Broken Window? Here’s What To Do

Broken windows are a common problem for homeowners and can occur due to a number of reasons, including sudden changes in temperature, extreme weather, and impact breakages. Knowing how to effectively deal with broken windows can help to keep your family and your home safe. There are a few essential steps you should take when dealing with a broken window which we have set out here for you to follow.

Broken Window - Here’s What To Do

Secure the area

To begin with, you need to secure the area around your broken window. Broken windows cause lots of debris, like glass, which can be harmful to children and pets. Start by limiting access to the area surrounding the window and removing pets from the room so as not to cause any injuries and to prevent the spreading of glass and other debris throughout your home.

Clean up the broken glass

Next, you should set about clearing up the glass. Glass can spread far and wide and so you should put shoes and protective gloves on before beginning the cleaning process.

As glass can shatter into hard-to-see pieces, it is best to be thorough when cleaning it up. You can start by picking up the larger pieces using gloves and then use a vacuum cleaner to get to the smaller pieces.

Make sure to check you have gotten all of the glass you can see and then remove clothes and wash hands to avoid carrying the broken glass to the rest of your home. Dispose of the glass in a safe way by wrapping larger pieces in newspaper or securing sharp edges with cardboard and double bagging with heavy-duty trash bags. You may also want to empty out the vacuum cleaner into this trash bag as well.

Secure the window

Once the area is clear, it is time to secure the window. This step is a temporary fix to keep your home safe before you contact a window replacement company. The steps you take to secure the window vary depending upon the kind of breakage you have.

Cracked windows

For broken windows that are suffering from cracks, a quick fix can be made with household products before a window replacement company can be called.

To secure a small crack you need to first brush away any broken glass using a small brush; a toothbrush or a small paintbrush is suitable for this. You can then use clear nail polish or glue that dries clear to fill in the crack. Allow each layer to dry in between coats for a secure fix and to prevent any further cracking.

For larger cracks in your window, you can use packing tape or electricians tape to secure the crack. This option is slightly less aesthetically pleasing but will secure the window while you wait for the window replacement company to arrive.

Shattered windows

For windows that are totally shattered, the securing process takes a little longer. You will first need to remove all the glass from the window frame. Always wear protective gloves when dealing with broken glass and ensure you dispose of these larger pieces in a safe way. Once the larger pieces of glass are removed, you will then need to brush away any smaller pieces before securing the window.

To secure the shattered window you can use sheets of clear plastic, layers of plastic bags, or a wooden board that is fixed to the window frame to keep the window secure and keep out the elements while you wait for a window replacement company to fit a new window.

Contact a local window professional

Broken windows are an easy fix for window professionals and so getting in touch with your local window replacement company will be a quick and simple phone call.

Need window replacement services in the GTA?

Euroseal Windows and Doors are professional and trusted window experts serving the GTA. If you’re in need of window replacement services, don’t hesitate to get in contact for a quote. Along with emergency repairs, Euroseal Windows and Doors can also help with upgrades to the windows and doors in your home.