Every house in Las Vegas, Henderson, or North Las Vegas has something in common: they all have glass windows. Windows are not only aesthetically appealing but also required by building codes in many areas of a home for egress and ventilation purposes. Windows also provide natural light inside a home. Some houses have only a few windows, while others may have fifty or sixty. Beyond simply having windows, there is a wide variety of window types within a home in Las Vegas or Henderson.
Windows come in different sizes, such as large patio door glass or small bathroom windows, and in various shapes, including arches, trapezoids, rectangles, squares, and even circles. Frames come in a range of colors, from white and almond to black and bronze. The glass can also vary in color, from clear and low-E to gray or bronze. Some windows have grids, while others do not, and even the grid type can differ in color, size, and pattern. Clearly, there is no single “standard” window type in Las Vegas homes.
Understanding Window Components
Understanding that every window has two main components—glass and frame—is essential for grasping the glass replacement process. These two parts when together make a “window”; they are independent in the same way that a tire and rim are on a vehicle. When a vehicle gets a flat tire the entire rim and tire are not replaced. Rather, the tire is repaired or, if blown out or unpatchable, then replaced, but the rim remains. This is similar to windows and the glass. If the glass is broken, just the broken glass is replaced. This term is called glass repair.
Window Glass Frame
Window glass frames are typically made from steel, plastic, aluminum, or vinyl. We will focus on aluminum and vinyl frames, as they are the most common in Las Vegas and Henderson home windows. Both aluminum and vinyl frames are available in various colors, including tan, almond, white, black, and bronze. Vinyl windows are generally newer and more energy-efficient than aluminum windows, though recent advances have also improved the energy efficiency of aluminum windows.
In addition to color, window frames differ in operating styles. For example, single-hung windows slide up and down and may also tilt inward or outward. Sliding windows and sliding glass doors typically move left to right or vice versa. Picture windows, on the other hand, are fixed and do not operate; they may come in shapes like arches, rectangle, trapezoids, octagons, or even the shape of a house.
Although window frames vary in style, color, and shape, they all include glass, the second primary component. The glass is independent of the frame, allowing for glass replacement when it breaks. Frames are typically designed for easy disassembly and reassembly, which simplifies the process of glass replacement and extends the life of the frame itself.
The Window Glass
Like window frames, the glass can vary significantly. Options include clear glass, low-E glass, and colored glass. In some locations, like Anthem in Henderson, windows may feature both low-E and colored glass. There are also different types of low-E glass. For instance, Energy Advantage is a hard-coat low-E glass, while Solarban 60 is a common soft-coat low-E glass seen frequently in Las Vegas and Henderson homes. At Delux Windows and Glass, we stock both Solarban 60 and clear glass for dual-pane window manufacturing.
Window glass is also defined by the number of panes in a unit. A single-pane window has one piece of glass and is common in homes built before 1978, although there are exceptions. Dual-pane windows consist of two pieces of glass sealed together with a chemical between them. Dual-pane glass can come in combinations, such as clear-over-clear glass or clear-over-low-E glass.
Dual-pane windows are especially popular in regions with extreme weather, as they provide better insulation and help maintain indoor temperatures. The layer of gas sealed between the panes acts as an insulator, reducing the transfer of heat or cold through the window. For residents of Las Vegas and Henderson, where temperatures can vary widely, dual-pane windows help increase energy efficiency and reduce heating and cooling costs.
The Manufacturing Process
The process for manufacturing replacement glass starts with measuring the broken window glass, typically the same day or the day after a customer call or a property manager’s work order. Single-pane window glass requires measurements for length, width, and glass type, and is usually 1/8 inch thick, termed double-strength glass. Dual-pane window replacements need measurements for length, width, pane thickness, and glass type. This thickness is called the “overall” of the dual-pane unit and can range from 7/16 inch to 1 inch, depending on the window style. The color of the spacer is also determined during Delux Windows and Glass’s free measurement service.
Once measurements are taken, they are sent to our glass manufacturing facility. We stock raw materials for both single- and dual-pane replacements. Glass is cut to size from larger sheets. For dual-pane windows, the spacer is also cut to match the glass measurements. After cutting, the glass goes through a washing machine that cleans both sides and includes an inspection stage. If imperfections are found, the glass is rejected, and a new piece is cut. When the glass and spacer are ready, they are sealed with a rubbery substance called Butyl, applied at around 400 degrees. After cooling, the unit becomes a sealed thermal unit.
To ensure high quality, each sealed unit undergoes further inspections, looking for air gaps or sealant issues. For units that pass, they are placed in a curing area to ensure the Butyl has dried completely, forming a secure thermal unit that can withstand changes in temperature.
The Installation of the Window Glass
Once the glass manufacturing process is complete, the glass is ready for installation. As previously mentioned, there are many window styles, with different sealants and trim types for each. Delux Windows and Glass has experienced installers who ensure a professional installation so that the new window blends seamlessly with the home’s design.
Installing a replacement window involves removing the existing broken glass and cleaning the frame. The new glass is carefully placed, and appropriate sealants and trim are used to secure it. Our team checks for an airtight seal, ensuring the window will provide adequate insulation and protection from the elements.
The Delux Windows Advantage
At Delux Windows and Glass in Las Vegas, we take pride in our in-house manufacturing process. This approach enables us to be both efficient and affordable, as we do not outsource the manufacturing of standard windows. However, there are some specialized types of glass and window designs that may require special orders. By producing many standard replacement windows ourselves, we can pass cost savings on to our customers while maintaining high quality.