Whether you’re doing home improvements or looking for windows, you might be surprised to learn that you can recoup 73.1% of your investment into a new window. That’s a lot of savings!
But to get your true money’s worth, you might want to know what types of windows you should get. If you’re in the Las Vegas area, this guide is for you.
Double-Hung Windows
A double-hung window has two slashes. Meaning, two halves that you can move up or down. It allows for excellent ventilation during the spring or fall months.
Double-hung windows are perfect in rooms where a cool breeze is welcomed, such as living rooms or family rooms.
Single-Hung Windows
These windows are similar to double-hung windows, but only allow their bottom half to be lifted. The top half remains fixed to the upper part of the frame.
Single-hung windows are excellent at having good seals, meaning less air leakage into your home. If you’re concerned about good air quality and a cheaper AC bill, a single-hung window might be the choice for you.
Sliding Windows
A sliding window provides uncompromised, clear views of the outside. They are good in areas with wide walls and low ceilings.
Sliding windows have the added advantage of being easy to move since they move left or right. They make for a good choice in harder-to-reach areas, such as above kitchen sinks or countertops.
Casement Windows
Casement windows swing inwards to open. If you want a window that can open completely, you might consider a casement window. Casement windows also provide a high level of security, since they open with a crank and are self-locking.
Picture Windows
For homes with wide, expansive views, a picture window makes for an excellent choice. Picture windows are much larger than regular windows, and having one in your living room is akin to having a panorama of the outside.
Where ever your picture window is placed, you can be sure that it’ll make your rooms feel expansive.
Bay Windows
Bay windows provide an extension to a home’s exterior. They allow for exteriors to be more detailed and for living areas to seem larger. Excellent lighting and detail allow for bay windows to act as a focal point for any home.
Custom Windows
For unique sizes, shapes, and designs, custom windows are another option for homeowners. With the right installer, window installation will be easy.
Current Window Trends
Right now, you might consider giving your Las Vegas windows a rustic feel. Reclaimed woods for shutters, barn doors to close off your windows, and pastels to lighten up your room. When it comes to your windows though, it’s important to think of utility first.
Vinyl Windows
Vinyl windows are low maintenance, cost-effective and energy-efficient. Three things that are great for windows.
Due to vinyl’s material properties, vinyl windows are resistant to warping and fading. They won’t need repainting or resurfacing during the window’s surface life. If you want to keep your windows up to shape for many years, choosing a vinyl window allows you to do that.
Multi-pane Windows
Multi-pane windows refer to windows with multiple layers of glass. These multiple layers act as insulation, separating ambient air from indoor air, with less of a medium for heat to travel through.
These windows most commonly come in their two-pane variety. But it’s possible to buy three-pane windows, which add a layer of insulation to the window.
Las Vegas Considerations
Purchasing windows in the Las Vegas area comes with more consideration than in other areas of the country. With Las Vegas summers as brutal as they are, you’ll need all the protection you can get. When you’re indoors, the right window will protect you.
Energy Savings
According to the Department of Energy, a bad window can contribute 25-35% of residential heating and cooling costs.
That’s a lot of money that you could be saving. It’s also a lot of cool air being lost to the wrong choice of windows. If your window isn’t up to the right quality for defending against the heat, you’re missing out on the benefits of a good window.
Windows that excel in giving you the best savings are referred to as “low e” windows. In other words, low-emissivity windows. Low emissivity allows for the glass to transfer substantially less heat than other windows.
If your window is exposed to the sun throughout the day, you should look into how a new window might bring you to cost savings. In a city like Las Vegas, having energy-efficient windows is almost guaranteed to give you cost savings.
UV Protection
With the sun as prevalent as it is in Las Vegas, it’s a good idea to consider your skin health. Even when it comes to indoor settings.
While most glass windows will protect you from most UV rays, they still allow for low-power UV rays to enter your home. These UV rays contribute to skin wrinkles and certain forms of skin cancer.
These UV rays may not be an immediate issue to most people, but if you’re photosensitive or concerned about skin health, you might be interested in UV protection for windows.
Retrofitting Windows
Want to make these savings but are still hesitant on new windows? That’s alright. There’s always the option of retrofitting your current windows.
Retrofitting a window is a good choice in older homes, where the glass might not be up to modern standards. If you notice air leaks or issues with the inner and outer glass of a window, you may already need a retrofitted window.
To retrofit a window, installers will replace the window glass but retain the window frame. This process involves no demolition, reconstruction, or damage to your interior.
Whether you have an old window or a faulty window, you can rely on a retrofit to give you the benefits of a new window. Most of the time, at a lesser price. It won’t give you the same quality as a brand new window, but it’s worth a consideration.
Find the Right Types of Windows for You
Las Vegas window replacement and installation don’t have to be hard. But with so many types of windows and options to decide on, it can get confusing.
If you are in Las Vegas, Nevada, and want to consider all your options, contact us at Cut-Rate Glass. We can also help you with Las Vegas glass repair.