Every home has glass windows and when they break they can be a major source of trouble. It's not just a bad appearance, but also exposes your home to the elements. You also become more vulnerable to criminals.
There are simple ways to keep your window safe until you can get it fixed.
Call Your Insurance Company
If the broken window is caused by a weather event or some other kind of external cause, it could be worthwhile calling your insurance provider to file a claim. This may be able to accelerate the process and make repairs quicker. It could also mean that you can find repair shops that are "in network" with your insurance company, which could reduce the amount you'll need to pay out-of-pocket.
Even if your insurance doesn't cover the damage, you should call to find out how much you may have to pay for any emergency repairs. This will let you budget for the unexpected expenses.
A shattered window might seem like no big deal however it could cause serious consequences for you and your family if left unattended. If pets or children wander into the area they can stumble on the glass fragments and get injured. This kind of injury is why it is so important to take the time to do a thorough job of emergency window repair to ensure your family's safety.
In addition, a window that has shattered could expose your home to vandalism and burglary. A 24-hour emergency repair service for windows is designed to respond swiftly when your windows or doors are damaged, making your business and you vulnerable to security threats.
You may be able, dependent on your insurance provider, to find a company that is "in-network" with them. They will then bill your insurer directly and reduce the amount you have to pay. However, you may be better off with a repair company that offers several payment options, including cash and credit cards. This will allow you more flexibility when it comes to financing the repair work and lowers the chance of being scammed by fraudulent tradespeople who will charge you a high amount.
You should look online for reviews and select an experienced local window company that has a great reputation for customer service. You might also want to verify whether a business is endorsed by the trade association Checkatrade This gives you confidence that they are professional in their approach to their work and will provide you with honesty.
Contact the Police
Based on the reason for your window breaking it may be necessary to notify police immediately. This is especially true when the window was damaged by vandalism or burglary. The police's intervention can help them catch the perpetrator, as well in providing you with a report that can be used to submit an insurance claim.
After you have made contact with the police and insurer, you should do everything you can to protect your home until the glass repair is completed. Leaving your home unprotected leaves vulnerable to weather and pests which could put your family at risk.
It is important to keep your children from the area, until the police arrive and can confirm that it is safe to let them back in your home. It can be dangerous to walk on broken pieces of glass.
You should also wait until the police have finished with their investigation before cleaning the broken glasses. If you do, it may make it more difficult to file a a successful claim with your insurance company for the damage. Certain insurance companies for homeowners require pictures and other documentation of the damaged window before they will consider the claim. Additionally some adjusters prefer to visit the house prior to making a decision on a claim. This is a common practice, particularly after a burglary. The insurance adjuster can assess the damage and extent of theft. They can work with the homeowner to ensure that they are able to get their money and belongings back.
Repair the Damage
A damaged window can make your home vulnerable to bad weather bugs and pests, as well as potential thieves. It can also pose dangerous for children who might slip through the glass, or anyone else who may be in the vicinity.
It is crucial to immediately cover the crack by putting up a board or other type of cover to avoid further damage and keep your family safe. You should also contact the police and request that an officer visit and assess the damage. This will assist the police and the insurance company work together to try to find any items that might have been taken from your property.
It's a good idea when the window has been damaged, to call your local police department to examine the damage and prepare a report. This will help the insurance companies and law enforcement to find any criminals and hold them accountable for their actions.
Covering the damage with a board, or some other temporary cover, will not just make your home or business more secure, but will can also save you money. A broken window can cause your heating and cooling system to work overtime to keep the interior of your home warm, so by covering the window, you can reduce your energy bills until the repair is completed.
Use plywood as a temporary cover to protect you from the elements until a professional can repair your emergency window. You can buy a piece of wood that is the same size as the window at most hardware and home improvement stores. Then, screw it into it along the wood frame studs on both sides. If you don't own any plywood, you can still secure yourself with a large sheet of plastic or tarp.
Do not hesitate to call an emergency glass replacement service if your need urgent window repairs. They can provide top-quality service and help return your home or business to normal as soon as you can.
Temporary Fix
Tape can be used to fix the crack in a window that is still intact. The tape will seal the crack and block outside air from entering your home. This is crucial, particularly when you live in a region that has a cold climate.
Be sure to remove all glass shards from the area before applying any tape. This will ensure your family's safety and reduce the risk of being injured by the glass. This is also a great moment to wear eye protection and thick gloves.
If you can, also degrease your windows. This will help the materials to bond with the glass, and will result in an even stronger fix. You can use either gasoline or acetone, based on the kind of window you have.
Another quick fix for a window that is cracked is to cover the glass with a piece of fabric. This will keep insects and external light out of your home and still allow you to see the outside. Make sure the fabric is big enough to cover the entire glass crack.
You should also think about blocking the window with a wood block to shield your family from intrusions or cold weather. This is a particularly good idea for families with pets or children living in the home. Put it in a spot that pets or children cannot get to it.
Contact an emergency window repair service as quickly as you can when your window is damaged and requires repair. They should be available around all hours and their customer service reps should be able to send an expert to your location as fast as possible. In addition, they should provide competitive prices and high-quality workmanship. You shouldn't choose a company that uses inferior materials or fails to properly install the replacement glass. Their technicians must be trained and experienced in dealing with different window designs and types.
