Categories Shower

6 Major Benefits of Frameless Glass Showers

picture of a frameless glass shower

Sleek, modern, and airy.

These are three words often used to describe frameless glass showers. If you’re looking for a design that enhances your bathroom and adds instant interior appeal, this is a great solution.

Gone are the days when bold, bulky frames were necessary to hold up your glass shower enclosures. Now, homes are letting their showers shine and eliminating the frame altogether. If you’re adding a new shower to your home or undergoing a bathroom remodel, we suggest looking into these contemporary designs.

On the fence? Today, we’re sharing six benefits of frameless glass showers and how to add your own!

What Are Frameless Glass Showers?

Before we dive into what makes these models so beautiful, let’s define what they are.

Put simply, a frameless shower door is made out of sturdy, tempered glass. While framed shower doors require a type of metal support to function properly and stay in place, these do not. Instead, they are strong and durable enough to stand up on their own.

While there are a few different ways to enclose a shower, including a shower curtain or a framed glass enclosure, frameless models are more streamlined and open. This gives the space a fresh and spacious feel, keeping it from appearing too closed in.

If you’re undergoing a new shower installation, it helps to understand the benefits that these types of showers can provide. Let’s take a look at a few of the reasons to incorporate this look into your bathroom design.

  1. Available in Customizable Sizes

One of the smartest reasons to invest in a frameless glass shower is that you can customize your panes of glass to be any size or dimension that you need. This allows you to design your shower space exactly the way that you want it.

From elaborate, spa-like showers to smaller-scale corner designs, there’s no limit to the way you can transform your bathroom. If you work with an interior designer, you can uncover new and exciting ways to breathe new life into almost any space, expanding your possibilities.

  1. Gives Your Bathroom Features Room to Shine

There are several elements that will take center stage in your bathroom. For instance, you might love your high-end designer tile or the specialty hardware on your lower cabinets. Or, you may have splurged on your bathtub or some great vintage artwork for the walls.

In any case, you deserve to show these items off! If the frame around your glass shower enclosure is too dark or bulky, it can be distracting. A frameless glass shower blends into the surroundings and allows all of the other special parts of your room to shine.

  1. Doesn’t Hinder Light Flow

You use your bathroom for a range of activities, from getting ready in the morning to winding down with your skincare routine at night. For all of those tasks, you need plenty of unobstructed light.

Without a frame blocking the way, illumination from your overhead can lights or wall sconces can easily fill up the entire space. It won’t cast any strange shadows on the wall or create any type of dark corners. This is especially helpful when you’re inside the shower.

No one wants to scramble around looking for the soap or the shampoo bottle on the shelf. With a frameless glass shower, both natural and artificial light can easily fill the space and improve your visibility.

  1. Less Risk of Mold and Mildew

When you have a frame surrounding your shower glass, water, and heat tend to accumulate on and around this surface, along with oils from your soaps and bath products. This can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, both of which are unsightly and can be difficult to clean. Exposure to indoor mold can also be damaging to your health.

The seals and caulking around the shower frame are especially susceptible to this buildup. With a frameless model, there’s less room for any type of grime to grow, which improves the overall sanitation of your bathroom.

  1. Makes Your Bathroom Appear Larger

Regardless of whether your bathroom is oversized or on the smaller side, you always want to help it look as big as possible. One of the tenets of interior design is that the more open and airy a room is, the larger it will appear.

If you install a shower curtain or a frame around your shower glass, it cuts off the sight lines in the room. On the other hand, a frameless model allows your eye to travel directly inside and even through the shower, giving the illusion that it’s all one big, open space. Especially if you’re remodeling a compact shower design, frameless is best.

  1. A Cinch to Clean

Let’s face it: No one particularly enjoys cleaning their shower! However, a frameless design can make this routine household chore a little bit easier.

Without a frame, you’re usually able to get the glass even cleaner by moving your squeegee or microfiber cloth all the way from one corner to the next. Plus, it’s easier to move once you’re inside the space, so you can clean the floors and walls of your shower, too.

If you love the look of a sparkling shower that isn’t marked by streaks, you’ll appreciate how easy this design makes it!

Learn More About Frameless Glass Showers Today

Now that you know a few of the top benefits of installing frameless glass showers, are you thinking about incorporating one into your next bathroom project?

If so, we’re here to help!

At Curate Glass, we specialize in a variety of glass projects, from window repairs to French doors. We also install beautiful frameless glass shower enclosures. Our team has the skills and experience necessary to transform your space and allow your personal taste to shine.

To learn more about our approach and turn your vision into a reality, go ahead and request a quote today!

Categories Windows

Window Repair Near Me: Everything to Consider When Hiring a Contractor

Window Repair Contractor Repairing a window

According to Broken Windows Theory, visible signs of deterioration invite crime and misbehavior.

If your windows are damaged, your house can be more susceptible to falling victim to a home intrusion and more likely to be vandalized.

Window repair needs to happen quickly.  If you’re asking yourself, “how can I find reliable window repair near me?” you’ve come to the right place.

Keep reading, and you’ll learn everything you need to about confidently choosing the right window repair service in no time.

Window Repair Near Me: Choosing the Right Service

Repairing your windows on your own can be a daunting task. However, the window repair process isn’t something you can wait around for. Broken and damaged windows are dangerous for pets and children, and they can take away from the appearance (and value) of your house.

How to Find Local Window Repair Services

If you’re unsure where to start looking, finding a reliable window repair service can be difficult. Professional window repair requires a lot of expertise and the necessary tools to diagnose and fix any window issue quickly and efficiently.

Generally, no matter where you live, you’ll find there are many options for window companies. The first step is to read and research as much as you can. Customer reviews and cost estimates are what you’re looking for. Local business directories like Yelp and Trustpilot offer business listings with honest reviews.

Of course, you don’t have to rely only on the web to find repair services. A quick and easy way of finding a repair service is to turn to your immediate social circle. Most likely, somebody among your close friends and family has needed window repair services before, and they’ll be happy to give you recommendations.

Once you’ve drawn up a list of potential service providers, you’ll need to narrow down your search and select the best option for you that offers affordability and takes care of your broken windows promptly.

Factors to Consider

Many people put the price of a repair company above everything else. When it comes to window repair, most want it done quickly and cheaply. It is important to keep in mind price isn’t everything. A company’s experience, quality of service, and ability to communicate openly with its customers are equally important.

Get as Many Quotes as You Can

You don’t have to commit to a service just because you ask about pricing. Service providers are generally used to being contacted for price estimates. It is a critical part of how potential customers make decisions.

Getting multiple quotes isn’t just about finding the lowest price. Instead, it gives you room to negotiate. Some companies are willing to lower the cost of their services if they know they wouldn’t otherwise get your business.

Ask for References

References from past clients are the best way to gauge how much window repair experience a repair company has. The easiest ones to find are online customer reviews. Some of the most useful reviews are those from customers who needed similar repair work as you.

Online reviews are generally unbiased. It is important to keep in mind that reviews and referrals that a company proudly displays on its homepage potentially may not authentically represent the full picture.

Another option is to consider asking a window repair company for a list of references. This option allows you to get in contact with past clients directly. It’ll take a little more effort on your part, but you’ll find you get candid responses to your inquiries.

Check Out Online Reviews

Reading online reviews is something all of us do when we’re browsing for goods and services. It’s an easy way of finding honest insight into the experiences of like-minded people.

The layer of anonymity that online reviews provide often means the reviewers can be brutally honest—even more so if a customer was unsatisfied with their experience.

Online reviews are a helpful tool to assist in getting a sense of the quality of a company’s customer service, work, and reliability.  It is important to consider both sides of the coin, both the good reviews and the bad reviews.

Ask for Quotes Upfront

When comparing window repair costs, you should get as many quotes as you can. It’s a red flag if a contractor or company is slow to respond with a reasonable estimate of the costs involved in your window repair. Look for professionals that are open and communicative from the beginning of the relationship. Upfront quotes put the power in the hands of consumers.

If you’re not receiving quotes because of excuses, it’s time to look elsewhere.

Ask About the Timeframe

Broken windows pose a serious security threat to your home and valuables. When shopping for a professional window repair service, you need to know how quickly a repair service can get to work and how long it will take them to complete the job.

Consider if there are any possible unforeseen delays that may potentially arise. The delays in installation can range from weather interruptions to not clearing clutter away from the exterior of your windows.

Leave It to the Pros

Are you still searching for window repair near me?

That’s easy as long as you follow the pointers on this list. Decide what’s important to you, and don’t be afraid to ask difficult questions. Every window repair service wants your business—and that puts the power in your hands.

If you need window repair in or around Las Vegas, Nevada, we can help. Whether it’s single panes or dual-pane glass window replacements, we provide fast repair at affordable prices. Click here to arrange a consultation.

Categories Windows

8 Residential Window Installation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

residential window installation mistakes to avoid

Do you have windows in your home that are over 20 years old? If so, it’s probably time for you to start thinking about replacing your old windows with new ones.

Most windows functionality will start to deteriorate after about two decades. If your windows are at this stage, it will be important to begin the window installation process.

In order to ensure a smoother process, it will be helpful to learn about the different residential window installation mistakes that homeowners sometimes make. Educating yourself will make installing new windows in your home much easier.

We’ve put together a list of the eight biggest residential window installation mistakes and what you can do to avoid them. Find out more below.

  1. Waiting Too Long to Install New Windows

There isn’t a definitive expiration date on windows. Some will last for 20 years, while others might last for 30, 40, or even 50 years.

It is important to keep a close eye on your home’s windows at all times and take note of any issues with them. If you start to see too many problems with windows, it is important to take note of the issues and act quickly on the opportunity to replace them.

Waiting too long to take action is one of the worst residential window installation mistakes you can make. Putting off replacing old windows can have an impact on everything from your home’s energy efficiency to its security.

  1. Picking Out the Wrong Windows to Install

When it’s time to install new windows in your home, you might be surprised to see how many options are on the market, from vinyl windows to wood windows to fiberglass windows and more.

There are also many different window designs, such as double-hung windows, casement windows, bay windows, and more. There are plenty of options when it comes to replacing old windows.

Don’t make the mistake of simply picking out the first windows you can find, as they might not be the best windows for your home.

  1. Shopping for New Windows Without a Budget

Most windows are going to cost between $300 and $700 per window. However, there are also some windows that’ll cost well over $1,000 in certain cases.

With this in mind, you should always shop for new windows for your home with a budget in mind. Having a budget will ensure you don’t break the bank on replacement windows you can’t afford.

  1. Failing to Take Accurate Measurements for New Windows

After you’re able to pick out the new windows you want to install, you’ll need to have accurate measurements taken for each new window you’ll be putting into place.  Without taking accurate measurements of the windows, unfortunately, the installation process is going to be more complicated than it should be.

A good window installation service will be able to take the right measurements for your new windows within your home. Leave window measuring up to the professionals versus trying to measure new windows yourself.

  1. Hiring the Wrong Window Installation Company

There are quite a few window installation companies that you can count on to help install new windows in your home. It is important not to be tempted to select the first company that pops up when you Google “window installation companies near me.” Instead, you should do research on all your local window installation companies and look specifically for one that has the experience and expertise to install windows in your home the right way.

  1. Neglecting to Prepare Your Home for Window Installation

There are several steps that you can take to get your home ready for the window installation process. Your window installation service provider will be able to get right down to business when your home is prepared prior to the process beginning.

Here are a few things you can do to make sure your house is ready for window installation:

  • Move furniture, window coverings, etc., away from the windows in your home that are going to be replaced
  • Create walking paths throughout your home for window installers
  • Take kids and/or pets out of a home prior to the beginning of the window installation process

Window installers will be able to get in and out of your house without any major issues when you’re diligent about getting it ready to go.

  1. Choosing the Wrong Time to Install New Windows

There are certain times throughout the year that are better for installing new windows in your home than others. Ideally, you should try to find a time when the temperatures will be on the milder side since that will work best for the window installation process. Attempting to have windows installed when it’s either too hot or too cold outside can create complications when you’re having windows put in place.

  1. Replacing Windows That Could Be Repaired

If you have very old windows that are starting to fall apart, replacing them may be your only option. If your windows are still on the newer side and could simply use some TLC, having residential window glass repair done could bring them back to life.

At the very least, it might be worth exploring this option. It could save you money while breathing life back into your windows and making them look great.

Don’t Make These Residential Window Installation Mistakes

If you’re unhappy with the appearance and/or performance of your home’s windows, you should aim to do something about it. Replacing them might be your best option.

Just make sure you don’t make any of the residential window installation mistakes listed here. It will derail your window replacement project and ultimately make it more stressful than it should be.

Contact us now to see how we can help you with your home’s windows.

Categories Doors

Letting Things Slide: 14 Advantages of Sliding Glass Doors in Your Home

Kid playing in a house with sliding glass doors

Did you know natural light can improve your mood and benefit your family’s health? Improve natural lighting in your house by installing a large sliding glass door. Sliding doors provide more natural light and are a favorite among home buyers. If you want to learn about sliding glass doors’ benefits, keep reading.

In this guide, you’ll learn about sliding glass patio doors and what ones to select. A sliding glass door installation isn’t a significant challenge.

Check out our reasons below.

  1. Improve the Aesthetic Appeal 

Sliding doors are a feature of a home that remains popular. They are a top choice for contemporary home designs. You can look into installing a solid wood interior door or a clear glass sliding door.

Some homeowners will get a sliding glass door with a stunning metal frame. Find a design that will suit the rest of your home.

  1. Easy Access to the Patio 

If you like to head out to your patio from the kitchen, consider adding a sliding door there. You can quickly access commonly used areas. For homeowners who love to host barbecues, consider this installation.

You will have an easy time moving from the kitchen to your backyard. Entertain guests easily with this sliding door addition.

Sliding doors will enlarge your entryway. You won’t have to deal with space constraints like you would with swinging doors. Sliding doors tend to open fully, and the panels get tucked out of sight.

  1. Sliding Doors Are a Safe Option

Since sliding doors get installed on tracks, they won’t swing outward and hit someone.

You will minimize the risks of hitting someone or having a strong gust of wind slam the door shut.

Sliding doors will usually get fitted with shatterproof safety glass. Pick a stunning glass door that is also secure.

Make sure you keep up with maintenance.

  1. Improve Ventilation 

Sliding doors remain popular among homeowners because they improve air quality and ventilation.

They will work as a massive glass window that you can open at any point.

  1. Improve Security

Sliding doors remain secure on their tracks because of the aluminum seals. A hook-over mechanism will lock the door and prevent it from being lifted from the frame.

Most doors will get made from safety glass. This kind of glass is strong and won’t get damaged by brute force.

  1. Boost Your Home’s Resale Value

Installing sliding or barn doors can increase buyers’ interest in your home.

Energy-efficient sliding patio doors will provide you with a significant ROI.

It will lower utility costs. People love knowing about different cost-saving additions to a home.

  1. Improve Visibility 

Homeowners love installing sliding doors because they often get a better view of their property.

Install the sliding doors in your kitchen to overlook the patio or backyard.

You could also improve the visibility of your children or pets in the backyard. While you cook lunch, you can easily check how your kids are doing in the backyard. Set up a swing set or sandbox so they can entertain themselves.

  1. You’ll Improve Energy Efficiency

Energy-efficient sliding glass doors will give you excellent insulation. Your family will remain comfortable during any season. You will also have a lower power bill.

These kinds of doors help filter UV rays as well. They will protect you from getting skin cancer.

  1. Spacious Appearance 

Most homeowners will install sliding glass doors to see their beautiful outdoors. Like mirrors, sliding doors will help make a space appear more spacious.

The sliding door is also an excellent space saver. You won’t need to navigate swinging doors.

  1. You Could Get a Screen

Most builders can provide glass sliding doors with an exterior screen or storm day. Protect your home from significant storms and keep the bugs out.

  1. Sliding Door Maintenance Tips

Make sure you maintain your sliding door. Remove any debris that’s in the way.

You might also need to get into the habit of lubricating the track. If you end up with a broken sliding glass door, you can always contact us for a repair. Check out this helpful guide on the signs that you need a repair.

  1. Improve Airflow When Cleaning or Cooking

A major benefit of sliding glass doors is opening them while cooking. If you accidentally burn something, simply slide the door open and air your kitchen out.

Also, spring cleaning will be a breeze. You can open up all your windows and get an excellent cross breeze while doing a deep clean.

  1. Enjoy Stunning Scenery 

if you live in the country, consider installing a sliding glass door. Enjoy the natural setting each morning when you have a coffee.

People often feel more relaxed when exposed to nature.

  1. Create an Open Concept Home

If you live in a small home, consider adding a sliding glass door. Like mirrors, a sliding glass door will help open up the space.

Some homeowners will add a sliding door on the second floor. This can open up to a small balcony.

Consider Installing Sliding Glass Doors

Make sure you pick the right sliding glass doors for your home. You can get sliding doors that suit the interior of your house.

Make sure you hire someone who has good experience installing sliding doors.

If you would like to install these doors, contact us today. We would love to add this to your home.

Let us know if you have any questions.

Categories Shower

The Top 8 Things to Look For in a Glass Shower Enclosure

Glass shower enclosure at Cut Rate Glass

Over half of all Americans planned to remodel a part of their home in 2021, with over half of them thinking about renovating the shower. If you are someone thinking about doing the same, now is the perfect time to invest in a new glass shower enclosure. Though are you aware of what this entails and the steps you should think about when planning for it?

Below are the eight most important shower glass enclosure tips and considerations you need to bear in mind. As you read through each one, make a mental note of the fact you need to think about them when shopping for enclosure ideas.

  1. Does It Fit In With the Rest of Your Decor?

A new glass shower door is a blank section of your home. Many different designs could fit in your shower enclosure, each of which shows off different styles.

You want something which fits the color, mood, and tones of the rest of the room. You also want to ensure it fits the needs of those using it. If there is any possibility of others entering the room, for example, you are more likely to want to consider frosted glass.

You can even investigate tinted glass to match the color of the paint or tiles in the rest of the room. This works much better with frosted glass, as you then avoid the people inside appearing a different color from their natural tones.

  1. Frameless or Framed Designs

In the past, all glass shower doors had a solid frame to prevent breakage of the glass. As trends have changed, we have started to see more frameless glass shower doors emerging because of how unobtrusive they are. You can consider installing one if you want the shower to not feel like it takes up as much space, as even a thin corner can feel like it fills an area.

The big difference in the frameless shower enclosure, though, is you will need thicker glass. This can mean you are paying much more for a similar-sized shower.

  1. If It Is Hard-Wearing

The shower will receive a lot of use over the years. This is especially true if you have a large number of people in your family using it regularly. You want to know it can take the punishment of water wear, too.

Most shower enclosures you find these days are designed with this kind of punishment in mind. Their shower glass is robust, and you can even invest in some laminated glass if you want an extra layer of safety for you and your family.

The enclosures themselves have protection from water damage. Although many might require a small amount of maintenance over the years, it will not be much more than cleaning or oiling a hinge.

  1. If the Enclosure Fits Your Space

Of course, there is no reason to put an enclosure in your home if it will not even fit in the space. You should be very careful when you measure the area and buy something that not only fits but allows people to move comfortably around it.

If you need smaller showers, we would recommend hinge doors. Sliding doors demand more space to recess into, so need a larger footprint before you can install them. Other options include accordioning doors or having no door at all, so long as the bathroom can accommodate it.

  1. If the Glass Matches Your Needs

You should consider the type of glass you wish to install in your shower before construction starts. Of course, these days, all showers receive safety glass as standard to prevent accidents. If you wish to go the extra mile, you could even think about laminated glass, which prevents the glass from falling if shattered.

As mentioned before, you also have the option of frosted glass. You might want to also consider patterned or even decorated glass. These could receive work to make them appear in the same color or style as your tiling, paint, or your other decor.

  1. The Type of Door to Match Your Wishes

There are options these days for many different kinds of doors for shower enclosures. As discussed above, the main decision you need to make is whether you go for a framed door or a frameless option. This can have a very large impact on how the whole enclosure appears.

On top of this, you need to think about which door handles you want to use or whether you want to go without them altogether.

  1. Whether It Adheres to Your Budget

This may be one of the most important considerations you have to make to make sure you can get what you want or need.

You must ensure what you buy matches what you have to spend. If you are frivolous, you might not end up being able to get decor that matches the rest of the room.

  1. Whether the Metal Matches Your Style

You need to think about the parts of the shower that are not glass surfaces. They are not only available in a range of styles but also in colors and textures.

Doors. What kind of finish do you want on your doors’ metal fixtures? Would you like them to match the taps in the sinks or have their own style?

Shower. What kind of shower are you looking for? Would you like an overhead one or one that increases water pressure?

Get the Best Glass Shower Enclosure

With the above advice, you can likely find a fantastic new glass shower enclosure to fit your style perfectly. If you are still unsure, though, or need to talk to someone who can install such an enclosure for you, we are only a phone call away.

Our Las Vegas-based experts can come and see the area where you need a new enclosure and recommend the best choices to fit there. They can then install it at a later time. All you need to do is give us a call, and we can start the process.