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Regular Maintenance Should Always Follow Window Replacement in Denver, CO

11/22/2016

Because there are so many windows in your home, you may not pay them any mind until it’s too late, which may require you to replace a window that might’ve been salvageable if properly cared for. This is why it’s important to perform regular and proper care for your glass windows—including frames, sills, paint and seals—just as you would any other part of your home. With that in mind, let’s look at some maintenance tips to keep your new window replacement in Aurora, CO in good condition for years to come:

Keep windows clean: You see your main windows everyday, so you may overlook the fact that they are pretty dirty. Dirt, dust, pollen and stains from dried, dirty water are common types of debris you’ll find on the outside of window glass. The inside panel can have the same debris, but you should also toss in saliva from dog or cat licks, handprints and traces of glass cleaning solution. In addition, use a slightly damp cloth to wipe away debris buildup from windowsills, joints, tracks and frames.
Inspect frames: Window glass is not the only thing you need to check for problems. Inspect window frames—including the windowsill and moldings—for wood warping or metal deterioration, and look closely at frame connectors for missing hardware, or glue that’s lost its holding power. Regular inspections are important to ensure that window frames are in good condition and free of damage that can lead to costly repairs.
Check for signs of moisture: Window glass is susceptible to moisture when cracked or if there’s a problem with the frame. Signs of damaging moisture include mold or mildew along the edge of the glass or frame, bubbling paint and warping windowsills. Also, if a part of your window is malfunctioning, you may see moisture in double or triple pane window glass in the form of condensation or fog. Ignore these signs and you could end up needing window replacement in Highlands Ranch, CO.
Check weather stripping: A window is like a lens that lets you see what’s going on outside, which means it’s a barrier between the inside of your house and the external elements. Thus, ineffective weather stripping will cause all sorts of problems. But keep in mind that depending on the type of window installation, weather stripping and other seals may not be in plain sight. In this case, should you detect issues, it’s best to schedule an inspection with a window professional. Otherwise, check the weather stripping material for damage, like bends, breaks, cracks and looseness—missing sections need immediate replacement. And don’t forget to clean weather stripping every so often as a preventive measure against damage.

With a regular maintenance routine in place, your windows can last along time. But should you need window replacement in Littleton, CO someday soon, we welcome you to give us a call at Fast Glass. We offer high quality residential and commercial products and our services for glass window installation, repairs and replacements are reasonably priced. Your satisfaction is guaranteed!

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What to know during Hail Season: Watch for Damage to Your Glass

11/21/2016

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Spring brings warmer weather and blooming flowers, but it can also bring a number of thunderstorms throughout the season, some of which may be potentially violent. With any violent storm comes the prospect of hail, so it’s essential to keep an eye on your home’s windows after a hailstorm to be sure no damage was caused.

Here’s how to recognize window damage resulting from hail and why it’s so important to be sure that any repairs are made as soon as possible. With these details and the contact information for Fast Glass—your complete window repair professionals in Littleton, CO—on hand, you’ll be prepared should you notice any future hail damage. Call us with any questions or to schedule a repair at 720-849-1810.

Recognizing hail damage to your windows

It may be difficult at first to spot hail. Similarly, the visible signs of hail damage can be difficult for the naked eye to see—at least not without getting up close and personal with the panes. Hailstones 1.5 inches in diameter or larger can easily wreck havoc on your windows—specifically causing damages that can cause moisture and air infiltration to seep in through fractured panes or broken seals.

After a hailstorm, check your windows for dents, breaks or cracks. Also, watch for moisture or fogging between the window panes, moisture on the window sills, drafts through the window frames and exterior dents, and holes throughout the window frames and/or siding.

Quick repairs are essential

Moisture that seeps in from your damaged windows will create inflated energy costs that are the result of lost heat via convection. Compromised panes result in air that leaks into and out of your home, meaning that your heating and cooling systems will have to work harder to keep up with the forced air expectations you have for your home. At the end of the day, this is energy loss that can be easily prevented by simply taking the time to assess any damages and make any repairs, before your HVAC system ends up paying the price.

Also, hail damage at its worst can provide an opportunity for mold and mildew to grow inside your house’s walls. Putting off repairs can lead to the need for additional, more extensive repairs.

Contact Fast Glass for your window repair needs in Aurora, CO. In addition to performing repairs resulting from hail damage, our honest, respectful and hardworking professionals perform a number of other services for homes and businesses in our local area. We work with and repair fogged double-pane glass, metal windows, window screens, patio door glass, storm windows, fiberglass windows, safety glass and more.

Make an appointment or find out more about the services that make sense for your home or business by calling us today!

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What Does Condensation on Your Windows Mean?

11/18/2016

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When it comes to your home’s windows, it might be easy to assume that if you don’t see any breaks or cracks, all is fine. But not so fast, especially if you notice condensation. Condensation occurs when warm, moist air comes into contact with cooler surfaces—moisture in the air condenses into water vapor and beads into the surface of the lower temperature surface. Condensation occurs because the cooled air next to the cool surface can’t hold as much moisture as the warmer surrounding air.

While exterior condensation is a form of dew that you’ll notice on your window because excess moisture from the air needs a surface on which to condense, it’s worth a closer look to check for interior condensation.

Take a look at what interior condensation could mean and why you should hire a professional if you notice it. Then, contact the team of residential window repair experts at Fast Glass in Highlands Ranch, CO, to schedule an appointment if your windows are in need of repairs.

What does interior condensation indicate?

First, it’s important to note that you may notice interior condensation taking one or more forms. It may block the view, making it difficult to see out of your window. This interior condensation indicates excess humidity in your home, which means that this condensation may be causing other humidity-related problems. Excess humidity may lead to one or more of the following:

A damp feeling in the home, usually present around heavily windowed areas
Staining or discoloration of vinyl or wood surfaces
Visible mold or mildew on sills or a musty smell
Warped wooden surfaces and window frames
Cracking, peeling or blistering on paint around the window
Damages to materials around the window frame

Ultimately, condensation can mean a couple of things in relation to your windows. First, it could mean a broken seal, which can taint the equilibrium between your panes, which increases convective heat transfer, raising the dew point. Second, it could mean there are unseen gaps around the frame of your window, which can cause the same issue. Either way, your windows need to be closely inspected and the issue resolved if it’s determined to exist.

Why should I take care of this problem?

Given the effects that can take place because of interior condensation, seeking immediate repair is a priority so that your home can return to its comfortable, aesthetic appearance as soon as possible.

Beyond affecting your home’s appearance and structure, the excess humidity that results from this interior condensation can also affect your health. Most experts suggest maintaining indoor humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent. At levels higher than 65 percent, upper respiratory afflictions may occur in those who experience asthma and allergies, according to the World Health Organization.

Condensation is more likely to occur in climates where the average January temperature is 35°F or colder. While it’s most common in winter, it can occur at any time during the year when water vapor in the air comes in contact with a surface wherein the temperature is lower than the dew point of the environment.

If you notice interior condensation, don’t risk your health or the quality of your home. Contact the residential window repair team at Fast Glass in Aurora, CO, today.

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Why Choose Low-E for Your Window Glass Replacement in Littleton, CO?

11/16/2016

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Technology surrounding glass is constantly changing and improving, with special emphasis on solar and thermal performance—or, in laymen’s terms, its efficiency. One of the most innovative types of glass to use today is low-e glass, especially for window glass replacement in Littleton, CO.

What is low-e glass?

Low-e glass is glass that has a low emissivity coating applied to it. In other words, coating is applied to the window to minimize the amount of ultraviolet and heat that can pass through the glass, without compromising natural light flow.
Ultraviolet light is the damaging component of sunlight that can cause damage to valuable items in a home, such as pictures or upholstery fabric or wall coverings. Items susceptible to UV light break down on a molecular level, which is nearly impossible to repair, making it important to stop UV light in its tracks.

What does low-e glass do?

Low-e glass acts to protect your home and shield it against heat and light.
When heat inside a building tries to escape to the colder air outside, the low-e glass reflects the heat back inside, reducing the amount of warm air that escapes through windows. The reverse happens in the summer time—when the exterior hot air tries to intrude to the cooler air inside, the low-e coating will reflect it back, reducing the amount of cold air that is lost during the summertime.
To put it in simplest terms, low-e glass works the same way a thermos works. Thermoses have a lining that encapsulates the temperature of the liquid they contain to prevent heat transference. The emissivity coating applied to low-e glass works in the same way.

Why should homeowners invest in it?

When it comes to saving money on energy bills, low-e glass is the answer. Low-e glass will quickly shore up any lost heat in the winter months, saving you on your heating bill; in the summer, it’ll protect your home better from scorching temperatures, which can create costly cooling bills as well. Moreover—and even more beneficial to homeowners—cutting down on heat transference means less stress put on your HVAC system, since it won’t have to work as hard to maintain a constant temperature in your home.

On the UV front, low-e glass is going to provide protective benefits to your home. Some low-e glass can block up to 99 percent of damaging UV light, which means safeguarding your home’s materials from damage. This means saving upholstery, paint systems, wallpapering and a wide variety of décor items from the dulling effects of sunlight, which, as mentioned above, will cause irreparable damage at a molecular level.

To learn more about low-e glass and get more information about why this exceptional type of glass is a must-have for homeowners, contact Fast Glass today. Making the decision to invest in low-e glass for your next window glass replacement in Littleton, CO, could just be the best home upgrade you make!

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Choosing Between Window Repair and Window Replacement in Denver, CO

11/15/2016

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If your windows are in need of some help, you may want to consider whether window replacement in Denver, CO may solve your problems, or if you may be able to get by with some affordable window repairs. Here’s what to look for while you are deciding if you should replace or repair your windows.

Broken panes
Do you have cracks, scratches or chips in your windows? These could have been caused by a variety of things, including storm damage or abrasive cleaners. Since cosmetic defects like these are definite eyesores, if you have inexpensive vinyl windows, you should consider window replacement in Denver, CO. If your windows are vintage, aluminum-clad or multi-pane custom designs, you may want to salvage them and go with repairs that replace the glass.

Broken seals
If you have foggy condensation or streaks between double or triple panes, you likely have broken seals in your windows. The contraction and expansion of the window induced by heat destroys the window seals, which then creates condensation between the windowpanes. Once a seal is broken, it is very hard to save the pane.
You can repair the seal of the window by installing a new sash. This will preserve the frame and help breathe new life into the window.

Drafty windows
Do you feel a draft of air coming from the windows? Is air able to move between gaps in sashes, frames or dividers? If so, you have drafty windows, which are often caused by caulking that has cracked or pealed, old weather stripping, a loose sash or rotted wood on the frame.
You can repair the windows with caulk that seals the gaps, as well as new weather stripping. You may also want to consider window replacement in Denver, CO and install new energy efficient windows that will help lower your energy bills by eliminating these drafts.

Windows that won’t open
Maybe you have windows that don’t operate very smoothly or don’t open at all. Are your sashes painted shut, or is there dirt and grime in the track and balances? There could even be broken hardware that is preventing you from opening your windows to enjoy a cool breeze.
When your window is painted shut, you will have to break the paint seal with a saw or putty knife. You will then need to scrape and sand the old paint and putty. If dirt is involved, simply clean the tracks and balances.
If broken hardware is the culprit, replace it with new hardware for a simple fix. If you simply can’t find the right replacement hardware, window replacement in Denver, CO may be what you need to get those windows open again.

Rotting wood
How does the wood around your windows look? Do you have rotten frames, sashes or dividers? If so, the wood has probably deteriorated. This often happens when windows are primed and painted incorrectly or they have been exposed to precipitation and humidity.
You may be able to patch smaller areas of rot with epoxy, but if the frames are thoroughly rotten you will need to consider window replacement in Denver, CO as the most cost effective option.

Whether you’re looking for window repair or window replacement, give Fast Glass a call and we will provide you with timely, effective and affordable window work for your home or business.

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Waiting for Window Repair in Denver, CO? Here Are Some Tips to Tide You Over

11/14/2016

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A broken window is a major inconvenience that can be the result of a number of causes, and between the mess of broken glass and the worry that insects, the elements and intruders may take advantage of the problem, you don’t want to wait too long before getting the help you need. While you are waiting for professional window repair in Denver, CO, here are some tips to give you a quick fix:

Secure the area: Your first step after a window has broken is to cordon off the area with the broken glass. Assess how big of a cleanup area you have by looking for glass shards on the floor, behind furniture and on top of surfaces. Make sure everyone is aware of the broken window and the area where the broken glass has spilled. You’ll want to make sure no one accidentally steps on any broken glass and gets hurt.
Inspect the window: How badly is the window broken? Is it cracked, completely shattered or just partially broken? Take time to inspect the window frame and pane to see if it is stable, and press gently on the glass to ensure it is not loose enough to fall out. Once you’re certain that the window glass is stable as is and no more glass will fall out, call a local glass repair company to get the window fixed as quickly as possible.
Protect yourself: While you’re waiting for window repair in Denver, CO, you’ll want to clean up the glass that has broken and fallen out. You’ll want to wear heavy gloves and closed-toed shoes. Place the glass in double-bagged trash bags and take them to the garbage immediately.
Clean up the glass: On any hard surfaces where the glass has fallen, sweep it up and then vacuum slowly. This will ensure you don’t scratch the floors with glass shards. If the window broke on carpet, pick up the pieces of glass that you can see, and then vacuum the carpet. You can agitate the carpet with a brush to bring up smaller glass pieces. Using tape afterwards will also pick up fine glass shards, and this is a good method to employ even after vacuuming.
Secure the broken window: Now that the area is safe, it’s time to secure the broken window. If the window is just cracked, use tape on both sides of the window along the crack to secure it from further cracking or from falling out completely. If there are small holes in the glass or tiny pieces of glass missing, you can patch this with clear nail polish applied in layers, allowing it to dry between coats. If the window has a large hole, use plastic or a piece of plywood to cover the gap or the entire window. This can be secured to the window frame and will protect you from the elements until you can get the window repaired.

Now that you have cleaned up and secured the glass from the broken window, you can rest easy while you wait for window repair in Denver, CO. When you have a broken window on your hands, call Fast Glass for fast and professional window repair at your home or business.

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fast glass | highlands ranch glass & window company

Regular Maintenance Should Always Follow Window Replacement in Denver, CO

What to know during Hail Season: Watch for Damage to Your Glass

What Does Condensation on Your Windows Mean?

Why Choose Low-E for Your Window Glass Replacement in Littleton, CO?

Choosing Between Window Repair and Window Replacement in Denver, CO

Waiting for Window Repair in Denver, CO? Here Are Some Tips to Tide You Over

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