Not all window cracks are created equal. Although the cause of the window crack may vary, it’s important to replace cracked or damaged windows as soon as possible. Here are a few common causes of window cracks:

1. Stress Crack

A stress crack in a window usually occurs slowly and worsens over time if it is not replaced. These types of window cracks are most commonly caused by extreme fluctuations in temperatures or by poor installation. This is why anything that can lead to poor installation is one of the window replacement mistakes to avoid.

Stress cracks caused by temperature fluctuations occur most notably when there is a large disparity between the outside temps and the temperature inside the home. The shrinking and expansion of the material that the window is made of can, over time, lead to a stress crack.

Stress cracks should be taken seriously because they can also be an indication that the windows in the home were not shimmed and installed properly. It could just be one window. Or, the first window to sustain a stress crack could be a sign of more to come if additional windows in the home were also improperly installed. Stress cracks can also be signs of structural damage to your home and should not be ignored.

Sometimes, stress cracks go unnoticed for quite some time and become more visible when a compromised window is closed too forcefully and the crack expands due to the impact. Whether the stress crack is small or becomes enlarged in a hurry, it is important to take care of it and get the window replaced.

2. Impact Break

Impact breaks can occur when a window is already compromised with a perhaps unnoticed crack of another type or sustains damage from an outside force. Windows that have sustained stress cracks and are slammed closed can often end up with an impact break that shatters the window or expands an existing crack.

Additionally, windows can sustain impact breaks from external sources, both inside and outside of the home. Lawnmowers can throw stones at a high velocity and first floor or daylight basement windows can often become victims. A baseball, rock, or another item can hit the window and cause it to crack or break.

Although impact breaks are inconvenient and can leave shattered window panes behind, they are not caused by poor installation. So, as long as your other windows are in good condition and installed properly, you won’t have to worry about them.

3. Pressure Crack

Pressure cracks, like stress cracks, typically occur due to fluctuations in the weather. Rapid changes in weather systems, from high to low pressure or vice versa, can create pressure cracks. When a pressure crack occurs in a window, the window will need to be replaced. Thankfully, pressure cracks are not as common because it takes extreme and quick pressure changes to cause them.

These are some common causes of window cracks. The most important thing to do when window panes crack is to contact an experienced contractor and schedule a replacement. Although it may not be immediately apparent, cracked windows allow for costly energy loss and can increase your home’s heating and cooling bill. Cracked windows will also be a place for moisture and condensation to collect between the panes and enter the home. Plus, they can be a security issue.

Window cracks are one of the reasons to replace your windows. If you notice a crack of any kind in one of your home’s windows, be sure to prioritize the repair and contact a reputable home improvement contractor to schedule a replacement. For help with replacing the windows in your home, give Zephyr Thomas a call at (717) 399-4708. We will be happy to walk you through the process and make your window replacement easy and convenient.