Author Archives: cutratedev

Ever heard of the expression, “The eyes are the windows to the soul”? In laymen’s terms, it means one can see the various emotions and thoughts going through a person’s mind just by looking in their eyes.

While that may be the case for humans, many homeowners can vouch that the reverse is also true when it comes to their homes and a new window installation. Looking at a house from the outside, windows can give us insight into a home’s character. They also add ambiance and curb appeal to older houses, effectively providing a nice “facelift.”

With over half of Nevada’s homes occupied by the owner, many are looking for ways to up their home’s value with beneficial improvements. If that’s the case with you, it’s important to know what to expect and how to prepare for your home’s window installation. So keep on reading for the essential window installation guide every homeowner should know about.

A professional window installation service knows what to do to prepare for a project. They are careful with your property and want to perform the installation as fast as possible. However, you also want to take a few steps yourself to prepare.

For example, make sure all hedges and bushes around windows are trimmed back and won’t get in the installers’ way. They will need plenty of room to safely remove old windows and install new ones. Another good idea to protect your landscaping is to cover any hedges with some well-placed drop cloths as well.

You need to prepare other parts of your home for the installation as well. For example, prevent unwanted damage by removing any window boxes. Make sure to store them somewhere convenient, like the garage, so that you can put them back at the project’s end.

Another thing to do in preparation is to move any furniture inside and outside the home away from where the replacement window installation will occur. Take down any wall hangings and store them somewhere safe and out of the way so the installers can move about unhindered. And make sure to remove any blinds or curtains hanging on or around the window.

What about any children or pets in the home? As careful as any window installation company can be, there could be issues if they have anyone or anything underfoot. Making arrangements ahead of time for the family to be out of the house or putting the pet away in another room will help the project move along quickly.

There are other little factors around the home that a homeowner would want to take care of before the installers arrive. For example, turn off any home security system so removing windows does not set off any alarms. And clear a path for installers to go from the driveway to inside the home.

Be aware; window installation can be very loud. This could be another factor that prompts a homeowner to leave the house while the installation takes place. And a kind neighbor would also want to advise their fellow neighbors of a heightened noise level ahead of time.

As far as budgeting goes, look over the estimate that outlines the window installation cost and any deposit requirements. Some contractors will need the deposit in hand before they can even schedule your project. A prompt deposit payment goes a long way in getting your job scheduled at a time that is convenient for you.

Also, be very clear on payment terms with the company you have chosen to work with ahead of time. And budget when the final payment is due as well. Having a financial plan ahead of time reduces stress, especially if you need to get financing.

Before installation, installers will review the work parameters with the homeowner. They may even walk the house with you to ensure that everything is done as per the estimate and the customer’s expectations. So be sure to schedule enough time for yourself to get everything settled before installation begins.

How long should installation take? While this question should be asked when getting an estimate, most window installations should not take more than a day. In fact, many professionals usually assign about an hour of work per window for a one-story home.

Two-story homes require more effort to remove old windows safely and increase the number of windows to install. They will need space to place ladders or scaffolding. All of this would obviously extend the amount of time a homeowner expects to get the job done.

During the course of the installation, the contractor will replace any interior or exterior trim that was taken down. They will also replace the sill and install, caulk, and secure a new window frame. And, of course, old windows and hardware are removed from the job site and hauled away.

Get yourself home right around the time the installation should be done. A job well-done is not finished until the installer has done a final walk-through with you and gotten approval.

Getting a window installation for your home has many benefits. It can increase your home’s value, improve energy efficiency, and add to the house’s overall appearance.

So when a homeowner knows how to prepare for an upcoming new window installation, the project is faster and stress-free. Put these guidelines into practice and discover the same can be said for your project as well.

Is your house in need of a full window replacement? We offer free quotes and friendly service for any window project. Get in touch with us today!

Are you looking for ways to improve the overall aesthetic of your residential or commercial building? Have you grown tired of paying the same high-cost energy bills every month? If so, then it’s time to plan a window replacement for your building.

Scheduling a window replacement can be the difference that you need. It can make your property more energy-efficient, as well as lower the amount of necessary maintenance. New windows can also help prevent outside noise from carrying inside your building.

See below for several amazing benefits that you will gain access to when you schedule a window replacement for your property.

Who isn’t looking for a few ways to lower their energy bills? If you’re the owner of a commercial property, it can go a long way to helping you increase your margins. Of course, this serves as just as much of a benefit for residential homeowners.

New windows will go a long way towards improving the energy-efficiency in your home. You can specifically purchase a brand or model that has more UV protection for your property.

Whether you knew it or not, the natural lighting is slowly raising the temperature in your home. In the summertime, this can prove disastrous for your AC system.

With the harmful UV rays seeping into your home, your AC unit will be working overtime to keep the inside of your home at the temp you’ve set on your thermostat.

Now, does that mean you should always keep the blinds closed during the summer? Of course, not! While shopping around for the new windows you’re going to install in your property, be sure to look at the percentages.

Look for multi-paned window options and read up on how much of the sun’s ultraviolet rays that the window blocks. If you’re not sure, then ask your trusted window replacement company for direction.

You have enough tasks on your chores list as-is. Why go adding to that list with the windows that you install? If you don’t make a proper investment, your windows will age poorly.

Be sure to think through things such as the material that the windows are made of. You’ll have options such as vinyl, aluminum, plastic, and wood. The first two are credited with holding their youthful looks the most.

The design of your new windows will have a timeless aesthetic that is easy to clean and holds up well throughout the years.

As a result, you’ll spend less time cleaning—can we get a “hallelujah”?—and more time enjoying the beauty that they add to your property. Better yet, the new technology of windows is aimed at reducing the amount of dust and allergens that enter your property.

The other good news is that, when you have to clean your new windows, it won’t take much of your time. Simply wipe down the surface with a wet microfiber cloth from top to bottom. Then spray the window with vinegar or window cleaning solution.

After that, dry your windows in a z-shaped motion with a towel and repeat if you notice any tough stains. This will keep the fresh look of your windows for many years to come!

Most property owners, whether residential or commercial, tend to fall behind on their building’s replacement needs. Why? Because they dread the installation process and the headache they’re afraid it will cause them.

Fortunately, with our service, your window replacement couldn’t be easier. We prioritize the customer above all else. We’re happy to provide you with any information you need, such as the most practical windows for your Las Vegas home, multi-pane windows, and so on.

Once you’ve chosen the windows you like, we’ll schedule the installation. Our professional team will come in and replace your windows as quickly and efficiently as possible to be considerate of your time. Once we’re done, you’ll have beautiful new windows to enjoy!

Are you wanting to cause your neighbors to do a double-take whenever they go past your house? If so, then a window replacement is sure to turn their heads towards your property!

Window replacements are one of the few home repairs that can be seen from both the inside and the outside. It enhances the aesthetic of both.

By choosing the perfect mixture of sizes and materials for your new windows, you’ll make the exterior of your home/building look 20 years younger. Also, getting windows with a film on them can increase the security of your home!

Not many people realize that your windows play a crucial part in preventing outside noise from creeping inside your home.

Thanks to the innovation of double-pane and triple-pane windows, you’ll no longer have to worry about your noisy neighbors interrupting your family movie nights. They block the noise from ever entering your home in the first place.

This can help you to feel as if your home is truly a shelter from the outside world. Once you walk inside, it’s just you, your family, and your little world!

Now that you have seen several undeniable benefits of receiving a window replacement for your property, it’s time to start the process for yourself.

Be sure to read this article on how to install windows and why you should avoid DIY installation at all costs!

For more inquiries, please be sure to reach out via our contact us page and we will be happy to assist you further.

Are you considering adding new windows to a home? With the expense of good quality frames and glazing, it can be tempting to install them yourself. However, before you consider a DIY installation, you should know the process and procedures you must go through.

Knowing them can help you get a better idea of the time, cost, and labor involved in the process. Below, we give you a must-read guide on how to install windows.

Pros and Cons of DIY Installations

The main reason you would do a DIY installation is cost. Undoubtedly, it will save you a lot of money. However, the reason window installation can be expensive is that it is a very skilled job that will cost you more to fix if you get it wrong.

As well as being a specialist job with multiple processes, replacing a window is actually dangerous. If you are above ground level, you will be handling glass while working up ladders. Even on ground levels, a mistake can be extremely costly.

As you will soon see, the process is also extremely long and labor-intensive. To do it correctly needs a lot of fine-tuning and balancing. A poorly installed window can seriously damage your curb appeal, property value and decrease the energy efficiency in your home.

Measuring New Windows

Installing windows begins when you take the measurements for your new windows. You must make sure you have the correct width and height, measuring inside the existing frame. This is quite complicated, as you need to measure in multiple places.

Firstly, measure the height at the left, middle, and right of the window. Then do the same in the horizontal axis, going from the bottom, middle, and top. It would be best if you took the smallest measurement from each as your size guide so that they fit properly.

If you happen to make a mistake here, you will end up with a big problem. The window frame will be too large, leaving huge gaps. A professional will know how to measure both the windows and frames correctly.

Removing Old Windows

The type of window you are removing will determine how you remove it, though there are some universal methods that apply to all windows. Once more, a professional will know the specifics, so if you have a particularly difficult window style, call in help.

If your windows look like they wear made before 1980, they may contain lead paint. This is one instance when you should hire a professional with the correct equipment, as you will be dealing with poisonous materials.

If you have a storm window, start by removing this. You may be able to lift it out, or you may have to remove some screws or score the edge with a knife.

Older windows have sash springs and weights, which need to be removed very carefully. As the springs are under tension, they can snap back into the track. You need to be wary of the springs and plastic covers, and it is another instance where you may be better off hiring contractors.

Windows that are on weights need to fall inside the frame. Do this by cutting the cords.

Next, you need to identify and remove any stops on the window. You are looking for any interior stops, parting stops, and exterior stops. If you are installing windows from the outside, you can leave the interior stops in place.

Removing stops becomes tough when they are embedded in the frame. This will require an oscillating saw. Contractors will have the correct tools for this.

Any holes should be filled with wood filler. Damaged, weathered, and rotten wood will need replacing. Any weight chambers will also need to be filled with insulation.

How To Install Windows Yourself

Start by cleaning the sill and applying flashing tape. Flashing tape should fit on the sill and reach up the vertical.

The sill must be level before you progress. If it is not, you will need to install shims to even it out. If you are not familiar with them, check online, or call a professional.

Place the window in the space to see if it fits. Do not add any adhesive or mountings; this stage is purely to check they fit. Heavy windows will require assistance.

Before securing the window, you will need to apply the caulk. This is a specialist process that you could try on your own. However, you will need to get it correct and need the tools and materials.

Once the caulk is in, place the windows in against the stops. Secure the window using more shims. Drill the screws into the shims through the pre-drilled window holes.

Check the sashes sit in the frames and use more shims if required. Check the window is even and operates correctly. Apply more shims as appropriate.

Fill any gaps, applying foam insulation from the outside. Larger gaps may need backer rod weatherstripping, which an expert could provide for you.

Next, you must cut the sill adaptor to the appropriate height. You will need to drill weep holes into the adaptor to let out any moisture. You can then begin sealing the window and applying the exterior trim.

Hire a Professional

Now you know how to install windows, you can see that it is not an easy or quick process. Yes, you may save time doing it yourself. But do you want to take the risk with something so valuable, doing a specialist skill?

If you are installing new windows in the Las Vegas area, then contact Cut Rate Glass. We are experts in window installation, with affordable prices. Contact us today for a quote, saving you time and money on a window fitting.