What to Do Immediately After a Window Breaks in Your Home
A broken window is one of those moments that makes your heart sink. Maybe a baseball went through it, or a storm hit, or the glass just cracked out of nowhere. Whatever happened, you’re standing there looking at shattered glass, feeling overwhelmed and thinking you are going to need broken window replacement.
Take a breath. We’re going to walk through what to do right after your window breaks.
Keep Everyone Safe First
Your first job is to keep people and pets away from the broken glass. Those shards are sharp and they can hide in the smallest places.
If you have kids or pets, move them to another room right away. Glass pieces can scatter farther than you think, so be generous with your safety zone. Put on thick shoes before you do anything else. Regular slippers won’t cut it here.
Cover the Opening Right Away
You need to block that hole in your window as soon as possible. Cold air, rain, bugs, and even intruders can get through it.
Grab some thick plastic, a tarp, or even a heavy blanket. Cardboard works too if that’s what you have on hand. Tape it securely over the broken area from the inside. Use plenty of duct tape or packing tape to make sure it stays put.
This temporary fix won’t look pretty, but it’ll protect your home until you can get broken window replacement scheduled.
Clean Up the Glass Carefully
Now it’s time to deal with the mess, but you need to be smart about it.
Start with the big pieces. Use thick gloves and pick them up by hand, dropping them into a sturdy box or thick plastic bag. For the smaller pieces, a broom works well, but here’s a tip: a damp paper towel can pick up those tiny slivers that are almost invisible.
Don’t use your regular vacuum if you can avoid it. Glass can damage the motor. If you must vacuum, use a shop vac if you have one.
Call for Broken Window Replacement
Your temporary cover is just that: temporary. You need proper broken window replacement to keep your home secure and energy efficient.
Call a window repair company as soon as you’ve secured the area. Many companies offer same-day or next-day service because they know this is urgent. You shouldn’t have to live with a makeshift patch for long.
When you call, have some basic information ready. What size is the window? What type of glass was it? Is it a single pane or double pane? These details help the repair team come prepared.
Document Everything for Insurance
Before you clean up completely, take photos of the damage. Your insurance company will want to see what happened.
Snap pictures from different angles. Get close-ups of the broken glass and wider shots that show the whole window. If something caused the break (like a fallen branch), photograph that too.
Save your receipts from the broken window replacement. Most insurance policies cover this kind of damage, but you’ll need proof of what you paid.
Moving Forward
A broken window feels like a crisis in the moment, and it kind of is. But it’s also fixable with the right broken window replacement company and precaution measures to keep your family safe.
That’s all you can do, and you’re doing it right.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I leave a window covered with plastic?
You can leave it covered for a few days if needed, but schedule broken window replacement as soon as possible. Plastic doesn’t protect against break-ins or keep your home properly insulated.
Will my homeowner’s insurance cover a broken window?
Most policies do cover accidental window breakage, but you’ll need to check your deductible. It might not make sense to file a claim if the repair cost is close to your deductible amount.
Can I replace just the glass or do I need a whole new window?
That depends on the damage. Many times, you can replace just the glass pane, which costs less. A window professional can assess whether the frame is still in good shape or if you need a full replacement.
