Summary: We’ve outlined the top five causes of residential window glass damage: aging window materials, indoor and outdoor accidents, extreme weather, faulty installations, and thermal stress. This post emphasizes the importance of maintaining window frames and seals to prevent further damage. Proper care can enhance durability, energy efficiency, and comfort in your home. Tualatin Valley Glass offers expert services in window replacement and repairs, ensuring your windows remain in optimal condition and your home stays protected.

It’s always frustrating to find that the glass of your home’s windows has some damage that you need to deal with. Whether it’s a spontaneous event you notice days later or you’re unfortunate enough to watch the damage happen in real time, you should know about the hazards your windows face. Here are the top five causes of glass damage. Educating yourself on them will help you keep an eye out for them.

1. Aging Window Materials

No matter how sturdy your window frame was originally or how thick the glass is, windows naturally deteriorate over time. This is a larger issue in older homes. While modern windows are sturdier, even they can break down over time. Furthermore, rotting wooden frames or changes in the house’s structure over time can damage your window glass if you aren’t aware of the possibility and take steps to minimize it.

2. Indoor and Outdoor Accidents

Accidents happen all the time, whether it’s a wayward baseball hitting your window or a poorly planned furniture move. Both indoor and outdoor accidents are some of the top causes of residential window glass damage. Watching these happen is always painful, and the dread you feel initially is more than understandable, but you should remember that you can get your windows repaired.

3. Extreme Weather

Windows play a huge role in keeping the outdoor conditions out of our home’s interior. Over time, extreme weather can break down your window’s glass. The obvious culprits are things like heavy hailstorms or high winds blowing debris into your windows. However, all kinds of weather can harm window glass. Extreme humidity and heat can make your glass expand, while extreme cold causes it to contract.

4. Faulty Installations

Not everyone who installs windows is an expert at it, unfortunately. All the causes of damage to your window glass that we’ve mentioned can get exacerbated if your windows aren’t installed properly in the first place. We recommend seeking professional help for window replacements and installations to ensure that they’ll last a long time.

5. Thermal Stress

Thermal stress is most common in double-paned window glass, and it refers to a phenomenon where one side of the glass is extremely hot while the other is much colder. This often occurs on hot days in homes where the owners keep the inside at a much lower temperature. Thermal stress puts uneven pressure on the glass, which can cause it to crack.

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Preventative Window Maintenance

Now that you know the top causes of window damage, it’s important to consider how proper window maintenance can help prevent some of these issues. Ensuring your window frames are well-maintained can significantly improve the durability and energy efficiency of your home. A compromised seal or neglected frame can lead to further damage, but proactive care will preserve your window’s insulating properties.

The Importance of Proper Window Frames

The condition of your window frames plays a crucial role in maintaining your home’s energy efficiency and the durability of your windows. Frames that are damaged or poorly installed can compromise the glass pane, leading to potential glass damage and higher energy bills.

Proper window frames also support the glass components, ensuring that the window’s insulating properties remain intact. Investing in high-quality frames can significantly improve the longevity of your windows while keeping your home more comfortable.

The Impact of a Compromised Seal

A compromised seal can lead to more than just foggy windows—it can result in mold growth, window damage, and further damage to your home’s interior. When the seal around the glass weakens, moisture can seep in, leading to condensation and potentially compromising the glass pane.

Addressing this issue early prevents additional problems and ensures that your windows continue to perform efficiently. If you suspect a seal issue, contact experts promptly to prevent escalating problems.

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How Tualatin Valley Glass Can Help

It’s crucial to have professional help when these issues arise. Regular inspections and timely repairs can address minor issues before they escalate, preserving your window’s insulating properties and avoiding costly repairs.

Whatever kind of glass damage you might have, our team at Tualatin Valley Glass is ready to serve you and get your home back in shape with reliable window replacement and repair services. Call us right away if you notice that any of these five causes have damaged your home’s windows.