A Primer on Window Damage – Part II: Window Damage and Problems: Underlying Causes

Damage due to weather and the environment

The ever-present assault of the weather and environment is a major cause of window damage. Wind, snow, hail, rain, and extremes of heat and cold will all eventually take their toll on your windows. This is especially true if your windows are periodically subjected to both extreme cold and extreme heat. Window glass has been known to crack due to the surrounding structure’s expansion and contraction.

Exposure to moisture and humidity is another environmental factor. Constant exposure to high levels of humidity can cause the window’s non-glass parts to deteriorate. Over time, this can lead to the formation of rot and mold, undermining the structural stability of your window frames.

Physical damage

While advances have been made in your window glass’ ability to sustain physical damage, the fact is that enough force will crack the glass, even impact-resistant glass. Your environment has a lot to do with this. Discounting acts of intentional vandalism, your windows can be damaged by stray baseballs or impacts from large birds trying to fly through them.

Faulty workmanship

Faulty workmanship can cause a lot of windows problems. Incorrect flashing, failure to integrate the windows with the house wrap, the lack of familiarity with the manufacturer’s installation instructions and specifications – these can all result in damage to the window.

Using the wrong part or material for the installation is a source of problems, too. Using the wrong flashing can lead to numerous problems. Ordering (and installing) the wrong size of window, the wrong type of window, installing window frames made with the wrong material, or just simply the wrong window in the wrong place, can lead to damage not just to the window, but to the rest of your home, too.  It’s part of the contractor’s job to make sure the windows they’re installing are the right ones for the job. Sure you can overrule them, and suffer the consequences, but not informing you of the unsuitability of a particular window is a sign of bad workmanship, too.

Coming up in part III: window care and maintenance, and how to prevent damage to your windows.