Windows | Northern Utah Glass

One of the best home improvements you can make is to install a replacement window because of its benefits, from energy savings to curb appeal.

However, once you’ve decided to replace a window (or all of them), you may be left wondering how long it is going to take. Below is a walkthrough of the timeline of replacing a window.

Selecting the Right Windows

The process begins with meeting with a technician from the window company. This is when you’ll decide which window or windows you’d like replaced and what you’ll be replacing them with. Then the installer will come and measure the windows for a precise fit. It’s crucial to get these measurements right before they order the windows from the manufacturer.

It Takes Time to Make a High-Quality Product

Generally, it takes between 4-6 weeks from ordering to fabricate the windows. Once they’re ready, the window installer will schedule an installation date with you. It’s ideal for you to be home during this process, as workers will need to be in and out of the house, and so you can be available should the foreman need any instruction.

Installation Day

The process of removing the old windows and replacing them with new ones usually takes 2-3 days. Of course, there are many variables, such as the number of windows being installed, the type, and the weather. Installation crews aim to remove an old window and install a replacement window on the same day, to avoid the need for boarding up windows or leaving your house open to the elements. A good window crew will often replace 10 to 15 windows in a day. The benefit of hiring a pro is that the actual installation only takes around 30 minutes, and it will be completed safely with all the proper tools and equipment. After the old window is removed, the new one is inserted, then leveled using shims. Once leveled, it is nailed or anchored into place. To ensure a good seal, any gaps are filled with insulation. The final step, which is optional, is to add cladding on the exterior. This makes the window weathertight, protecting against leaks and the elements.

While the actual replacement of a window only takes around 30 minutes for a professional, the whole process–from signing a contract to window fabrication to installing exterior cladding–takes about six weeks.

Northern Utah Glass Can Help

Hiring a professional to install a replacement window will ensure the entire process goes smoothly. At Northern Utah Glass, our technicians are ready to assist you throughout the entire process of selecting, measuring, ordering, and installing your new windows.

With over 15 years of experience, we are ready to help you upgrade your home. We’re based in North Ogden and serve Weber, Davis, and Salt Lake Counties. Contact us today for a free in-home estimate, and let’s get started on making your dream home.

New home construction is an exciting time. You make so many decisions and want everything to work out perfectly. From picking out the perfect cabinets, countertops, paint, and decor to choosing the best windows and doors for your new home, it may seem overwhelming. Take a few minutes to read about the 6 top-of-the-line window brands, so you make the most informed decision for your windows.

Types of Windows

When researching windows for a home, there are various options you can choose, including double-hung, double slide, and triple pane. Other options include:

Casement Window – Hinged windows operate by a turn of a crank in an operating fashion and can be hinged on the left or right to open outward.
Awning Windows – Hinged at the top, awning windows open outward to let in air from the left or right and the bottom. They can be installed above, below, or alongside a stationary operating window.
Picture Window – A large stationary window that lets in the maximum amount of light and views of the outdoors, usually found in living rooms or kitchens.
Transom Window – A narrow window that can either be installed to let air in (operating) or mounted above a door or window to allow for more light. (non-operating)
Slider Window – Glides along a track with at least one operating window that slides horizontally over or past the other window. Most often used in modern or contemporary-style homes.
Stationary Window – Doesn’t open but can be customized in almost any angle or shape. Found in modern or contemporary homes with operating windows.
Bay or Bow Windows – Offering more interior space, they protrude out from the siding exterior. A combination of windows often paired with a stationary window in the middle surrounding by double-hung or casement windows.

Top Window Brands

You want the best for your new home but don’t want to spend a small fortune on windows. Good news, these high-quality windows are affordable when you have work with a company that has relationships with professional window manufacturers. The following window brands are top quality and give your home a beautiful look and are products Northern Utah Glass carries.

Plygem

A company serving North America for more than 75 years, Plygem offers windows in various sizes, styles, and colors to match your needs and preference. They offer vinyl, aluminum-clad, aluminum, and wood composite, and are the #1 window manufacturer in the U.S. They carry all of the above types of windows and more.

Milgard

With over 50 years of innovation and backed by a full lifetime warranty, Milgard is one of the largest and most trusted names in home windows, serving the Western U.S. and Canada. They are designed and assembled in the U.S. and feature eco-friendly practices. They have several types of windows, including specialty ones.

Sierra Pacific

Enjoy 125 years of combined experience with Sierra Pacific Windows, where products are installed in 30 countries worldwide. The company is among the largest millwork producers and lumber companies in the U.S. Their windows are encased in heavy-duty extruded aluminum, twice as thick as roll-form cladding. They don’t compromise on quality or service.

AMSCO

More than a half-century of integrity and innovation, AMSCO Windows makes the best vinyl and composite windows and doors. They keep a sustainable business with recycled materials and energy-efficient products. With several series that boast the highest quality and unique colors and styles, AMSCO Windows have a lifetime warranty.

Amerimax

Established in 1986, Amerimax has enjoyed over 34 years of success and can boast about producing the first energy-efficient glass in the West. They carry durable windows with a lifetime limited warranty, with customized options that fit your needs and budget. You can’t go wrong with Amerimax in your new home.

MI Windows

Proudly made in the U.S., MI Windows is one of the nation’s largest suppliers of vinyl and aluminum windows and patio doors. With over 70 years of experience, MI Windows has several beautiful colors, including vibrant colors like forest green and cocoa. All of the materials are crafted with only the best materials for function and style.

Ready for New Windows?

As you can see, Northern Utah Glass carries various window types from the best manufacturers in the U.S. If you’re in the market for windows in a new home or need to upgrade your windows, we invite you to contact us today. With over 15 years of experience serving Weber, Davis, and Salt Lake County, we strive to provide our customers with only the best products and services at affordable rates.

You may have noticed your windows aren’t doing the job they used to, or they’re outdated. If you’re ready for a window facelift, keep scrolling down to see if replacing just a few windows is best or replacing all of your windows at once.

Why Windows Need Replacing

This is the first step you need to take. If you have otherwise modern and effective windows and there are just a few that may have been damaged, then, by all means, replace what’s needed. If, however, your home is older and the windows don’t look appealing anymore, consider a total window makeover.

There are typically three reasons why a homeowner would replace their windows:

Curb appeal
Window function
Interior aesthetics

Let’s breakdown these reasons to help you decide which scenario fits you best.

Curb Appeal

When people drive by your home, do they see a nice landscaped yard with an attractive brick, siding, or stucco, or a combination? Are you proud of the exterior of your home? Most importantly, if you were to list your home today, would you be reasonably confident of its ability to sell? If you answered yes to these questions, then you may not need complete window replacement. If you answered no, it might be time to transform the exterior and interior of your home.

Another thing to consider is if you were interested in buying a home, how important is having attractive windows? You can replace just a single window, again, if one is damaged, or if you have a large picture window you want to showcase, replacing that one could be all that’s needed. Updating all windows could completely transform your home and increase its value, so keep that in mind.

Window Function

If you’re thinking about replacing your windows, it’s probably not merely due to style changes. Most likely, you have worn or inefficient windows, or issues with opening them, as well as damage. Replacing them now can further prevent damage and safety issues from surfacing. If you notice one window not functioning correctly, chances are other windows may have the same issue, so you must inspect each window in your home.

Plus, replacing a set of windows may be less expensive in the long run than just replacing one.

Interior Aesthetics

Although curb appeal is important, you live indoors, so your home should make you feel comfortable and happy. Your style and tastes should reflect what windows you have in your home, so consider that when deciding if and what windows need replacing. For example, many rooms only have one or two small windows, such as in a bathroom or a foyer, and therefore, you may not care as much about them as, say, as a living room or kitchen window.

One significant advantage of replacing all of your windows is that you create a consistent and cohesive style and flow that you can enjoy for years. Moreover, if you only replace one or two windows, they may look out of place with your older windows.

Window Styles

There are many window styles with which to choose, including:

Bay windows
Bow windows
Slider windows
Double-hung or double slide windows
Triple pane windows
Garden windows
Awning windows
Casement windows

You can choose from vinyl or wood windows, which offer warmth and beauty, along with flexibility.

Cost of Replacing Windows

Like a lot of things in life, several factors go into how much windows cost. It depends on the style, size, materials, and other factors that could affect the cost. Since every window project is different, it’s good to get a professional opinion. Of course, if your budget is the main factor in replacing your windows, that’s something you will have to consider. Talking with an expert in window replacement can answer questions and address any concerns you may have.

It may be that you need to replace your windows in stages, beginning with the problem ones. If your budget allows for full replacement windows, it can improve the aesthetics in your home and increase your energy efficiency — costing you less in the future. Also, if you can replace all or most of your windows, you may be eligible for volume discounts or promotions from a supplier or installer. Of course, deciding on the right window replacement usually comes down to your budget and functionality.

Contact Us for Window Replacement

For more information or to talk with one of our professionals, contact us. With over 15 years of experience serving Salt Lake, Weber, and Davis County, you can count on superb service and high-quality, affordable windows. Call us today and let us transform your home with new windows.

There could be a few reasons why you need to remove a commercial glass window — namely because it’s broken or has a crack. Cracked windows not immediately removed and replaced can shatter and cause injury, especially to people on the ground. Another reason could be that it’s time to upgrade your windows. In that case, you’ll need to know how to remove the glass, if you decide to go the DIY route. Scroll down and learn how to remove a glass window from your office or warehouse building.

Taking Proper Safety Precautions

Before you take to removing glass, it’s imperative you wear protective gear. Broken glass can cut deep and cause injuries, even if they’re small cuts. To protect yourself from harm, wear heavy gloves with leather palms, hard shoes or boots, and long pants and a shirt. To minimize the spread of broken glass pieces, here are the steps to take.

Step 1: Use tape – Place masking tape over the window pane, including the broken area, ensuring you don’t press hard against the glass. Cover it entirely with strips of tape on one side, as the tape will prevent the glass from flying away from the window while you work. Note, don’t use duct tape or an extra sticky tape so you can carefully remove the glass pieces off the tape.

Step 2: Protect where you work – Putting down a tarp or drop cloth around the area in which you’re working will protect the area and allow you to dispose of it if the glass happens to break over it. Do this on both the interior area around the window, along with the exterior space.

Step 3: Loosen the glass with a pry bar – Use a heavy hand tool, such as the butt of a hammer, that will work effectively. Using gentle taps, loosen the glass pieces, and then remove those larger pieces and get rid of them correctly.

Step 4: Remove old glazing from around the frame – There will be small bits of glass stuck in the window frame, so take a stiff putty knife or a chisel and clear away the glazing that keeps them in place. If there is caulk or tape used to hold the window in place, you might need to use a more flexible putty knife to cut between the frame and the glass. Be careful when pulling the glass pieces out of the frame. Dispose of the remaining glass.

Removing Intact Glass Panes Safely

There are typically three ways window glass is installed: with a gasket, caulk, or with adhesive tape. Here’s how to remove intact glass panes safely.

Gaskets

Contained in vinyl or thick plastic gasket, the glass edges are held by grooves in the window frame. Disassemble the frame, which is attached with screws on each corner – good because it will be the easiest to take apart; after, remove the whole pane and replace it before screwing the frame back together.

You can usually scrape off or pull off any glazing between the glass and frame in small strips if needed.

Caulk

Lining the window, there are removable stops or very thin pieces of wood or vinyl. Remove these to make a bit of room where you can cut through the caulk seal. It may be difficult to remove since the stops often get caulked, but using a thin, flexible putty knife or utility knife, you can cut through any caulk you see and get the stops out. Finally, flip the window and push the blade between the window and frame to loosen or cut through the caulk. Note that you may have to break the glass out if it becomes too difficult.

Adhesive Tape

Using double-faced adhesive tape, instead of caulk, is useful in sticking the frame and glass together, with a removable stop positioned on the other side. Use a flexible putty knife to loosen the stop, starting from the top. Next, turn the window over and use the putty knife between the frame and the slightly loosened glass panel to cut the tape, which should release the glass pane. Again, you may have to break the glass out, if you can’t cut the tape.

Cleaning Up Broken Glass

Remember, if you have broken glass, ensure you’re wearing protective gear before cleaning up any broken glass. Carefully vacuum around the window area and use a lint roller or duct tape to pick up tiny pieces. For additional protection, when throwing away the glass, layer two bags inside each other and place the pieces inside. Label the bag with a tag or sticker that says “Broken Glass for Disposal,” so anyone handling it knows to be careful.

Need Help? Contact Northern Utah Glass

If you notice your commercial glass window needs repair or replacement and you’re in no position to fix it, give the experts at Northern Utah Glass a call. We will come and take out the existing window and replace it, without you lifting a finger. Our professionals will handle every step of the replacement process, so call us today.

Northern Utah Glass - Top 10 Reasons for New Windows

Your old, wonky windows are making you lose money.

That’s according to energy.gov, anyway. Apparently, 25-30% of your energy bill can be accounted for by sub-standard windows.

But that’s not the only issue.

From excessive outside noise to lowered housing prices and ugly aesthetics to fading furnishings, a wide range of problems stems from poor quality windows.

Clearly, replacing them is important when the time’s right.

But this process can also feel time-consuming, expensive and altogether annoying. Consequently, it’s helpful to know exactly when you should make the investment.

Keep on reading to discover 10 key signs you need new windows!

10 Signs You Need New Windows

Let’s go through some of the major indicators that it’s time to replace your windows.

1. Damaged Glass

Damaged panes of glass are one of the primary signs your windows need replacing. If you see cracks and breaks anywhere in the unit then consider getting replacements.

Cracked or broken panes of glass mean your window’s no longer airtight.

Older units often enable the owner to replace single panes at a time. But modern designs usually require a full window replacement. Equally, sometimes it’s possible to repair your windows instead of replacing them.

However, this approach may not be ideal.

A repair to a frame is sometimes tantamount to putting a plaster over a serious wound. It may do some good, for a brief period of time. But it’s unlikely to address the underlying issue.

You can save money in the long run by nipping the problem in the bud early, with a full replacement.

2. Damaged Frames

Damage to window frames is a common issue. And this is especially true for certain types, like those made from materials such as wood.

As beautiful and practical as wooden windows are, problems to frames are natural and should be expected over time.

For example, environmental changes to the temperature and climate can all be responsible for deteriorating quality. First to go are usually the corners and joints, so keep your eye on these at-risk areas in particular.

Consider window replacements if you notice warping, rot, breakages, or any other type of damage to your window frames.

3. Excessive Energy Costs

Fed up with the extent of your energy bills each month?

Replacing your windows for a more energy-efficient alternative is a great way to save. A thin or damaged glass that leads to ineffective insulation and/or drafty frames can significantly increase the amount of money required to regulate the temperature of your home.

As we’ve already noted, poor-quality windows can seriously impact how much you spend on your energy bill. That’s reason enough for us to change our windows!

It’s effectively an investment. The money you spend on upgrading your home in this way will be earned back over time through energy savings alone.

But your potential money savings don’t stop at reduced energy bills either.

For anyone hoping to sell their home, new windows are a fantastic selling point for aspiring buyers. Recoup the cost of your new windows with an increased selling price on the home.

4. Condensation Concerns

Condensation on the inside of your windows isn’t a good sign. It indicates a current problem that, if not addressed, can lead to further issues over time.

If your windows are properly shut, but condensation (as well as ice and frost) continues to form on the inside, consider replacing your windows. Otherwise, it can lead to mold and eventually rot in the frame.

Condensation between the panes can also signal problems in more modern window frames too. It means air from outside is entering the window. And, equally, the argon gas that frequently lies between panes may have escaped.

This would mean the window can no longer insulate your property as it was designed to.

5. Old, Outdated and Ugly Windows

Old windows can be a serious eyesore. Anyone looking to improve the aesthetics of their home could consider replacing their windows.

Seriously, the type of window you choose can make a big difference. For lots of light, improved airflow and so on, match the style of window with your vision of the house.

Equally, poor-quality windows of this standard can be detrimental to anyone’s efforts to sell their home. At best, it can reduce the asking price. At worst, it can mean the house doesn’t sell.

Furthermore, old windows (pre-1970s, for example) are far more likely to be single-pane glass.

Not only is this far less eco-friendly (thereby increasing your energy bills), it also damages more easily and lets more noise into the house.

Modern window designs are now double-paned at least and are often triple-paned. Replacing old panes can, therefore, have a huge practical impact as well as aesthetic and financial.

6. Your Home Suffers Severe Weather

Not all windows are created equal when it comes to houses. There’s rarely a one size fits all option and the right window for your house will depend significantly on the conditions they’ll experience.

Houses located in places with severe weather need to be far more durable to withstand the elements they’ll encounter. Equally, in this way, such windows are likely to need replacing more frequently–especially if they weren’t fit for that purpose initially.

Extreme winds, heat, humidity, salty sea air and so on can all impact the state of your windows over time. And if your home has just survived a serious storm, for instance, there’s an even greater likelihood that repairs/replacements will be necessary.

7. Outside Noise Enters Your House

No-one likes a noisy neighborhood. You could also consider changing your windows if you’re constantly complaining about how loud it is outside.

As we mentioned above, old-fashioned, out-dated and unfit for purpose windows are unable to prevent external noises from entering your home. In a busy world with growing air-traffic, road noise and so on, triple-paned windows, for instance, can make all the difference.

This fact is particularly true if you currently endure single pane windows in your home. Seriously think about changing your windows if this is you and you’d enjoy a quieter house.

8. Windows Jam and Get Stuck

Windows that require strongman strength to properly open and close are another tell-tale sign they need replacing.

They’re frustrating, for one–no one enjoys battling to open their windows every day. But they also present a significant risk to your personal safety in terms of house fires.

If you need to get out in a hurry (and the front door isn’t an option), you want to ensure you can open and close your windows without an issue.

Equally, jammed windows that don’t fit properly in their frame can let unwanted air into your home. And, as we’ve seen, this can increase your energy bills.

9. Faded Carpets and Furniture

Windows that need replacing also tend to allow excessive UV rays into your home through old and/or poor quality panes of glass. Over time, this can damage your upholstery indoors.

You’ll notice your carpets, furniture, and wallpaper all begin to fade and discolor.

Of course, if you enjoy spending time sitting in the sun in your home, the same damage can be done to your clothes and skin.

New, better quality windows are often attached to labels such as ‘low E’, or ‘laminated’. Both are positive qualities that block UV rays and improve the regulation of temperature in your house. It’s also possible to find windows that are tinted, for extra UV protection.

If you’re tired of losing your things to light, it might be time for new home windows.

10. No Replacement Parts

A final sign it might be time for a window upgrade is if you can no longer find replacement parts for your current ones.

Manufacturers may no longer make the necessary parts to repair your current windows. This means problems are far harder to fix.

It may no longer be possible to sort out those damaged panes of glass, or that funny looking frame, or the handle that’s a hassle.

A complete replacement may make your life easier overall.

Time to Wrap Up

There you have it: 10 signs your house needs new windows!

Changing your windows can feel like a daunting task. Especially as the costs, both to your time and wallet can quickly stack up.

But as we’ve seen, making the change can have significant positive outcomes. And choosing not to can lead to significant negative ones.

If you notice damage to your glass or frames, hope to sell your house, experience too much noise from the neighborhood, find your furniture fading, and/or experience any of the other issues above, consider upgrading your old windows to new ones!

And now we’d like to hear from you!

Have you noticed any of the above signs in your windows at home?

Perhaps you’ve got a few cracks or broken frames? Or is it too noisy, or drafty inside? What’s stopped you from changing them up ’til now?

Let us know in the comments. And be sure to contact us to see how we can meet your window wishes!

How Long Does it Take to Install a Replacement Window?