Monthly Archives: January 2022

What do I do with a broken window?

close-up of a broken window

Handling a Broken Window

Windows are a wonderful addition to any home and not something we would expect NOT to have, right? However, accidents happen, and they do get broken from time to time, so knowing how to handle that situation is important. Broken glass can be dangerous too, which is a part of what makes getting a window glass repair service important. 

How do I temporarily fix a broken window in my house?

Broken windows are not something any homeowner wants. Besides the financial impact a broken window can cause, you need to worry about the elements and the safety factor. Unfortunately, there may be times you can’t get it fixed right away. So, until you can get permanent or professional window glass repair service, here are some temporary window glass repairs you can do yourself:

  • Fill in small chips or small crack with glue or nail polish.
  • Use duct tape or packing tape to cover larger cracks if the glass is still intact. 
  • If the glass is shattered, remove the shattered glass from the frame and use plastic to cover the opening. 

With this information, you can perform your own window glass repair service on a temporary basis, giving you time to find professional help. 

How do I cover a broken window in my house?

It may be due to a baseball, or storm, or simply a stress fracture, but a broken window isn’t anything to ignore. However, even when scheduling urgent window glass repair service with a professional, it may take time for them to arrive. Here are instructions for temporarily repairing any chipped, cracked, damaged windows. 

First, remember that you should never work with broken glass without wearing eye protection and gloves. Both are imperative in maintaining safety. Next, you need to gather either a plastic tarp, a plastic sheet, or even garbage bags and lay them on the flooring under the broken window. 

The extent of the window damage will determine the best emergency window repair. Some common types of window damage and the steps you can follow until you get professional window glass repair service are as follows: 

Chipped/Cracked Glass

It doesn’t matter how or why a window has been chipped or cracked; taking immediate steps to prevent further damage is always necessary. Duct tape or packing tape are excellent resources for immediate window repair. Try to apply the tape to both sides of the chipped or cracked window without applying too much pressure so it doesn’t break further.

Shattered Glass

Maybe a stray baseball came through the window, or a rock flew out from the lawnmower; either way, the shattered glass is dangerous. Spread your plastic tarp or a plastic sheet on the floor around the area. While wearing protective eyewear and gloves, remove all the broken glass from the window frame. 

  • A large window frame may need to be removed and placed on the plastic you’ve laid down. With smaller windows, you can remove the large glass shards one piece at a time. 
  • If there aren’t any large pieces of glass, place masking tape over all of the glass. Then, with a hammer, gently tap over the masked and taped glass so it finishes breaking. Finally, with gloved hands, remove the tape and shards of glass. 
  • With the glass completely removed, cover the window frame with your plastic tarp or a garbage bag and seal the edges off with duct or packing tape. 
  • Fully Broken Window

If the damage is too extensive for these basic repair steps, you’ll need to install plywood over the window opening until you can get help from a professional window glass repair service. To do that, follow these steps:

  • Get a sheet of plywood that will cover the entire window and then locate the studs under the window on both sides. 
  • Measure the distance between those two studs, add an inch to that, and cut a piece of plywood to fit that measurement. 
  • With two-inch screws spaced about 1-1/2 inches apart, secure the cut sheet of plywood to the window. 

What do you do with a broken house window?

Cracked or shattered window glass repair service is an urgent matter, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to get the repair you need right away. As you wait for the professionals to arrive, take the following steps: 

Step One: Clean Up 

Do not leave broken or shattered glass lying around. With protective gloves on, pick up the big pieces carefully and put them in a doubled up bag, either paper or plastic. After that, vacuum the tiny pieces up so nobody can get these smaller shards in their feet, hands, or other parts of the body. 

If there is still some glass in the window frame, you can remove it by placing a protective drop cloth or plastic sheet under the window. After that, tape it up with masking tape. If you need to, tap it with the butt end of the hammer to knock out the rest of the glass. 

Step 2: Secure the Area

If you need professional window glass repair service the same day, you need to make the opening secure and keep your cool or heated air inside as best as you can.  If there are cracks but the window is still in place, cover them with clear packing, duct, or masking tape. Tape both the interior and exterior sides.  

If the glass is shattered, follow the steps we provided above, remove the large shards, and vacuum up the rest. After that, fold up some heavy-duty plastic or trash bags and staple or tape them to the window frame. 

Step 3: Insurance

If your homeowner’s insurance has broken glass window coverage, call your agent and file a claim. Some policies have accidental breakage coverage, and most have break-in/theft coverage. 

Step 4: Professional Service 

If you haven’t already, call a professional window glass replacement service and schedule an appointment. Getting professional service will guarantee the job is done right and you’ll have a warranty if there are any issues. 

Can you repair a crack in a house window?

As long as the crack isn’t deep and long, then yes, you can repair a window with the following steps: 

  1. Clean the window glass with dish soap.
  2. Create a mixture of epoxy resin and hardener on a paper plate.
  3. Using a putty knife, apply the epoxy mixture to the crack, going back and forth to get a good coverage
  4. Wait five minutes, and then scrape the excess epoxy off and clean around the area. .

How do you repair a skylight window?

If you are able to get on the rooftop, you can make a temporary repair to a broken skylight. For a permanent repair, call a professional widow glass replacement service.  The temporary repair can be done by applying a clear acrylic caulk over the crack. 

Can you repair scratched window glass?

Scratched window glass can often be fixed using things you have on hand: 

  • Method One: Toothpaste or Pumice Soap 

A clean and soft rag with regular white toothpaste or a mild abrasive liquid soap will polish any fine scratches out. A white toothpaste with baking soda is the best. Clean the glass first and allow it to dry. After that, apply the toothpaste or pumice soap lightly in a circular motion with the rag for 30 seconds. Then, with another clean, soft rag, wipe off any excess toothpaste or soap. Repeat if necessary. 

  • Method Two: Nail Polish 

After a thin layer of nail polish has been spread over the scratch, allow it to dry for one hour, and then take a clean, soft rag that’s been slightly moistened with nail polish remover and gently wipe over the surface to remove any excess nail polish.

  • Method Three: Glass Buffing 

If the glass has deeper scratches, you can use a glass or metal polish paste with a clean, soft rag and follow the directions on the package. After you’ve completed those steps, wipe away any excess polish with a soft and clean, damp cloth.

  • Method Four: Steel Wool

Using a fine steel wool, #0000, make gentle circular motions for a few minutes over the scratch. Then, rinse it off with clear water. 

How do you repair a double pane window?

A broken double-pane window will require the window to be removed from the sash and taken to a window glass replacement service because this is not a DIY project you can do at home.  The better option is to call a professional window glass replacement service and have them come to your home. They will ensure the window is properly repaired and that there are no leaks around the window or within the double pane. 

close-up of a broken window

So You Can See Clearly Again

Who do you call for a broken window? There are many professional window glass replacement service companies out there – likely as many as there are McDonald’s.  Doing a Google search is the best way to find one. You’ll need to tell them the type of window you need fixed (double pane, single pane, bay window, etc.) and the size of the window. 

So, how much does it cost to repair a broken house window? This will depend on the type and size of the broken window. These prices are averages: 

  • Single Pane: $200.00 for one window
  • Double Pane: $200 to $400 for one window
  • Bay Window: $600 to $1,100 for three panes
  • Bow Windows: $1200 to $3,300 for five or more panes

And if you’ve found yourself in need of a local professional window glass replacement service in Fort Worth, TX, you can always reach out to us to get the help you need.