Storms are not a window’s best friend. Storms with forceful winds sweep projectiles and debris, hurl them at the windows, and damage the roof. Flying broken glass can cause interior damage, let the storm inside, and wreak havoc. However, not all window damage is evident in the aftermath of a storm. If left undetected, this can lead to further problems with your home’s windows. Here are some tips on what to look for after severe weather events and how to inspect your windows and repair or replace them in the event of window damage.
Window Damage After a Storm?
Signs of Window Storm Damage
Exterior Inspection
When checking windows for exterior damage, it is important to inspect every pane close-up. Do this to avoid missing minor chips and dings on glass panes. Shattered or broken glass is an obvious sign of window damage; however, you will want to look closely at the frames.
Older frames and wooden frames may also be broken and even displaced. Sealants are already cracked in older homes, and old window frames may be perishing. The window’s structural integrity is questionable and can lead to future damage from water or air leaks, as well as the ability to open or close properly.
In this case, storms and high winds can exacerbate the deterioration. It may not be good enough to replace the glass and reseal older window frames ahead of the next severe storm – they might need a full window replacement.
Wind Damage
Fierce winds can result in fallen trees and shattered windows. The frames could receive damage as well. Even double-glazed windows can crack or break from strong winds. It is best to replace window glass that cracks as it probably won’t withstand future windy conditions.
Hail Damage
In severe storms, hail can have the same effect as concrete balls on the windows. If hail can crack and chip a car windshield, consider the windows on your house to be just as vulnerable. Window frames, glass, and screens are all subject to the brutality of hail.
When assessing the damage, take the opportunity to check the flashing above the windows as well. The last thing we need is to have the newly fitted glass break later by a falling piece of flashing in the next storm.
Water Damage
Stormwater damage can be more difficult to establish in the wet aftermath of a storm. Leaks and mold growth around window frames cause interior damage but can also affect your home’s structure and cause health problems.
Check to see if there is a buildup of moisture or fog in between the panes. Inside, look for yellow or brown water stains on the walls and ceilings. Check for flaking paint and peeling wallpaper.
Post-Storm Recovery
Window Panes
You will need to replace broken panes and window frames sooner rather than later. This isn’t a simple DIY process and is best left to window professionals.
Stronger windows, especially if made from insulated or double-glazed glass, make windows and glass doors more resistant to being penetrated and shattered by projectiles.
Double-glazed windows consist of two panes fused through heat and pressure in an oven to a plastic interlay.
Window Frames
Look for dents, paint chips, and pieces of sealant that are missing or have cracks. Minor damage to window frames and seals can lead to more significant problems if left alone.
Vacuum Broken Glass
Broken window glass can result in small glass particles and splinters landing on the floor inside. No matter the type of flooring, vacuum it prodigiously after sweeping but before mopping. Only mopping will just move splinters and particles around.
Board the Windows
The professionals will be very busy after a storm, and it may take a day or two to get back to you. Remove all the remaining broken glass from the frame and seal the windows with plastic sheeting.
Should the stormy weather continue, use plywood sheeting to board the windows from inside. If the plywood panels are on the exterior, chances are they will rip off during the next storm.
Preventive Measures: Protecting Home Windows
While you can’t control the weather, there are proactive steps you can take to minimize the risk of window damage during future storms. Consider the following preventive measures:
Install Storm Shutters
Storm shutters add a layer of protection for your windows during severe weather events. Storm shutters come in various styles and can be customized to fit your home’s aesthetic, including:
- Accordion
- Roll-down
- Panel shutters
Reinforce Windows
Consider reinforcing your windows with impact-resistant glass or protective films. These enhancements can help prevent shattering and minimize damage from flying debris during storms.
Trim Trees and Branches
Overhanging trees and branches pose a risk of causing damage to your windows during high winds. Regularly trim trees and branches to reduce the likelihood of them striking your windows during storms.
Secure Loose Items
Secure outdoor furniture, potted plants, and other loose items around your home before a storm hits. These items can become projectiles in high winds, potentially causing damage to your windows and property.
Create a Storm Preparedness Plan
Develop a comprehensive storm preparedness plan for your household. This plan should include protocols for securing your home, gathering emergency supplies, and evacuating if necessary. Being prepared can minimize the risk of damage and ensure your family’s safety during storms.
Implement preventive measures to safeguard your windows and reduce the likelihood of costly damage during future storms. Additionally, maintaining a proactive approach to insurance considerations will ensure you’re prepared to handle any unexpected damages that may occur.
Assessing the Impact of Extreme Temperature Changes on Window Damage
After a storm, windows can also be affected by extreme temperature fluctuations, which are often overlooked during initial inspections. Rapid changes in temperature—such as a sudden drop in temperature after a storm or the heating of your home to compensate for the cold—can stress your windows and make any pre-existing damage worse. Here’s how temperature changes can affect your windows:
Thermal Stress
When a storm passes, it may bring a sharp drop in temperature, and if your home is heated soon afterward, the difference between the outside and inside temperatures can create thermal stress on your windows. This can cause cracks, especially in older or single-pane windows, as the glass expands and contracts with the temperature change.
Condensation Between Panes
Extreme weather can cause condensation to build up inside double-paned windows if there is already damage to the seals. This leads to foggy windows that not only impair visibility but also signal that the window’s energy efficiency has been compromised
Frost on Windows
After a storm, if the temperature drops below freezing, it’s common to see frost forming on the interior side of windows. This can signal that your windows are not adequately insulated, and prolonged exposure to frost could lead to damage to the window frames or glass.
Long-Term Effects on Window Frames
When exposed to extreme cold, window frames, especially wooden ones, can contract. This contraction can loosen seals, damage the structural integrity of the window, or even cause cracks in the frame itself.
Learn more: Protecting Your Home from Wind Damage
Discount Window and Door of Omaha
At Discount Window and Door of Omaha, we are committed to providing the best quality doors and replacement windows. We employ the most skilled installers to ensure the highest standard of quality service. Our Omaha door and window installers are highly trained, certified industry professionals with years of experience, including some second and third-generation employees.