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It’s estimated that 25% of home burglaries happen through first-floor windows. A broken window is like an open invitation for crime. If you have a broken window, especially on your home’s first floor, you’re going to need emergency glass repair.

But how do you find a good glass repair company that can come out and fix your broken window? Here are 7 steps to take when you need emergency glass repair.

What Makes Emergency Glass Repair Necessary?

Emergency glass repair is needed when a window breaks and needs immediate replacement. This could be for several reasons such as:

• Accidents happen, and you or a family member breaks a window
• A storm damages your window
• You come home to find that your window is broken
• Burglary

No matter how the window broke, you’re going to need replacement glass or repairs as soon as possible. That’s where emergency glass repair comes in.

What Caused Your Window to Break?

The first step is to determine why the window broke. Was it an accident? Was it due to a storm? Once you know how the cause, you can begin to look for a glass repair company that specializes in that type of repair.

1. Assess the Damage

Once you know what caused the breakage, you need to assess the damage. Take a look at the broken window and try to determine how extensive the damage is. Is it just a small crack or is the entire window shattered?

This will help you when you’re trying to find a glass repair company because some companies only deal with certain types of damage.

2. Take Pictures

Once you’ve assessed the damage, take some pictures. This will come in handy when you’re trying to find a glass repair company.

The pictures will help the company determine how much work is necessary and what type of materials they’ll need. It will also help with any insurance claims you may need to file for your home window repair.

3. Clean Up and Board Up

Once you’ve taken pictures, it’s time to start cleaning up. If the window only has a crack, you can sweep up the broken glass.

But if the window is shattered, you’ll need to use boards or plywood to cover the opening. This will protect your home from the weather and any animals that might try to get in.

4. Contact Your Insurance Company

If the broken window was a storm or burglary, you’ll need to contact your insurance company. They may cover the cost of the home window repair or replacement glass. Even if they don’t cover the entire cost, they may give you a discount.

5. Shop Around for a Reputable Glass Repair Company

Now it’s time to start looking for a glass repair company. If you have insurance, they may have a list of companies they recommend. You can also ask your friends and family for recommendations.

Before you hire a company, it’s important for you to do your research. Check the company’s website. This will give you a good idea of what type of services they offer and how much they charge. It will also tell you a little bit about their history and experience.

Next, you should read online reviews of the glass repair companies you’re considering. This will give you an idea of what other customers have thought of their services. Be sure to read both positive and negative reviews to get a well-rounded view.

If you have friends or family who has needed replacement glass in the past, ask for recommendations. They’ll be able to tell you about their experiences with a broken window and whether or not they would recommend the company.

You can evaluate a company’s customer service by checking the Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any complaints filed against them. This is a good way to weed out the bad apples.

6. Get a Quote

When you have decided upon a glass repair company, getting an estimate is the next step. Be sure to ask what is included in their estimate. The estimate should list the cost of labor and materials as well as give you an idea of how long the project will take.

The quality of materials used is also important to consider. You want your new window to last, so make sure you know what materials they are planning to use. Also, if someone other than the contractor will be doing the job, be sure to meet them and ask questions about their experience.

7. Read the Contract.

A lot of people don’t realize it, but when you get an emergency glass repair, you need to sign a contract. Like any other contract, it’s important that you read it well before signing. Otherwise, you could end up with a warranty that doesn’t cover everything you thought it did.

The same goes for inquiring about the warranty. Be sure to ask questions and get clarification on anything you’re unsure about.

The last thing you want is to have to pay out of pocket for something that should have been covered by the warranty. So take your time, read the contract, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’ll save you a lot of hassle (and money) in the long run.

Once you’re satisfied with all the details, schedule the repair or replacement. Make sure to get the details on when the job will be completed.

Emergency Glass Repair in Las Vegas

These are a few things to keep in mind when you need emergency glass repair. By following these steps, you can be sure that you’re getting the best possible service and that your window will be repaired or replaced soon. If you have a broken window that needs emergency glass repair, please call us immediately.

We are available to help with your glass repair needs, whether a broken window, shower stall, patio doors, or other glass replacement needs. Our team of experts will work quickly and efficiently to get your home or business back up and running. We have been servicing the Las Vegas Community since 2006. Get a free estimate on your job today.

Depending on the material, windows tend to last somewhere between 20 and 50 years. That said, if you want your windows to reach the full potential of their intended lifespan, you need to provide them with proper maintenance.

What does window maintenance entail? We’re going to tell you below, giving you tips on both window maintenance and repair. Let’s go!

Lubricate Your Window Tracks

If you have hung windows, sliding windows, or any other windows that slide on tracks, it’s imperative that you lubricate those tracks every six months or so. This way, the windows can glide easily across said tracks instead of being subjected to rough and deteriorating friction.

What do you use to lubricate window tracks? A silicone-based lubricant is your best option. Make sure that you clean the tracks first, then spray this lubricant over their entirety. This will ensure that the window sash can move easily, optimizing both the performance and lifespan of the window.

Need help lubricating your windows? Your local window repair company can help you.

Repair Cracks as They Appear

Whether there are cracks in your window frame or cracks in your window itself, you should repair them in as timely a manner as possible. The longer you allow such cracks to exist, the more they’ll spread and the more moisture they’ll enable to enter your window’s structural components. This can result in premature warping and premature deterioration in general.

The process of repairing cracks is dependent on the material you’re dealing with. Wood cracks can be repaired with a wood putty filler. Cracks in the glass can be repaired with clear epoxy, provided that they’re not too large. If they are too large, you’ll have to replace the pane entirely.

Note while you might be able to make these repairs on your own, you should know that they’re not always as easy as they seem. Therefore, it might be a better idea to utilize the services of a professional window repair company. They know exactly how to fix a window and will ensure that yours is repaired properly.

Clean Your Windows

You also need to clean your windows regularly. This helps not only to maintain their appearance in the short term but in the long run as well.

See, if you fail to clean your window panes at least twice a year, they will start to fade, taking on a white-ish color that makes them difficult to see through. To be safe, clean both their interiors and exteriors monthly.

As far as the frames go, these should be cleaned more frequently. Their interiors should be cleaned weekly. Their exteriors can do with monthly cleanings.

Repaint Your Windows When Chips Appear 

If you have wood windows, they’re likely painted. At some point, that paint is going to chip. When this occurs, it will leave portions of the windows exposed to moisture, thus putting them in a position for premature warping.

As such, you should repaint your windows at the first sign of chipping. And if you want to keep your windows looking nice, you should repaint them every 3 to 5 years regardless.

When painting, be sure to use either tempera or acrylic paint. Both are built to withstand weathering.

Seal Your Windows

If you have wood windows, you should seal them regularly as well. This will help to stave off water-related damage, including but not limited to warping, fading, and buckling.

There are all sorts of waterproof sealers that you can use on windows. Some of the best options include varnish, polyurethane, and lacquer solutions. You can buy these online and at home improvement stores.

Make sure to apply two coats with a standard paint brush so as to produce the best results possible. Do this every three years or so, and you’ll likely add a few years to the overall lifespan of your windows.

Fix Gaps in Your Windows

When they’re installed, your windows will be lined with caulk so as to keep them airtight. Note, however, that over time, this caulk will form gaps. When this occurs, your windows will become drafty and thus put further strain on your HVAC system.

This is why, whenever you notice a gap in your caulk, you need to apply a new coat of caulk. Even if it’s a small crack, you still need to make the repair.

Applying caulk is likely something you can do on your own. However, if you’ve never done it before, you might have trouble doing it in an aesthetically pleasing manner. In this case, it would be a good idea to call up a home window repair specialist.

Assess the Fit of Your Window

As time passes, your home will shift. This could result in fit problems for your windows. They could have trouble opening and closing and might even possess small gaps through which air and moisture could pass.

This is why it’s important to assess the fit of your window regularly, every six months or so. Look for any spots that don’t sit flush against the window frame. If you do find any of these spots, call up a window repair tech and have them make the necessary changes.

Need Help With Window Maintenance in Las Vegas?

Not confident in your ability to maintain your windows? Don’t have the time? If not, and if you need help with window maintenance in Las Vegas, we here at Cut-Rate Glass are the people to see.

Our team is well-versed in the ins and outs of glass window repair and maintenance, having maintained and repaired countless windows throughout the Las Vegas area. Regardless of the types of windows you use, our skilled and seasoned team can accommodate you.

Contact us now to request a quote!

By replacing your windows, you can keep your home looking attractive, modern, and inviting to visitors. But are you in need of new ones and have been putting off getting them in?

Perhaps you’ve been fooled by some of the common window replacement myths. Here, we’ll show you what they are and why you should ignore them. That way, you can make a more informed decision about whether you should look for a residential window replacement near me.

Keep reading to learn more.

1. I Can Easily Do It Myself

While you might think it’s a great idea to replace your windows yourself, the truth is this: it’s not that simple!

There are many factors that professionals consider before undertaking the job. These include:

• The sizing that’s required
• Leveling your new windows so that they correctly fit
• Fixing them with adequate care and attention

A slight mismatch can throw the whole project off. Therefore, you’re best not to make it a DIY one. Instead, you should seek the help of a trusted repair team. Then, you can stay confident, knowing that your window replacement will occur with the right expertise, so they stand the test of time.

The company will promptly return if any issues occur after completion to ensure they’re fixed. At Cut Rate Glass, we pride ourselves on providing quick and efficient deliveries and repairs without compromising quality.

2. My Windows Must Be Damaged or Broken

While many avoid window replacement until they start to deteriorate, this isn’t advised. If you’ve had your current windows for long, they’re likely to lack function. For example, windows fitted before the year 2,000 have an inferior ability to conserve energy since they often include issues such as cracks in the seals.

Having your windows replaced can be cost-effective since they’re more energy efficient in the long run. Not only that, but they can help you save time, too. Think about all the hassle you can avoid having to call out companies to fix problems you face due to keeping outdated windows.

Getting new windows is an easy decision to make. Stay with the times and take the proper steps to give your home a new look. You don’t have to wait until the last minute when you’re current ones are falling apart to benefit.

3. I Should Wait Until a Big Renovation

Keeping older windows can lead to property issues such as:

• Depreciating its value
• Affecting temperature control
• Running up extra costs on bills

Think about it: will the money you spend on replacing your windows add more value to your home than you lose? In most cases, the answer is yes!

Therefore, it can be a profitable investment to make if, at some point, you decide to sell. But even if you don’t, you’ll save money in other areas where outdated windows can negatively affect you.

Since old and damaged windows can let more air in, it can be much harder to keep your home warm, especially in the winter. The result is having to pay more for heating costs. In fact, having substandard windows can lead to spending an extra 20% to 30% on energy bills.

It makes a lot more sense to have new ones fitted—window replacement cost is generally less than the additional amount you could end up paying on your bills.

4. It’s Best to Wait Until Selling

Many homeowners believe that the right time to replace windows is when they’re putting their house on the market. However, by doing it earlier, you can see an increase in the price. Then, a better return can be made on making the sale.

After replacement, the buyer can benefit from a home that’s more:

• Aesthetically developed
• Comforting to live in
• Homely to guests

It’s a win-win for both of you! The extra cash you’ll receive will help make the switch that little bit easier—you can use it to reduce the cost of your newly bought property. Take advantage of a lower overall payment or monthly mortgage costs so that you’ll have more left over to still benefit from the luxuries you enjoy.

Whether you need a single or double-pane fitting, we’re at hand to make it happen. At Cut Rate Glass, we cover replacements, including:

• Patio door panes
• Sliding door glass
• Double-pane units

Do you have an extension built onto your home, a sunroom for hot weather, or a conservatory? These can be great places that might entice buyers to choose your home over another. But while these might be adding market value, keeping them trendy with new windows can add that little more.

What Do You Get With Cut Rate Glass?

When you choose us, you’ll benefit from top-class replacements at a cost you can afford. Our team of trained professionals takes pride in providing the best service around so that you’re left with nothing shy of satisfaction.

We work tirelessly to give you:

• Stunning window replacements
• High-quality installations
• Fittings that come with the highest accuracy and detail

Get Your Residential Window Replacement Near Me Here

Window replacements are a fantastic choice to keep your home looking fresh, not just when you’ve got damaged windows. In addition, you’ll receive additional benefits such as increasing your savings on bills, improving your home’s energy efficiency and increasing its value if you’re planning to sell.

Use this as your window replacement guide and avoid these four myths. Then, you can make the right decision when thinking, “What’s the best residential window replacement near me?”

Are you living in Las Vegas or nearby and need a window replaced? Request your free quote from us today.

We’re ready to give you the perfect windows that complement your home, add attraction, and give it the look it deserves. It’s time to make your dwelling place as good as new.