Blog>Expert Advice>Broken window emergency repair tips
Last updated: 20 December 2023
Broken window emergency repair tips
Here's advice on what todo when your window breaks and then how to find an emergency tradesperson to fix your broken window!
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What to do when you discover a broken window
If your window becomes cracked this can affect its security and stability, meaning it’s much more likely to break than an uncracked window.
Once a window does fully shatter, this is urgent and it’s important to take the right steps for safety.
If you have a broken window you’ll need to:
Figure out what caused your window to break. If there’s an obvious cause like a storm or home intruder, it’s important to ensure you are safe in your home
Move any children and pets to a safe area and ensure they can’t come into contact with the broken glass
Put on shoes and use some thick gloves to protect your hands before carefully sweeping up the glass using a dustpan and brush
If possible, remove any loose shards of glass left in the window frame to prevent them falling out later and injuring your family
Use pieces of tape to go over the floor area, picking up any tiny pieces of glass
Dispose of the glass in a thick bin liner and put this bag somewhere your pets and/or children can’t reach
Cover the space as described in our ‘how to board up a broken window’ section below
Call a local tradesperson to come and fix your window/replace it
You can easily find an emergency window repair tradesperson in seconds by starting the search below.
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How to board up a broken window
It’s important to properly board up your window to prevent rain from entering your home and causing damp. This also deters burglars from breaking in. You must do a thorough job to protect your home and family.
Wondering “how to board up a broken window?”
Temporarily cover the window with bin bags then gather these materials and follow the below steps:
Tools and materials
Thick gloves
Plyboard sheets
Masking tape
Staple gun
Drill
Saw
Bin bags
Screws
Tape measure
Method
Put on your thick gloves and make sure your window is clear of glass
Cover any stuck pieces of glass with masking tape
Measure the window frame, then cut your plyboard sheet to size using a saw or ask a DIY store to do this
Make evenly spaced pilot holes in your plyboard then screw the board to your window frame
How to find an emergency broken glass repair company
Finding the best emergency broken glass repair company can feel a little overwhelming as there are so many businesses available. It’s important to choose the right company for your needs, so consider the following:
Look at customer reviews. Searching for a repair company through Checkatrade gives you the opportunity to see past customer reviews and real-life examples
Get a range of quotes to ensure you’re being charged fairly. Don’t simply pick the lowest price as this may be an indicator of inexperience
Take a little time to chat about your job with different repair companies. That'll give you an indicator of their professionalism and whether you’ll work well together
Check if a warranty is offered with your new windows in case of any defects
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Reasons your double glazing has shattered inside
Sometimes double-glazing breaks for no obvious reason at all. When this happens, it can be shocking but rest assured there is a cause. Some of the reasons your double glazing may have shattered inside are:
Your windows are large, giving more chance of flexing and cracking
Your window was installed incorrectly creating pressure on the glass
Your window was defective thanks to an error made during production
Your double-glazed window was subject to a quick increase in temperature, raising the pressure between the panes
Your window was scratched, weakening it
Professional window replacement
If one or more of your windows is broken, for whatever reason, you’ll need to hire a company to replace the glass. This is the best option to ensure your new window is correctly fitted and will last as long as possible.
Thankfully, using our handy search feature can help you get in touch with a range of different professionals with one simple search. Either a glazier to come out soon, or an emergency glazier to come out immediately!
Let us take the stress out of your broken window emergency by helping you find the perfect repair company for you.
All our members are vetted, qualified, and guaranteed. Before booking someone, you can even view their profiles and see customer testimonials.
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How much does it cost to repair a window?
The average broken window repair cost is £120. An emergency repair will cost much more than this.
Our window glass replacement cost guide is packed with prices, considerations and tips to help with your broken window emergency.
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