What to Do If Your Window Breaks

Did you know that having a window replaced costs an average of $300 to $700 per window? But it may costs as much as $1,000 or more per window, depending on the type of glass, style, and size.

Broken windows can be caused by a variety of factors, including physical impacts, weather and climate, and the age of the window. No matter what caused the breakage, encountering a broken window in your home can be stressful. To help relieve your stress and worry, we’ve created a guide on what to do if your window breaks, read on to find out more.

Step 1: Clean up the Broken Glass

The first thing you need to do is clean and secure the area. This means sweeping up debris and broken glass. Make sure you put on some protective gloves before touching any broken glass.

You need to also ensure you dispose of the glass carefully, that might meant that you wrap it in an old newspaper or place it in a double-layered plastic bag. Pick up small pieces as well as big pieces of glass, and then vacuum up the remaining smaller shards. If some of the broken glass is still in the frame, you can also remove these pieces.

If you’ve had your window broken by someone else, then you might want to first call the police and wait to clean the mess up until after they’ve been to inspect it. In the meantime, you can corner off the area and make sure nobody in your household goes near the broken glass.

Step 2: Call Your Insurance Company

The next thing you need to do is call your homeowner insurance company. You should ask them about your policy and whether or not the insurance covers your broken windows. For example, if your window has broken because of the weather or a break-in then the company should be able to process your claim.

Some homeowner’s insurance policies will cover all of the window replacement costs. While others may only contribute to some of the cost and others might not provide any cover, but it’s always worthwhile checking whether you can claim.

Your insurance company might require you to use a specific window repair professional for the policy to work. So, make sure you verify the whole process with them and understand the small print.

Step 3: Call a Window Replacement Specialist

Then you need to call a window replacement specialist who can help you fix your broken windows. Windows that are left broken for long periods of time may increase your home’s risk of theft, weather-related problems, or pest infestations, so the sooner you get it sorted the better.

A quick online search or flicking through a directory should be able to provide you with information for local window repair experts. If you aren’t sure who to call, have a look at their websites and see what other people say about the company.

A reputable business should be able to get to you as soon as possible and replace your window without any hassle. The company might also suggest better quality windows that last longer and are more durable than your current windows.

Step 4: Add Temporary Window Cover

If the window repair company can’t get to you straight away then it might be a good idea to make a temporary window cover. This will help protect your property, prevent heat from escaping, and stop any pests from coming in.

Windows that are cracked might be ok with just sticking some thick tape over them. This will help to stop air from coming in and heat from escaping.

Windows that are shattered should carefully be cleaned first and then you can place a plastic or wooden board in the window. Alternatively, you might decide to use a heavy-duty, thick plastic sheet (such as a trash bag) and tape it in place.

What to Expect From Your Window Replacement Company

After you contact a window replacement company, most companies will try and get to you on the same day, or the next day. Failing that they should be able to come to your house within a couple of days. If you aren’t sure about when they are coming, make sure you ask them (so you can be in and get your window fixed as soon as possible).

When they come to your house, they will assess your windows and the damage. They might also ask you a few questions about what happened to the window and if you’re insured.

Then the window replacement expert will check to see whether they have the right glass and frames for your home. They might ask you about your preferences and suggest better quality glass or frames.

If they have the right glass and frames, then they’ll be able to start work. It typically takes between forty to sixty minutes to replace a window. So, most window replacement companies should be able to fix your broken windows in a day.

Sometimes the company might offer better quality windows and fit the ones that are broken first. Then they might come back and fit the rest of your windows, so they all match.

Get Your Windows Fixed Sooner

Window breaks can happen at any time to anyone and whilst they’re an inconvenience, they can be easily fixed. Follow our guide on what to do if you have a broken window and make sure you get your windows fixed now.

Discover some of our other articles to find out how you can look after your home and garden.