With Energy.gov reporting that over a quarter of all the heat leaving a home comes from the windows, the last thing you want is to exacerbate that with broken window glass. Resolving this issue is a common problem for U.S. homeowners, but choosing between window glass repair or window replacement options can be a tough decision. How do you measure up things like:
- The extent of the damage
- Costs of cracked window solutions
- The type of glass you need to choose
- Whether you want to upgrade your windows
- If delaying would be beneficial
- Whether to hire expert glass repair services
The following article offers practical tips and professional advice for addressing broken windows in your home. Read on to learn when the best time is to get professionals in and how repairing your windows faster can save you money.
Can a Broken Window Glass Be Saved?
The first thing you need to do is look at the window and determine how much damage exists. Are there only minor cracks and chips? If so, these may be repairable without much effort.
On the other hand, has the glass shattered, or have multiple overlapping cracks spread across its surface? If so, you will likely need to replace it to secure your home and protect your family from further damaged glass.
Other factors you may want to consider include:
- The age of the window
- Whether any bespoke glass is necessary
- The location of the window
- Your budget
Older windows, especially historically relevant or rare frames, may demand you to either modernize them or pay a lot for specialist repairs.
You will likely need to pay extra to replace any specialist glass, such as tinted materials. If they are triple-glazed, then this can mean an even greater cost.
Also, consider any hazards that the glass may cause if it shatters at a later time. If the glass could land in a child’s room or something similar, you would want to protect your family by replacing it as soon as possible.
Lastly, think about how much you can afford. You will need to consider a realistic long-term option and whether repairs are more useful until you can afford a full replacement.
When to Risk DIY Repairs
While it may be tempting to fix the window yourself due to the savings it potentially offers, be aware that it may end up costing you more in the long term.
For example, many DIY kits use a resin that is not as tough as a single sheet of glass. These are effective for minor chips but may lack the durability you need for larger issues. If you face a long crack extending through the sheet, you will need something much more comprehensive or possibly complete glass replacement.
You should also consider whether you have the expertise to ensure a safe repair effort. If the damage is complex or extensive:
- Do you know how to prevent it from breaking during repairs?
- Could you end up making the damage worse?
- Do you know what to do with the glass you remove?
- Will you need to replace a frame and do you need help?
- Might you fail to meet appropriate building energy codes?
- Will your insurance cover self-repairs?
While imagining that you can resolve any issue in your home is great, DIY repairs can often be very time-consuming. They may also demand specific skills that you do not have. You could end up getting halfway through and realizing you should have called in experts all along.
In a worst-case scenario, you could even face increased costs due to damage caused by a DIY repair effort. Professional repairs instead ensure the safety of everyone in the home and guarantee a high-quality installation.
How Delaying Repairs Might Cost You Extra
Another option is to leave the repair until later. Covering the area in cardboard or tarp can keep a lot of the air from circulating between inside and outside, but it is also unsightly.
However, be aware that waiting may end up costing you more. Small cracks in windows often expand, especially in Las Vegas, due to the cool nights and warm days reaching an average high of 105°F. These can end up making repairs impossible and replacement inevitable.
At the same time, damaged windows are far less secure than repaired panes. They are easier to damage, which can lead to your home being far less safe.
As mentioned above, windows are also a significant cause of heat loss in a home. Not having a tight seal with the outside world, such as when you have a window crack, can often lead to further increases in heating and cooling costs.
Then you need to consider:
- Decreased property value from visible damage
- Pest infestations through broken windows
- Increased Vegas noise pollution
- Water damage or mold from leaks through the window
- Higher insurance premiums due to not repairing damage
Together, these issues can lead to a significant outgoing, even if you are attempting to save money by waiting.
Professional Window Glass Repair Services
Instead of risking one of what Housegrail reports as 960,000 power tool injuries annually, why not get an expert to do the job instead? A skilled professional can assess the damage to your home more accurately and recommend the best options moving forward. They can also inform you if it would be better to repair vs. replace the window.
Such services will also be able to source high-quality materials and fittings. By working alongside them, you can ensure your windows will likely save you money in the long term by preventing further damage and reducing energy outgoings.
Ensure Your Windows Get the Treatment They Deserve
When glass in your home threatens to cause problems, window glass repair is not only a practical solution but a necessary one. It offers safety, energy efficiency, and long-term cost savings your family can benefit from for a long time.
Delux Windows and Glass understands this and can commit to timely repairs, from fixing small cracks to enacting extensive replacements. Contact our team today to start returning your windows to the pristine condition you need them to be in.