How to Handle an Emergency Window Repair
Every home has glass windows, and when they break, it's a major nuisance. It's not only a bad look, but it exposes your home to the elements. You also become more vulnerable to criminals.
Luckily, there are easy ways to protect your window until you are able to get it fixed.
Call Your Insurance Company
It might be worth calling your insurance company to submit a claim in the event that the damaged window was the result of an weather-related incident or other external causes. This might be able to accelerate the process and complete the repairs faster. It is also possible to find a repair shop that is "in-network" with your insurance. This can reduce the amount of money you have to pay.
Even if the cause of the damage isn't covered under your insurance policy, it's worth making a call to see how much you might have to pay for the urgent repairs anyway. This will let you budget for the unexpected costs.
If you leave a shattered glass window unattended, it could have serious consequences on your family. Pets or children who enter the area may be injured by glass shards. It is important to fix your emergency windows correctly to safeguard your family from this kind of damage.
A damaged or broken window can make your business or home vulnerable to vandalism. A 24 hour emergency window repair service is designed to offer prompt action when windows and doors break and leave your business or home vulnerable to security threats.
You might be able, depending on the insurance company you have to find a business that is "in-network" with them. They will then bill your insurer directly and reduce the amount you are required to pay. However, you might be better off with a repair service that provides various payment options, including credit and cash. This will allow you more flexibility in financing the repair and will reduce your risk of being swindled by rogue tradespeople who might charge you an excessive amount.
You should search online for reviews and select an experienced local window company that has a great reputation for customer service. Find out if the company is endorsed by Checkatrade. This will give you the assurance that they are professional and will treat you with respect.
Contact the Police
It could be necessary to contact the police immediately if your window is broken. This is especially true if your window was damaged by vandalism or burglary. Calling the police will help them catch the perpetrator, as well as provide you with a police report that can be used to submit an insurance claim.
After you have reached out to the police and insurer, you should do everything you can to protect your home until the glass repair is completed. Your home is at risk to pests and weather, which could put your family at risk.
It is important to keep your children away from the area, until the police arrive and confirm that it is safe to let them back in your home. It could be risky to walk on shattered pieces of glass.
You should wait until the police are done with their investigation before cleaning up the broken glasses. You might find it difficult to submit a claim to your insurer for damages even if you have cleaned up the broken glass. Certain homeowners' insurers require photos and other proof to decide whether to accept claims. Additionally some adjusters prefer to visit the house prior to making an assessment of the claim. This is especially common after a break-in, as the adjuster is able to verify the extent of damage and the scope of any theft. They can then collaborate with the homeowner to ensure that they're successful in recovering their possessions and money.
Cover the Damage
A broken window leaves your home vulnerable to bugs, insects, and elements, and even potential thieves. A window that is broken can pose a safety hazard for children or anyone else in the area.
Cover the crack with a board or any other type of covering, to prevent further damage. This will ensure your family's safety. It is also advisable to contact the police to request an officer come and inspect the damage. This will help the insurance company and the law enforcement collaborate to recover any items that might be missing from your property.
If the window was damaged due to vandalism, it's also recommended to contact the police department in your area immediately to allow an officer to inspect the damage and prepare a report. This will help the insurance companies and law enforcement to find any criminals and hold them accountable for their actions.
In addition to making your home or business more secure, covering the broken window by a board or some other kind of temporary cover can also help you save money on your energy bill. A broken window can cause your heating and cooling system to work harder in order to keep the interior of your home warm, so by covering it, you can reduce your energy bills until the repair is completed.
Use plywood as an interim cover to shield you from the elements until a professional is able to repair your emergency window. You can buy a piece of wood that is the same size as the window from most hardware and home improvement stores. Then, screw it into to the wood frame studs on both sides. If you don't have any plywood, you can still protect yourself by using an enormous sheet of plastic or tarp.
Do not hesitate to call an emergency glass replacement service if you need urgent window repairs . They can provide you with high-quality services and help you return your home or business to normal as quickly as possible.
Temporary Fix
If your window is damaged however it is possible to create an interim fix with tape. This will seal the crack and prevent external air from getting into your home. This is crucial, particularly in areas with an extremely cold climate.
Make sure to clear all glass shards out of the area prior to applying any type of tape. This will ensure your family's safety and reduce the chance of being injured by the glass. This is also an excellent time to wear protective eyewear and gloves that are thick.
If possible, you should also degrease your windows. This will help the repair materials bond with the glass, resulting in an easier, longer-lasting fix. You can use gasoline or acetone, based on the kind of window you have.
Another quick fix for cracking glass windows is to cover it with a piece or fabric. This will keep insects and external light out of your home but still allow you to view the outside. If you choose to do this, make sure that the fabric is large enough to cover the entire crack in the glass.
You should also think about blocking the window with a wood block to safeguard your family against intruders or cold weather. This is a particularly good idea if you have children or pets in the house. Be sure to block off the space securely, and place it somewhere your pets or children can't get to it.
Call an emergency window repair service as quickly as you can in the event that your window is damaged and needs to be repaired. They should be open around all hours of the day and their customer service representatives should be able dispatch a technician to your home as quickly as possible. They should also offer quality workmanship and competitive pricing. Don't select a business who uses cheap materials or doesn't properly install replacement glass. Their technicians should also be trained and experienced in dealing with different window designs and types.