Discovering that your window is broken can be a distressing experience. Whether it’s caused by a storm, a stray ball, or worse, a break-in, it’s essential to act quickly to fix broken window damage and restore your home’s security. While a broken window introduces immediate security and comfort concerns, handling it in a calm, organized manner can help you resolve the situation with minimal stress.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to follow in the event of a broken window, covering safety, temporary solutions, emergency repair costs, insurance coverage, and tips for finding a reliable tradesperson.
Step-by-Step: How to Temporarily Fix a Broken Window
When your window breaks, you need to act quickly. The first step is ensuring the area is safe, and then moving on to applying a temporary window repair. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each step to minimize further damage and make the home safe.
1. Clear the Area (Safety First)
Before anything else, ensure that no one, especially children and pets, is near the broken glass. Shards of glass can fly and scatter unpredictably, posing significant risk.
- Wear Protective Gear: Use thick gloves (leather or cut-resistant is preferred), long sleeves, and sturdy shoes to protect yourself from sharp edges. The more coverage you have, the better.
- Clean the Area Methodically: Start by sweeping up the larger pieces of broken glass with a broom and dustpan. Be extra careful as you do this. Afterward, vacuum the area thoroughly, including under any furniture or rugs to ensure you don’t miss smaller shards.
- Invisible Shards: Dampen a paper towel or disposable cloth and press it against the floor or windowsill to pick up any tiny, hard-to-see glass pieces.
2. Cover the Broken Pane
Once the area is cleaned and everyone is safe, the next step is to temporarily seal the broken window to prevent weather elements, dirt, and security risks from entering your home.
- Plastic Sheeting: Ideally, you want to use something like plastic sheeting (think painter’s tarp or heavy-duty garbage bags). It’s waterproof, easy to use, and provides visibility if you choose clear plastic.
- Other Temporary Coverings: If you don’t have plastic, you can use cardboard, plywood, or even a shower curtain as a makeshift cover. Cut the material slightly larger than the window opening to ensure you have full coverage.
- Position the Cover: Hold the cover tightly against the window, ensuring it’s flush against the frame to prevent drafts, rain, or debris from getting in.
3. Seal It Up Tight
Once you’ve covered the broken window, the next step is ensuring the temporary window repair stays in place. A loose cover could easily be blown away or allow air to enter.
- Use Strong Tape: Painter’s tape, packing tape, or duct tape can be used to secure the covering in place. Tape around the edges of the cover, ensuring a solid hold.
- Frame-Only Taping: It’s best to tape the material to the window frame and not directly to the glass. Taping on the frame ensures that the cover stays in place longer without risking damage to the glass itself.
- Check for Gaps: Seal all the edges properly to ensure there’s no gap for air, insects, or rainwater to get through.
4. Secure the Room
While the temporary window repair will help with protection, security concerns remain, especially if the broken window is easily visible or accessible from outside.
- Move Furniture for Extra Security: Place a piece of heavy furniture or any item that could obstruct access to the window in front of it. This provides an additional barrier and discourages potential intruders.
- Use Motion-Sensor Lights or Alarms: If you have motion-sensor lights or temporary alarms, turn them on to further deter unwanted attention and increase security.
- Block Visibility: Draw the curtains or hang a blanket or sheet over the window if it’s located on the ground floor, where someone could see inside. This helps maintain privacy and reduces the chance of opportunistic crime.
If you’re unsure how to carry out a secure temporary fix or need help right away, you can find quick, professional assistance with emergency window repair to secure your home fast.
Emergency Window Repair Costs
Dealing with a broken window can be stressful, but knowing what the costs might be can ease some of the pressure. The price can vary widely depending on the type of window, the repair service, and whether the issue requires immediate attention.
Estimated UK Costs:
- Temporary Boarding: Emergency call-out costs for boarding up a window typically range from £80 to £150, depending on the company and the time of day.
- Full Window Replacement: For standard-sized windows, the cost to replace a broken window ranges from £200 to £600 or more, depending on the type and material of the window.
- After-Hours Emergency Service: Many window repair services charge an additional 50% or more for repairs that happen outside of regular working hours.
Factors Affecting Cost:
- Window Type: The size and type of window—whether it’s single-glazed, double-glazed, or a specialty window (like sash or bay)—can affect the price.
- Urgency: A call-out for immediate or emergency repair services can increase the cost.
- Materials: Whether the window needs boarding, a full replacement, or just glass repair will impact the total price.
Pro Advice:
- Get Multiple Quotes: Even in emergencies, try to get quotes from a few different companies to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
- Check Coverage: Some repair services include temporary window repair in the quote, while others charge it separately. Clarify this upfront.
- Choose Licensed Professionals: Always choose a licensed and insured service provider to avoid unnecessary costs due to mistakes or poor workmanship.
DIY Consideration:
While DIY repairs might seem like a good way to save money, incorrect installation can lead to bigger problems later. Consider this carefully—if you don’t have experience with window repair, it’s best to leave it to professionals like Bowland Windows, who are equipped to respond quickly and safely.
Renting? Here’s What to Know
If you’re a tenant, dealing with a broken window comes with additional steps to ensure your rights are protected.
1. Notify Your Landlord Immediately
- Timing Is Key: Contact your landlord as soon as possible to report the damage. Delays can complicate things later, especially when it comes to responsibility for repairs and payments.
- Put It in Writing: Always notify your landlord in writing (email or message with timestamps). This creates a record of your communication for later reference.
2. Document Everything
Before attempting any cleanup, take photos and videos of the damage from multiple angles. Also, record any signs that could indicate whether the damage was caused by weather, vandalism, or a break-in.
3. Don’t Arrange Repairs Yourself (Unless It’s an Emergency)
- Follow the Lease Agreement: Most rental agreements include clauses on how to handle repairs. It’s usually not your responsibility to arrange or pay for permanent repairs without your landlord’s consent.
- If You Must: In case of emergency (such as a broken window on the ground floor during a storm), you can arrange a temporary fix, but always inform your landlord as soon as possible and keep the receipts.
4. Review Your Tenancy Agreement
Ensure you know whether your landlord requires you to use specific contractors or whether you need to submit repair requests through a property management service. Following these protocols ensures you stay compliant and protects your deposit.
Insurance and Broken Windows
Understanding your home insurance coverage is crucial when it comes to handling broken windows. Here’s how to proceed if you plan to file a window insurance claim.
1. Document the Damage Thoroughly
Take clear, high-resolution photos of the damage and surrounding area. A video walkthrough showing the context and damage can help strengthen your claim.
2. File a Police Report (If Applicable)
If the damage was caused by a burglary, vandalism, or any suspicious activity, you may need to file a police report. Most insurance policies will require a crime reference number to proceed with a claim.
3. Contact Your Insurance Provider
Get in touch with your insurance provider to confirm:
- Whether the damage is covered under your policy
- If you need to use approved tradespeople for repairs
- If temporary repairs are reimbursed by your policy
4. Save Receipts for Temporary Fixes
Some policies cover the cost of emergency boarding or temporary repairs, but only if they are properly documented and performed by an insured contractor. Be sure to keep all receipts.
Pro Tip:
The most common mistake people make is rushing to make repairs without first confirming coverage. Always check with your insurer to avoid issues with your window insurance claim, especially if the damage could be covered.
How to Find a Trusted Emergency Tradesperson
Finding a reliable, professional tradesperson during an emergency is crucial. Here’s how to ensure you’re hiring someone you can trust.
1. Use Verified Platforms
Look for tradespeople on trusted platforms such as Checkatrade, Trustpilot, or Rated People. These platforms allow you to see verified reviews, credentials, and company histories, ensuring you avoid scams or unqualified workers.
2. Look for 24/7 Emergency Availability
Since breakages don’t happen on a schedule, choose a service that offers emergency window repair at any time of day or night. It’s essential that they can respond quickly when you need help the most.
3. Verify ID and Insurance
- Ask for Official ID: When the technician arrives, ask for their official identification.
- Check Insurance: Ensure that the tradesperson is insured. This protects you from potential issues during the repair.
4. Get Written Quotes and Receipts
Always request a written quote for the repair work. Clear terms and conditions should be included, and be sure to get receipts for any work completed, especially for insurance purposes or reimbursement from your landlord.
Pro Tip:
While it may be tempting to opt for the cheapest available option, peace of mind and safety are invaluable. Don’t risk poor-quality repairs that could lead to more significant problems later.
Final Checklist for Window Emergencies
Here’s a recap of essential steps to keep you organized during a window emergency:
- Ensure Safety: Clear the area, wear protective gear, and vacuum all broken glass.
- Cover the Window: Use temporary materials like plastic sheeting, cardboard, or plywood to seal the window.
- Secure the Room: Block visibility, move furniture in front of the window, and activate security lights if necessary.
- Contact a Professional: Call a trusted window repair service for assistance, and verify their credentials.
- Document the Damage: Take photos, file a police report if necessary, and inform your insurance company.
- Know Your Rights if Renting: Always inform your landlord, and don’t make permanent repairs without approval.
Need Help Right Now?
Whether it’s a shattered window or a security concern, our team at Bowland Windows is available 24/7 to help you restore your home. We’ll provide a fast, professional service with full transparency—because your home’s safety is our top priority. Get quotes today and let us help you secure your home quickly and efficiently.
Let’s get your home secured quickly and effectively.
FAQs
What is the best temporary cover for a broken window?
Heavy-duty plastic sheeting, like a painter’s tarp or thick garbage bags, is ideal. It’s waterproof, durable, and easy to secure with strong tape.
What can I use in place of a broken window?
You can use plastic sheeting, cardboard, plywood, or even a shower curtain as a temporary solution until professional repairs are made.
Who should I call about the broken window?
Call a licensed emergency window repair service or glazier. For quick, reliable help, reach out to a 24/7 provider like Bowland Windows.
How do you temporarily replace a broken window?
First, clear any glass safely. Then, cover the opening with plastic or another sturdy material and tape it securely to the window frame to keep out weather and intruders.
