Broken windows are a homeowner’s worst nightmare that can increase your energy bills and risk of intrusions. Calling local glaziers will be an essential step towards gaining a permanent solution. In the meantime, knowing how to complete a temporary repair should be at the top of your agenda.

A temporary fix will buy you more time, even if it is determined that emergency glaziers are needed to complete a permanent repair ASAP. Moreover, it can localise damage to prevent escalating problems. So, what steps can be taken to make a temporary repair? Here’s all you need to know from Nightsafe Glass.

How to secure a window with a broken lock

A broken window lock will severely hinder your home security measures. If you are worried about burglars breaking in, perhaps while you’re away from the property, 24 hour glaziers can repair or replace the lock to restore full safety. However, you can also make a temporary repair until this work takes place.

For vertical sliders, you’ll want to use nails. Drill a hole through the two parts of the sash and then place a 4” nail to keep them shut. The nail can then be removed whenever you want to slide the window open. For horizontal sliders, you can insert a small dowel into the window track to prevent opening.

In other cases, it may be possible to jam a broom into the window handle to remove the risk of people opening the window. Given that over 267,000 burglaries take place in the UK each year, ignoring the danger is not an option.

How to remove broken glass from a window

Broken glass can occur due to adverse weather, accidents, or criminal damage. Either way, this guide to smashed windows and calling emergency glaziers for 24 hour emergency boarding will help you find the perfect response. Nonetheless, you don’t want to spend any time living in an unsafe property, especially if you have kids. Removing the broken glass is vital.

After taping the window to create a safer workspace, you can use the butt of a hammer to loosen the glass and remove large pieces of the pane. Any glazing that remains stuck in the window frame can be removed by clearing the glazing caulk, tape, or gaskets. A knife can be used for the former two options but gaskets will need to be disassembled. 

When you do this carefully, the bulk of your glass solutions should remain in one piece. Smaller pieces can be swept and vacuumed up. Disposing of these items will prevent any risk of cuts and injuries to your family.

How to patch a broken window

Patching a broken window is one of the most common temporary fixes that you may need to complete before calling your local glaziers. The best approach will depend on the nature of the damage and the area that needs treatment. Glue or nail polish can be used to temporarily fix minor chips in the glass.

Larger cracks will need to be taped up, even if you don’t need to remove the glass entirely. However, most windows will need replacing after 15-20 years. If you’ve had to remove broken glass, a plastic sheet or tarpaulin can be used as a temporary measure to stop wind or rain damage. Nail this item to the frame to keep it secure.

When calling the experts, 24 hour emergency boarding may be used to protect your property and family while your new windows are ordered, manufactured, and delivered.

How to tell if a window seal is broken

Broken window seals are a particularly common issue faced by many homeowners, especially when you have dual pane window solutions. Sadly, the longer you leave the damage untreated, the longer your energy bills will cost a fortune. Likewise, the symptoms can cause esthetic problems for your home.

Before you can fix the issue, you must first learn how to identify a broken seal. Moisture is the primary indicator, which can cause fogginess and water droplets. They will often start in just the corners of the pane. However, you may find that the fog shows on the inside of the two panes and cannot be wiped away.

A broken seal isn’t necessarily a job that requires immediate action, but local glaziers will be needed at some stage.

How to replace a window

Replacing the window may require a change of glass pane, or you may find that the frames need upgrading too. While new windows will require an investment, the new windows will boost your home’s insulation, security, and atmosphere. 

To learn more, book a consultation or arrange 24 hour window repairs, call Nightsafe Glass today.