Have you recently experienced a broken window? You might be stumped on what to do next. Whether it’s been caused by vandalism, severe weather or an accident, there are important steps you should take to help manage the situation quickly and effectively.
Taking these key steps can help you mitigate the damage, ensure the safety of your home and even reduce potential costs. Here, we’ll outline what you should do so that you can be prepared to take action.
For personalised advice, contact our team at Eltham Glass today.
Determine the cause of the breakage
Before anything else, it’s important to determine the cause of the breakage. Understanding why your window has been damaged can inform what you do next, so carefully assessing the surrounding area is key.
Understanding what you are looking at is the only way to determine the cause. Here, we’ll outline several different reasons your window may have broken so you can correctly identify the cause.
Accidental impact
A ball, rock or other object may have struck your window. Carefully assess the area to see if one such object is resting near the window. Likewise, check which side it is resting on to determine where the impact came from.
Weather damage
Strong winds, hail, and flying debris can all cause your windows to crack or break. If you don’t notice your broken window right away, be sure to consider what your recent weather has been like.
Structural issues
Poorly installed windows or older homes may crack over time. In this case, it is most likely due to age or fluctuating temperatures putting additional pressure on the glass. If one window has broken because of this, and the rest of your windows are the same age, consider replacing them all.
Vandalism
If you suspect your window has been broken due to vandalism or a break-in, you will need to document the damage. After ensuring you are safe, take pictures of the window and surrounding glass. Likewise, record any other damage or theft you may have noticed in your home. This ensures you have everything you need to contact the authorities.
Block access and ensure everyone’s safety
Your next step should be to mitigate the damage and potential harm. Broken glass can be dangerous to handle and walk on. To ensure your and your family’s safety, you should gather any children and pets and keep them away from the area. Consider placing them in a closed room, with supervision to ensure their safety.
Next, do your best to block off the area. Move furniture or set up some form of signage so that people are aware of the risks. This can help prevent accidents and reduce further risk.
Finally, assess the frame while cleaning. Is it unstable? Are there other cracks to be aware of? It can be easy to be overwhelmed by the mess and miss other potential hazards.
Cleaning the glass
Once ready, take a moment to ensure you are wearing protective gloves and strong shoes or boots. This will keep you safe when you handle the broken glass.
You should also try to prepare the necessary equipment. Ensure a bin or other container is nearby. Likewise, you should use a broom, dustpan and brush rather than your hands when moving and picking up the glass.
Once most of the glass has been disposed of, go over the area with a vacuum. This will help you collect any of the smaller shards you may have missed. Finally, wipe down the frame and nearby surfaces to remove any remaining particles.
Glass types
If you have a type of glass with additional features, extra caution should be employed. Double-glazed, tempered and laminated glass can be more dangerous to handle, especially around the frame. If this type of glass has been broken, consider calling a professional for cleanup.
Consider your insurance
Once ready, you’ll want to call in an expert to repair or replace your windows. However, you should double-check your insurance policy to see what is covered before calling anyone. If evidence is required, make sure you document the state of your window for your insurer.
You should then report the incident and reach out to a professional for help. With their expert knowledge, they can quickly and efficiently repair your windows.
Apply a temporary covering
Depending on who you contacted and when, there may be a wait until they can come out to service your windows. If this is the case, you may want to cover the opening. This can preserve your privacy and help to maintain the insulation of your home.
When covering, use thick plastic sheets, garbage bags or cardboard. Tape them over the frame to secure them into place. If your window has cracks, use duct tape over them. This can help to secure the remaining glass and prevent warm and cold air from escaping.
Preventing future breaks
While dealing with the current damage is important, you should also consider how you can protect against future damage. Useful tools such as window films can add an extra layer of strength to your windows. This can reduce an impact, preventing your glass from breaking.
Likewise, if you need to replace a window, consider what type of glass you are using. If you didn’t have it before, laminated or tempered glass are both sturdy options that are less likely to break.
Similarly, additional protections can go a long way. Installing shutters or coverings can offer a practical solution to impacts while adding style to your home.
Reach out to Eltham Glass for window repairs
Broken windows can be completely shocking. They can be overwhelming to manage and deal with, so following these steps is key to ensuring your safety and security.
Choosing the right support can make all the difference. At Eltham Glass, we have years of experience repairing and replacing damaged windows. We can quickly and efficiently restore your home to its original condition. Reach out to our team today and get the help you need.
