Understanding Stress Cracks in Windows

 

Window panes can crack for different reasons, but stress is a common culprit. Although it wouldn’t necessarily lead to breakage immediately, such a phenomenon is worth discovering, investigating and understanding.

Before you tackle your window replacement project, let Renewal by Andersen® of San Francisco answer your biggest questions about stress cracks:

What Are the Causes?

Stress cracks happen because of thermal variance in the glass. Typically, these issues occur in the spring and fall when the air is so much hotter in the morning than at night.

However, window replacement specialists would attest that the real suspect is unequal shading. The glass section exposed to heat expands while the shaded areas remain cool. When it experiences too much stress due to thermal variance over a certain period, it can crack.

How to Spot Them?

Large cracks are hard to miss, but small, isolated cases tend to go unnoticed. The cladding or trim could affect your view of the glass edge where they often begin.

In addition to inspecting each unit closely routinely, it pays to prioritize those installed beneath the overhangs that usually get uneven shade. Be aware of what’s happening outside, too. Newly built homes could alter the amount of sunlight that passes through your windows. The same thing could happen the following, sunny day after a gale blows down a large tree in your yard.

Can They Be Prevented?

Since there’s no way to stop temperatures from changing, nothing can prevent thermal stress cracks from occurring. However, you can reduce their chances of happening by choosing the right products and hiring the right window replacement company. Units with thick, high-quality panes can offer great resistance to cracks while savvy professionals think about the climate and sun exposure before offering product recommendations.

Get your project started today. Call Renewal by Andersen of San Francisco now to set up your no-obligation consultation to discuss your home improvement needs and get a free estimate. We serve San Francisco and other neighboring communities.