There are many ways in which glass and windows can become damaged. Simple wear and tear may be enough to cause minor problems, but left unchecked, these minor problems can eventually become huge issues. By then, the cost of repair would have become much more than if it were repaired at the first instance.
Regular maintenance and checks are important, and if you see damage to your window, whatever type it may be, you should consider using a professional company offering glass repair in Vancouver like M&M Glass to fix the problem.
Safety
A cracked window is a safety concern, especially if you have children or dogs. It only takes an excited dog or a child to lean against a cracked window, and they could fall through. Not only is this a danger to your child, or your pet, but to anybody that is around at the time. If the window is on an upper floor, then the danger is even greater because of the possibility of a fall.
Security
A smashed window is an obvious entry point for burglars, but leaving wood or card covering a hole is also an invitation to an opportunist burglar to gain entry to your property and take what they want. You might think that the window on the upper floor is too high, but there are burglars out there that would disagree and would be willing to take the chance.
Energy
Modern windows and glazing tend to be very energy efficient, preventing heat from getting out in the winter, but even ensuring that your HVAC or air conditioning unit is not fighting against warm air that travels in through the windows in summer. A crack can easily allow the cold air in and the warm air out, or vice-versa, increasing your energy bills and our energy consumption.
Cost
Most glazing problems tend to start off as relatively minor issues, and it is only the passage of time or additional damage that leads to them becoming huge problems. Calling in a company specialising in residential glass repair in Surrey, as soon as you notice the damage, and before the full window needs replacing, is likely to be the least expensive and most cost efficient option.
Sources:
Energy Efficient Windows. EnergySavingTrust.org