Why Did My Window Shatter During Nearby Construction?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the potential causes of a shattered double-glazed window during nearby construction activities, specifically the use of a pneumatic drill. A user named May reported that the window shattered while builders were drilling concrete next door. Forum members concluded that while direct contact with the glass could cause shattering, vibrations from the pneumatic drill could also contribute to the damage, especially if other stress factors were present. They advised consulting a local expert for a thorough inspection to determine liability.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of double glazing and its structural properties
  • Knowledge of vibration effects on building materials
  • Familiarity with construction tools, specifically pneumatic drills
  • Basic principles of property damage liability
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of construction vibrations on double-glazed windows
  • Learn about the structural integrity of building materials under stress
  • Investigate local regulations regarding construction noise and property damage
  • Consult with a property damage expert for in-person assessments
USEFUL FOR

Homeowners, construction professionals, and property managers seeking to understand the impact of construction activities on residential properties and the implications of potential damage.

May Briscoe
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Hi, I'm a new member!
 
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I have double glazing and one of the smaller top windows has shattered. Could the use of a pneumatic drill be the cause?
Regards May.
 
May Briscoe said:
I have double glazing and one of the smaller top windows has shattered. Could the use of a pneumatic drill be the cause?
Regards May.
Well, if you put a pneumatic drill right up to the glass and turned it on, yeah, it could be the cause. Absent that, I think you'll have to help us out with what you are talking about. The use of a pneumatic drill five counties over would not likely be the cause. See how it might be helpful if you were less vague?
 
This sounds a lot like a "I think my neighbor damaged my property" question. Just to preempt such a question, this is not something a Physics Forum will answer.
 
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phinds said:
Well, if you put a pneumatic drill right up to the glass and turned it on, yeah, it could be the cause. Absent that, I think you'll have to help us out with what you are talking about. The use of a pneumatic drill five counties over would not likely be the cause. See how it might be helpful if you were less.

Hi, sorry I didn't explain myself properly...my age...83. The builders were working next door and they were using the pneumatic drill to go through concrete.
He did knock to ask me to cover up the fireplace as he was concerned that soot might damage the carpet etc!
The noise was horrendous. I won't complain, I just wondered why the window shattered
 
Last edited by a moderator:
May Briscoe said:
Hi, sorry I didn't explain myself properly...my age...83. The builders were working next door and they were using the pneumatic drill to go through concrete.
He did knock to ask me to cover up the fireplace as he was concerned that soot might damage the carpet etc!
The noise was horrendous. I won't complain, I just wondered why the window shattered
Welcome to the PF. :smile:

Since they did warn you about falling soot in the chimney, it seems plausible that the vibrations were part of the reason that your window cracked. Likely there were other stresses or other factors that contributed, since all the windows in your home did not crack as well.

But as mentioned already, we generally are not able to help with liability questions here at the PF. For a better opinion, you would need to consult an expert in your area who could conduct an in-person inspection. Sorry about your window!

Thread is closed.
 

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