A broken window is stressful – whether it is caused by an attempted break-in, a storm, a stray football or an accident at home. Broken glass is dangerous, your home may no longer be secure and the weather can get in.
The good news is that a few calm, sensible steps will keep everyone safe and protect your property until the glass can be replaced. This guide from our emergency window repair team explains exactly what to do.
Step 1: Keep Everyone Safe
- Keep children and pets well away from the area
- Wear sturdy shoes and thick gloves before going near broken glass
- Do not try to pull loose shards out of the frame – they can fall unexpectedly
- If the glass is in a door, avoid using it until it is made safe
- If anyone is injured, get medical help first
Step 2: If It Was a Break-In, Call the Police
If you think the damage was caused by a break-in or vandalism:
- Do not enter if you think someone may still be inside – call 999
- Otherwise report it to the police on 101 or online, and get a crime reference number
- Avoid touching areas that may hold evidence until the police advise you
- Take photos of the damage before anything is moved
Step 3: Clear Up Loose Glass Carefully
- Sweep up glass on the floor with a dustpan and brush, then vacuum
- Use damp kitchen roll to pick up tiny fragments
- Wrap glass in thick paper or cardboard and label it before putting it in the bin
- Check nearby furniture, rugs and window sills for splinters
Step 4: Make the Opening Secure and Weatherproof
A broken window leaves your home exposed to the weather and to intruders. For a temporary fix you can cover small cracks with clear packing tape or heavy-duty plastic sheeting – but for proper security, especially on ground-floor windows and doors, professional window boarding is the safest option.
Professional boarding uses strong timber sheets fixed securely to the frame, keeping your home safe and weatherproof until new glass is fitted.
Need Emergency Boarding or Glass Repair?
Our team provides emergency window boarding and glass replacement for homes and businesses across Bolton and the North West. Call now for fast help.
Get a Free Quote →Call 01204 929995Mobile 07538 056353Step 5: Contact Your Insurer
- Check your home insurance policy – accidental damage cover may apply, or the damage may be covered as part of a break-in claim
- Keep photos, crime reference numbers and receipts
- Ask whether you need to get quotes before repairs are carried out
- Note that some policies have an excess that may exceed the cost of a small repair
Step 6: Arrange a Permanent Repair
In most cases only the glass unit needs replacing – not the whole window. A new sealed unit is measured and made to fit your existing frame, then installed. Find out more about our window glass replacement service.
If the frame, hinges or locks have also been damaged, these can often be repaired too. Our guide When Should You Repair or Replace a Window? explains how we decide.
Upgrade Your Security While You Repair
A broken window is a good moment to improve security. Consider:
- Laminated glass – holds together when broken, making it much harder to get through
- Upgraded locks – multi-point and key-locking handles
- Anti-snap cylinders on doors
- Restrictors on upstairs windows for child safety
Read Toughened vs Laminated Glass: What Is the Difference? to choose the right glass, and see Composite Doors vs uPVC Doors if your door was damaged.
Broken Windows in Shops and Businesses
A smashed shop window needs urgent attention to protect stock and reopen safely. We provide emergency boarding and glass replacement for commercial premises, as well as new aluminium shopfronts.
Cracked but Not Broken?
A cracked pane should still be replaced as soon as possible. Cracks weaken the glass, can spread with temperature changes and may break the seal of a double-glazed unit, causing condensation between the panes.
Misted Rather Than Broken?
If the glass is intact but foggy between the panes, the sealed unit has failed. This is not an emergency, but it reduces insulation. Read What Causes Misted Double Glazing? or visit our misted glass repair page.
Broken Window FAQs
How quickly can a broken window be fixed?
Emergency boarding can usually be arranged quickly to make your home secure. Replacement sealed units are made to measure, so the permanent repair typically follows within a few days to a couple of weeks depending on the glass specification.
Do I need to replace the whole window?
Usually not. In most cases only the glass unit needs replacing. If the frame is old, damaged or inefficient, replacing the whole window may be better value.
Is it safe to tape a cracked window?
Tape can hold a crack temporarily and stop it spreading, but it does not make the window secure. Arrange a proper repair as soon as possible.
Can you replace glass in uPVC doors?
Yes. Door glass panels can be replaced with matching safety glass. See our window and door repair service.
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Fast, Reliable Window Repairs in Bolton
From emergency boarding to permanent glass replacement, our experienced team will make your home safe and secure again. Call us today.
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