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Emergency Window Damage Checklist – What You Need to Know

Your home’s windows may rarely cross your mind. But, when sudden damage strikes, you’ll realize that the windows are crucial to the safety and comfort of your entire home. Emergency window damage can pose a serious security risk to your home and needs to be addressed ASAP. 

For homeowners who find cracked panes, broken panes, broken locks, faulty seals, or other serious window issues, acting quickly is important. But, what exactly should you do to restore the condition of your windows promptly? This article will discuss emergency window damage and how you can secure window replacement services before further damage is done. 

Types of Urgent Damage

Broken Window Panes

Broken or cracked window panes may be caused by anything from a hailstorm to a poorly-aimed ball and expansion and contraction due to fluctuating outdoor temperatures. This type of window damage can expose the interior of your home and make it accessible to intruders. So, you’ll need to have it taken care of promptly. 

Immediately after a window pane breaks, safely clean up the broken glass and, if you can’t get a window repair team to your home immediately, board up the window. Then, make sure to have the window replaced as soon as possible. 

Broken Window Locks

Locking your windows is an important security measure. Window locks may break due to deterioration or poor installation. Luckily, broken window locks are fairly straightforward to fix. The lock may need to be replaced to restore the security of your window, but this task won’t be as large of an ordeal as a full window replacement. 

Damaged Window Casing

Window casings can become damaged. Whether due to gradual rotting over time or sudden impact damage, a broken window casing will likely require a full window replacement. Note that when the window is replaced, it’s crucial to check for mold damage and insect infestation so that those problems can be addressed, too. These issues can lead to further window casing damage. 

Window Maintenance To Avoid Damage

It’s worth noting that some types of emergency window damage can be avoided with proper window installation and maintenance. As far as installation goes, ensuring to enlist the help of a trusted, experienced window team will go a long way in preventing damage. Poorly installed windows are far more likely to break down, especially in harsh weather conditions. Maintenance, such as cleaning your windows and lubricating the hardware as needed, can also protect your windows against certain types of damage. Of course, a broken window due to a stray baseball or damage after a major hailstorm aren’t preventable. But, you’ll still benefit from taking great care of your windows throughout their lifespan. 

Finding The Source of The Damage

When window damage occurs, one of the first steps that you take should be to determine its cause. If it was an accident or a sudden storm, there aren’t really measures that you can take to prevent the same type of damage from happening again. But, if it was caused by water damage, poor installation, or other avoidable factors, you should take steps to prevent future damage. In the case of water damage, for example, there may be a leak somewhere in your home that should be repaired to preserve the condition of your windows. 

Contact the Window Damage Experts

If you have a damaged window, it poses the risk for weather problems, home intruders, and animals or insects infesting your home. These types of damage can quickly rack up repair expenses resulting from a single broken window. 

Reach out to your local Minneapolis window specialists as soon as you notice the damage. Professionals can advise you on the best next steps to take, whether it be to wait for technicians to arrive or have the window boarded up until it can be addressed. 

Insurance Claims For Window Damage

In addition to contacting your local window professionals, you should reach out to your insurance company after your window becomes damaged. Some types of window damage are covered under homeowners insurance. You’ll need to check with your insurance agent to find out whether or not the type of window damage at hand is covered under your policy. If it is, you can file a claim to receive compensation for the repair costs. 


Contact Superior Windows today for window replacement services across the Twin Cities.

Categories Blog

What Are The Most Common Types of Window Damage?

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No one wants to have to deal with damaged windows in their home. But, whether due to time, the elements, or even poor installation, damage can affect all types of windows. Window damage is common and can often be repaired with ease. However, other types of damage may merit a full window replacement. 

Keep reading to learn about the three most common types of window damage. For any help with window damage or window replacement, remember to consult your local Minneapolis window experts

Six Common Types of Window Damage

Window Damage Culprit #1: Rot

Rotting windows are a dreaded issue for homeowners, as the rot will generally call for a full window replacement. Windows can start to rot when excess moisture sits on the window materials for a prolonged period. The moisture will start to break down the window materials and eventually lead to rotting. 

Window rot is often visible, making the issue easy to identify. But, if the rot isn’t visually evident, you may be able to tell by touching the window frame. If it’s soft to the touch, it has a rot issue. Discoloration is another telltale sign of rotting windows. 

Culprit #2: Shrinking or Expanding Window Frames

When your home’s windows are exposed to particularly high or low temperatures, it can cause them to expand or contract. Specifically, window frames may contract when the weather is cold and expand when it’s warm out. Unfortunately, while the weather is entirely out of your control, this issue can lead to serious problems for your home’s windows. 

The expanding or contracting of your home’s windows will put significant strain on every part of the windows, including the glass. Over time, the warping of your window frames will cause the glass to warp as well. This pressure can cause irreversible damage to your windows. 

The best, most reliable way to avoid shrinking and expanding window frames is to invest in high-quality window installation services

Culprit #3: Failed Seals

One of the main causes of draft windows is failed window seals. This occurs if a double or triple pane window’s seal becomes damaged. Once the seal is damaged, the argon gas in between the panes of glass can escape. A broken seal fully compromises the energy-efficiency of a window. 

The causes of a failed window seal can range from basic wear and tear to shipment damage. Improper installation, weather conditions, and mold growth can also cause a failed seal. 

Culprit #4: Cracked Window Caulk

Caulk is the material that lines your window frame at the point where it connects with the structure of your home. The main purpose of caulk is to keep drafts from reaching the interior of your home. When caulk starts to wear down over time, it can develop cracks. This mainly happens when windows expand and contract due to the changes in temperature, which we discussed above. 

Cracks in window caulk can be difficult to see. You may need to hold your hand over the caulk and move it across the perimeter to see where you feel air coming into your home. If the draft is coming into your home because of cracked window caulk, you’ll need to have the caulk replaced, which is also known as recaulking your windows. 

Culprit #5: Improper Window Installation

Reliable window installation services in Omaha are essential to prevent all types of window damage, including air leaks. Poor installation can lead to gaps between the window frame and the window, leading to draftiness. Window installation should be left to an experienced, professional team. Trying to complete the installation on your own or selecting less-than-dependable installation services can lead to heightened repair costs down the line. 

Culprit #6: The Window Is Past Its Prime

Windows don’t last forever. Eventually, all windows will fail and need replacement. If you feel a draft coming through your windows and the windows themselves are old, it’s probably time for window replacement services