Five Things to Help You Avoid Broken Windows

If you want your windows to resist breaking, you need to choose and use them carefully. Whether you are shopping for new windows or looking for ways to improve the strength of your existing windows, here are some features that can help you avoid broken glass:

1. Double Paned Glass

Double paned glass tends to be more resistant to breakage than single pane glass. The air between the two panes acts as an insulator which can help to dull blows to the window. Additionally, if you accidentally break a double paned window, you don't necessarily have to fix it right away, unless you break both panes. If you only break one pane, you still have some window between the inside and outside of your house.

2. Tempered Glass

Tempered glass is heated during the manufacturing process to make it stronger. This type of window glass helps to resist blows, which makes it helpful if there is debris blowing around in a hurricane or if a ball hits your window. However, keep in mind that tempered glass may shatter easily if hit by a small sharp object. There are many videos online demonstrating this fact in relation to car windows, and it's interesting to see how that works.

3. Security Screens

Whether you have tempered glass or double paned windows, you should consider installing security screens on your windows. Security screens are made of metal mesh that resists impact and cutting. If something flies toward your window when you have a security screen on it, the screen will increase the chances that the object will bounce off before it breaks your window

4. Security Film

Security film or UV film won't prevent your glass from breaking, but it can help to reduce the mess if your window breaks. For example, if your window is hit with a flying object and breaks, the security film will hold the shards together, preventing them from spilling all over your yard or the inside of your home. To provide the most protection, install the film so that it adheres both to the pane of glass and to the surrounding window frame.

5. Timely Repairs

If your glass develops an issue, you should have it repaired as quickly as possible. Glass repair people can often repair small cracks or dings without replacing the entire pane. However, if the issue is allowed to spread, it may compromise the integrity of the window and necessitate a replacement.