In the news today, melee weapons can be made limited-use. For this the Melee ability needs to have a definite number of charges. When the weapon is swung, then one charge will be expended, whether the weapon hits or not. The "When Used Up" field can give more options for what to do with the weapon when it runs out of charges - destroy it or replace with another. There is also the option of letting the weapon recharge on rest.
For example, this sword +3 has 15 strikes a day; it recharges, but if it is pushed beyond the last charge, it will deteriorate to a +2 sword.
Needless to say, this is a straight road to having weapons that wear out with time.