Glass in windshields, home windows, patio doors, and even outdoor furniture is susceptible to various threats. Storms, falling branches, and stray baseballs can easily damage or shatter glass around your home. Given these risks, it’s clear that yard work, particularly mowing the lawn, can pose a significant danger. Taking extra precautions while mowing can help prevent injuries and protect your car and residential windows from breakage.

How Do Lawn Mowers Cause Window Breaks?

Throwing your lawn mower through a window after the twenty-third attempt to pull-start it isn’t the only threat to your auto and residential glass. In fact, the greatest threat comes from rocks, dog toys, balls, and other projectiles launching from your mower deck through the discharge chute – at up to 232 miles per hour! At those speeds, projectiles can cause serious injury to people and pets as well as damage to glass surfaces like windows on your house and car.

A lawn mower’s rapidly spinning blades are designed to cut your grass evenly and do the work of keeping the lawn at an even height for you. But when the blades encounter anything other than grass, they don’t stop! Whatever is underneath your mower will be ejected from your lawn mower’s discharge chute – shooting out the side.

Even from a distance, that kind of power at the right angle can shatter even thick plate glass and double-paned windows.

Who is Responsible for Glass Damage from a Lawn Mower?

In most cases, the lawn mower operator is responsible for any broken windows or glass caused by a mowing accident. If you hire a landscaping company and their equipment breaks a window, they are typically liable for the damage. However, if you’re mowing your own lawn and a projectile breaks a window—whether yours or your neighbor’s—you’re likely responsible for the repair costs. While insurance might cover window repairs, it depends on your policy. Given the potential deductible and the risk of increased premiums, it might be more cost-effective to pay for the repair out of pocket.

How to Prevent Lawn Mowers from Breaking Windows

If the idea of mowing your lawn is starting to worry you, don’t fret! Here are some practical tips to protect your home and car windows from damage:

• Check Your Lawn for Projectiles: Before mowing, walk through your yard to remove any rocks, dog toys, balls, or other objects that could become dangerous projectiles. Even small items approaching the size of a ping pong ball should be cleared out.

• Mow Regularly: Keeping your grass short not only maintains a tidy yard but also reduces the risk of hidden hazards being launched into your windows. Regular mowing also prevents your grass from getting too thick, which can add extra strain on your mower.

• Ensure Your Lawn Mower’s Discharge Chute Has a Guard: Most lawn mowers come equipped with a discharge chute guard. Resist the temptation to remove it, even if thick grass causes blockages. The guard helps direct grass and debris safely to the ground, reducing the risk of damage.                                                                         
• Consider Bagging Your Grass: Using a bagging attachment with your mower collects grass clippings and debris, preventing them from being ejected. This not only protects your windows but also leaves your yard clean and tidy after mowing.

Hiegel Glass Can Fix or Replace Any Broken Window

If you’re reading this because your lawn mower broke a window, Hiegel Glass is here to help. With decades of experience, we specialize in repairing and replacing both standard and custom windows. Our expert glaziers can handle any type of glass breakage. Contact us today for a free quote on your window repair or replacement needs!