Can the Summer Heat Affect Your Home’s Windows? Insights for Maintenance and Repair
Are you suddenly noticing cracked glass on your home's windows? This situation may be quite puzzling, considering that the glass wasn't damaged initially. During very hot weather, your windows may expand more than normal and end up pushing against your rigid window frames.
Such expansion is what typically results in cracks that may need to be repaired as soon as possible. And if your window glass is chipped, it may become unstable and crack extensively from direct sunlight exposure.
How outside temperatures affect your windows
High temperatures cause items to expand, while low temperatures cause them to contract. You may not notice these changes with the naked eye, but changes do occur. Ideally, your home's windows are designed to withstand many different weather conditions. They can keep out rain, strong winds and other precipitation such as snow and hailstones. But what happens when the sun's rays are beating down on your windows?
High temperatures may exert a toll on your glass. During the day, the glass will expand due to incoming heat and press against your windowpanes. At night, the glass will contract back to its original size. These frequent changes may result in an unstable glass, which may eventually crack.
Even a small crack can develop into unstable windowpanes that may not protect your home against outside elements. For example, cracked window glass can be easily penetrated by burglars or shattered by heavy precipitation.
How to protect your windows from damage
The good news is that you can protect your windows from high temperatures and minimise the risk of cracks. Here are a few useful ideas.
1. Install flexible windowpanes with your glass
If your windows are in a direct line to the sun's rays, you should leave enough room for expansion and contraction. Install your windows with flexible window panes that can expand along with your glass (to prevent unnecessary tension).
Your window repair service can give you recommendations on the best windowpane materials to use.
2. Avoid slamming your windows
During the summer, you should handle your fragile windows with care. Avoid slamming them shut when closing, and open them gently after a cool night.
3. Repair chips and cracks as soon as possible
If you notice any damage to your windows, don't wait until the last minute to carry out repairs. Make sure you consult your glass repair contractor to have these cracks eliminated before the entire glass will have to be replaced.
For more information, reach out to a window glass repair service.