It goes without saying that a broken window is a huge inconvenience. First off, there’s broken glass to clean up. Secondly, if you weren’t home when it happened, there’s the risk of pets getting out or intruders getting in. And of course, now you have to spend time and money getting your windows replaced.
What if you could prevent breakage, though? True, not all window breakage is avoidable–freak accidents happen, as do baseballs. But there are a few things you might be able to do to prevent this annoyance. Read on to learn what they are!
Don’t Let Your Windows Get Too Old
Windows last a really long time! However, no window is going to last forever. Age can lead to issues. Years of being opened and closed, being exposed to elements like pummeling rain and harsh winds, and being knocked on or against will threaten their structural integrity.
Plus, the frames of your windows are going to expand and contract with humidity changes outside. All of this puts pressure on the glass, leading to eventual deterioration.
This said it’s best to replace windows every 15-20 years. It’s also worth noting, that more energy-efficient windows have been designed even in the last decade, so it could be worth it to replace your windows even if they’re just 10 years old.
Keep Your Home at a Reasonable Temperature
Extreme weather conditions can cause window breakage–such as high winds or hail. No, you can’t predict the weather or prevent that from happening, but there is one temperature-related thing you can do.
In the summertime, it’s not recommended that you set your thermostat any lower than 78°F and in the winter, no higher than 68°F. This is actually for HVAC efficiency more than anything. Setting your thermostat 20° beyond what the temperature outside just means it will keep running, using more electricity than it really needs to in order to get the job done.
An added benefit of this is that it helps your windows out. Extreme temperatures, and extreme temperature fluctuations, can put stress on the windows, especially on the window frames. By keeping temperatures relatively stable, you can help protect your windows and maybe even help them last longer.
Preventing Further Problems with Broken Windows
Like we said above, sometimes broken windows are not preventable. Unsupervised children–shoot even adults–can accidentally cause breaks by playing baseball outside close to your home. Young children inside can accidentally hit the window just right with a toy or ball causing it to break.
Also as we mentioned above, windows can break due to weather–such as hail or high winds.
The best thing to do if you are facing a broken window is to board it up and get it replaced ASAP. A broken window is an invitation for intruders, pests and rodents from outside, and also will cause the efficiency to drop in your HVAC systems.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us to learn what your window options are!
For professional window installation in Tacoma, WA, look no further than Sunset Air. Contact us today!
