Waukesha county just got hit with severe rainfall that’s led to massive flooding and leaving many homes with damages. Over $60 million in private property damage, to be exact. If your home wasn’t one of the 2,000+ homes that reported flooding damage, there might still be window damage that’s more serious than you think.
Storms can have a big impact on windows even if it isn’t as obvious as broken glass. The hard part is finding out if your windows are in big trouble if you don’t know what to look for. So we’ll uncover the signs to watch out for, what window damage really means for your home, and what to do with your windows if damaged by the storm.
Table of Contents:
- How Storms Affect Your Windows (Even If They Don’t Look Broken)
- 5 Signs Of Window Damage
- What Damaged Windows Really Do To Your Home
- Window Damage: The Solutions
- Benefits of Window Replacement
- What It’s Like to Replace Your Windows (And Why You’ll Want a Contractor)
- Keep Your Home Safe After the Storm
How Storms Affect Your Windows (Even If They Don’t Look Broken)
If your windows aren’t smashed open from the storm, that’s great. However, they might have still suffered from the storm, leaving damages that can make your home uncomfortable to live in. Let’s see how storms affect your windows:
Physical Damage
With debris flying all over your neighborhood due to high winds. It can chip, crack, or shatter your glass. Even small branches or hail can chip at your windows and weaken the panes over time. Strong winds can also loosen your window frames, seals, or other hardware, especially if you live in an older home with poorly installed windows.
Water Intrusion
If there are any cracks or worn-out seals, the rain will make it much worse. Pouring rain can seep into your home, and can cause mold, wood rot, and water stains that are hard to remove. And if you ignore it? You’re asking for the damage to spread way beyond just the window area…
Pressure Changes
In severe storms like windstorms or hurricanes, pressure differences can strain the window glass and frames. Weak or outdated windows may bow, crack, or even blow inward. And if your windows are still holding on, it’s not guaranteed they’ll make it through the next storm since they’re weaker now.
Energy Efficiency Loss
After repeated storm exposure, seals and weatherstripping deteriorate over time, leading to drafts and higher energy bills (your HVAC will have to work harder to compensate for lack of insulation). Moisture that gets inside can also permanently fog up double-pane or triple-pane windows, and you’ll have to replace them.
5 Signs Of Window Damage
Old or damaged windows aren’t always obvious at first glance. But if you know what to look for, you can catch the warning signs before they turn into costly repairs or abnormally high utility bills. Here are the most common red flags homeowners should watch out for:
Drafts and Air Leaks
If you stand next to your windows and feel a chill creeping in around your window frames—even when they’re closed—it’s a clear sign that the insulation has failed. Drafts not only make your home less comfortable but also force your furnace or AC to work harder. Over time, that adds unnecessary strain to your HVAC system and your wallet.
Foggy or Condensed Panes
Condensation or fog that forms between your window panes is more than just an eyesore—it’s a sign of a broken seal. Modern double and triple-pane windows rely on airtight seals to keep insulating gas in place. Once that seal breaks, your windows lose its ability to retain heat, and moisture slips inside where it doesn’t belong. At that point, repair or replacement is usually necessary. Cleaning your windows won’t remove the fog either.
Stubborn Windows That Won’t Open or Close
Windows should open and close with minimal effort. If you find yourself wrestling with them, it could mean the frame has warped, the hardware has worn out, or swelling has occurred due to moisture damage. Besides being inconvenient, stuck windows can also be a safety hazard in case you ever need to use them as an emergency exit.
Higher Energy Bills
If you’ve noticed your utility bills creeping up without a big change in how you use energy, your windows might be the culprit. Poorly sealed or inefficient windows allow heat to escape in the winter and sneak in during the summer. That means your HVAC system runs longer and harder than necessary—wasting both energy and money. So maybe it isn’t the kids watching too much T.V…
Visible Cracks or Damage
This one’s the most obvious. Cracks in the glass or frame weaken your window’s structure, invite leaks, and weaken security. Even small fractures can spread over time, making quick replacement the safer and smarter option.
If you’ve found any of these signs around your windows, it’s important not to neglect them. They can have some serious side effects on the rest of your home…
What Damaged Windows Really Do To Your Home
Windows aren’t just there for looks, they’re crucial to your home’s comfort, safety, and value. When they’re cracked, warped, or failing, the impact spreads further than most homeowners realize.
Safety Concerns
Cracks in glass or weakened frames make it easier for intruders to break in. Even minor damage can snowball into serious danger during storms, since broken seals or fragile glass are more likely to shatter under heavy wind. For families, stuck windows also pose a risk in emergencies, since they may not open when you need them most.
Comfort Compromises
Drafty, failing windows let outside air sneak in and your conditioned air slip out. That means cold spots in the winter and extremely hot, unusable rooms in the summer. If you’ve ever had to avoid sitting near a window because it “just feels colder there,” that’s a classic symptom of window failure. Leaving you with a home that never feels consistently comfortable, no matter how much you adjust the thermostat.
Aesthetic Problems
Foggy panes, water stains, cracked glass, and warped frames all chip away at your home’s curb appeal. Instead of looking like a well-kept home, it can give the impression of neglect—even if the rest of your property is beautifully designed. Inside, foggy or damaged glass blocks natural light, making rooms feel darker and less inviting. So if you’re planning to sell your home soon, fix these damages first.
Financial Issues
Poorly sealed windows are one of the top culprits for energy loss in a home. As stated earlier, that means higher utility bills month after month as your HVAC system works harder to maintain temperature. On top of that, water intrusion from leaky frames can lead to costly repairs like rotted wood, mold, or damaged drywall. Long-term, outdated or damaged windows also drag down your resale value, since buyers know they’ll need to pay for replacements. It’s a headache and a wallet drainer…
So to prevent these window damages from stemming into even bigger problems for the house, let’s see what you can do with your windows.
Window Damage: The Solutions
When it comes to window damage, you have 2 solutions. You can either repair, or replace your windows. Not every window problem means you need a full replacement. Sometimes a simple repair can extend the life of your windows—but other times, replacing them is the smarter (and more cost-effective) choice.
When to Repair
Minor issues: Small cracks in the glass, broken hardware (like locks or handles), or worn-out weatherstripping can often be fixed.
Good frames: If the frame is still solid and not warped or rotted, repairing the glass or seal is usually enough.
Short-term solution: Repairs are great if you’re looking to buy some time before budgeting for full replacements. You can either do this yourself or hire someone.
When to Replace
Broken seals & foggy glass: Once the insulating seal between panes fails, repairs usually don’t last long. Replacement is the better investment.
Rotting or warped frames: If the frame itself is damaged, it compromises the entire window’s performance and safety.
Energy efficiency: Older single-pane windows or outdated models can’t compete with modern energy-efficient designs. Replacing them saves much more money long-term.
Multiple issues: If you’re dealing with drafts, high energy bills, and visible damage across several windows, it’s time to replace instead of patching things up.
Benefits of Window Replacement
While window replacements can seem like an annoying expense upfront, they actually come with some great added benefits.
- No More Damages
If your old windows are foggy, now they’re crystal clear! Now you also have peace of mind knowing you don’t have any deadspots, mold or mildew won’t creep in, and your home is comfy again.
- They Look Great
Modern windows are a subtle yet sleek upgrade to your home’s look that make it much more sophisticated. Maybe your old windows were ugly and outdated, now you can go out and choose windows that suit your home and make it look fresh.
- You Save Money Long-Term
We’ve been hammering the point that window damage causes higher energy bills. But with today’s energy efficient windows, your bills will be cheaper than ever before (unless your kids spend countless hours playing video games…).
What It’s Like to Replace Your Windows (And Why You’ll Want a Contractor)
If you’ve never replaced windows before, it might sound intimidating—but think of it like swapping out an old appliance. The process has a few moving parts, but with a contractor, it’s smoother than you might expect.
Why Call a Contractor Instead of DIY?
- Precision matters: Even a small mistake in measurement or sealing can lead to drafts, leaks, or even structural issues that you’ll have to fix again.
- Save time & effort: Replacing one window can take hours for a beginner—an entire home could take weeks. A professional crew can finish in a day or two while you run your errands.
- Warranty protection: Most manufacturers require pro installation for warranties to be valid.
- Safety: Removing heavy panes or working on second-story windows isn’t a beginner-friendly task. Don’t let your ego and back brace get in the way of this one.
Keep Your Home Safe After the Storm
After Waukesha’s record-breaking rainfall and flooding, it’s more important than ever to make sure your windows are protecting your home. Now that you know what to look for, and what window damages really mean for your home, fixing this should be a piece of cake. You’re one call away from lower energy bills and a happy home, year round.
At Home Guard Exteriors, we’ve helped Waukesha homeowners recover from storm damage and upgrade their homes with energy-efficient, long-lasting window solutions. When you’re ready for peace of mind and a home that’s prepared for the next storm…
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