Categories Cutrateglass, Windows

The Pros and Cons of Installing Glass Double-Pane Windows

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To replace windows, you can expect to spend between $200 and $1,800 per window.

By using a glass replacement service, you’ll save a lot of money. If you need new glass in your windows or are considering changing from single-pane to double-pane windows, you might be curious about the differences.

Glass replacement differs from window replacement in that it doesn’t involve removing and replacing the entire window frame. With a glass replacement, you can update the glass in your windows. If the window frames aren’t broken, there’s no reason to fix them.

Let’s take a look at the differences between single-pane and double-pane windows, as well as the pros and cons of each.

Single-Pane Windows vs Double-Pane Windows

If you don’t know what kind of windows you have, the first thing to determine is what the age of the window is. The more modern the window, the greater the chance you have double-pane windows. Older homes and older windows are where single-pane windows are more common.

Single-Pane Windows

A single-pane window is exactly what it sounds like. It has a single pane of glass that makes up the window.

This type of window was everywhere until double-pane windows started getting more popular in the 1970s. While single-pane windows are cheaper than double-pane, they have no other advantages.

You can still buy single-pane windows, but their use in new homes has vanished. A lot of people who don’t think they can afford double-pane windows consider single-pane windows.

You’ll save money upfront by buying single-pane windows, but in the long term will lose big. Single-pane windows can cost you hundreds in increased energy bills.

Double-Pane Windows

Losing heat through windows accounts for 25% to 30% of temperature loss. 

In the summer, the cool air is warmed through windows, and in the winter the opposite happens. Double-pane windows address this by making windows more energy efficient.

A double-pane window is constructed out of two pieces of glass, instead of one, and between them a thin layer of argon gas is injected. This provides a buffer between the outside temperature and the air inside. This improves energy efficiency and will save you money over the life of your windows.

Double-pane windows are more expensive to install than single-pane windows. The difference is not as great as you would think. If you’re just replacing the glass in your windows, the cost will be low.

Double-pane replacement up to 24 x 36 costs as low as $99 a window. That’s less than half of the lowest price to replace windows. Not only is it cheap, but you will experience the benefits of having double-pane windows.

Actual Dollars Saved

If you replace your single-pane windows with double-pane windows, you’ll save an average of $381 in the Las Vegas area every year.

This is because of the lower cost of your energy bills. Even replacing older double-pane glass with new glass, you can expect to save up to $60 a year.

The savings on energy bills will begin as soon as your new glass is installed. You’ll notice that your HVAC system has a much easier time keeping the temperature steady. This reduces the amount of wear and tear on your HVAC unit, and can even extend the life of your heating and cooling.

Sunlight Damage

The sun is constantly bombarding our world with powerful UV radiation. The same reason why we get sunburns also affects our furniture. Carpet, sofas, chairs, and even clothing left out in the sun will slowly become damaged.

Single-pane windows don’t do a good job of stopping sunlight. Double-pane windows can help to protect the inside of your house from the harsh forces outside. Replacing your single-pane with double-pane windows can save you more than just on utility bills.

Blocking Noise

Double-pane windows block more outside noise than single-pane windows. In a single-pane window, there’s no barrier between sound except for a single piece of glass. Glass vibrates easily with sound waves and allows the sound to pass into your home.

Double-pane windows provide a barrier between the sound wave and your home. They can provide significant noise reduction. This is a very good benefit if you are living in or near an area that has a lot of traffic and people.

The thicker the glass you get, the better the sound protection will be. As sound travels it loses energy, and the more material between you and it, the more you will notice the reduction. This is true in windows, doors, and walls.

Going Beyond

You may need more than just a regular glass replacement. If this is the case, you can trust us to retrofit your windows and doors. If your windows are getting old and not functioning properly, retrofitting them can ensure that you receive the energy benefits you were wanting.

A retrofit can help increase the UV protection and energy savings in older double-pane windows. It will also increase the value of your home and look far nicer. Investing in good window replacement has a lot of benefits.

A Wise Investment

Replacing the glass in your windows will not only save you money, but it will increase the value of your home. The value of the home will allow you to recoup most of your investment when you invest in better windows for your home.

Damaged windows are a big turn off to prospective buyers. If you are wanting to sell your home, you need to have your windows replaced. Replacing them with double-pane windows will increase the value even more and help you raise the asking price.

Let Us Help You

No matter what problem you’re having with your glass, Cut Rate Glass can help. Double-pane windows are safer, stronger, and better for your home than single-pane. We also repair and replace doors and the glass in them.

If you’re in the Las Vegas area, don’t struggle through another summer with high electricity bills.

Contact us today to get your glass replaced or repaired.

Categories Cutrateglass, Retrofit, Windows

Are new energy-efficient windows worth it?

As a local glass shop, we know there are many types of glass windows in Las Vegas because we replace glass throughout the entire Las Vegas valley. Some very old, some single pane, some dual pane, some new energy-efficient Windows with low e glass. Sometimes we will recommend a retrofit when the window is very old, broken beyond repair or has hardware missing.

We get the question often, “Is it worth it to replace my windows?” The answer is not as simple as yes or no. It really depends on a lot of factors. Including the age of the current windows, type of windows (single pane or dual pane), type of glass currently in the home as well as physical features of the home such as shade, layout and sun coverage.

Retrofit windows certainly improve the value of a property when installed correctly and most homeowners will save money on energy bills when installing new energy-efficient windows and doors.

At Cut Rate Glass we offer new windows and new doors for homes. We have three different levels of window depending on budget and customer preference. We always offer free in-home estimates.

Call 702.292.9977 today for a free in-home estimate for new energy-efficient windows, or click here to start the process.

Categories Cutrateglass, Doors, Retrofit, Windows

High-Quality Service & Upfront Pricing

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At our glass shop we pride ourselves on a few things:

  1. Providing high-quality glass service
  2. Providing fair, honest and upfront pricing

Because of those two things we believe that in-home estimates should be free. The reason is that to properly price and diagnose a window, door or glass issue, it is always best to see it in person. While this does cost us money as far as labor, it is simply the right way to do business.

There are many factors that contribute to the price of glass replacement. Some include the type of glass, type of window, Low-E, tempered, grids, location, etc. By actually visiting a property and seeing the entire situation we can accurately price a job. We do offer phone quotes but they are not binding until an onsite inspection can be done.

But why are they free?

Well, we believe that a customer has the right to know upfront ALL costs and they should have the opportunity to shop around and compare prices and companies. While some other companies have begun charging for estimates, we never will!

This free estimate policy has been in place since the start of the business and includes all of our service, glass repair, glass replacement, window repair, new frameless shower glass, framed shower enclosures, wall mirrors, and window hardware.

Give us a call at 702.292.9977 for a free estimate for all your window glass needs, or click here to get started.

Categories Cutrateglass, Shower

Shower Enclosure Info

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Shower Enclosure Info

As a homeowner in the market for a new frameless shower enclosure, you have plenty of questions.

May I have a “ballpark” estimate over the phone?
Yes, you may. We would need the dimensions of the shower enclosure. The price would be a rough estimate only and we would need to visit your home for a FREE estimate to provide the actual price. Often, we will measure the shower before the tile work is complete, so you can plan your budget and know what our best offer will be. Final measurements MUST be taken upon completion of tile installation.

What types of hardware are available?
We have three main hardware colors: chrome, brushed nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze. Please view our photo gallery for examples of what is available to you.

What is the lead time for the installation?
The lead time is roughly 7-10 business days from the date of order.

Is there any kind of warranty?
We can’t offer a warranty for broken glass for obvious reasons. However, we do have a one-year warranty that covers leaks and any adjustments needed. All showers must be regularly cleaned to ensure the clarity and beauty of your new shower lasts for years and years.

As always, we welcome you to call Marisol, the shower coordinator, at (702)418-9060, Monday-Friday 7:30 am-3:00 pm. She will be able to answer any questions regarding shower enclosure.

Categories Cutrateglass, Windows

Window Replacement

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Window Replacement (A Broken Window Break Down)

Some customers call us and say, “I don’t care to know anything about my window, just get here and fix it as soon as you can.” Some customers call us and have questions, some of which we would like to address today. We are going to break down the window replacement process for those inquisitive folks.

Do I have single pane windows or dual pane windows?
Give yourself a pat on the back if you already know the answer to this question. To find out which type you have, look at the broken window (look but don’t touch), you will see one layer of glass inside the frame or two. If the window appears fogged on the inside but is not cleanable from the inside or outside of your house, you have a dual pane window. We can easily replace that fogged unit for you. And no, we can NOT clean the inside of the window. Replacing that window is the only proper way to prevent fogging in the future. Our dual pane units have a 1-year warranty for fogging. If the home was built before 1978, then it is most likely a single pane because that is when they began to be required by law.

Is my glass clear or low e?
Clear glass is just that, clear. There is no tint or color to the glass. Low e glass, also known as energy-efficient glass, has a greenish color to the glass. If you have a house built in the last 10 years, chances are, you have low e glass. Low e glass, or low emissivity glass, helps to keep your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter by reflecting ultraviolet light, visible light, and infrared light. This helps keep the heat out from the scorching desert sun, so your air conditioner does not have to work so hard to keep you cool. It also helps keep your heat in during the colder winter months, so you do not have to run the heat all the time.

When will you install my window?
If you have a single pane window, we may be able to bring glass to your home and install it right away. That depends on the availability of our technicians and the type of single pane. If the window is tempered (crumbles into a million pieces for safety), then it may need to be ordered. We’ll get custom tempered glass in 2-3 business days. If you have a dual pane window, we measure the first day (free estimate) and install within 1-2 business days. If the window is tempered allow for 3-4 business days as we must order it and fabricate the unit. I hope this simplifies the process for you as much as possible. As always, please call us anytime with questions and to schedule your appointment window.

Get a free quote now!