Ways To Prevent Window Damage During Construction

Construction sites are teeming with activity, and taking precautions to prevent property damage is essential. Unfortunately, mishaps occur, and windows are often the casualties during construction and renovation projects. Here are common types of window damage and how to protect them during construction.

Keeping existing structures intact during repairs, renovations, or construction on residential or commercial properties is critical. Windows, along with flooring, are especially susceptible to damage without proper measures.

Windows can get scratched in numerous ways on a construction site. Significant scratches may result from projectiles, dropped equipment, or welding issues around windows.

Minor scratches are also a concern. Certain types of glass are easily scratched, so contact with metal tools, paintbrushes, or cleaning brushes can cause minor damage if not handled carefully.

Both major and minor scratches can lead to expensive repairs and may affect a client’s confidence in your work. If you accidentally scratch a customer’s glass windows, you may be liable for the repair costs.

When glass shatters, the thermal energy stored during production is released, causing it to break into many pieces. Heavy machinery and tools can cause glass windows to shatter. When this happens, replacement is the only option. Besides being expensive, replacing broken windows can significantly delay the project, especially if special materials are needed.

Paint damage to windows is common in construction projects. Despite your best efforts, stray paint droplets can land on other objects in the room. If paint gets on a glass window, wiping it off is often ineffective, as paint is difficult to remove and can smear and dry on the glass.

Removing paint from glass windows requires a special tool, which can cause scratches or damage to the glass or its treatments if not used correctly.

The trim around a window often sustains significant damage. From children’s markers to furniture and shoe scuffs, window trims and sills are prone to damage, and as a contractor, you don’t want to add to this.

Bumping into the window trim or sill with equipment can cause dents and cracks in the paint and wood. Moreover, moving furniture can lead to scuffs or even tearing the wood off the wall. Paint spills also damage window sills and trims if the wrong color leaks or splatters on them.

Given the potential risks on construction sites that can harm windows, taking measures to protect them is essential. Ensuring the windows and glass are protected can prevent project delays and enhance client satisfaction. Here are specific strategies to safeguard windows during construction and renovation projects.

Before starting a project, conduct a site survey to identify areas of concern and plan ways to prevent damage. If a wall has many windows, strategize necessary renovations or repairs to avoid harming the trim, frame, or glass. Consider how you’ll move furniture and equipment to prevent accidental scratches or cracks, and designate areas for activities like welding to keep clear of windows.

In some cases, removing a window entirely may be necessary to avoid damage during significant repairs. Even then, proper protection and storage are essential. Moreover, emphasize safe handling of equipment for every team member.

Looking after your windows will help maximise their life and performance, and enables you to retain product warranties. Tips on routine window maintenance can be found here.

Using a protective barrier on windows during construction is an effective way to prevent scratches and paint splashes. Homeowners may use paper like newspapers or magazine pages, but for professional contractors, using window protection film is more effective and looks more professional.

Follow instructions for applying protection film, ensuring the surface is clean beforehand. Products like Protect n Peel Window Protection Film provide an affordable, durable solution and can be removed up to 1 month later without leaving residue.

Another way to protect windows is by using painter’s tape, typically blue in color. This tape resists water- and oil-based paints and remains straight despite humidity. It is commonly used by contractors to keep paint off ceilings and window trims. Painter’s tape, such as our Blue Washi Tape, is also useful as temporary window coverings during construction.

To avoid frequent trips to the hardware store for painter’s tape or window protection film, order from Ultimate Solutions online. Benefit from bulk ordering options to save money and ensure you never run out of supplies.

If you have any questions about our products or need assistance with your projects, our customer service team is here to help!