We’ve all seen it on T.V.– a child lifts a baseball, swings a bat, and subsequently, glass shatters. Somewhere, another window has broken.
Though it’s tempting to think that windows only crack when kids need to practice their aim, window cracks are far more common, and frequently caused by a greater variety of mishaps. Though accidents happen, quite often, window breakage can be prevented.
If you’re worried about the safety of your window glass, or just want to learn more about potential window damage, read on. Here are just a few of the top causes of broken windows and how to prevent them:
1. Weather Events
Glass is rarely a match against the might of mother nature. Hail storms and windstorms send debris through thousands of windows every year, leading flustered homeowners to seek emergency replacement windows. Even dramatic changes in temperature can put pressure on a window, causing curved stress cracks in the glass. If you live in an area prone to strong winds, consider installing windows rated to resist storms, or investing in storm shutters.
2. Careless Lawn Work
Throughout the summer, lawnmowers send rocks flying across yards, causing passerby to yelp and duck. Unfortunately, your window can’t leap out of the way of flying twigs or stones. Weed eaters, snowblowers, lawnmowers, and more are powerful enough to send rocks right through your glass. Remember to do your lawn care with care, and try to aim projectiles away from people and windows alike.
3. Animal Shenanigans
Spooked dogs and wild birds have been known to smash windows. There’s not much you can do to prevent these accidents, beside keep your dog calm and buy replacement windows after a break.
4. Age
Over time, residential windows tend to weaken. Even well-maintained windows can crack with age. These cracks don’t come from a failure in the glass itself, but rather from expansion and contraction in the surrounding frame and sash.
5. Improper Closures
Finally, slamming your window shut can occasionally cause a crack to appear. Since replacement windows cost between $300 and $700 per window on average, be careful how you close your windows to avoid an expensive accident!
A cracked or shattered window can be caused by almost anything, from projectiles to cold temperatures. Be sure take proper break-prevention measures, and check windows occasionally for signs of age or cracking. Though not all window breaks are preventable, you might be able to avoid an expensive residential window replacement.
For more information about window installation in the Chicago area, contact Best Windows Inc. today!
