Windows are vital for the operation of a home: they let sunlight in while keeping out bugs and preserving the insulation within a home. They keep out the rain and can be opened in spring to let in some fresh air. They help your home to be energy efficient so that you’re spending less on heating and cooling throughout the year.
So what can cause a window to break? And what can you do to prevent this from happening? Here are 4 of the main reasons why a window may break and what you can do to prevent it from happening in the future.
Windows That Break Spontaneously
This doesn’t happen very often, but windows can break spontaneously sometimes, especially with double-paned windows. This is due to the pressurized gas between the panes; if it gets too high, the glass can give way.
Spontaneous breaks can also occur in tempered glass, even though it’s been treated to withstand heat and high impacts. Window replacement Gilbert is capable of handling either of these problems.
1. Windows That Are Too Wide Or Too Large
Square windows are usually the best choice because the weight is distributed evenly throughout the glass. Longer and larger windows, however, are exposed to more stress because weight is placed on different areas of the glass. This can lead to spontaneous breaks that occur unpredictably.
2. Improper Installation
If windows aren’t installed properly, then they’re not going to last very long. This could be anything from improper measurement to not handling the glass properly when a window is being installed. This can all put unnecessary pressure on the glass that will cause it to break.
3. Thermal Stress
Thermal stress is what occurs to double-paned windows when there is a significant difference in temperature between the inside and outside of the home. Glass (and other materials) naturally expand and contract depending on temperature, but with two different temperatures affecting it, glass doesn’t know which way to go and ends up breaking.
4. Damaged Edges
There are several things that can cause glass to crack: it could be during the manufacturing process, storage, transportation, or during installation. Scratches and chips can happen at any time, resulting in spontaneous breaks because the structure has been weakened significantly. That’s why it’s always a good idea to have glass inspected first before it is installed in your home.
Preventing Windows From Breaking
The best way to ensure that your windows never break is to hire professionals to install your windows for you. They will exercise all the care that is necessary to ensure that your glass is in one piece so that the integrity of your windows isn’t jeopardized in any way.
Don’t let your window woes get in the way of you having beautiful windows in your home. Contact your nearest professional to see what they can do for you and provide you with the avid advice you need to get the right windows for your home’s aesthetics.
