Last Updated on July 1, 2025
Weather is the leading cause of window damage, and Chicagoland experiences its fair share of extreme conditions. From fluctuating temperatures to intense storms, the region’s climate puts significant strain on windows. Here’s what you need to know to protect your home from the area’s most common sources of window damage.
Chicagoland’s winters are notoriously harsh, with temperatures often plunging well below zero. Summers, on the other hand, bring their own challenges, including powerful thunderstorms, hail, and destructive winds. Tornadoes pose an additional threat during the warmer months, further increasing the risk to homes in the region.
1. Weather
Given the wide range of inclement weather throughout the year, Chicagoland homes are vulnerable to the aftermath. The area’s extreme temperatures—heat and cold—affect windows as the glass expands and contracts, leading to damage, like cracks, warping, and seal failures.
When thermal contractions damage the seals around windows, air and moisture can leak into the home. Wooden window frames distort, too, due to the temperature fluctuations. Condensation is likely as a result of extreme temperature differences and leads to mold growth.
Summer thunderstorms in Chicagoland produce large hail that can damage windows upon impact. The force of hail potentially shatters and cracks window glass, tears screens, or dents window frames. Hail can also loosen weatherstripping around windows, compromising the home’s energy efficiency.
Tornadoes are no strangers to Chicagoland. When fierce winds blow, they send everyday objects flying into windows. Unsecured patio furniture, trash cans, and even siding can turn into dangerous projectiles during strong winds and damage residential windows.
Even when it’s not tornado season, Chicagoland’s gusty winds can still damage windows. Powerful winds vibrate and rattle windows, leading to cracks, chips, and breakage. Winds also force water through tiny cracks and gaps in the windows, leading to mold growth or water damage.
Sun damage is prevalent during Chicagoland’s summer months. Windows exposed to the harsh UV rays may turn yellow, fade, or crack. Decreasing the harmful effects of UV rays requires adding window shades or tinting. Installing low-E windows is another solution to minimize UV damage.
Chicagoland winters average 28 inches of snowfall each year, giving homeowners angst about their windows. The sheer weight of heavy snow can cause windows to bend or break. Ice buildup is worrisome, too, since the frozen particles can cause breaks or cracks in the window glass.
2. Accidental Damage
Summer is a time for baseball, whether for the Cubs or kids. While games are played in Wrigley Field, kids in the neighborhood enjoy swinging bats in their yards. Errant baseballs have the potential to crack or break windows, necessitating immediate repairs or replacement.
Similarly, homeowners mow their lawns each summer. The possibility of the mower hurling rocks is high. When the mower throws rocks against the windows, the impacts can crack them. Homeowners should maintain their lawns with caution to minimize accidental window breakage.
3. Age
3. AgeOlder windows are more prone to damage from everyday wear and tear as well as environmental threats and wood window rot. As windows age, they lose their sturdy seals. If seals fail, window frames deteriorate or the glass becomes fragile over time, the risk for damage increases.
4. Poor Installation
The quality of installation significantly affects the window’s longevity. Leaks, drafts, and structural weaknesses are more likely when windows are poorly installed. As a result, further ruin, such as water damage, can occur. Professional installation can prevent this and ensure building codes are met.
5. Lack of Maintenance
Just as homes need maintenance, the windows do, too. Neglecting to follow a routine maintenance schedule can lead to problems the homeowner may miss. Decaying window frames and small cracks can be spotted in the nick of time when the windows are regularly inspected for damage.
Regular inspections should accompany routine cleanings and immediate repairs of any identified issues. Following a maintenance schedule prevents small damages from turning into major, costly repairs. Homeowners should inspect their windows twice annually during seasonal changes, like spring and fall.
When checking the windows, pay attention to the condition of the frames, glass, seals, and hardware. Look for signs of deterioration, such as warping, loose or broken parts, cracks, and failing seals. Homeowners might opt for more frequent inspections to catch issues early.
Homeowners can also assign the routine task to a window repair company. Professional window inspections ensure optimal window performance and detect problems right away. Ideally, schedule inspections every 3 to 5 years for newer homes and every two years for older properties.
In Chicagoland, it’s also recommended to schedule a window inspection after severe weather, such as storms and heavy rains. A window repair professional examines the windows and frames for signs of moisture, cracks, hardware issues, tears in the screen, or gaps in the caulking.
Window Repair Services from Arax
Window Repair Services from AraxIf problems with the windows are noticed during the inspection, it’s important to repair them right away to prevent further damage to the home. Arax Windows Work is a local Chicagoland window repair company with the industry experience and skilled crews to fix your windows and return their efficiency.
We address a wide range of problems, from foggy windows to wooden frame damage. Our wood window repair specialists restore glass, perform patio door maintenance, and repair broken windows. As a result of our high-quality work, the functionality of your windows is restored.
Homeowners with custom windows also benefit from our repair services. We retain the custom shapes and designs during the repair process. Whether your windows are older or newer, our specialists possess the qualifications to repair all types of windows and preserve their integrity.
Our window repair professionals arrive at your home and asses the condition of the windows. Upon a thorough evaluation, we suggest improvements, whether repairs or replacement, to restore optimal performance. If you have specific window repair needs, we can accommodate them, too.
Arax Windows Work is Chicagoland’s most trusted window repair company, serving the suburbs with dedication. Call our Cary, Illinois, location to extend the life of your windows, improve their efficiency or simply after a storm. Our comprehensive window repair services fulfill your window repair needs.
