How to Handle an Emergency Window Repair
Every home has glass windows, and when they break they can be a major source of trouble. It's not just awful, but it also exposes your property to elements and makes you vulnerable to crime.
Luckily, there are easy ways to keep your window safe until you are able to get it fixed.
Call Your Insurance Company
If the damaged window is caused by a weather event or any other external cause, it may be worthwhile calling your insurance provider to make an claim. This could accelerate the process and allow for repairs to be completed more quickly. It is also possible to find a repair shop that is "in-network" with your insurance. This could lower the amount of money you'll have to pay.
Even if your policy doesn't cover the damage, it's worth calling to find out the amount you may have to pay for any emergency repairs. This will allow you to budget for the expenses and prevent surprises when it comes to paying the bill.
A shattered window might seem like no big deal, but it could have grave consequences for you and your family members if left unattended. Pets or children who wander into the area could be injured by glass shards. It is essential to fix your emergency windows in a timely manner to safeguard your family members from this type of damage.
Additionally, window repairs near me that is cracked could expose your home to vandalism and burglary. An emergency 24-hour service for window repair is designed to respond swiftly when doors or windows are damaged, leaving you and your business exposed to security threats.
Depending on your insurer it is possible to find a repair company that is "in network" with them and can directly bill your insurer and reduce the amount of money you'll need to pay out of pocket. It is best selecting a repair company that accepts various payment options like credit or cash. This will give you more flexibility in financing the repair and lowers the chance of being swindled by unscrupulous tradespeople who could charge you an excessive amount.
You should search online for reviews and choose a local window specialist who is well-known for its customer service. It is also advisable to verify whether a business is approved by the trade association Checkatrade that can assure you that they have a professional approach to their work and respect your privacy.
Contact the Police
It may be necessary to call the police immediately in the event that your window has been damaged. This is especially true if the window was damaged by vandalism or burglary. The police's help can help you catch the criminal and make a report that can be used for filing an insurance claim.
After you have made contact with the police and insurance company, you must do everything you can to protect your home until the glass repair is completed. If you leave your home unprotected, it makes vulnerable to weather and pests which could put your family in danger.
It is important to keep your children from the area until the police arrive and confirm that it is safe to let them back in your home. It could be risky to walk on shattered pieces of glass.
It is also recommended to wait until the police are done with their investigation before cleaning up the broken glasses. You may find it difficult to file a claim with your insurer for damages if you clean the broken glass. Some homeowners' insurers require photos and other documentation to approve claims. Insurance adjusters may also prefer to visit a home prior to deciding on an insurance claim. This is common, especially following a burglary. The adjuster from the insurance company can verify damage and extent of theft. They may also work with the homeowner in order to ensure that they can get their money and belongings back.
Repair the Damage
A broken window leaves your home vulnerable to bugs, insects, and elements as well as potential thieves. It can also pose an accident hazard for children who may fall through the glass or for anyone else who might be in the area.
Cover the broken area with a board or any other type of covering to stop further damage. This will ensure your family's safety. You should also contact the police to request an officer visit and assess the damage. This will help the insurance company and law enforcement work together to try to locate any items that might have been stolen from your property.
It's a good idea in the event that your window has been vandalized to contact your local police department so that they can assess the damage and make an investigation report. This will help the insurance companies and law enforcement agencies to find any criminals and make them accountable for their actions.
Covering the broken part with a board, or another type of temporary cover will not only make your home or business more secure but also save you money. Covering a damaged window can reduce your energy bill until the repair is completed.
Use plywood as a temporary cover to protect your windows from the elements until a professional is able to repair your emergency window. You can buy a piece of plywood the same size as the window at a variety of hardware and home improvement stores. Then, you can screw it in it along the wood frame studs on both sides. If you don't own any plywood, you can safeguard yourself by using the large sheet of plastic or tarp.
If you're in need urgent window repairs, don't hesitate seek out a reputable glass replacement service. They will be able to provide you with the high-quality service that you need and assist you in getting your home or business back to normal as quickly as is possible.
Temporary Fix
Tape can be used to repair the crack in a window that is still intact. This will close the gap and block air from entering your home. This is particularly important if you live the colder climate.
Before you apply any kind of tape, make sure you remove all the glass fragments from the area around it. This will keep your family safe and minimize the chance of being injured by the glass. This is also a great moment to wear eye protection and gloves that are thick.
You should also degrease the windows' surface If you can. This will allow the material to adhere to the glass and result in an even stronger fix. You can use either gasoline or acetone, depending on the kind of window you have.
A second quick fix for windows that are cracked is to cover the glass with fabric. This will help keep bugs and light from your home, but still allow you to see outside. If you decide to do this, ensure that the fabric is large enough to cover the entire crack in the glass.
You should also consider blocking the window with a wooden block to protect your family from intrusions or cold weather. This is a great idea if there are pets or children living in your home. Place it in a place where pets or children can't get to it.
Contact an emergency window repair service as soon as you can in the event that your window is damaged and needs to be repaired. They should be available around all hours of the day and their customer service representatives should be able to dispatch a technician to your location as fast as possible. In addition, they must offer competitive pricing and quality workmanship. You don't choose a company who uses inferior materials or does not properly install replacement glass. Their technicians must be skilled and knowledgeable in dealing with a variety of window types and styles.