Among the things that people put into consideration when buying houses or homes are the windows. It is with good reason. They provide homes with the much-needed natural light, insulation, ventilation, and protection from the elements and intruders. Since they play a critical role in houses, windows need to be appropriately maintained. However, this is easier said than done. Once in a while, your windows might shatter due to various reasons. For one, it might be kids playing and throwing objects at the windows, storms, and even window glass replacement. Shattered windows expose you to burglars as their breaking becomes easier. The windows will also lose their effectiveness in providing insulation, and the glass can also cause injuries.
The good news is that there are several things you can do to make your windows shatter-resistant.
Plexiglass can withstand seventeen times the impact that regular glass can withstand. This makes it a great shatter-resistant choice. It will take much more impact and force for plexiglass windows to break. This makes it the ideal material for houses located in areas that are prone to hurricanes and other destructive elements. Also, if your neighborhood is prone to burglars, this would make an excellent choice as it will deter breaking.
The other benefits of using plexiglass windows are that they allow more light to pass compared to glass, and they are also very affordable and easy to install.
Tempered glass by itself is an excellent option for a shatter-resistant window. This glass is given a treatment that makes it four times stronger than regular glass. This renders it ideal for windows located near where kids play. The impact of toys and other projectiles will hardly break tempered glass. Also, if the glass breaks, it does not shatter into large shards, which can cause cuts. Instead, it breaks into multiple pebble-like pieces that are harmless.
The best part is that the strength of tempered glass can be reinforced with a protective coating. When this coating is applied on the glass’s surface, a chemical reaction occurs, which makes the glass even harder.
The laminated glass increases the overall window performance. Remember that regular glass will shatter easily with the slightest impact. On the other hand, tempered glass can withstand the impact that the standard glass is unable to, but then it can still shatter into small pieces on a significant impact. Laminated glass is different.
It is made of layers of glass and vinyl, which holds it together even if it breaks. This makes it an ideal safety glass option as they prevent breakage and still protect the occupants of a home from weather elements.
However, the one thing you need to know is that it will cost you more to install laminated glass windows. They are more expensive, but you are guaranteed of no shatter regardless of the impact.
Impact-resistant windows are the best for homes at the coast of hurricane-prone locations. These windows are strong and can survive massive hurricanes. While they are the best option for shatter-resistant windows, it is essential to note that they are pricey.
Impact-resistant windows are made of shatter-resistant glass that is combined with a layer of an ethylene-vinyl acetate layer or polyvinyl butyral. These layers can be made thicker, depending on the preference of the buyer. More thickness comes with benefits. If you increase the thickness of the vinyl layers and glass, the stronger the window will be, and of course, you will have to part with more money for the windows. With these windows, your home can survive a storm of 200 miles per hour of wind.
It is vital to note that these windows will increase the overall cost of your construction project. The bright side is that you will not incur losses resulting from the damage of belongings inside the house, resulting from a storm in the long run.
Double-check to avoid the poor installation of your windows, as this is a significant reason behind windows shattering. Sometimes it is essential to consult a professional before installing a window, even if you are planning to do a diy window replacement. Poor installation ranges from the wrong shading to the incorrect installation of the window frame.
Wrong shading can expose one side of the glass pane to too much heat, while the other too much shade. The difference in temperature can cause thermal stress, leading to the spontaneous breakage of the window. If you are using a weak frame, the window can be dismantled even by the mildest storm.
Identifying the proper elevation of windows is also critical during installing. Note that a window installed too high or too low is likely to get pressure cracks. Uneven installation of the panes in the frame is also a sign of poor installation, which will make the window shift from time to time, and it may develop cracks in the long run.
The poor installation and operation of the window’s mechanical parts can cause problems too. For instance, you will have to use force opening and closing the windows. Excess force can lead to shattering eventually. Incomplete caulking is also poor installation, and this can expose the edges of the window, where cracks will start developing.
Making your windows shatter-resistant is the best bet by using materials that can withstand different magnitudes of impact. Working with plexiglass for windows is among the most effective ways to beef up your windows’ strength. Other glass types like tempered glass and laminated glass have also proved to be shatter-resistant, although at different levels. Poor installation of windows can also lead to shattering. Ensure that this is done correctly, and if you are not experienced with it, it is best to hire a professional to give you insights into the process.
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