Safe and Secure: Interim Solutions for Broken Windows

If your window is cracked or broken, you'll want to have it replaced as soon as possible. Not only does it reduce the security of your home, but it will also mean that your air conditioning has to work harder to keep your home cool — and increase your energy bill. With a bit of luck, the window repair specialist will be along soon. If you want to secure your window before their arrival, however, then here's what you should do.

Protect Yourself

Your first priority should be to ensure that the breakage hurts neither you nor any member of your family. Put on thick gloves and remove any pieces of glass from the surrounding area — including any loose shards that seem as though they are about to fall from the shattered pane. You don't want them falling at a later time for little feet to stand on. Double-bag any shards you find and dispose of them with your normal household waste — or put the pieces into glass recycling if you are able to do so safely.

Tape It Up

Your next step will depend on how large the problem area is. If a small ball went straight through the glass, you should be able to cover the hole up with several pieces of duct tape on either side. Make sure the pieces cover every edge of the hole and leave no crack visible in the pane. The harder it is for the problem to spread, the better.

Cover With Plastic

If the hole is larger than this, or the entire pane is missing, you'll need plastic sheeting. Rubble sacks that you'd use for garden waste are perfect for this. Whatever you choose, you'll want several layers folded together. Stretch them over the windowpane and seal them in place with duct tape. Pinning or stapling them may seem more secure, but it will leave gaps that cool air can escape through — which is exactly what you don't want!

Steer Your Family Clear

Children can sometimes be tempted to investigate things that look as interesting as sealed-up windows. Make sure that everybody in your family knows that this is not to be touched or played with, as it may be dangerous. The tape or the double-plastic should keep any newly-fallen shards safely away from your surfaces, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

When the window repair team arrives, they can safely remove your safety layer in order to replace the pane — and you won't have to endure that big gaping hole in your home in the meantime. For more information, contact a company like Robertson's Glazing Service.