No one likes to discover that a window at their property has been broken. Whether it’s because of an accidental miskick of a ball, vandalism, or another incident, dealing with a broken window is stressful, especially since it leaves your property exposed to the elements and less secure than it usually is.
The steps you take in the first hour can make the journey towards moving on from the incident as straightforward as possible. In this post, we’ll run through a few of the key actions to take immediately.
Stay Calm and Keep People Away From The Area
It’s tempting to rush over to the broken window to assess the damage, but it’s best to be cautious. Broken glass is dangerous, and it’s possible that there are small shards that you cannot see. Once you’ve visually inspected the area, you can approach — just make sure that you, and anyone else who accesses the space, is wearing shoes. Be sure to keep children and pets out of the room completely.
If the window has been broken as a result of a break-in attempt, then it’s best not to touch anything. Instead, call the police and let them perform their preliminary investigations.
Look at Temporary Fixes
A smashed window can create a gap that makes the home susceptible to the elements, insects, and even potential burglars, so it’s important to put together a temporary fix until you can organise a more permanent solution.
In all likelihood, the biggest risk will come from the elements, especially if the break occurs during a chilly and/or rainy period. Covering the broken window from the outside with a plastic sheet, tarp, wood sheets, or durable cardboard can offer a temporary solution.
Get In Contact With a Glazier
The temporary fix should be just that — temporary. Getting in touch with a glazier as soon as possible can ensure that the glass is replaced promptly. In many cases, the glazier will be able to visit the same day or the next day, but the ball can only begin rolling once you’ve given them a call.
If possible, look at getting in touch with a local glazier. The reason is that they’ll have in-depth knowledge regarding which type of glass is most suitable for your local area. They can also offer their recommendations about the glass types that can help to prevent similar incidents happening in the future.
Keep a Record
Many homeowners wish to get their window replaced as quickly as possible, but it’s important to take the time to put together a record of the damage before the repair process gets underway. Taking photos and videos of the window and any surrounding damage, and keeping a written note of what happened, when it happened, and how it happened will make it easier for your insurance company to process your claim. As with getting in contact with a glazier, it’s best to involve your insurance company as early as possible, since that’ll ensure you get paid sooner.