[Boomer]

I realize that choosing to live on a golf course comes with an acceptance of the possibility of broken windows from errant golf balls. But........

I understand there are special window screens available that can lessen the risk of window breakage. Do these screens look like regular window screens -- or close enough so they do not detract from the look of the windows? Are they a lot more expensive than regular screens?

I know nothing about such screens so any information is welcome. Thank you.

[CWGUY]

Originally Posted by Boomer

I realize that choosing to live on a golf course comes with an acceptance of the possibility of broken windows from errant golf balls. But........

I understand there are special window screens available that can lessen the risk of window breakage. Do these screens look like regular window screens -- or close enough so they do not detract from the look of the windows? Are they a lot more expensive than regular screens?

I know nothing about such screens so any information is welcome. Thank you.

https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q...ens+golf+balls

[Boomer]

Thank you. I had looked at some of those websites, but I have never seen the actual screens -- that I noticed anyway.

I know someone who is thinking of a house (not here in TV) where the golf balls can hit the front of the house so the appearance is more of a consideration for them, wondering if the screens might take away from the curb appeal.

I figured I would ask here because there are so many golf course houses and golfers in TV that the odds might be that somebody has seen these screens or has them.

[Bay Kid]

Several homes on Sweetgum, hole 5, have screens over their windows. For good reason!

[billethkid]

The only real solution is tempered glass in those windows most likely to be hit by a golf ball.

Having lived on the first fairway at the 175 yard (ground zero!!!!) mark I can tell you with certainty there is no screen that will prevent a direct hit from shattering regular glass windows.

We had the sun porch enclosed with all tempered glass windows. The best descrition of an errant drive hitting the window....it sounds like a gun shot inside the house.

The only window ever broken was one of the sky lights which was not tempered glass.

To give you a small idea of the potential for balls to be in your vicinity. Over a three year period we accumulated 13 dozen golf balls from our yard.

I literally use to wear a baseball helmet when working in the yard.

Ah yes. The good old days!! Are past!

[Boomer]

Thank you. Living on a golf course is certainly a version of Risk vs. Benefit......or, at least, Aggravation vs. Benefit.

Another possibility being looked into does not prevent breakage but could provide backup......figuratively as well as literally.........

Films for the inside of windows have come a long way since the dark days......

3M has a series called Prestige. The Prestige 70 is not quite, but nearly clear and is designed to help protect against sun damage to home furnishings while letting in light and not being so noticeable as first generation films were. Decorators sometimes suggest this to help protect an investment in furniture, rugs, and art in homes with lots of natural light. This 3M film has lots of advantages.

3M also has a series called Ultra Prestige which is marketed as a security film while still letting in light and doing sun damage protection, too.

What 3M Ultra Prestige film is supposed to do is to keep the broken glass from flying into the house. The window can still break but the risk from impact is lessened.

Installing this security film could buy time to discover the break if the owner is not at home and it could offer some protection from the effects of weather before the window can be repaired.

3M film comes through dealers but it is best to look at the 3M site which has in-depth information and is more than a sales-piece.

So anyway, installing 3M security film as a backup could help. It sounds like it might lessen the risk of being knocked out while sitting at your desk, having morning coffee and hanging out on the computer. Will see. Still in the homework stages.

And, btw, I do not work for 3M, but I figure 3M has been in this business forever and the company has brought window film development a long way.

Boomer