a single piece of glass. Glass vibrates easily with sound waves and allows the sound to pass into your home.

Double-pane windows provide a barrier between the sound wave and your home. They can provide significant noise reduction. This is a very good benefit if you are living in or near an area that has a lot of traffic and people.

The thicker the glass you get, the better the sound protection will be. As sound travels it loses energy, and the more material between you and it, the more you will notice the reduction. This is true in windows, doors, and walls.

Going Beyond

You may need more than just a regular glass replacement. If this is the case, you can trust us to retrofit your windows and doors. If your windows are getting old and not functioning properly, retrofitting them can ensure that you receive the energy benefits you were wanting.

A retrofit can help increase the UV protection and energy savings in older double-pane windows. It will also increase the value of your home and look far nicer. Investing in good window replacement has a lot of benefits.

A Wise Investment

Replacing the glass in your windows will not only save you money, but it will increase the value of your home. The value of the home will allow you to recoup most of your investment when you invest in better windows for your home.

Damaged windows are a big turn off to prospective buyers. If you are wanting to sell your home, you need to have your windows replaced. Replacing them with double-pane windows will increase the value even more and help you raise the asking price.

Let Us Help You

No matter what problem you’re having with your glass, Cut Rate Glass can help. Double-pane windows are safer, stronger, and better for your home than single-pane. We also repair and replace doors and the glass in them.

If you’re in the Las Vegas area, don’t struggle through another summer with high electricity bills.

Contact us today to get your glass replaced or repaired.

Author cutratedev
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