Cutrateglass Archives - Cut Rate Glass

5 Essential Tips to Consider When Buying Wall Mirrors for Your Home Gym

person at a gym looking at a wall mirror

15Feb2022

What if a bit of self-reflection was the real key to making gains?

No, we’re not talking about quietly meditating over your place in the universe. To make the most out of each workout, you need to check your reflection in some home gym mirrors.

However, not every mirror works well for your fitness journey. How can you pick the best mirrors for your home workout needs? Please keep reading to discover our comprehensive guide!

Why Use Home Gym Mirrors?

We’ve put together a solid guide for factors you should consider when buying mirrors for home gyms. First, we need to answer the obvious question: Why does your home gym need a mirror?

The short answer is that it helps you keep track of your progress and maintain motivation throughout your workouts. The longer answer is that mirrors are essential for any workout routine.

The most basic reason is that a mirror helps you check your form. If you are using an incorrect form when working out, you may not get the results you were hoping for. Worst case, you may get seriously injured!

This also applies to anyone you are working out with. If your partner, child, or friend is working out in your home gym, a large mirror can help you check that their form is correct.

And, of course, mirrors are one of the best ways to motivate yourself each day. When you can see your fitness progress from day to day and week to week, it provides a powerful motivation to work out that much harder!

Now that you know a bit more about why you need wall mirrors for home gyms let’s explore some of the factors you should consider before making your purchase.

Size Matters

People like to joke about whether “size matters” or not. But when it comes to mirrors for your home gym, bigger is better!

Think about some of the smaller mirrors in your home. Isn’t it frustrating when you have to bend down or otherwise adjust your body to see your reflection?

That won’t do for your home workouts. Because your fitness routine affects your entire body, you need large gym mirrors that let you see your whole body.

That is why good home gym mirrors are sometimes referred to as “wall mirrors.” When you have that much reflective space, you can check the progress of your entire fitness routine with a single glance!

Aesthetic Appeal

Some people don’t consider the aesthetic appeal of their home gym. While this may not be a consideration if you are working out in the garage, it’s a significant consideration when you have converted one of your interior rooms into a gym.

At that point, you should consider how a large mirror affects the room’s overall look. For example, putting a wall mirror on two sides of the room may feel like overkill at first. But doing so can make the whole room look much larger than it is!

Aesthetic consideration is another reason you may want to skip those cheap vanity mirrors that you can find in department stores. They may save you a few bucks, but things like a gaudy mirror frame may end up making the whole room look cheap and ugly.

Check the Lighting

Do you know how some mirrors seem naturally better for selfies than others? That has nothing to do with the glass and everything to do with the lighting in the room.

For fitness purposes, you need to get a light amount that is “just right.” For example, if there is too little light in the room, you won’t be able to get a good look at your body. But if the mirror reflects any direct light, the same thing happens: you can’t get a good look at your reflection.

If possible, you may want to set up a wall mirror in a room with lots of natural lighting. That natural light will make your body look great, and that light reflecting off of the mirror will make areas like darkened corners seem that much less gloomy.

Consider Your Budget

Earlier, we mentioned that you shouldn’t settle for cheap department store vanity mirrors. However, you don’t have to break the bank to get great wall mirrors for home gyms.

First, you should seek out the best glass specialists in your area. These vendors will offer the selection and variety that you deserve.

With a variety of mirrors comes an array of prices. You’ll be able to find the perfect mirror for any budget. Just think: you can take those savings and invest in additional home gym equipment!

Safety vs. Accuracy

One rookie mistake that many people make is not considering the best material for home gym mirrors. That’s right: glass isn’t your only option!

Acrylic, for example, is a safer material. You don’t really have to worry about acrylic glass shattering and injuring you. At the same time, acrylic doesn’t offer the best reflection (more on this in a minute).

Glass offers the best possible reflection, but there is always the potential that it may break. To maximize safety and accuracy, you should invest in tempered-glass mirrors because they are far less likely to break.

Thicker Is Better

You know that a bigger mirror is a better mirror. But did you know that thicker mirrors are better as well?

Thicker mirrors are going to be more stable and less prone to breaking. On top of that, thicker mirrors are less likely to flex.

Flexing often happens with thin, acrylic mirrors. When that happens, you get a frustratingly blurry reflection. That kind of defeats the purpose of having home mirrors in your gym!

For your home gym mirrors, try to get the glass with a thickness between 3 and 3.5 millimeters.

Your Fitness Journey: The Next Steps

Now you know what to consider when buying home gym mirrors. But do you know who can help you find the mirrors you need?

We specialize in all things glass, including custom wall mirrors. To see what we can do for you and your home gym, come request a quote today!

Cutrateglass, Retrofit, Windows

How Is a Retrofit Window Different From a New Construction Window?

9Feb2022

Getting new windows has an 85% return on investment.

It’s one of the top ten ways you can improve your home for both value and comfort. If you want to lower your monthly energy bills and update the look of your home, windows are a great place to start.

You may have already heard the terms new construction window and retrofit window. These are the two common ways new windows get installed in your home. The similarities end there, and if you have wondered what makes them different, read on.

New Construction Windows

Windows classified as new construction windows are replacement windows that licensed contractors can install. What sets new construction windows apart is the amount of work that goes into them. A contractor will build the entire frame, siding, trim, and glass from scratch. This means they can make sure everything fits together perfectly and looks exactly how it should.

New construction windows completely replace the old windows. Even the frames of your old windows get removed. The outside siding often cuts back, and the new window frame is installed. If you have a homemade from brick, stone, or stucco, then remember that they may have to remove some to put in new windows.

Retrofit Windows

Retrofitting a window will involve replacing the glass. The window frame inside the stucco itself stays then a new glass, and energy-efficient window is installed. The process is known as retrofitting because you take a new window and place it into an older frame. The process can be completed without stucco, drywall, or paint damage.

In some instances, the frame may have to be repaired and can cause difficulty if it is not plumbed to the wall. This process is an excellent choice for those who don’t wish to remove the window frames or who don’t need to.

Advantages of a New Construction Window

By their very definition, these windows are brand new. If you have substantial damage to your window frames that would require expensive repair, this may be a good option for you. Areas with high moisture, mold, and rot can sometimes benefit from new frames.

Another advantage of new construction windows, they are uniform and will fit flush to the house. This is because the window frames are secured to the home’s frame. Work can begin once the space is prepared and the old material is removed.

Advantages of a Retrofit Window

A retrofit window is quick and easy to install. If no substantial repairs are needed to the window frame, this kind of replacement can save you money. The process of retrofitting windows does save the window frame. If you live in an older home, this can be key to retaining the value of your home.

With a window retrofit, you won’t have to repair any damage to the outside of your home. There will be no change to the placement and size of the window. Any original materials will not have to be reconditioned or replaced either.

Disadvantages of New Construction Windows

If you have new construction windows installed, your home will change. The contractor will have to remove a section of the exterior wall of the house. This is because the new frame will have to be placed in the wall.

Once this is done, you will have to repair or replace the siding or other building material that was disturbed during the installation. This can add to the cost of what is already an expensive proposition. Repairing and replacing siding can cost between $600 to $1,200.

New construction windows can also change the look of your home. They will look modern, and if that doesn’t fit your home’s exterior, it may be jarring. This is more pronounced in older homes, but it can also be evident if a house has a more rustic theme.

Disadvantages to Retrofit Windows

A retrofit window will have one major disadvantage. It relies on the older window frame for the process to go fast. If the window frame is not flush or has settled, the installation can be more difficult. Even with these difficulties, it’s unlikely to cost as much as a new construction window.

If you wish to change the shape and size of your windows, a retrofit would not be appropriate for you. In that case, you’d need to have the entire frame replaced. This isn’t what happens in a retrofit operation, so only those who want to retain their original frames should consider it.

When to Choose Retrofit vs. New Construction Windows

Whichever way you choose to go, the process will improve your home’s value and look. While the frame may be the same, a new retrofit window will look nice. If you switch from single-pane to double-pane windows, you can expect to save money on energy with both.

Having windows replaced and repaired will benefit your home either way. The core of the question comes down to what you need and what you want. Both options are viable, but a retrofit would be appropriate if you don’t want to spend a lot and like your current window configuration.

If you want to change the look of your house entirely and are comfortable spending the money to do so, a new construction window might be better for you. You should also consider the area you live in, and if you are in an HOA, you might have to consider the bylaws.

Retrofit/Replacement Window vs. New Construction Window

Any form of updating to your windows is a positive step to take. The value of a retrofit window is in the cost-saving and time-saving aspects. New construction windows cost more and take more time to install.

Both forms of window replacement will supply the same benefits once work has been completed. Remember that you won’t be able to recoup your improvement investment on windows alone fully.

If you are in Las Vegas, Nevada, and want to consider all your options, contact us at Cut-Rate Glass. We can help get you the windows you want and make your dream a reality.

Cutrateglass, Windows

This Is How to Choose a Window Installer in Las Vegas

16Nov2020

You’re looking to install new windows on your home. You need a window professional to help you with the task. The only trouble is that you don’t know how to choose a window installer.

What characteristics should you be looking out for, anyway? Good question, and one that we can answer. Without further ado, here are the keys to choosing a window installer in Las Vegas.

Make Sure the Installer Has Some Experience

Every window installer has to get their start somewhere. But there’s no reason to let that start be at your house. Utilizing the services of a new window installer is inherently risky, as the installer doesn’t have the experience necessary to have corrected their mistakes or to have honed their skills.

As such, you’re advised to avoid inexperienced window installers like the plague. Instead, you should choose an installer with at least 2 years of experience under their belt. 2 years is sufficient enough time for sharpening skills and moving past rookie mistakes.

Once an installer has 2 years of installation experience, they’re bound to be just as effective as someone who has been installing windows for 10 years. It’s all about breaking through the threshold.

Find an Installer With Quality Suppliers

When you hire a window installer, you are indirectly choosing the types of windows that are available to you. Different installers work with different suppliers and some of these suppliers aren’t quite up to snuff. So, before making a hire, you need to make sure that your chosen installer is, indeed, working with quality suppliers.

Often, window installers will list their suppliers on their websites. If you can’t find a list of suppliers on an installer’s website, you’re just going to have to make a call and ask.

Once you’ve obtained the installer’s list of suppliers, research them to make sure they manufacture high-quality products. Comb over their websites, look up customer reviews, and make sure you’re getting something of substance. These windows will be on your home for years to come and you want to make sure that they’ll give you what you need.

Make Sure the Installer Can Install the Window of Your Choice

Not all window installers are capable of installing the same windows. Whereas some installers can install every type of window under the sun, others are only experienced in the installation of basic windows, like hung and casement windows. In fact, some won’t even offer alternatives to these.

As such, before making a hire, you need to be sure that the installer can accommodate your project. Take a look at the installer’s website and see if it lists the types of windows that they’ll install. If it doesn’t list these windows, you’ll have to make a call.

Most importantly, don’t settle for a window you don’t like for the sole purpose of avoiding research. Again, you’re going to have these windows for the foreseeable future. It’s vital that you enjoy them.

Consult Google

Just as you should use customer reviews to assess different window suppliers, you should also use customer reviews to assess different window installers. Where can you find these customer reviews? Google!

Just type “window installer Las Vegas” into the search engine and wait for the results to pop up. You should receive results from Google, Facebook, Yelp, and a few other platforms.

Sift through these results and see which installers have the best star ratings. Try to focus on installers with a star rating of at least 4 stars. Then, click on them and see what past customers have to say about them.

This will help you determine the pros, cons, and in-betweens of every installer. It will also help you to compare different installers against one another.

Ask About Cost

Not every window installation contractor is going to charge the same rate. Rates will vary based on experience, the types of windows being installed, and the contractor’s business model. So, before hiring a window contractor, make sure to ask around and get estimates from several candidates.

Any decent window installer will provide you with an estimate without complaint. If a contractor won’t give you an estimate, you shouldn’t utilize their services.

It’s important for you to have a full picture of the expenses you’ll face. That way, you won’t be hit with any surprise bills after the project has ended.

Make Sure the Installer Is Insured

When it comes to hiring a window installer, few factors are as important as insurance. If a window installer is uninsured and causes damage to your property, you could find yourself embroiled in a lawsuit as a means of trying to recoup money for those damages.

There’s also a risk of the installer’s employees getting injured on your property. If this occurs, and if the installer doesn’t have insurance, you could actually be held liable for the employee’s injury. This could lead to court appearances and money lost.

As such, before making any hires, you need to see proof of insurance first. Not only do you need to see general liability insurance, but workers’ compensation insurance as well.

If your prospective installer can show you both of these, you’ll be good to go. If they can’t, you’re advised to start looking elsewhere.

Need a Reputable Window Installer in Las Vegas?

Still haven’t found a reputable window installer in Las Vegas? Look no further! We here at Cut Rate Glass have you covered.

We install everything from residential windows to Sliding Glass Doors and more. Offering a huge variety at exceedingly low prices, we’re sure to have something that suits you.

Cutrateglass

5 Qualities of a Great Glass Repair Service: Find the Right Company

11Oct2020

If you need to find a glass repair service, look no further.

No matter what kind of glass repair you need, you can find a service that will suit your needs. However, finding an excellent service that offers affordable repairs can be difficult unless you know what to look for.

Whether you need a glass shower repair service or window glass repair service, you’ll need to look for the same qualities. All glass repair services offer similar things, but they operate a bit differently. While it may seem confusing at first, you just need to look for things that ensure you have a positive experience.

Read on to learn about five qualities to look for in a glass repair service!

1. Good Customer Service

When it comes to finding a great class repair service, one of the main things that separate great services from others is customer service. Customer service is something that many businesses struggle with, so you can guarantee that a company is reliable if its customer service is good.

If you have a problem with something, you should be able to get a solution for it as soon as you contact the glass repair service. For example, if someone from the company installed a window incorrectly, the glass repair service should offer to fix it as soon as possible without charging you.

You should never work with a service that doesn’t offer good customer service because it shows that they don’t care about its customers. In most cases, you can learn about whether a company has good customer service by reading its Google Reviews.

2. Reputable Services

Whenever a sliding glass door lock glass repair service or any other type of glass repair service becomes popular, it’s because they’re great at what they do. You’ll have an easier time trusting a company that’s known for its reputable services.

When a glass repair service builds up its reputation, you’re more likely to see positive reviews. Keep in mind that you should still check the negative reviews to see what everyone has to say. However, you’ll most likely have a positive experience if that’s what most people experience.

While you can find smaller companies that offer great services, it’s best to stick with those that are well-known. Should you find someone that interests you, see if they have hype around its name. Popular companies often offer deals and various services that attract people to maintain their reputation.

3. In-Person Estimates

If you need a sliding glass door repair, glass shower installation, or window repair services a great glass repair company will want to see the job in person. This allows them to fully understand your specific job needs and allows them to provide an accurate and fair estimate for services.

That is a part of the great customer support that glass repair companies provide. If you can’t find a service that’s willing to give you a free in-person quote regarding the repair service, you may want to avoid them. You shouldn’t take it personally if they decline, but you can find better services elsewhere.

When it comes to glass repair, you won’t be charged the same for each service as requirements change with each job. You can get a quote with a glass repair service to see how much it will cost to replace something, and they’ll come up with a value that makes sense for your situation based on the facts.

To determine the full job requirements a visual inspection is incredibly important. It also saves potential misunderstandings and unexpected charges after the job is completed.

4. Flexible Appointments

Scheduling an appointment can be frustrating when a service has strict hours. Fortunately, great glass repair services operate at flexible hours that make it easier for clients to schedule an appointment at any time.

Here at Cut-Rate Glass, we work from 6 AM to 4 PM from Monday to Friday, giving you plenty of time in the day to fit in an appointment. If a company does something like only offering appointments in the afternoon, look for someone else that’s more flexible.

The only time it’s understandable that a company would be strict about its appointments is if you’re trying to schedule something on a day that’s dedicated to something. For example, if a company won’t work on Sunday, you can’t expect them to repair your glass on that day.

5. Updated Website

When glass repair services are trying to attract customers, they’ll create professional-looking websites filled with information. You should never work with a company that doesn’t have a website.

Finding a company with an updated website is important because you’ll find what services they offer, you can get a quote, and they may have a blog that talks about its industry. When it comes to glass repair, its website should talk about the types of repairs that they do so you can tell if they have what you need.

Start Working with a Glass Repair Service Today

After reading this article, you know now what you need to do to find a great glass repair service. Providing that you look for all of these qualities, you shouldn’t have a problem finding someone to help you with your repair.

If you need to get something replaced, we encourage you to start looking for a glass repair service as soon as possible. To find services, go on Google and search for something like, “Glass repair service near me.”

Anyone that lives in or near Las Vegas can contact us today to learn more about our glass repair services!

Cutrateglass, Windows

When to Replace Windows: 5 Signs It’s Time for Window Replacement

9Sep2020

Besides serving a functional purpose, windows are also an aesthetic highlight for most homes. They are also among the most prominent features of your home. That’s why if your windows look worn out, the entire house looks old and dingy.

However, windows don’t have to look worn out and old for them to be in bad condition. Windows with aluminum frames could last you well over twenty years without looking the slightest bit old. So it’s a bit difficult to tell when to replace windows.

There’s no fixed period after which you should replace your windows. That’s because of the variety of window frame materials and types of glass for different homes. The conditions of the region and how well you take care of your windows also determine their longevity.

So how do you tell whether your windows are due for replacement? Keep reading as we highlight a few telltale signs that tell you it’s time to get some new windows for your house.

1. Worn Out Frames and Leaking Windows

The most obvious sign it’s time to get new windows is when your frames look tired and worn out. Most homeowners can’t stand old-looking frames and will replace them ASAP. This is the best move because ignoring it doesn’t make it look newer but only worsens the situation.

Wooden frames are the most prone to wear and tear. You knew what you were getting into when you signed up for wooden frames. Wood quickly decays when exposed to moisture, and everything goes downhill from there.

If you don’t replace your wooden frames early enough, they might become a safety hazard. They may be too weak to hold up the panes, and the panes might come crashing down. Hopefully, they don’t crash down on you and the family.

What comes next after deteriorated frames is leaking windows. When your frame starts to decay, your windows start to leak. Don’t be surprised if you come home to a huge puddle under your window if it rains.

If puddles start to form beneath your window every time it rains, you don’t even need an article to tell you it’s time for window replacement.

2. Windows Are Harder to Open and Close

Walk around the house and try opening and closing each window. Do they open and close smoothly, or does it feel like you’re prying them open and banging them shut? If it’s the latter, then maybe it’s time to look for new windows.

Opening and closing windows should require minimum effort. If it takes a bit of energy to open or close them, then they’ve outlived their lifespan. If they have been that way since the beginning, then you had the wrong people install your windows.

3. The Windows Have Visible Signs of Damage

If your windows are warped, cloudy, or broken, then it’s high time to get some new ones. However, you don’t need to replace a window for minor damages. Some damages don’t merit window replacement; a simple repair will do for simple exercises like weatherstripping.

For most people, if the windows still work, then there’s no need to replace or even repair them. However, even if the windows work, the problem will only get worse if you don’t act fast. If your windows show visible signs of damage, then its best you replace them as soon as you can.

You can explore the various types of replacement windows, then find one that suits your fancy. The damaged windows are probably an eyesore anyway.

4. Your Energy Bills Are Skyrocketing

There could be several reasons why your energy bills keep getting higher and higher. One of the most common reasons for high energy bills is faulty windows. Before you call your HVAC guy, first confirm whether the problem is with the windows.

There’s a simple way to know whether your windows are the root of the problem. When it’s cold, stand next to your windows. If the window feels noticeably colder than the rest of the house, then it might need replacing.

Next, touch the windowpane, and if it’s very cold, then the window is the problem. It means that heat from your AC cools as soon as it comes near your windows.

You can also use an incense stick to know whether the windows have a problem. Move the incense stick close to the window, starting with the corners before getting to the middle of the pane.

If you notice any flickering of the flame or smoke, then that’s probably smoke billowing through the windows. If the situation is too bad, you’ll see a stream of light passing through the window. In either case, that’s an obvious sign that you need to replace the windows.

5. You’re Doing a Home Makeover

A home makeover with the wrong windows can make the entire exercise look off. As mentioned earlier, windows are one of the most prominent features of your home. Doing an entire home makeover without getting the windows is like doing zero work.

A home makeover gives you the perfect opportunity to explore new window styles. For instance, you can switch from single pane to double pane windows. Alternatively, you can liaise with your interior designer to find out which windows work best for you.

Do You Know When to Replace Windows?

If you’re like most people, you’re somewhat reluctant about replacing your windows. Now that you know when to replace windows, you should take action before the situation completely worsens. It’s okay to replace only one window, or you can have every window in your house replaced.

Make sure you get the right people for your window replacement or you’ll regret it. For professional, world-class window replacement, contact us today, and we’ll see to it.

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