Uh-Oh… Are Your Windows Giving You Any of These Cries For Help?

You really don’t give much thought to your windows unless there’s a problem. You notice them when they’re dirty or if an errant baseball shatters one, but the signs your windows are in need of replacement are not usually as obvious as those.

·         Drafts:  Have you noticed papers blowing when the ceiling fans aren’t on? What about needing a blanket to watch television even if the temperature in your house isn’t that cold? If you have noticed that your house has been drafty lately, this is a major indicator that your windows are in need of replacement.

·         Difficult Operation: If you are experiencing difficulty in the mechanisms used to open and close your windows, especially in double and single hung windows, it’s definitely time for a replacement. These problems could be a result of rusting or rotting mechanisms and need to be taken seriously.

·         Condensation:  It’s normal to have your windows fog up on humid days or when there’s a large temperature difference between the inside and outdoors, but if this condensation appears between the panes of glass on your windows you have a much bigger problem.  Condensation between panes or white etching left behind from calcium-laden water droplets indicates that your windows have lost their insulating capabilities. No insulation means that you will have more heat enter your home during the summer and more heat leaving your home during the winter.

·         Increased Energy Costs: Are your heating and cooling bills higher than they were before even though you aren’t experiencing extreme temperatures? Chances are, your money is flying out the window—literally. This is another clue that the insulation in your windows has failed and too much heat is being exchanged through them.

·         Dated or Unattractive Windows: If your windows are old, peeling and really showing their wear and tear, chances are they are not up to today’s energy efficiency standards and their appearance is hurting the value of your home. It’s time to update!

If one or more of these sounds familiar, you owe it to yourself and your pocketbook to have your windows evaluated. Our license and bonded window experts will come to your home and assess the integrity of your current windows and thoroughly explain your replacement options. Call to schedule your consultation today.

Significance Of Superior Quality Vinyl Windows And Frames

No matter which windows you choose according to your requirement, you look for ease of functionality and necessary insulation. Before you install it, you also ensure that the window is sturdily constructed and matches your home’s aesthetic. Although, there are plenty of verities, styles and material available in the market, vinyl windows are suitable to withstand the climate in Las Vegas. Such windows whether well in any climate and come in plenty or color options, full frames and ready to install state. It is an awesome idea to get such window installed when you wish to save your money. This is because these provide enough insulation to maintain energy efficiency of your homes and available at affordable rates. There are certain brand suppliers who distribute superior quality window product to you in Las Vegas.

Once you get these installed, with low maintenance these remain durable for years. When you see that your wood window parts are rotting and you keep on doing repairs, it is the time to replace these. If you are planning to replace you old window frames or you have rough and unconventional openings, the vinyl windows and frames are the best option. The plastic material with which these are made can be fully customized to install these to almost any opening. You can purchase the frames from the suppliers in any shape or style. In Las Vegas, the window frames are also manufactured with foam insulation for better energy performance than the hollow ones. According to the dimensions of the opening, these can be easily fabricated. That is why; most of the remodeling projects are performed with these frames. For heat loss prevention, the vinyl frames are the best choice as such these tightly fit into most of the openings.

Your home’s requirement, climate in the region, thermal performance and your budget are few things which are indispensably taken into consideration. This type of frame is flexible and available in various styles. In Las Vegas, you can get the vinyl windows and their frames installed with color of your choice and you don’t even have to paint these. Superior quality frames and windows are customizable, stylish, require low maintenance and have good thermal performance. In Las Vegas, certain reputed window manufacturers and suppliers can provide you such quality product and hassle free service. They offer you ultimate options to choose and also ensure that these are properly installed.

What You Should Know About Window Screens

We bet you give a lot of thought to your windows—how they look, their efficiency, how you dress them. What you probably don’t concern yourself with is the window screens. Oh sure, you’ll notice if their ripped or really dirty but do they really matter? What exactly is their purpose?

All About Window Screens

 Their most obvious job is to keep insects on the outside of your house but allow the fresh air to come inside. Flies are annoying enough in the yard, why invite them inside to contaminate your food and buzz around your ears? On windy days they can also prevent leaves and other debris from blowing inside, however their mesh is not small enough to do the same for dust and some types of pollen.

To learn more about window screens and your options, please continue to read HERE!

A Guide To Window Replacement

A Guide To Window Replacement For Every Homeowner

If your home is older, chances are your windows may need to be replaced soon. It’s a problem you don’t really think of until you start to see signs like drafts, condensation, water leaks or light around the perimeter where the window joins to the wall. Here are some things to consider when choosing your new windows:

·         Can They Be Retrofitted? —In many cases, rather than damaging the exterior wall and stucco to install the new windows, retrofitting allows the new window to be placed in the same location without demolition.

·         Functionality—What is the purpose of the window? Is it just for light or does it provide ventilation? Is it on an east or west wall that receives a lot of sunlight so you’ll need the highest level of Low E glass?

·         Energy Efficiency—Are you paying extra on your monthly utility bills because your windows are unable to keep the cool air inside during the summer months and prevent it from coming in during the winter?

·         Insulation—Are dual-paned windows a necessity due to their superior noise reduction and insulation properties?

·         Tempered Glass—Will the window be installed in a location where it is at risk for damage by a flying object such as a golf ball?

Before you even choose your products, our experts will interview you to determine what your needs and priorities are for your new windows. We’ve done all of the research so you don’t have to. New windows are an investment in your home that can increase its market value and decrease its heating and cooling costs. Don’t just trust a salesperson at a larger home improvement store for advice, you need someone who only sells windows to ensure that you are getting exactly the windows you need at a price you can afford. Call us today!

Replacement Window Considerations

When you decide on  replacement windows for your home, you need to keep a number of things in mind. Regardless of the reason or reasons you might want to replace your windows, you should for example keep everything from the beauty of the design, durability, whether the replacement windows will match your climate and needs, energy efficiency and how reputable the manufacturer and contractor is, in mind.

To read more about what to consider after deciding that you need replacement windows, please visit BRL's website.

What You Should Know About Patio Doors

Deciding on what kind of patio door to buy, is not like buying eggs – not even by a long shot. They are obviously more expensive, they have to be maintained, you need pros to install them, you need to consider the aesthetics of your home and the furniture in the room - and more!

Simply put: you need to be thoroughly educated about what the different styles of patio doors offer with regards to design and energy efficiency – and you need to know how the different styles operate.

There are 2 styles of patio doors: gliding doors and hinged doors. If space is an issue because you perhaps have a lot of furniture in the room and won’t be able to have a door that takes up space when you open it, you would probably have to opt for a gliding patio door. If space is not an issue and you are more interested in an elegant or custom-made look, you could go for a hinged door.

You will need a door that will fit in with the overall look of your house, and one that would possibly increase its value. This will come into play when you have to decide on the design of your patio door. There are many colors and materials to choose from when it comes to the look and type of frame of patio doors, as well as the glass (which could be clear, tinted or etched etc). Some French doors have vinyl inserts, for instance!

There is also the matter of energy saving. If this is important to you, you might want to ask about the U-ratings and energy star ratings of the doors that you like. A low U-rating is great, because this would make your door more energy-efficient. At BRL energy saving is important to us so we will always be happy to provide you with that information.

Last but certainly not least – it is important to let an experienced person or team put your door in for you. A great many things could go wrong with a patio door that is not put in correctly; from water leaking through the rubber when it rains, to the glass being loose in the frame, to a sliding door jumping off the rail. All of these things could turn out expensive!

If you didn't find all the info you would like to have in this blog post, please call us at BRL in Las Vegas. Our advice is always free! 

Components Of A Patio Door

 Are you trying to choose the perfect patio door for your home?  You want something that looks good but there’s more to consider than appearance when selecting a product. Knowing the door’s components can ensure you get a durable and stylish sliding door that will fit your home’s needs for years to come.  READ MORE...about the components of your patio door!

Choosing The Right Simonton Windows For Your Las Vegas Home

Simonton Windows by BRL

Simonton is one of the most well-known window and door companies in the industry and has been around since 1946. During this time, they have constantly innovated their products and today you can find an incredibly large range of options to choose from. This means that you will always be able to find exactly what Simonton window you need, even if you still don’t know what it is. The following factors can help you select the correct window for your home. If you still have questions, you could always ask a professional for help making your decision.

Project Type

The very first thing you need to think about is the type of project you are doing. There are two main types of window installation jobs: new or replacement. Simonton windows take the guesswork out of this as they have separate lines and lists of windows for each situation. This means that if you are looking for windows for your newly constructed home, you can save time by avoiding the replacement windows. On the other hand, you can just look at the replacement options if you are simply upgrading the windows in your existing home.

Operating Style

When it comes to windows, there are dozens of different operating styles, some of which seem to have only very slight differences between them. If you get a double hung window, for example, you will lift it to open it up. A double or slider window, on the other hand, will slide open horizontally. Some of the other options for operating styles include casement windows, awning windows, geometric windows, and picture windows.

Grid Pattern

The next thing you have to consider is what type of grid pattern you want on your Simonton windows. You can get the same pattern on every window or opt for different ones in each room. The grid pattern refers to the pattern formed by the white material intersecting each individual piece of window. Your choices will include Victorian, diamond, prairie, perimeter, and colonial patterns.

Energy Efficiency

The final consideration for your window from Simonton is whether you want to increase the energy efficiency. Most of the windows will have at least some energy efficiency, but there are packages available to add to this. You could, for example, opt for a Low E glass coating, filling the area between the panes with argon gas, or going with laminated glass. Each of these options will significantly improve energy efficiency. 

BRL Las Vegas Helps You Choose The Right Windows For Your Home

Choosing the right windows for your home can be a big challenge as there are many different factors to consider. You need to consider functionality as well as aesthetics. To add to that, living in a hot desert climate like Las Vegas means that you also need to consider whether you want energy efficient windows and what specific type of them you would prefer. Despite all of the options available from our suppliers such as Milgard, we can make the process of selecting the right Milgard windows much simpler.

Location

The very first thing we will talk to you about is where the windows will be going. Although most standard windows will work in any area of your home, some options such as geometric windows or bay windows require unusual spaces in terms of shape and size. Therefore going with one of these options may require a bit more planning. On the other hand, if you have an unusually shaped window at the moment, you may need the help of some of our experts at BRL choosing the right style and deciding whether a custom window is necessary or you can simply select from one of the standard Milgard windows. 

Operating Style

Most homeowners don’t know all of the terms for various window styles, but our team can help you understand the differences. There are over a dozen different Milgard window styles to choose from. Instead of considering each of these individually, you can simply let us know what shape you want and what type of opening method (or methods) you are considering. We can then let you know which styles meet your needs whether they are single or double hung windows, picture windows, or even garden windows.

Frame Material

The next decision we will help you with is selecting the right frame material. The most common choices (and the materials available from Milgard) are fiberglass, aluminum, wood, and vinyl. Each of these materials has their own unique pros and cons as they differ in stability and appearance. They also require varying amounts of maintenance. Instead of having to research all of this information, you can simply ask one of our professionals for details about the materials you are considering.

Using Product Series

A nice feature of Milgard windows is that they also have different Product Series. These are perfect for homeowners who want different operating styles for their windows but would still like some uniformity between them.

Potential Problems When Installing Home Windows Yourself

Unless you are incredibly fortunate, at some point every homeowner will need to repair or replace their windows. Depending on how big your home is, this may involve replacing dozens of different windows and the cost can add up. When this happens, some homeowners choose to take matters into their own hands and simply buy the windows with the intention of installing them themselves. While it seems like a good idea in theory, our experts at BRL can complete the installation for you quickly and accurately, preventing these potential issues.

Measuring

Although measuring the window space seems like a simple task, it can sometimes be much more complicated than it seems. Even worse, if the measurements aren’t completely accurate, your windows may not fit or may require adjustments in order to slide into place. Our team at BRL has the training and experience to understand the differences in measurements depending on whether only the window is being replaced or if the frame will be swapped as well. We also know how to properly record and then interpret these measurements. This makes the process of ordering the windows much simpler.

Time Constraints

In some cases, there will also be some sort of time constraint when installing home windows. Even Las Vegas is subject to weather conditions, such as dust blowing around, which can get in the way of window installation. Any time that your installation is delayed, your home will be temporarily exposed to the elements, drastically increasing its temperature. At BRL we install windows in a team so you will not have to worry about letting hot air into your home for an extended period of time during the installation process.

Repairs

Although we will always do our best to evaluate whether repairs to the areas surrounding your window are necessary, it is not always obvious. If you attempt to do a repair yourself and discover a problem with the frame or nearby wall, you will need to contact us at BRL to help you regardless. By having us on site to begin with, you can save this step, allowing us to quickly complete your window installation.

Selecting The Windows

Although it seems fairly straightforward, one of the most important ways that our team at BRL can help you install your home windows is with the actual selection process. We work with the highest quality manufacturers and suppliers in the area and have an extensive knowledge of the pros and cons of various window designs, materials, and manufacturers. Although the final decision of which window to choose will always be yours as the homeowner, our experts can help guide you in the right direction. 

Keep Your Home Safe With A StrikeMaster II Installed By BRL

Depending on the area of Las Vegas that you live in, you may have concerns about your home’s safety. Not everyone realizes it, but being safer can be as simple as having BRL install the right door for you. One of our favorites is the StrikeMaster II which is specifically designed to prevent kick-ins. This will make it much harder for potential intruders to enter your home and if they can’t get in easily, they may just give up and move on, keeping you, your loved ones, and your property safe.

Strengthens Entire Door

One of the reasons that our professionals at BRL feel the StrikeMaster II is so effective is because it does more than just strengthen your door handle or deadbolt area. Even if you have a deadbolt on your door, someone can kick in the rest of it without moving the deadbolt. The StrikeMaster II doesn’t just involve strengthening your door; it will also strengthen your door frame. With these two sturdy structures working together, intruders won’t be able to get past your front door no matter how hard they kick.

Fits All Common Door Types And Shapes

Because the StrikeMaster is a specialty door, some homeowners are concerned that it may not fit their space. The reality, however, is that it fits the standard measurements so we can easily install it in most homes. Even if your deadbolt is at an unusual height, our team at BRL will be able to adjust the holes to fit your door without any extra spaces. If it this door is not an option, we will be able to let you know before we even order the door for you so you don’t have to worry about wasting time or money.

Matches Your Home

Most homeowners in the Las Vegas area will have white trim on their homes and this is why StrikeMaster II is in a white that matches the color. If your trim is a different color or even if you want to customize your new door, it is easy to paint without jeopardizing its strength. This allows it truly match any home.

No Installation Worries

It is common for homeowners to worry about installing security doors such as the StrikeMaster II as a door is only secure if installed properly. When you work with BRL you will not have to worry as our team has experience with these doors, allowing us to quickly install the door correctly. In most cases we can complete the installation in less than a half hour.

Tips For Choosing Doors

If you are looking to remodel your home completely or even just give it a bit of facelift, you may be looking into doors Las Vegas. Doors are an essential part of any home as they not only protect it but they also help separate it into different sections, providing privacy. Here are some tips to help your task of choosing the right door easier.

Interior Or Exterior

The first thing you want to consider is whether you are looking for interior doors, exterior ones or both. This is crucial as they will be very different in terms of design and function. Exterior doors are generally sturdier as they provide the security for your home, preventing intruders. In general, exterior doors Las Vegas also tend to have more creative designs than interior ones, but this is not always the case.

Price

The next thing to think about is what sort of budget you have. When considering the budget, remember to also include the cost of installation in your estimate (as well as the cost of disposing of the old door). While it may be tempting to go with a cheaper option, they tend to be less sturdy meaning they have to be replaced sooner. Therefore you should always consider spending a few extra dollars for a better door, especially if it is an exterior one.

Material

Once you know your budget, you can start looking at doors Las Vegas that fit within it. Most people realize that the goals of an exterior door should be sturdiness, functionality and beauty but not everyone realizes that there are actually similar options for interior ones as well. If for example you have a room that tends to get very loud, you may want to consider opting for a door that blocks out some of the sound.

Design

Your final decision in terms of doors Las Vegas is the design of the door itself. No matter where it will be located, consider if it will match its surroundings. You also need to think about whether you want a plain door or one with a design on it, such as beautiful stained glass. If you are purchasing multiple interior doors, remember that while they can be slightly different, they should at least match.

Doors in Las Vegas

In a way, even caves in the Southwest have some type of thing that you could call a door. But, we're not taking that trip. We're going to talk about doors in Las Vegas.

We like them to keep the critters at bay, perhaps even the sweltering heat of Vegas where it belongs,  outdoors. Even inside, they're all over the house. Some portion-off one room from the next. To use a pun; Doors make the world go around.

Whether your purchasing one or a ton, you've got some choices. Call it the trinity of portals. The mission: What are the three main choices?

The First Ever Door - Ones Made from Wood

History tells us the first ones were either single or double doors. And they were made of wood. Pulled from Wikipedia:

"The most ancient doors were in timber, those made for King Solomon's temple being in olive wood (I Kings vi. 31-35), which were carved and overlaid with gold. The doors dwelt upon in Homer would appear to have been cased in silver or brass. Besides Olive wood; elm, cedar, oak and cypress were used. A 5,000-year-old door has been found by archaeologists in Switzerland."

Wood, the old standby, gives a sense of strength and antiquity to the look of a home, inside or out. The only issue in a climate like Las Vegas is the potential for warping. The periodic rains and hellish heat deform certain soft woods so they can become stuck, even unusable.

What About uPVC Doors?

Modern inventiveness leads us to the second type of door for blistering climates. Not only do they save you money when you buy them, they're middle-name is durability. Whatever Ma Nature throws at them, for outdoor use, these are military grade. Maintenance-wise ... as they say in Jersey, "fuggetaboutit." A little hosing-down and they're just like the day the stork installed them.

There is a limit to this paradise. Both wooden and uPVC doors limit your design choices.

Flaws, too, if you will. It's because they both use a single material which restricts the design of the door. That is unless you go custom-made and don't just load a heap on a cart, straight from the shelf.

That Leads Us to Composite Doors

These guys have some serious 21st Century technology attached. Those faults which are inherent to wood and uPVC types are eliminated because they're made from a combination of materials. Manufacturers use PVC, wood, insolating foam and glass reinforced plastic. Hankering for a wood-look, composites will do the trick. They never lose their sheen. No fading occurs. And a wet, old t-shirt with a small spoon of elbow grease will keep them looking fresh.

Bottom line: Composite is rapidly becoming the gold standard in doors.