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A broken window or glass door can happen in an instant. Maybe a storm sends something flying into a window, an accident damages a glass door, or a storefront window is broken unexpectedly. Whatever the cause, emergency glass breakage can create a serious safety and security concern. Knowing what to do in those first few minutes can help protect everyone in the area and prevent additional damage while you arrange for professional repairs.
Keep Everyone Away From the Broken Glass
The first priority after glass breaks is keeping people away from the area. Broken glass can have sharp edges and tiny pieces that are difficult to see, so children and pets should be moved to another room or area until the situation is under control.
If you need to clean up some of the broken glass yourself, wear sturdy shoes and protective gloves. Never pick up shards with your bare hands, even if they look small. A broom and dustpan can be used for larger pieces, while a vacuum or damp cloth can help collect smaller fragments. However, if there is extensive breakage or the area is difficult to safely access, it is better to leave the cleanup to professionals.
Secure the Broken Opening
A broken window or door can leave your home or business exposed to weather, debris, and unwanted entry. Once everyone is safely away from the area, consider creating a temporary barrier over the opening.
Depending on the size and location of the damage, materials such as cardboard, plywood, or heavy-duty plastic sheeting may provide short-term protection. Make sure any temporary covering is securely fastened and does not create another hazard.
Remember that a temporary covering is just that—a temporary solution. It should not be considered a replacement for properly installed glass. Getting professional help as soon as possible can restore the security and functionality of the opening.
Take a Careful Look at the Damage
Once the area is safe, look at the extent of the damage without putting yourself at risk. Is the glass cracked, completely shattered, or missing? Is there still broken glass sitting inside the frame? You should also look at the surrounding frame, seals, hardware, and other components for obvious signs of damage.
The impact that broke the glass may have damaged more than the pane itself. Identifying additional issues can help a glass professional determine what needs to be repaired or replaced. Avoid trying to pull out large pieces that are still lodged in the frame, as they may be unstable.
Contact a Professional Glass Repair Company
Once the immediate safety concerns have been addressed, contact a professional glass company. While it can be tempting to attempt a DIY repair, large or damaged glass can be difficult and dangerous to handle without the appropriate tools and experience.
Moyes Glass provides emergency glass services and can help assess the damage, take accurate measurements, and determine the appropriate replacement solution. The company works with both residential and commercial glass, including windows, doors, storefronts, and other glass products.
Getting professional help quickly is especially important for businesses. A broken storefront or commercial door can create a security issue and affect the appearance of the business. Addressing the problem promptly can help you get the property back to normal as quickly as possible.
Know When Glass Needs to Be Replaced
Not every glass problem requires replacing an entire window or door. However, shattered, missing, or severely damaged glass will generally need professional attention to determine the appropriate solution.
The type of glass being replaced also matters. Different applications may call for different glass options based on factors such as safety, insulation, appearance, and how the glass will be used. Moyes Glass offers replacement glass and can help customers select an option that fits their specific needs.
A professional can also determine whether the existing frame and other components are still in good condition or whether additional repairs are necessary.
Consider Ways to Prevent Future Breakage
Once your immediate glass emergency has been handled, it may be worth considering whether there are ways to make the area more resistant to future damage. Depending on the application, options such as safety or laminated glass may provide additional protection.
Security film is another option for certain windows and glass surfaces. Moyes Glass offers security film that can help hold shattered glass in place, providing an additional layer of protection after an emergency glass incident.
Regularly inspecting older windows and doors can also help you identify cracks, damaged frames, or other problems before they become bigger issues.
Get Professional Help When Glass Breaks
When glass breaks, the most important thing is to avoid unnecessary injuries and secure the area as quickly as possible. Keep people away from the emergency glass breakage, protect the opening with a temporary barrier when appropriate, and avoid attempting complicated repairs yourself.
When you need professional emergency glass repair or replacement in Northern Utah, Moyes Glass is ready to help. Locally owned and operated for more than 55 years, Moyes Glass provides residential and commercial glass repair and replacement services throughout the area.
If you have a broken window, door, storefront, or other glass feature, contact Moyes Glass to discuss your repair or replacement needs and get your property back to a safe, secure condition.
