C-R-A-C-K!!! As homeowners, the sound of shattering glass is one we never want to hear, especially when it results in thousands of dollars in damage and repair costs.
Shattered windows are an unfortunate side effect of increased Spring sports and outdoor activity across Florida. What are the leading causes of window damage and what can we do to protect our home against such harm? Let’s take a look…
Baseballs
How many times have you told your children not to play catch next to the house? With unsupervised, rowdy children accidents are bound to happen, and unfortunately the window is the biggest target.
Prevention: Always supervise young children during activities that may pose a hazard to your home, and encourage them to keep a safe distance from the house when playing with “flying objects.”
Golf Balls
If you live near a golf course, you know how frequently stray golf balls come flying into your yard. Unfortunately these tiny, high-speed balls can quickly turn into a safety hazard for your house and your family. In most cases, the golfer is not held liable for the damage, which leaves the repairs in your hands…
Prevention: Invest in golf ball-proof screens to blockade your windows from flying golf balls.
Birds
Unfortunately birds cannot see glass, especially when it is reflecting light or the nearby landscape, and many bird injuries and deaths are a direct result of these window collisions.
Prevention: Install a pattern on areas of a window that are commonly struck by birds. Another option is to install frosted or opaque window film or mesh window screens to reduce the amount of reflection produced.
Age
Inevitably, as your home ages, things begin to fall apart and deteriorate. Especially in high-humidity regions like Florida, wooden window panes tend to shrink and expand frequently. This puts increased pressure on the glass, causing it to eventually break. Typically, straight cracks are a result of temperature damage, and spidery cracks are caused by an impact.
Prevention: Inspect your windows for cracks periodically, and if you suspect there may be damage, hire a professional to repair or replace it.
Hurricanes
Hurricanes are one of the biggest dangers facing Floridians’ homes. According to the National Hurricane Center, hurricane-force winds can reach speeds as high as 150 miles per hour, creating flying “missiles” such as tree branches and other debris, that may potentially strike and shatter windows.
Prevention: Invest in storm shutters to have on hand in case a severe storm hits.
Hail
Florida is the thunderstorm capital of the U.S. Severe thunderstorms sometimes create hail, or pellets of frozen rain, that can severely damage vulnerable areas of your home, especially windows.
Prevention: If you live in a hail-prone area, install impact-resistant glass on your windows.
Burglars
Unfortunately, windows are an easy entry point for burglars, whether left unlocked or not. The second most common entry point for burglars to break into your home is through a window on the first floor.
Prevention: Before heading out, take these preventative measures to avoid window damage caused by burglary attempts. If you notice a crack or hole in your window, get it repaired or replaced as soon as possible to prevent future burglars from temptation.