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You might be surprised to learn that the average homeowner spends approximately $6,000 on home renovations each year. One of the most notable attributes people focus on is windows.

While it’s possible to replace them on your own, you’ll get better results by hiring a professional. This goes a long way toward helping you get the best results for your needs.

Before moving forward, understanding the process of window replacement services is essential. This will ensure you know what to expect. Let’s explore the key information you need to know.

Home Walkthrough

The residential window replacement service you choose will walk through your home on the date of the installation. They will explain how the installation process will occur and answer any questions you might have. Before they arrive, you should secure pets and keep children out of the room where the project will take place.

Area Prep and Cleaning

Before the project can begin, your service provider will need to prepare the area. They’ll use drop cloths to protect your floors from debris and dirt.

They’ll also ask you to remove fragile items and window treatments. Even the most experienced professionals can have a difficult time working around these without causing damage.

Afterward, they’ll remove your old windows and inspect the underlying surface. There’s a chance they may need to make repairs before installing a new window.

Rotting wood and decaying frames should be fixed or removed entirely. Otherwise, this could interfere with how your new windows will function. Before continuing, your service provider will then clean the frame’s surface.

Insulating and Sealing

Installation will now take place. The company you hire will measure the frame opening and replacement window to ensure they are a perfect fit.

After they place the frame, they’ll seal and insulate the opening. It’s customary for service providers to replace the window trim, as well. The length of the project will depend on various factors.

For example, different types of windows have different timelines for installation. The same can be said about window sizes.

Window repairs tend to take less time than replacing broken windows. Keep this in mind when moving forward so you aren’t caught off guard.

Finishing up

The professional you work with will handle all aspects of your project’s cleanup. They’ll dispose of your old windows and get rid of leftover debris.

The crew will also fully clean the work area. Reputable companies will leave the area looking like they were never there at all.

Verification

No project is complete without verification. The crew’s leader will perform a final inspection after your windows are installed. This is also when you’ll learn how your new windows function and how to clean them properly.

If the crew leader finds evidence the job wasn’t handled correctly, they’ll work with you to develop a solution. For instance, some companies will fix the problems for free, while others will refund your money. If no issues are present, they’ll answer questions you may have before leaving you to enjoy your home’s new appearance.

Finding a Professional

Not all professionals are created equal, and it’s essential to thoroughly research your prospective choices. Look into their past reputation online to see what other people have to say. This will provide valuable insight into what you can expect from them.

Pay close attention to how they respond to criticism, though. You should avoid companies that get defensive or aggressive toward negative feedback.

Look for fake reviews during your search, as well. These are often easy to recognize since they tend to be posted in large batches. What is their pricing structure like?

They should be fully transparent about what you pay so you can avoid financial surprises. You should also avoid the cheapest options you find.

However, there’s a point of diminishing returns regarding what you budget for. You don’t always have to spend as much money as possible to get the outcome you desire.

Somewhere in the middle of the price range can help you meet your needs without stretching your budget. They should also be communicative and easy to get in touch with.

The last thing you want is to deal with problems on your own. Their level of experience also plays a role in the results you’ll get.

It’s best to find someone who’s been around for at least a decade. With enough due diligence, you shouldn’t have an issue finding the best choice for your situation.

When Should I Replace My Windows?

As you might assume, you should consider a window replacement if your windows are cracked or broken. However, it’s also important to realize that most windows have a lifespan of between 15 and 20 years. After they reach this age, the seal will start to weaken.

In some cases, it can even fail. This puts your home at risk of water seepage drafts. You should also consider replacing your windows if they start to feel outdated.

When people renovate their homes, they tend to focus on areas like kitchens and bathrooms. As time passes, it’s not uncommon for people to have homes with modern hardware, furniture, etc., that still have outdated windows.

This can detract from your home’s overall aesthetic. People looking to add value to their property should also consider window replacement.

Not only will the new windows increase what your home is worth, but they’ll also be an enticing attribute to attract new buyers. This can make it much easier to sell your home in a competitive market.

Understanding the Process of Window Replacement Services Is Crucial

By understanding the process of window replacement services, you can help ensure you make the best decision for your needs. The information in this guide will allow you to get started as soon as possible and avoid issues you may have otherwise encountered. Just be sure to choose the right professional.

Cut Rate Glass prides itself on offering fast repair service at the lowest price in the Las Vegas Valley. We strive to exceed all client expectations and deliver outstanding results for each project. You’ll learn more about how we can help when you get in touch with us today.

When you first install your windows, you aren’t thinking about one shattering. You’re envisioning the light and visibility they add to your space!

However, the reality is that even if we’re ultra-careful, accidents can happen. From stray baseballs to extreme weather events, many culprits can shatter that glass. If this happens, your first instinct might be to tackle the repair job yourself.

However, doing so is not only dangerous but could wind up harming the window even more. Today, we’re sharing seven reasons why you should always trust a shattered window to a professional, and how our team can help!

1. Safer for You

First and most importantly, allowing an expert to take the reins is safer for you and your loved ones. Not only will a professional window installation and repair team know exactly how to fix the issue, but they’ll also be experienced in working with all types of windows.

They know the specific method required to correct the issue. If they cannot repair it, they can recommend and install a window replacement to restore the space.

Even if you wear protective gloves and eyewear, handling broken glass is extremely dangerous. Even if you manage to handle each piece carefully, there’s a chance it could slip from your grasp and damage another part of your body.

In addition to bodily harm, a shattered window also poses another type of risk: unwanted entry. From curious critters to unscrupulous burglars, anyone could spot the new opening and see their chance to check out what’s inside. This is especially the case in colder seasons when animals are looking for opportunities to get out of the cold.

2. Proper Technique

Left to your own devices, would you know how to correctly and safely repair your window? If your first thought is to secure everything in place with duct tape, you definitely need a window repair crew on speed dial!

These professionals have years of training and know how to fix this exact issue. They’ll work to mitigate the damage and repair your glass with ease, using techniques that follow industry standards for safety and quality. This includes thoroughly cleaning up the scene.

If you attempt to tidy up on your own, there’s a chance you could miss a tiny shard of glass on the floor. This poses a cut risk for you, your family members, and any four-legged friends that live in your home.

3. Correct Tools

Even if you know how to repair your window, you might not have the right tools and accessories on hand. Most glass repairs require specialty items that most homeowners don’t have regular access to.

While you may be able to find and purchase the necessary parts online, they can be very expensive. In addition, they require extensive training to use safely, and you should never handle them if you’ve never worked with them before.

You don’t need to spend a ton of money on items that you’ll (hopefully) only use once or twice. It typically costs less to simply call a pro and let them do the job right the first time.

4. Quick Work

When you have a shattered window, time is of the essence. With an exposed opening in your home, your interior becomes instantly vulnerable. Beyond the aforementioned trespassers, you also risk rain, sleet, or even heavy wind making its way inside.

Trying to repair it on your own can be complicated and time-consuming. By the time you buy the tools and learn how to use them, days or weeks might have gone by. On the other hand, a professional will work quickly and efficiently, lessening the duration of time your property sits open.

These teams usually keep many different window options in stock, so they can ensure quick response times. They’ll repair or replace the window as fast as possible, protecting your home and the people within it.

5. No Further Damage

From a full shatter to a hairline crack, there are many different ways your windows can break. If you try to correct that damage yourself, there’s a strong chance you’ll exacerbate the issue. In fact, your “repair” work could wind up shattering the glass even more.

Ultimately, this means playing a long game of working, purchasing, attempting, and revising. With each trip to the hardware store (or online checkout), you’ll spend more money. Meanwhile, the glass is still broken, and your home is still unprotected.

Save yourself the time (and headache) and call an expert at the first sign of a damaged or compromised window.

6. Comply With Warranty

Are the windows in your home still under warranty? If so, then attempting a DIY repair job could void the terms of that contract. Even if you’re planning to call an expert, it’s important to review the terms and conditions of your warranty before moving forward.

The same goes for any insurance coverage you may have on your windows. If repairs or replacements are included in your policy, you may be required to hire a professional team to ensure continued coverage.

7. Experience With Complex Systems

Some modern window systems, including double-glazed, dual-pane, and energy-efficient models, feature complicated mechanisms that make them a little challenging to repair. Fixing them may require niche expertise and specially designed tools that only professionals can use.

If you have any of these windows in your home, it’s important to partner with an experienced team that knows how to handle and restore them safely.

Do You Have a Shattered Window?

Noticing a shattered window in your home can be extremely disheartening. After all, windows are a major investment, and you hope they’ll last forever when you first put them in.

Thankfully, when you have a qualified glass expert by your side, you can rest assured that the problem won’t last for long. At Cut Rate Glass, our team is experienced in every aspect of residential window installation and repair. We follow the latest industry standards and techniques to make sure Las Vegas homeowners are satisfied.

Dealing with a broken window? Looking for a replacement or a new install? Contact us today to request a free quote!

Measuring windows is anything but a straightforward process. Even the smallest mismeasurement can lead to significant problems and wasted money.

This article will give you a guide on how to measure a window for replacement. So, check through it to make sure you have everything you need, then follow the instructions to get the right sizes for your future installation. By the end, you should also know who to call to take those measurements and put perfect windows in place.

Tools Needed for Window Measurement

While a tape measure might be an obvious tool, it is the best option for getting exact measurements without using electronic devices. Note that you should record such distances in millimeters for precision. Inches or even centimeters may not be accurate enough and can cause gaps to appear around the window.

Make sure you also have a notepad and pencil or pen to write down the sizes you measure, as well as a level to ensure you measure a flat and even plane. If you can source one, get a straight edge, or if not, a ruler should suffice. This will help you check how straight the windows are.

Depending on the specific location, you may need a ladder or step stool. Avoid climbing on the building itself, and make sure to always follow safety guidelines when using such a ladder.

How to Measure a Window for Replacement

You need to make sure that the width and height measurements are consistent. If there is a variance in any of these, even after double-checking, use the smallest distance. You can secure and fill in any extra space later, ensuring the frame does not let in drafts.

How to Accurately Measure Window Width

Start at either top corner of the window and measure to the other top corner. Then, do the same at the bottom of the window, followed by a third measurement of the middle of the two. Determine the middle point of the window using a tape measure, then mark it with a pencil for reference moving forward.

Perform the check again to ensure the accuracy of your measurements. Do not move on until you are confident of each. You can then compare all three distances to check for consistency.

If you find any variance, you can perform the check a final time to be sure. As mentioned above, though, use the smallest measurement.

How to Accurately Measure Window Height

When you want to measure window length, also known as height, perform the same steps as with its width. Only this time, instead of tracking the top, middle, and bottom, aim for the left, right, and center.

Why Measure From Different Points?

Over time, the size and shape of a building can start to shift. This may be due to its settling, changes in temperature and humidity, or several other reasons. Measuring from different locations can give you the smallest size you will need to match. This ensures that your window will fit properly in the space provided.

In some cases, you may find an extreme shifting of size from one area to another. This can even put pressure on the window and increase its likelihood of shattering from smaller impacts. Adjusting the window before fitting the pane or even opting for custom windows can reduce these risks.

Modifying Window Measurements for Hardware Mounting

If you plan to install items like window screens or storm windows, adjust your notes to fit. This will not always be the case, though, so check with a professional if you are unsure if your hardware will impact the sizes you write down.

Measure the exact size of the hardware you wish to install, as well as the amount it will shift the window by. If the window needs to fit within it, then adjust your noted distances by this amount. Keep hold of the original notes, though, in case you find other solutions later.

Correct Window Measurement Notation

When writing down window sizes, always write it down as width first, then height. Or, if you want to be even more thorough, separate them in your writing, such as:

Width: X mm

Height: X mm

…where “X” is the measurement.

Also, make sure to specify the unit you used. Note that measuring in inches and sixteenth will offer very different results from using millimeters. Do not switch between units, either, to avoid confusion and costly mistakes.

How to Check If the Window Is Level

Make sure to use a level tool to check if the sides are even, as well as a straight edge to find curves or other inconsistencies. Mark any areas you find on the window and also on any measurement recordings you can make. You or a hired professional can use these to ensure you get the best fit later.

Measuring Non-Rectangular Windows

The approach you take to ensure non-rectangular windows fit will need to differ depending on the specific space. You should note, though, that some of these may demand custom windows, as will many other uniquely shaped window spaces.

To check for the best fit, make sure to always measure the extremes in distance. For example, with arches, note down the width of their lowest point and how high they rise. With circular windows, measure their widest and narrowest diameters for accuracy.

Many such windows will demand professional advice, so it may be best to have an experienced installer on hand to perform this role for you.

Benefits of Calling in the Professionals

You might be confident after reading through all this information, but that might not be enough. Understanding how to measure a window for replacement means more than checking distances. Getting the job done right demands the experience to know how to deal with every stage of the process.

Cut Rate Glass has been handling this work for over 14 years. We can offer a vast array of knowledge as well as the lowest prices for getting your windows right the first time. Request a quote today to take the first step toward enhancing your view with precision-measured windows.