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 only a bad appearance, but also exposes your home to the elements. You are also more vulnerable to criminals.
Luckily, there are easy ways to ensure your window is protected until you are able to get it fixed.
Call Your Insurance Company
If the broken window is caused by a weather incident or some other kind of external cause, it may be worthwhile contacting your insurance company to file an claim. This could accelerate the process and allow for repairs to be completed faster. It is also possible to find a shop that is "in-network" with your insurance. This could reduce the amount of money you pay.
Even if your insurance doesn't cover the damage, it's worth calling to find out the amount you'll have to pay for any emergency repairs. This will help you budget for the expenses and avoid unexpected costs when it comes to paying the bill.
If you leave a broken glass window unattended, it can be a serious risk to your family. If pets or children enter the room, they may stumble upon glass shards and be injured. This type of damage is the reason it is important to take the time to do a thorough job of emergency window repair to ensure your family's safety.
A window that is cracked could expose your home to vandalism and burglary. A 24 hour emergency window repair service is designed to provide immediate action when windows or doors are damaged which leaves your business or home vulnerable to security threats.
Depending on your insurer you might be able to find a repair service that is "in network" with them and directly invoice your insurer and reduce the amount of money you'll have to pay out of pocket. However, you might be better off with a repair business that offers a range of different payment options, including cash and credit cards. This will allow you greater flexibility in financing repairs and reduce the risk of being scammed by fraudulent tradespeople who will charge you a large amount.
It is recommended to search the internet for reviews and choose a local window professional that has a great reputation for customer service. It is also advisable to determine if a company is endorsed by the trade association Checkatrade that will give you reassurance that they have a professional approach to their work and will provide you with honesty.
Contact the Police
Depending on the reason behind the broken window, it might be necessary to call law enforcement right away. This is especially true when your window was damaged due to vandalism or burglary. Calling the police can help you find the perpetrator and provide a report which can be used for filing an insurance claim.
After you have reached out to the police and insurer, you should take every step you can to protect your home until the glass repair is completed. Your home is at risk to weather and pests which could put your family at risk.
It is crucial to keep your children from the area until the police arrive and can confirm that it is safe to allow them back into your home. It could be risky to walk on shattered pieces of glass.
You should also refrain from cleaning up the broken glass until the police have completed their investigation. If you do, it could hinder your ability to file a an acceptable claim to your insurance company for the damage. Certain insurance companies for homeowners require pictures and other documentation of the broken window before they will consider a claim. In addition, some insurance adjusters like to visit the property before making the decision to approve the claim. This is common, especially after a burglary. The insurance adjuster 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.
Cover the Damage
A broken window can expose your home to the elements, bugs and pests and potential burglars. A damaged window could be a safety hazard for children or anyone else in the area.
It's important to immediately cover the crack with a board or other type of cover to stop further damage and to keep your family safe. You should also call the police to request an officer come and inspect the damage. This will allow the insurance company work with law enforcement to try and recover any items that may be missing.
It's a good idea, when the window has been damaged, to call your local police department so that they can inspect the damage and create an investigation report. This will allow insurance firms and law enforcement find any criminals and make them accountable for their actions.
In addition to making your home or business safer, covering the break with a board or another type of temporary cover will also help you save money on your energy bills. Covering a broken window can reduce your energy bill until the repair is completed.
Use plywood as an interim cover to shield you from the elements until a professional can fix your window. You can purchase an item of plywood that is similar to the size of your window from most hardware or home improvement stores and then secure it on the wood studs in the frame on both sides. If you don't have plywood, you can safeguard yourself by using a large sheet of plastic or tarp.
If you're in need of urgent window repairs , don't hesitate to contact an experienced glass replacement company. They'll provide you with the top-quality service that you need and assist you in getting your home or business back to normal as quickly as possible.
Temporary Fix
If your window is cracked but is still in good condition it could be possible to make an interim fix with tape. This will close the gap and block air from entering your house. This is particularly important if you live the colder climate.
Make sure you remove all glass shards from the area prior to applying any tape. This will protect your family and minimize the chance of someone being injured by the glass. This is also a great time to wear eye protection and thick gloves.
If possible, you should also clean your windows. This will help the repair materials bond with the glass, leading to a stronger, longer-lasting fix. You can choose to use acetone or gasoline, depending on the kind of window you have.
Another quick fix for cracked glass windows is to cover it with a piece or fabric. This will help keep external light and bugs out of your home, yet still allowing you to view outside. Make sure the fabric is large enough to cover the entire glass crack.
Finally, you should consider closing the window with a wood board to shield your family from intruders and cold weather. This is a particularly good idea when you have pets or children living in the home. Set it up in a location where your children or pets cannot reach it.
If you've got a broken window that needs to be repaired, be sure to call an emergency window repair service as soon as you can. They should be open all hours of the day and their customer service representatives should be able dispatch an expert as fast as possible. In addition, they should offer competitive pricing and top-quality workmanship. You don't choose a company who uses cheap materials or does not properly install replacement glass. Additionally, their technicians should be experienced and trained in handling a variety of glazing styles and windows.