Broken windows

cherry 2 · 09-21-2009, 08:02 PM

We bought a house on the golf course and closed in June. We have not been there, but have had two windows broken due to golf balls. Just wanted to know what people living on the golf course recommend putting up to prevent the future breakage of glass. Do you use tempered glass, put up a shield of some sort or what? We are in Michigan now and will be down in Oct. Want to rememdy this problem. Does anyone have any recommendation of people to help us out. Thanks.

784caroline · 09-22-2009, 07:58 AM

Ah the joy of living on a golf course...sorry to hear about your problem but it is more common than you think...especially on the executive courses. You can get tempered glass but most people I believe get a 3M film thats installed on your glass. The film may not in all cases prevent breakage but will prevent shattering of you window. It is not only used for golf balls but moreso to prevent vandalism or for hurricane protection when the high wind will throw debris in the air and also the film can tint your glass that would repel heat and prevent discoloring of your furniture/carpets. If you remember when the tornado struck in 2007 a real BIG problem with the landscape rocks being thrown in the air and breaking alot of windows. There are a number of contractors that advertise in the daily Sun that can do this work.
Sounds like you need it...good luck!

cherry 2 · 09-23-2009, 09:22 AM

Thanks for reply 754 Caroline....just wondering if you have any suggestions as to who could do work, like replacing glass with tempered glass, or putting up the film you are talking about. Until we get down there it is hard to find out what we should do. We have two friends that are down there now that will try and help us out to get this fixed. Thanks...Ruth Cherry

784caroline · 09-23-2009, 10:29 AM

There are a number of window places that can get you tempered glass Windows Plus is one that comes to mind BUT I HAVE NEVER USED THEM NOR CAN I RECOMMEND.

As far as the window film, our neighbor had it installed on their windows and sliding glass door but they are out of town until next week. I will get back to you on that one unless I find something out in the eman time.

cherry 2 · 09-23-2009, 06:37 PM

Thank you 784 Caroline....it's nice to be able to communicate with someone.

gonzy · 09-23-2009, 06:52 PM

I used to have a greenhouse up north and got tired of constantly replacing broken glass. I used acryllic in place of the glass and never had any more problems. You can cut the acryllic with a regular circular saw if you cannot find it in exact size. I used to buy it from Mcmaster Carr catalog as they stocked it in 24 x24 inch size but I'm sure if you do a web search you can find it. I tried other plastics but found that acryllic did not cloud up over time.

zcaveman · 09-23-2009, 07:42 PM

Window film is not going to stop your windows from getting broken. It is only going to save you from having to pick the glass off of the floor and out of the rug and the furniture. You are still going to have to replace a broken window and they are not cheap. For a long term solution you are going to have to find a glass company that can get you tempered glass that will withstand the impact of a golf ball.

The acrylic panels is a solution but they tend to get cloudy and your house is not a greenhouse.

I know you are up north (or somewhere). Why don't you ask a local glass company for a solution and then try to find a dealer down here that can do the job?

johnfarr · 09-23-2009, 08:29 PM

I live on a golf course and have had windows broken. I bought 4' x 8' sheets of Lexan, cut them to the window size (easy with a Skil saw) and used stainless steel screws to hold them up. I bought plastic tubing and cut into 3/4" lengths to space the Lexan away from the windows (when Lexan is in direct contact with glass the energy of a golf ball would be transferred, potentially breaking the glass). Since then we've been hit but no breaks.

We have 3 windows on the golf side and the materials cost a bit less than $500. Lexan is much tougher than vinyl or acrilic and will handle the the sun's UV rays better.

The only problem is these windows are impossible to clean, now.

Also, our vinyl siding gets broken once in a while. Get the exact color and keep a few 12' lengths of siding around (it is very cheap). After wrestling with it the first time it is easy to replace after that.

John

Aceskaters · 09-23-2009, 08:32 PM

Defensively placed trees and trellises with vines. My brother's neighbor put up a black metal trellis, not a very heavy one, and tied some dark window screening on it (the kind you use for a porch or pool enclosure - very cheap to buy) and placed it at an angle just outside the window, broadside to the golf course. It is hardly noticeable and seems to work.

hoganth · 09-25-2009, 08:35 AM

What is the "official" position of the villages about stray golf shots damaging property, i.e. broken windows, dented lanai screens, roof damage, automobile damage, etc.
Its amazing how far some of these shots are from the actual golf course.

Russ_Boston · 09-25-2009, 10:24 AM

Don't know for sure but i would assume 'caveat emptor'!

Bambi · 09-25-2009, 11:48 AM

The golfer is responsible for errant balls on the golf course. My husband was hit while standing in our yard. The golfer's insurance company very quickly made a very substantial offer in return for my husband's signature on the release form. The agent stated that courts consider the ball itself a "trespass."

You are responsible for your actions. Do you think that those who build near an airport assume the responsibility for airplanes crashing into their homes or those that live near a curve in the road absolve drivers from liability if they miss the curve? I am sure that you remember playing backyard baseball and your parents making you pay for neighbor's window from your allowance.

We have only had one window broken. My husband then designed a double screen with 20-20 mesh on a matching frame that can not be noticed and solves any future problems. It is easily removed for window cleaning. It is a cheap and efficient remedy.

Please play and enjoy the game with responsibility.

784caroline · 12:42 PM

Why would The Villages have an "official" position on this...other than no hitting beyond the out of bounds marker. As most golf courses that have homes lining the fairway, It is the homeowners responsibility for any damage that occurs....they bought with full knowledge that a golf course was behind their home and actually paid a pretty premium for the privilege.

Now that said, the golfer who hits the errant ball and "knows" that damage occurred would have a moral responsibility...but I doubt it would be legal one. I only say doubt because every state has different laws.

rshoffer · 09-25-2009, 01:39 PM

WOW... and to think you paid a mega-buck premium for this ....

hoganth · 09-26-2009, 05:40 AM

Well I suppose "official" position was a poor choice of words. I was trying to compare it with such things as when people who walk their dogs they are supposed to carry a container to pick up their pets deposits as opposed to leaving them in the lawns. My question was invoked by the fact that we had a car window shattered by a golf ball whilst our car was parked in the driveway in front of the house. I retrieved the ball from the interior of the car, took the ball back to the course and found the golfer who hit it. He apologized, said he would take care of the expense of replacing the door glass. He gave me his phone number and name, after having the glass replaced I phoned him and left a message to call me and discuss reimbursement. LOL, He never returned my call. I suppose I should have called the police in the beginning but being a golfer myself I understand things happen accidentally, and gave the gentlemen the benefit of the doubt. Just looking for some feedback and opinions.

Broken windows

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