A shattered window is a stressful and potentially dangerous event, plunging your sense of security into immediate chaos. Whether the cause is a rogue baseball, extreme weather, or an unfortunate accident, your immediate actions are crucial for safety and minimizing further damage. You need a plan. JDM Solutions, your Calgary Door & Window Installation and Repair Experts, understands this urgency perfectly. Therefore, we present this essential guide on the critical steps to take in the first five minutes after glass breaks.
Prioritize Safety Above Everything
The immediate aftermath of a shattered window is dangerous because of broken glass and potential security vulnerabilities. Act quickly but methodically. Your first and most important job is to ensure everyone—including pets—is safe and clear of the immediate area.
First, keep everyone away from the opening. Shards of glass still clinging to the frame could fall, and the sharp pieces scattered on the ground pose a serious hazard. If the window is at ground level, prevent foot traffic near the area until you secure the scene.
Next, you must assess the level of danger. If a large portion of the glass is still precariously held in the frame, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Furthermore, if the break was caused by a security breach or vandalism, call the non-emergency police line immediately after securing the physical area.
Secure the Scene and Stop the Damage
Once you confirm the area is clear of people, your next priority is preventing more damage and securing the immediate hazard. This means addressing the remaining glass and the open window itself. Wear protective gear. Before you touch anything, put on heavy-duty work gloves, safety glasses, and sturdy shoes. Never handle broken glass with bare hands or light household gloves; small splinters can easily penetrate them.
Carefully remove large, loose shards. If a few large pieces are still stubbornly hanging from the frame, they are a falling risk. Use your gloved hand or a newspaper-wrapped broom handle to gently knock them inward onto a drop cloth or thick layer of newspaper placed directly below the window. Do not pull pieces outward as this risks cutting yourself on the jagged edges. You must remove these loose pieces to make the area safe for boarding up.
Now, clear the floor. Use a broom and dustpan to sweep up the bulk of the glass on the floor and windowsill. Do not use your hands. For tiny, dangerous shards, use a wet paper towel or even a slice of bread to dab the remaining pieces from the floor—it’s surprisingly effective for picking up fine fragments. Dispose of the collected glass safely in a thick cardboard box or a sturdy container marked “BROKEN GLASS” before placing it in the trash.
The Immediate Temporary Fix
With the immediate danger of falling glass removed, you face an open hole exposed to the elements and intruders. The 5-minute fix is all about creating a weatherproof and secure temporary barrier.
1. Find a temporary covering.
You are looking for something that can block wind and prevent entry. Ideal materials are heavy-duty plastic sheeting, a large sturdy trash bag, or even a piece of cardboard. In a pinch, a heavy blanket or towel will do for the shortest term.
2. Measure and cut your material.
Quickly measure the dimensions of the window opening. Cut your plastic or cardboard to size, ensuring it overlaps the window frame by a few inches on all sides. This overlap is critical for a secure seal.
3. Secure the covering tightly.
Use strong duct tape to attach the covering to the interior window frame. You should not tape the material directly to the wall paint, as the tape will strip the finish. Instead, wrap the tape fully around the edges of the plastic and firmly affix it to the wood or vinyl frame itself. Ensure the covering is as taut as possible to resist wind. This temporary barrier buys you time to contact the professionals.
Contact Your Local Experts
The temporary fix is exactly that—temporary. It will not insulate your home or provide long-term security. The final, critical step in your 5-minute plan is reaching out to the experts who can provide a fast, professional replacement.
Call JDM Solutions. As soon as the glass is contained and the opening is covered, call us immediately. We handle everything from emergency board-ups to full window replacements. When you call, be prepared to tell the technician:
- The location of the broken window (e.g., kitchen, second-floor master bedroom).
- The type of window (e.g., single-pane, double-pane, picture window).
- The approximate size of the opening.
- The cause of the damage (e.g., impact, thermal stress).
We will then dispatch a repair team to assess the damage, ensure the area is completely safe, and begin the process of installing a permanent, energy-efficient replacement. You can also find our contact information here: Calgary Door & Window Installation and Repair Experts at. Contact our team to restore your home’s integrity swiftly and professionally. You deserve the peace of mind that comes with reliable, expert service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I leave the window temporarily boarded up
You should not leave a window boarded for more than a few days. While a temporary board-up is an effective immediate fix, it significantly compromises your home’s security, insulation, and curb appeal. Furthermore, extended exposure to moisture can damage the window frame and wall structure. Therefore, you must schedule a permanent repair with JDM Solutions as soon as possible after the break.
Does my home insurance cover a shattered window
Typically, standard homeowner’s insurance policies cover damage from sudden and accidental events like vandalism, severe storms, or accidents. However, the exact coverage depends entirely on your specific policy and deductible. You should call your insurance provider to file a claim right after you contact us for the repair. We can provide documentation and assistance to help streamline your claim process.
Can I repair a shattered window myself if it is only a small crack
You should not attempt to repair shattered or deeply cracked glass yourself, regardless of the crack’s size. Glass has a crystalline structure, and even a small crack compromises the window’s structural integrity. This is especially true for modern double or triple-pane windows, which contain specialized gas fills and seals. Repairing them requires professional equipment and expertise. Instead, trust JDM Solutions to handle the replacement safely and correctly, ensuring your window meets all energy efficiency standards.
What should I do with the broken glass after I sweep it up
You must dispose of the broken glass safely to protect sanitation workers and yourself. Never put loose glass directly into a trash bag. Instead, collect all the shards and fragments and place them into a sturdy, puncture-resistant container. A thick cardboard box, a plastic bucket, or an empty coffee can works well. Next, seal the container tightly with duct tape and clearly label the outside with large, bold letters stating “BROKEN GLASS—DANGER.” This precaution ensures proper handling.
How quickly can JDM Solutions replace my window
Our replacement time depends on the type of glass and the window’s dimensions. For common, standard-sized windows, we often carry the necessary materials and can complete the installation quickly. However, specialized, custom, or unusually sized windows require ordering the specific glass unit, which takes longer. We will provide you with an accurate time frame immediately after our assessment. Our priority is always getting your home secured and comfortable as fast as we safely can.