We already covered the impact that sporting events can have on auto glass in a previous blog. From baseballs to golf balls, these can wreak havoc on windshields, side windows, and rear windshields. But cars aren’t the only objects affected. All too often windows on homes are broken from sports-related incidents too. In this article, we’ll tell you exactly what to do if your home’s glass has been broken because of a sports-related incident. If you’re looking for advice on what type of glass to use in a home gym or commercial gym, this may be helpful as well.
Glass Breaks
Many people have dealt with broken windows in their homes. And for those of us who spent time playing outside as children, many of us have been the culprits because of a home-run-gone-wrong. Adults can be to blame as well. We received an inquiry just last week from a homeowner who lives on a golf course and recently suffered two broken windows from stray golf balls.
Who’s Liable for Broken Windows During Sports?
When covering this topic in our auto glass blog, we found that it can be difficult to pinpoint fault in incidents like this. The golf course itself can rarely be held liable. So if your home is a victim, it’s best to hope that the person who caused the damage is an honest person who comes forward and offers to pay for the damage. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, with longer shots, the player might not even realize he or she caused any damage.
Insurance Claims for Broken Windows
If you’re in the unfortunate majority and unable to find the person who caused the broken window, you may want to consider making a claim against your homeowner’s insurance policy. Whether or not this is a possibility will depend on your individual policy. Some homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover damage caused by accidents like this.
If your policy does allow a claim, you will need to consider the deductible versus the cost to replace the broken glass. If the deductible is higher, it makes more sense to pay out of pocket for the window replacement. Lastly, you will want to consider how often you are making claims against your policy. Because administrative costs are involved in processing claims, too many claims may have the potential to increase your insurance rate. Always consult your insurance company and policy documents for details on these subjects.
Do You Have Window Replacement Options?
Are you the unfortunate homeowner who loved golf a little too much, bought a house next to the fairway, and now dealing with the consequences? Other than selling the house, what are your options? Can you upgrade the windows to resist breakage from golf ball impact? If the answer is yes, you can upgrade the windows to reduce the likelihood of breakage.
Replacing Glass with Stronger Break-Resistant Windows
First, use Glass.com to find a local shop in your area. You will want to speak with someone who can take into account your specific situation and design a solution just for you. This will depend on your existing windows, how much impact resistance is needed (which can depend on the distance, speed, and weight of the traveling projectile), and your budget. Generally, fully heat tempered glass will be a good option for deflecting golf balls. Just like most building materials, the thicker it is, the stronger it will be. For example, racquetball courts typically use ¾” fully heat tempered glass. Racquetball courts take a lot of abuse so ¾” may not be necessary on a residential home, but our Glass Detective recommends using ½” at the minimum.
Need More Impact Resistance? Try Something Other Than Glass
If the impact is coming from a short distance away, at high speed, glass might not be the best option. Glass can be made to take the impact of just about anything (think bullet-resistant glass). But at some point, it becomes cost prohibitive. Rather, polycarbonate may be just as good an option. This is the material that hockey rinks use as a barrier between the ice and the crowd. And if you’ve ever watched a hockey game, you know what kind of abuse this material can handle. Rinks often use ½” or 3/4” panels. They can also have a scratch/mar resistant coating applied to avoid ugly streaks that usually occur from an impact. Your Glass.com affiliate can install polycarbonate as well.
Has your home or business ever suffered a window break due to similar situations? If so, let us know what you did to fix it in the comments below!
11 Responses
We live on a golf course and are having window breakage from golf balls. After much research, if we want to keep the windows we have, the best we have come up with is an ‘anti-intrusion film’ that will keep the glass from shattering but will leave ‘scars’ and marks (like the product 3M makes). Do you know of any film-type product out there that is totally ‘scar proof’ and will leave no marks from a ball? Or a product that we can put on the windows and see clearly still? I have read about polycarbonate but it sounds like we wouldn’t get the clarity we have with our regular glass? Any help would be much appreciated!!!
Hi Donna,
I’m sorry to hear you’ve been experiencing so many window breaks from golf balls! Yes, window film can be another good way to prevent damage. It is also referred to as “anti-theft” and “security” film. Unfortunately, we are not aware of any particular product that will not scar. We are experts in glass and the window film industry is an entire world of its own. We have heard that Solar Gard’s Armorcoat film and films by Defenselite are very highly regarded for impact-resistance though. It would be best to call your local architectural window film dealer (some window film dealers only install automotive film).
Oh yeah ! My son always broke more and more windows until i shouted at him. But golf it is good sport !
I didn’t think about replacing my window with break-resistant glass. It broke because my naughty dog jumped at the glass, so that would be a great idea for us. I will take your advice to heart and see if I can get at least 1/2 thick panes when we have our window replaced.
You give great advice to think about installing commercial tempered glass if your windows might take some abuse. We are thinking about moving next to a golf course and I am worried about this. This would save money in the long run instead of having to repair windows repeatedly.
My fiance and I have always liked the idea of living near a golf course, because of the great views. I am being curious and interested in knowing what glass is best resistant to ball damages, and it’s interesting o know that it’s a fully heated tempered glass the most adequate option. Hopefully, my husband and I start looking for a real estate person that can help us friend our dream house.
Daniel, Can polycsrbonate sheets be attached to impact resistant coastal windows to keep the exterior glass from shattering from golf balls? We are building a house that is 250 yards from the tee box and a common right handed slice will hit either the front or side of the house. How can we fortify these “hurricane rated 110 mph” windows to protect them from errant golf balls? Thx for your ideas?
Yes, polycarbonate sheets can be attached in front of the windows, but they must be installed properly. Also, keep in mind that polycarbonate will not be as optically clear as glass. Another option would be to add a sheet of tempered glass. Protective window film may help as well. Start by contacting a local, high-quality and reputable glass company in your area. They should be able to assist you with selecting the best option for your specific application.
Hello
Can you refer a reputable glass company around Atlanta. I am in a golf course with a few broken windows and I would like to have a solution to my problem. It can be plastic folm or tempered glass. I just need some long term fix.
Thank you
Dora
Hi Dora, you can find replacement providers in Atlanta here.
Hi, I’m building a sports court with and installing a 18×4′ glass between the lobby and court for viewing inside the court. Is 3/8″ temparared glass appropriate? The court will be multipurpose, but mostly for kickball, pickle ball, basketball etc. We might allow baseball training but not positive.