Dealing with broken window glass is not ideal, but it is more common than you might think. While durable glass can prevent cracking and wear from external factors like weather, hard objects and lack of maintenance can wear on glass. Even following every precaution in the book, you may still experience broken window glass at some point. Recognizing common causes of weak or broken glass will prepare you for ultimate replacement, or help you take precautions to better protect your window. Here are some of the most common causes of broken window glass.
1- Objects Hitting The Glass
Flying debris or foreign objects of any kind are going to cause damage to your window glass. Depending on the size and weight of the object will determine what type of damage occurs. Baseballs, golf balls, frisbees, rocks, and tree branches can be thrown at the windows and cause damage. Vehicles and lawnmowers can flick random debris toward your windows and cause them to crack, while humans are often the cause of other thrown sports equipment.
2- Natural Disasters And Weather
Having homes with durable exteriors and window glass will protect us from the weather and the effects of natural disasters. Depending on the severity of the weather, your windows should be able to withstand a storm without damage. More severe weather like hurricanes, tornadoes, hail, or earthquakes could cause cracks or complete window shatters. While it may not always be possible to protect windows during a natural disaster, you can reinforce them or choose a durable frame material to keep them in place.
3- Improper Cleaning
Using the wrong cleaning equipment could cause broken window glass. Pressure washers, metal brushes, or harsh chemicals could break through your windows or cause them to look hazy. Maintaining your window glass, frames, and screens will keep them from becoming damaged with build-up or bacteria growth.
Removing vandalism or other types of matter is crucial to protect your windows. Leaving these elements on your windows can cause staining, cracking, or weakening of the glass. This puts your windows at higher risk of future damage during cold weather or when an object hits the glass.
4- Building Settlement
Over time, gravity can cause a house or building to settle into the earth and lose its structural integrity. Gravity and the weight of the rest of the home could put immense pressure on the window glass. The settlement will cause frames to crack and put strain on the glass, making it more prone to damage.
Foundation issues can also lead to broken window glass. Cracking foundations, whether from improper installation or age and the settlement of the structure can cause strain on all exterior elements of your home.
5- Improper Installation
Poor installation practices will lead to broken window glass sooner than you planned. Incorrectly installed windows aren’t able to handle the weight of gravity or the home. When windows are properly installed, the frame handles most of the weight. Proper installation often comes with glazing or protective film that can keep the window from being damaged by weather. Fitting the window with proper adhesive or securing it in a quality frame will better protect your home.
6- Vandalism Or Break-Ins
A cause that you can not control is burglars or vandalism. While you can take precautions to protect your home, there is always a risk that your home could be broken into through windows. Installing shatterproof glass or double-pane windows can help deter burglars from getting into your home.
Vandalism is another concern with windows on a home or a business. Businesses are more prone to vandalism as they are typically unoccupied during the evening. Spray paint, scratching, or other random materials can be used to deface the windows. Removing vandalism quickly is important to protecting the lifespan of your window glass.
Glass Repair From The Experts
Working with our team at Peak Windows will help re-establish your home security. Broken window glass can be repaired with precision and knowledge of different types of glass. Going beyond the standard window repair, Peak Windows deals with glass repair on windows, garage doors, mirrors, and doors. We can help enhance your home with higher-quality glass, insulated windows, and more energy-efficient options. Contact us to get a quote for your project, or to schedule your repair today!