It is a fact of a homeowner’s life that at some point, your windows are going to break. Most often, we’re talking about broken glass through an accident, a break-in, or a weather-related act of nature. Although nobody wants to go through the headache and hassle of repairing or replacing a broken window, it is a very common problem.
But are there things you can do to prevent — or at least cut down — the frequency that broken windows happen?
The answer is “YES”, and it starts with installing the right windows in your home.
There Are Many Kinds of “Broken” Windows
Your windows are one of the most-used features of your home. On any given day, they can be opened and closed multiple times. This means that your windows must be sturdy and durable enough to handle that much daily operation.
Unfortunately, with many builder-grade or lower-quality windows, especially those used during initial construction, long-term durability isn’t a priority. After just a few years of operation, the physical components of the window start failing.
Have you experienced any of the following?
- Broken or inoperable locks
- Windows that won’t stay open
- Weatherstripping that has fallen off
- Gaps around the sashes
- Leaky seals (cloudy or condensation-filled glass)
- Drafts
- Water leakage
- Loose or rattling glass
- Cracked glass
- Glass that is easily broken during normal operation or exposure to weather
Each of these is a major malfunction, meaning your window is “broken”. But what it means is that you have a lower-quality window that barely meets minimum standards.
Buying the Right Window for Your Home
But your window doesn’t have to “break” so easily during normal operation. If you have the right windows properly installed in your home, their superior manufacture and construction will alleviate many of these “breakage problems”.
- Quality materials and construction reduce component failure.
- Windows that are custom-made to fit your opening reduce drafts.
- Corner welds eliminate seal breakage.
- Proper weatherstripping reduces drafts and water leakage.
- Seating on glass inserts eliminates loose or rattling glass.
- Stronger modern materials keep their shape and can withstand heavy use.
- Weather- and insect-resistant materials extend the life of your windows.
- Float glass is stronger and more durable than construction-grade plate glass.
- Safety glass prevents injuries in the event of glass breakage.
- Coated screens won’t rust and are tear-resistant.
- Locking corner gusset pins support screen frames.
Best of all, the best replacement windows come with a warranty that covers repair or replacement in the unlikely event of defect or failure.
The Best Way to Avoid Broken Windows
There’s nothing worse than a product that “breaks” or fails during normal use. This is especially annoying when that product is the window that is supposed to make your home more comfortable, beautiful, energy-efficient, and secure.
If you live in the greater Chicago area, your first and best local resource for high-quality windows is Rusco Windows, located conveniently in Woodridge. For 85 years, Rusco has been your trusted partner helping you with all your home improvement needs.
For more information about replacement windows contact Rusco.