How to Handle an Emergency Window Repair
Glass windows are common in homes, and when they break, it could be a real nuisance. It's not only a bad appearance, but also exposes your home to the elements. You also become more vulnerable to criminals.
There are a few simple ways to safeguard your window while you wait for it to be repaired.
Call Your Insurance Company
If the broken window is caused by a weather incident or other external cause, it could be worthwhile calling your insurance provider to make claims. This can make the process easier and allow for repairs to be completed faster. You may also be able to locate a shop that is "in-network" with your insurance. This can reduce the amount you pay.
Even if the cause of the damage isn't covered under your insurance company, it's worthwhile to call your insurance provider to see how much you might have to pay for the emergency repairs anyway. 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 could have serious consequences on your family. If children or pets wander into the area they can stumble on the glass shards and become injured. This kind of injury is why it is so important to take the time to carry out a thorough task of emergency window repair in order to protect your family.
A window that has been damaged could make your home vulnerable to burglary and vandalism. A 24 hour emergency window repair service is designed to offer rapid action when windows and doors are damaged and leave your home or business vulnerable to security threats.
Depending on your insurer you may be able to locate a repair business that is "in network" with them and can invoice your insurer directly, which will lower the amount you'll have to pay out of pocket. However, you might be better off with a repair service that provides various payment options, such as credit and cash. This will give more flexibility in financing repairs, and reduce your risk of being swindled by shady traders who charge you a large amount.
You should look online for reviews and choose a local window specialist who has a great reputation for customer service. You might also want to check whether a firm is recognized by the trade association Checkatrade that gives you confidence that they take a professional approach to their work and will respect your privacy.
Contact the Police
Based on the reason for your broken window it may be necessary to call law enforcement right away. This is especially true when your window was damaged due to vandalism or burglary. The police's intervention can assist in catching the perpetrator, as well providing you with a police report that can be used to file an insurance claim.
Once you have called the police and your insurance company, you must try to do as much as possible to protect your home from intruders until glass repair takes place. Your home is left vulnerable to weather and pests which could put your family in danger.
It is crucial to keep your children out from the area, until the police arrive and verify that it is safe to let them back into your home. If there is shattered glass all across the floor, it could be dangerous for children to walk on and could result in injuries.
You should also wait until the police have finished with their investigation before cleaning up the broken glasses. You may find it difficult to submit a claim to your insurer to cover the damage when you clean the broken glass. Certain homeowners' insurance companies require photographs and other evidence of the broken window before they can approve a claim. Additionally insurance adjusters may prefer to visit the property before making an assessment of the claim. This is especially common after a break-in, as the adjuster will be able to determine the damage and the extent of any theft. They can then collaborate with the homeowner to ensure that they are capable of recovering their possessions and money.
Cover the Damage
A damaged window leaves your home vulnerable to elements, bugs and pests as well as potential thieves. A broken window can be a danger to children or anyone else in the area.
It is crucial to cover the broken area immediately with a board or other kind of cover to prevent further damage and keep your family secure. It is also advisable to contact the police so that they can send an officer in to inspect the damage and submit an official report. This will allow the insurance company to collaborate with law enforcement officials to find any items that might be missing.
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 reports. This will enable the insurance companies and police to locate criminals and ensure that they are held accountable.
Covering the damage with a board or another type of temporary cover will not only make your home or business more secure, but also save you money. A damaged window can force your heating and air conditioning system to work overtime to keep the inside of your home warm, so by covering it, you will cut down on the energy bills until the repair is completed.
Use plywood as an interim cover to shield you from the elements until a professional is able to repair your emergency window. You can buy the piece of wood that is the same size as your window at a variety of hardware or home improvement stores and then fix it along the wood studs of the frame on both sides. If you do not have plywood, you can cover yourself by using a large plastic sheet or tarp.
Do not hesitate to contact an emergency glass replacement service if you need urgent window repairs . They'll be able to provide you with the top-quality service you require and will help you get your business or home back to normal as fast as you can.
Get a Temporary Fix
Tape can be used to fix a cracked window that is still intact. This will close the crack and block outside air from getting into your home. This is important, especially if you live somewhere with a cold climate.
Be sure to remove all glass shards from the area before applying any type of tape. This will safeguard your family members and decrease the chance of anyone getting 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 help the repair materials bond with the glass, leading to more durable, long-lasting repairs. You can use gasoline or acetone, depending on the kind of window you have.
Another quick fix for a cracked window is to cover the glass with a piece fabric. This will keep bugs and external light out of your house and still allow you to see the outside. Make sure the fabric is big enough to cover the entire crack in the glass.
Also, think about blocking off the broken window with a wood board to shield your family from intrusions and cold weather. This is an especially good idea for families with pets or children living in the house. Make sure you block off the area with a secure barrier, and place it somewhere your kids or pets can't be able to reach it.
Contact an emergency window repair service as soon as you can when your window is damaged and needs to be repaired. They should be open all hours of the day and their customer service representatives should be able dispatch an expert as fast as they can. Additionally, they should offer competitive pricing and top-quality workmanship. Don't select a business who uses inferior materials or doesn't properly install replacement glass. The technicians must also be trained and experienced in dealing with different window designs and types.