The sound of broken glass can send a jolt of panic through anyone. Whether it’s a window, a door, or a beloved glass table, the sudden breakage leaves you with a mess to clean up and a vulnerability to address. But what steps should you take in the heat of the moment to ensure safety and minimize further damage?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the essential actions to take when faced with emergency glass repair. We’ve got you covered, from immediate safety measures to assessing the damage, temporary fixes, and knowing when to call a professional.
Types of Broken Glass
- Accidents: Think of children playing near glass windows or doors and accidentally throwing a ball through them.
- Environmental Causes: Think of strong winds or storms that cause debris to hit windows or of extreme temperature fluctuations causing the glass to crack.
- Vandalism: Think of graffiti etched on glass, breaking windows in a protest, etc.
- Wear and Tear: Think of windows developing cracks over time, scratches weakening a glass surface, or window frames deteriorating and putting stress on the glass.
Immediate Safety Measures
- Clear the Area: Broken glass can hurt anyone, especially children and pets who may not understand the danger. Instruct everyone to move away from the broken glass area. Isolate the area by closing doors or using barriers like chairs or cones.
- Wear Safety Gear: Wear thick, cut-resistant gloves to protect your hands. Put on closed-toe shoes to protect your feet from any shards on the floor. If you’re dealing with shattered windows or larger pieces, consider wearing safety goggles to protect your eyes.
- Dispose of Large Pieces: Use your gloved hands or a pair of pliers to pick up large pieces of glass carefully. Place them in a sturdy cardboard box or a heavy-duty trash bag. Seal the box or bag securely and label it as “Broken Glass” so that anyone handling it is aware of the contents.
- Clean Small Shards: Small shards can easily be overlooked but are just as dangerous as larger pieces. They can embed themselves in carpets or get swept into corners, posing a risk later.
Start with a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to suck up small shards from hard surfaces and carpets. You can use a wet paper towel or a slice of bread to pick up tiny fragments for hard-to-reach areas. The moisture helps the glass stick to the towel or bread.
Double-check the area for missed shards by shining a flashlight at a low angle across the floor. This will make any remaining glass pieces easier to spot.
Assessing the Damage
- Size of the Break: The size of the break helps determine whether a temporary fix is possible or if professional repair is needed immediately. A minor crack might be OK for the moment, but addressing it soon will help prevent it from spreading. On the other hand, shattered glass needs immediate replacement.
- Location: The location of the broken glass affects both the urgency of the repair and the safety measures you’ll need to take. Broken windows can compromise home security and insulation. Because of how frequently they’re used, glass doors require immediate attention.
- Type of Glass: Different types of glass have different properties, affecting the urgency and method of repair. Tempered glass breaks into smaller pieces but usually needs to be completely replaced. Laminated glass holds together when it’s shattered, providing a temporary barrier. Annealed glass breaks into large, sharp pieces and needs to be promptly taken care of to avoid injury.
- Urgency: Assessing urgency helps you decide whether to opt for a temporary fix or call professionals immediately. If it’s a broken window or sliding glass door, it’s likely urgent. It’s also important to consider weather conditions that could make it worse. If a storm is coming, you’ll want to contact a professional.
Temporary Fixes
- Covering the Gap: A broken window or door leaves your home exposed to the elements and potential intruders. Covering the gap temporarily can provide some level of security and insulation. You can cover it with plastic wrap, cardboard, or plywood.
- Sealing Cracks: Small cracks can spread over time, leading to a bigger problem. Sealing them temporarily can prevent this. Use strong adhesive tape like duct tape to seal the crack on both sides of the glass. Clear nail polish or glue can be applied for very small cracks to fill the crack and prevent it from spreading.
- DIY Kits: DIY glass repair kits offer a more durable solution than tape or cardboard and can be a good option for minor damage.
When to Call a Professional
- Complexity: Some glass repair jobs need to be simplified for DIY fixes and require specialized skills and tools.
Double or triple-pane windows are complex to repair and usually require professional service. Types like tempered, laminated, or custom-designed glass often require professional handling. If the broken glass covers a large area, it’s usually more efficient and effective to have it professionally replaced.
- Safety: Handling broken glass can be dangerous, and the risk of injury is high without the proper tools and expertise. You’ll want to consider height, sharp edges, and structural integrity.
Windows or glass features high off the ground should be left to professionals with the proper safety equipment. Large, sharp pieces of broken glass can be hazardous to handle. - Professionals can assess whether the breakage has compromised the structural integrity of the window or door frame.
- Long-term Solution: Temporary fixes are just that — temporary. Professional repair or replacement is often necessary for a long-lasting solution that ensures safety and durability.
You’ll want to consider quality, warranty, and energy efficiency. Professionals can provide a repair or replacement that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Many offer warranties on their work, giving you peace of mind. They can also install energy-efficient glass that could save you money in the long run.
Let Murray Glass Repair or Replace Your Broken Glass
Don’t let broken glass turn into a prolonged headache. Whether it’s a small crack or a shattered window, Murray Glass is your go-to solution for emergency glass repair.
With our team of experienced professionals, state-of-the-art tools, and commitment to quality, we ensure that your glass is restored to its original glory — quickly, efficiently, and safely. Why settle for temporary fixes when you can have long-lasting solutions?
Contact Murray Glass today at 801.262.3364 for a free consultation, and let us turn your glass troubles into a thing of the past.
