How Do I Know If My Cracked Window Needs to Be Replaced?

Do you ever feel like there’s always something in your home that’s broken? If it’s not the dishwasher, it’s the refrigerator. Next, it’s the garage door. By the time you notice a crack in your window, you hardly have the energy to care anymore. Is it really necessary to fix a cracked window? Or is that something you can put off for now?

We’ll answer that question in today’s blog article.

What causes window panes to crack?

Maybe you already know how your window cracked. If it was something as eventful as a frisbee gone rogue, then there’s not a doubt in your mind how you ended up with a broken window. However, if you woke up one morning to a cracked window pane, you may be wondering how it happened. Here are some potential possibilities:

• High winds. Was there a storm recently? If so, the window could have cracked from the force of heavy winds or hailstones. Yes, it’s frustrating, but be glad your window didn’t burst entirely.
• Stress. Yes, windows experience stress. No, you don’t need to get a therapist for your window, but you may need to find a window repair company. Stress cracks occur when a window is exposed to dramatic temperature changes. This is most common for windows that are exposed to shade and then direct sun. The change in temperature causes the thermal gradient in your window glass to expand at different rates in different areas of the window. This varied expansion puts stress on the window, compromising the glass and sometimes causing it to crack.

What are the risks of cracked window panes?

If your window is obviously cracked, you may be wondering how much time you have to fix it before it shatters completely. A homeowner’s urgency in getting broken glass fixed often depends on their perception of how serious the crack is. Let’s discuss some different types of glass damage you may have in your windows at home.

Scratches

Sometimes windows crack in a way that looks like a bunch of scratches. These “scratches” are actually a web of micro-cracks that are more serious than they appear. Small but mighty, these mini cracks weaken the integrity of the window, leaving it prone to shatter during the next storm, or the next time you shut it just a little too forcefully, or the next time you toss a tennis ball that your dog fails to catch. Don’t mess with micro-cracks. If your window has these, get them repaired as soon as possible to avoid any accidents.

Chip, Crack or Hole

As you may have guessed, windows with chips, cracks, or holes should also be repaired immediately. Not only do these damages weaken your window glass, but they also let outside air into your house, which isn’t great for keeping your power bill down.

Depending on the nature of the crack or hole, the jagged edges could cause injury, especially when washing the window with a paper towel or thin cloth.

Can I just use duct tape?

There’s a reason duct tape is a homeowner’s best friend. Duct tape and caulk are often applied to cracked windows to temporarily reduce the risk of shattering. The keyword here is temporary. Duct tape is in no way a permanent fix — it doesn’t look great, and you still have broken glass beneath the tape. As soon as possible, you’ll want to contact a glass repair company to replace your windowpane.

Carolina Glass & Storefront Systems is a veteran-owned company with experience in glass repairs, replacements, and installations in the residential and commercial sphere. Contact us online or by phone at (864) 655-7774. We’ll be happy to take a look at your glass damage and provide a permanent fix quickly.