How to Handle an Emergency Window Repair
Every home has glass windows and if they break it's a major issue. It's not just a sloppy appearance, but also exposes your home to the elements. It also makes you more vulnerable to criminals.
There are simple ways that you can ensure your window is protected until you can get it repaired.
Call Your Insurance Company
It might be worth contacting your insurer to file a claim if the window broke was caused by an weather-related incident or other external factors. This can make the process easier and allow repairs to be completed more quickly. It might also mean that you can find an repair shop that is "in network" with your insurance, which can reduce the amount you have to pay out-of-pocket.
Even even if the source of the damage isn't covered under your insurance, it is worth calling to determine the amount you'll have to pay for emergency repairs anyway. This will allow you to budget for the unexpected costs.
A shattered window might appear to be nothing to worry about, but it could have serious consequences for you and your family members if left unattended. If pets or children enter the room, they could fall on glass shards and become injured. This kind of injury is why it is so important to do a thorough job of emergency window repair to ensure the safety of your family.
Additionally, a window that is cracked could expose your home to vandalism and burglary. A 24 hour emergency window repair service is designed to provide prompt action when windows and doors are damaged and leave your home or business vulnerable to security threats.
Depending on your insurer you may be able to locate a repair business that is "in network" with them and will directly invoice your insurer, which will reduce the amount you'll need to pay out of pocket. However, you may prefer a repair company that offers a range of different payment options, such as cash and credit cards. This will allow you greater flexibility in financing the repair work and will reduce your risk of being scammed by rogue tradespeople who might charge you a large amount.
It is a good idea to search online for reviews of local window professionals and choosing one with a great reputation for customer service. You may also want to verify whether a business is approved by the trade association Checkatrade This will give you reassurance that they are professional in their approach to their work and provide you with honesty.
Contact the Police
Depending on the reason behind your window breaking, it might be necessary to contact police immediately. This is especially true when your window was damaged due to vandalism or burglary. Calling the police will aid in catching the perpetrator, as well providing you with a report that can be used to submit an insurance claim.
After you have reached out to the police and insurer, you should take every step you can to safeguard your home until the glass repair is completed. If you leave your home unprotected, it makes it vulnerable to pests and weather that could put your family at risk.
It is essential to keep your children away from the area until the police arrive and confirm that it is safe to let them back into your home. If there is shattered glass all on the floor, it can be dangerous for children to walk across and could cause injuries.
You should also refrain from cleaning the broken glass until the police have completed their investigation. It may be difficult to submit a claim to your insurer to cover the damage even if you have cleaned the broken glass. Certain insurance companies for homeowners require photos and other proof of the broken window before they will approve a claim. In addition, some insurance adjusters like to visit the property before making a decision on a claim. This is usually the case following an attack, as the adjuster is able to verify the damage and the extent of any theft. They can work with the homeowner to ensure that they are able to retrieve their money and possessions.
Cover the Repair
A broken window can leave your home vulnerable to elements, bugs and pests and even thieves. A damaged window could be a safety hazard for children or anyone else in the vicinity.
Cover the crack by putting a board over it, or any other type of covering, to prevent further damage. This will keep your family safe. You should also contact the police to send an officer over to look over the damage and make an investigation. This will assist the insurance company and the law enforcement work together to try to recover any items that might have been taken from your property.
It's a good idea if the window has been vandalized, to call your local police department to examine the damage and prepare an investigation report. This will help the insurance companies and law enforcement agencies to find any criminals and make them accountable for their actions.
Covering the broken part with a board, or some other temporary cover will not only ensure that your business or home is more secure but also help you save money. Covering a window that has been damaged will lower your energy bill until the repair is completed.
One of the best ways to shield yourself from the elements while you wait for a professional emergency window repair is to use plywood as a temporary cover. You can buy an item of plywood that is similar to the size of your window at most hardware or home improvement stores, and then screw it into place along the wood studs of the frame on both sides. If you don't have plywood, you can protect yourself by using a large plastic sheet or tarp.
Do not hesitate to call an emergency glass replacement service if you need urgent window repairs. They will be able to offer you the top-quality service you require and will assist you in getting your business or home back to normal as fast as is possible.
Temporary Fix
If your window is cracked, but still intact it could be possible to make temporary repairs by using tape. This will seal the crack and keep external air from entering your home. This is especially important if you live in an area with cold temperatures.
Before applying any kind of tape, be sure that you take away all the glass shards from the area around it. This will safeguard your family members and reduce the chance of anyone getting injured by the glass. It is also a great time to wear protective eyewear and gloves with a thick layer of protection.
If you are able, also degrease your windows. This will aid the materials to bond with the glass, resulting in stronger fixing. Depending on the size and type of your window, you can choose between gasoline or acetone.
Another quick fix for windows that are cracked is to cover the glass with a piece of fabric. This will help keep external light and bugs out of your home, while still allowing you to look out. If you do this, ensure that the fabric is big enough to completely cover the entire crack in the glass.
You should also think about blocking the window with a wooden block to protect your family against intruders or cold weather. This is a great idea if you have pets or children in the home. Make sure you block off the space with a fence and put it where that pets or children cannot get to it.
If you've got a broken window that needs repair, be sure to call an emergency window repair company as soon as possible. They should be available all hours of the day and their customer service representatives should be able to dispatch technicians as fast as possible. They should also offer quality workmanship and competitive pricing. It is not advisable to choose a firm who uses cheap materials or fails to properly install replacement glass. The technicians must also be experienced and trained in dealing with various window styles and types.