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While finding your mirror cracked can be spooky, there are actually many logical and common reasons why this happens. First, the mirror may have been mounted unevenly in the first place. Over time, poor mounting leads to stress points that will eventually cause a mirror to crack. Other common causes of a mirror spontaneously cracking include dramatic temperature shifts, strong thunder or a loud crash somewhere in the distance, exposure to heat and sunlight, and an uneven wall in your home. It's also possible that your mirror had a manufacturing defect or microscopic cracks that occurred during glass cutting or handling that eventually caused it to shatter.

There are a few reasons your mirrors might have smears on them after cleaning, but the two most likely are remaining cleaning product and minerals from hard water. If you used a commercial glass cleaner, consider spraying down the mirror with a 1-to-1 ratio of white vinegar and water after cleaning and then wiping it dry with a cotton cloth. If you suspect hard water is the issue, use a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol to spot-clean the streaks, and then let the mirror air-dry.

To tell if a window is single or double-pane, focus on the edge. Double-pane windows have two glass layers separated by a spacer, which you can usually see around the edges. For single-pane windows, it’s just one sheet of glass. Another easy trick: shine a light at the window—single-pane glass reflects once, while double-pane glass reflects twice. Lastly, if you feel both sides of the glass on a cold day, double-paned windows will feel warmer because of the insulating gap between the panes.

A common way to modernize arched windows is to install interior window treatments that allow light through the curved portion up to and let you cover the bottom portion for privacy. You can also install plantation shutters to make an arched window look more modern. From the exterior, arched windows can appear outdated if they’re coupled with ornate trim, so toning down the decor can make your window look more natural with a modern design.