We were all led to believe that errant baseballs would be a much bigger problem than they have been so far! While a wild wind up from the neighbor kid can certainly threaten your windows, there are a lot more common causes of broken windows. From weather-related causes to carelessness around your house, here are the top causes of broken windows – and what to do about them.
Cracked Glass, Broken Windows
Most broken windows don’t shatter out of nowhere. Unnoticed cracks in the glass can severely compromise the integrity of your window and lead to a break with the slightest impact or pressure. Your window glass is made to withstand simple impacts and slight pressure changes, but a crack can cause an entire pane to shatter.
You can avoid this threat to your home’s safety – and an easily broken window – by responding to signs of window damage immediately. Regularly inspect your windows for signs of damage like visible cracks and moisture or fog between the panes of double-paned windows. As soon as you notice any damage to your windows – either in the glass or around the window frame – get it repaired!
Mother Nature’s Wrath
Many window breaks are weather-related. Especially in areas where severe weather is an annual occurrence, glass breaks from storms and pressure systems can be common. Hail can be extremely dangerous for your windows, and driving winds can even fling branches or other debris into your windows. During tornados or hurricanes, your windows are particularly vulnerable. But outside of dramatic weather events, Mother Nature can still pose a risk. Falling icicles, for instance, can cause windows to break, and extreme temperatures can put pressure on your window’s glass and frame. Speaking of pressure, even sudden changes in atmospheric pressure due to weather patterns can cause your windows to crack – though sudden shatters are rare and unlikely.
Avoiding broken windows during weather events can be difficult. If you are anticipating bad weather – such as a hurricane or tornado – you can help protect your windows by boarding them up with thick plywood or another cover. You can also help protect your windows by clearing icicles and other potential hazards when they form. If you live in an area where high winds and stormy weather are a regular occurrence, secure your patio furniture to avoid giving Mother Nature more ammunition!
Carelessness and Accidents
Finally we’ve come to the errant baseball! While neighbor kids are popular television culprits – and aren’t totally without blame – the cause of broken windows is often closer to home. In fact, one of the leading causes of broken windows is debris from lawn mowers or other yard care activities. Did you know that a rock coming out of a lawn mower’s grass chute moves at 200 miles per hour? With that kind of force, even the smallest projectile can pose a huge threat to your home’s windows and glass! Even during weed eating and other lawn care activities, your glass could be vulnerable. And, of course, your windows are vulnerable to careless activities – even during a harmless game of catch.
You can take a couple of steps to prevent window breaks due to carelessness and accidents. Before you mow your lawn, be sure to walk the yard and clear any obstacles such as visible rocks, dog toys, balls, or other potential projectiles. When you’re weed eating, make sure the direction of the weed eater’s rotation is pointed away from your home. And when you’re ready for a game of catch in your freshly-mown yard, throw the ball parallel to your home to avoid any made-for-TV golly-gee baseball breaks!
Trust the Glass Pros with Your Windows
At Hiegel Glass, we are professional glaziers. We can repair any glass – from your home’s windows to glass doors and other features. We take professional measurements to ensure the perfect fit, create your new window or glass feature in-house, and handle installation ourselves. When it comes to your windows, trust the pros at Hiegel Glass to get the job done right – the first time. Call us today for a free quote!