When a window breaks, the glass shatters, and the interior becomes exposed. Perhaps a rogue baseball smashed through the glass, or a severe storm caused a branch to crash onto the ground.
There might be a range of emotions you go through: shock, fear, and vulnerability. What if the weather starts to damage your interior? What if someone tries to break in since there’s an open window?
The first step is to stay calm despite these feelings of worry. The second step is to follow this guide, so you can handle a broken window emergency like a pro.
Put Your Safety First
Your safety is the priority. A broken window can be hazardous due to sharp edges and scattered glass fragments. Avoid rushing into the situation without assessing the risks around you.
Make sure the area is safe to approach. Keep all family members, especially children and pets, away from the broken window. The goal is to address the situation and minimize the risk of injuries.
Grab Some Protective Gear
To protect yourself while dealing with the broken glass, make sure to equip yourself with some safety gear. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes as you inspect the area. Safety goggles are also a smart choice, especially if there’s still glass in the frame that could fall or shatter further.
Avoid touching anything sharp with your bare hands. If possible, put on a pair of thick work gloves that you have.
Wearing long sleeves, pants, and closed-toe shoes will provide an extra layer of protection. This helps ensure you’re shielded from sharp edges or unforeseen accidents as you move forward with the cleanup.
Document the Damage
Once you’re certain the area is safe, it’s time to document the damage. Take detailed photographs from multiple angles to capture the extent of the breakage. These photos could be crucial for filing an insurance claim or explaining the situation to a repair professional.
If there are any distinct details, such as visible impact points or items that may have caused the damage, include those in the photos and notes of the incident. Having a clear record of what happened will help streamline the next steps when contacting your insurance provider and repair services.
Clear the Surrounding Area
Now that you’re safely prepared, clear the area around the broken window. Remove furniture, rugs, and any belongings near the site of the damage to prevent them from being scratched or damaged by stray glass.
This step also creates a clean, safe space for you to work in. Be thorough; walking on hidden shards of glass could result in injuries. If there are fragments scattered far from the window, make sure to carefully sweep them up or vacuum the area.
Carefully Remove Loose Glass
With your protective gear on, begin removing any loose glass from the window frame. Start with the largest shards and work your way toward the smaller pieces while exercising caution. Hold the glass firmly when removing it to avoid accidental slipping.
Place all shards in a sturdy container, such as a cardboard box or bucket, to contain the sharp edges. If some pieces of glass are stuck in the frame, avoid forcing them out—this could damage the frame further or result in splinters. Instead, contact a professional for assistance with removal if needed.
Watch Out for Structural Damage
The next step is to inspect the window frame for any signs of structural damage. Look for cracks, warping, or any loose parts that may compromise the integrity of the frame. Pay close attention to the corners and edges; these areas commonly bear the brunt of the damage.
Avoid using temporary fixes that could worsen structural issues. Instead, take out your camera and document the damage with photos that you can send to your insurance or window repair company.
Temporarily Seal the Window
In cases like a severe storm or structural damage, it may be difficult to replace the glass immediately. You’ll need to secure your window temporarily to keep outdoor elements, such as rain and wind, from entering the home.
Cover the exposed area with a heavy-duty plastic sheet or tarp, securing it firmly in place with duct tape. Ensure the covering is taut and sealed along the edges to minimize drafts or leaks.
For added insulation, layer the plastic and tape the layers together for a durable fix. While this isn’t a permanent solution, this will help safeguard your home until a professional can take care of the repair.
Make Sure Your Home Is Secure
A broken window can leave your home vulnerable, potentially inviting intruders. After removing the glass and sealing the opening, evaluate your home’s overall security. If the gap is large or in an easily accessible area, consider reinforcing it by placing a sturdy board over the opening.
You may also want to check other entry points around your home to guarantee they’re locked and secure. Taking these precautions can give you peace of mind until the window is fully repaired.
Reach Out to Your Insurance Provider
If the broken window is the result of a storm, accident, or another covered event, contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to file a claim. Documenting the damage thoroughly with photos and written descriptions will aid in the claims process.
Provide your insurance representative with all necessary information and ask about coverage for repairs or temporary measures you’ve taken. Your provider can guide you on the next steps, including approved contractors or reimbursement procedures, helping to alleviate some of the financial burden.
Contact a Professional Repair Service
Finally, reach out to a trusted professional repair service to replace the broken glass and restore your window to its original state. Professional technicians have the expertise and tools to handle the job safely and efficiently, ensuring a durable and high-quality repair.
Be sure to research and choose a reputable company, checking reviews and asking for quotes. A professional repair not only resolves the issue quickly but also ensures the window will remain secure and functional for years to come. Don’t hesitate to lean on their experience to bring your home back to normal.
While it’s certainly possible to handle a broken window emergency, you’re not alone throughout this process. At Rapid Glass & Board Up, we offer 24/7 glass repair.
Not only will we board up windows in the event of an emergency, but we will also replace windows in homes and businesses alike. Our residential and commercial glass services are here to restore your sense of security as swiftly as possible.