Categories Cutrateglass, Windows

The Pros and Cons of Installing Glass Double-Pane Windows

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, Windows

Window Replacement

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! 

Categories Cutrateglass, Windows

What Are Double Pane Windows?

What Are Double Pane Windows?

Double-pane windows are commonly two facing glass panels set in a frame, they are separated by a small space, usually 0.5 inch to 0.75 inch wide. The little space might be filled with air or non-toxic gases, like argon, which can help improve insulation. Decorative frames or grids might be installed between the glass panels to give the impression of individual windowpanes.

Another advantage of these decorative frames is to make double pane windows very easy to clean, as the glass is one solid panel. They are also protected from elements which helps them stay pristine and clean as the day they were installed, no matter how old and soiled the windows become between cleanings.

The benefits of double pane windows

  • Better Insulation
    Dual-pane windows have a lot of key benefits compared to single pane windows. Among these are better insulation properties, reduction of noise, and ease of cleaning. They can protect household items from sun damage with UV coatings and help you save energy.
  • Noise Filtering
    With its noise filtering capability, it can block most street noises. These types of windows are ideal for offices and homes near areas with high traffic or grade schools. It can also be nice to shut it closed when the neighborhood gardeners are at work or for some time to relax.
  • Temperature Control
    One thing to consider when picking the right window is the local climate, some framing materials contribute greatly to the insulation properties of windows. In areas with extremely cold climates, the outer frames should ideally be wood, fiberglass, or vinyl. Colder climates can benefit well from gas-filled windows. In areas that have warmer weather, like Las Vegas, aluminum frames can be used, and air-filled windows are fine.
  • Energy Saver
    Another thing that contributes to the efficiency of dual-pane windows are the different types of glazing or UV coatings. For colder regions, the glazing should allow as much heat as possible, to maximize the warmth of the sun and help reduce heating bills. In hotter regions, UV coatings should keep out heat and reduce air conditioning use. High amounts of glazing can also protect floors, rugs, and photographs from the harmful effects of direct sunlight. In regions with varied weather, dual-pane windows can be designed with both factors to best maximize energy savings.

Schedule your appointment today!

Categories Cutrateglass, Windows

Emergency Window Replacement

Emergency Window Replacement

Many of our customers call us with an emergency. Their window is broken and they need our help fast. Whether it’s from a break-in or an accident, there are many reasons you need that window secured. We can’t always replace a window that day. Next business day service is standard for us. If it is a single pane window, we can replace that onsite on the day you call, under most circumstances. This depends on our availability, your location, and type of window. Tempered glass doors can sometimes be replaced the same-day if they are a standard size but, this is not the case every day.

Please call us for free estimates because we will try to work with your situation the best we can. Whether you need a tempered glass patio door, a dual pane installation, commercial glass repair of a single pane glass replacement, we will try to give you the help you deserve at prices that you can afford.

Click here to get a free estimate