Emergency Window Repair Tips

A broken window can happen without warning, whether it's caused by severe weather, an accident, vandalism or a break in. Knowing what to do immediately after discovering the damage can help protect your home, reduce safety risks and prevent further problems while you wait for repairs. That’s why Nightsafe Glass have put together our tips for keeping your property safe and warm in the interim.

Why your window might have broken

There are a number of reasons why your window might have broken, and sometimes the reason can impact the repair needed. The reason it has broken can likewise impact the steps you take after you find the damage.

Common causes of window breakage includes:

Weather damage: Windows can sometimes break following harsh weather conditions like strong winds and storms, when either the pressure from the air, or an object falling into the glass causes cracks. In this instance, you should board the window and contact an emergency window repair team as soon as possible so the weather conditions don’t impact your home’s interior.

Accidental human damage: Windows can break completely by accident, often when you are spending time in the garden and something hits the window like a ball or a rock thrown by a child.

Vandalism: If your window has been damaged intentionally, you are likely to feel distressed and unsettled. If this has happened to you, then it’s important you contact the police before professional repair teams, so they can create a record of the damage and take any forensic evidence necessary.

Poor installation: If your window wasn’t installed correctly, then it may be subject to cracks or leaks.

Stress fractures: Stress fractures are more likely to occur in older, single pane glass due to extreme fluctuations in temperature. They occur when one part of the glass heats up quicker than the part beside it, causing uneven expansion and pressure in its structure. You may hear a popping sound when the fracture first forms, and discover a crack that emerges from the edge of the glass, stretching inwards.

What to do when your window breaks

Regardless of the reason why your window has broken, you need to manage it immediately. Broken glass can quickly cause issues in your home like water damage, security risks, higher heating bills, and anxiety.

You should contact a window repair team as soon as possible, but there are other things you should do in the meantime to make sure you are protected.

1. Assess the damage

The first thing you need to do is have a good look at the damage. Does it look like a minor crack or chip, or has the window been completely shattered? Has only one window been broken or are multiple windows impacted? Is there structural damage alongside the glass break? Does the frame look sound? 

2. Document what you find

If you have home insurance, it’s important to have images of the affected area to present as evidence for your claim. 

Before any repairs are conducted and before you touch/move any glass, make sure you have taken good quality photos from multiple angles that document the extent of the damage. Any small details like cracks in the window frame or damage to the interior of your property should be clear and visible. 

3. Block off the window if dangerous

If the glass is shattered and poses a risk, particularly if you have children or pets in the home, make sure the window is blocked off until police/window repair teams arrive. 

4. Contact the police if necessary

If you either know or suspect that the damage was caused intentionally, then you need to phone your local police station. They will want to assess the situation before any repairs are conducted so they can get a good and thorough idea of what happened. 

They may recommend that you and your family stay in a hotel or temporary accommodation for the night for your own peace of mind and safety. If you have any knowledge of why someone might have targeted your home, you must let them know so you can get back to normal as soon as possible. 

The police may contact emergency glaziers on your behalf. If you’re uncertain of the next steps, you should ask whether this will be done for you and when, if not, make sure you know how soon you will be able to have your home repaired, and make plans to do so. 

5. Contact a window repair company

As soon as you are able, contact local glaziers to repair the window(s). Depending on the extent of the damage, you could contact emergency glaziers who are available 24 hours to attend your property and restore the security of your home. 

Emergency glaziers will be able to either board up the window temporarily, providing secure temporary protection and dependable follow up glazing. 

You should contact emergency glaziers if your window is:

• Shattered 
• Cracked severely 
• Broken at night 

Don’t forget: Keep the receipts from your repairs to send to support your insurance claim.

6. Board up your broken window

If your window cannot be repaired immediately, boarding it up is the best way to keep your home secure and protected from the elements until a glazier arrives.

Depending on the damage, you can use:

• Tarpaulin: Ideal for large openings or damaged doors, helping to keep out wind and rain.
• Plastic sheeting (or cling film): A short term solution for cracked or broken panes that still have the frame intact.
• Plywood: The most secure temporary option for completely shattered windows. Secure it firmly to the window frame without causing further damage.
• Cardboard: Only suitable as a very temporary indoor solution if no other materials are available, as it offers little protection against weather.

Which repairs can you fix yourself? 

Not every damaged window requires an emergency call out. Some minor issues can be dealt with safely until a professional can inspect them. However, even small cracks can worsen over time due to temperature changes and pressure, so it's always worth arranging a professional inspection.

You may be able to manage the following yourself:

• Small chips that haven't spread into cracks.
• Minor draughts caused by worn weather seals.
• Loose window handles or locks that simply need tightening.
• Temporary weatherproofing using plastic sheeting or boarding until repairs are completed.
• Cleaning up small pieces of broken glass once the area has been made safe.

Which window repairs should you contact professionals for? 

Many types of window damage require specialist equipment and expertise. Attempting these repairs yourself can make the damage worse or create serious safety risks.

Always contact a professional glazier if your window has:

• Completely shattered.
• Large or spreading cracks.
• Broken double glazing units.
• Damage to the window frame.
• Broken locks affecting your home's security.
• Glass that has fallen into the frame or is at risk of falling out.
• Damage caused by burglary, vandalism or severe weather.

If your home has been left insecure, an emergency glazing service can quickly board up the opening before fitting replacement glass. At Nightsafe Glass, we provide 24 hour emergency window repairs in Wakefield and Leeds, helping homeowners secure their properties day or night.

What to do while waiting for your repair team

Once you've arranged an emergency glazier, there are several steps you can take to keep everyone safe until they arrive.

• Keep children and pets away from the damaged area.
• Avoid touching cracked or shattered glass, as it can break unexpectedly.
• Wear thick gloves and sturdy footwear if you need to move loose pieces of glass.
• Carefully collect small fragments using a dustpan and vacuum cleaner where safe to do so.
• Close internal doors to reduce draughts and contain any broken glass.
• Move furniture, curtains and valuables away from the damaged window to protect them from rain or further damage.
• If bad weather is expected, place towels or containers beneath the opening to catch any water that enters.
• Keep your insurance documents and photographs of the damage readily available.

Emergency window repairs in Wakefield

If a window has broken in your Wakefield property, phoning the right people can make the world of difference. 

Nightsafe Glass provides fast, reliable window repairs in Wakefield and the surrounding areas, with experienced emergency glaziers available 24 hours a day. From emergency boarding up to complete glass replacement, our team works quickly to restore your home's security and peace of mind.

If you need urgent assistance, our 24 Hour Emergency Glaziers in Wakefield can provide immediate support.