What to Do When Glass Breaks: Emergency Response Guide

A broken window or door is stressful—especially if it happens outside business hours or compromises your security. Here's how to handle it safely and what to expect from emergency glass service.

Immediate Steps After Glass Breaks

1. Ensure safety first. Keep people and pets away from the broken glass. Don't touch large pieces with bare hands.
2. Assess the situation. Is it a security concern (break-in, ground-floor access)? Weather exposure? This determines urgency.
3. Document for insurance. Take photos before cleaning up. Note the date, time, and circumstances. This helps with insurance claims.
4. Secure the opening. If possible, cover the opening with plywood, heavy plastic, or cardboard to prevent weather and security issues.
5. Clean up carefully. Wear thick gloves. Use a broom and dustpan for large pieces. Damp paper towels pick up small fragments. Check surrounding areas.
6. Call for service. For emergencies, call us immediately. For non-urgent situations, you can schedule during business hours.

What Qualifies as an Emergency?

We provide 24/7 emergency service for situations that can't wait:

• Break-ins: Compromised security needs immediate attention
• Storefront damage: Businesses need to secure premises and open on schedule
• Large openings: Significant weather exposure, especially in winter
• Safety hazards: Broken glass in high-traffic areas

What Can Wait Until Business Hours

• Small cracks that don't compromise security
• Foggy windows (seal failure)
• Upper-floor windows with no access concerns
• Minor chips that don't affect function

What to Expect from Emergency Service

When You Call

We'll ask about:

• Type of glass (window, door, storefront)
• Size of the opening
• Your location
• Security concerns

Response Time

For true emergencies, we typically respond within 1-2 hours. A real example: a business called at 2 AM after a break-in. Our technician was on-site within an hour, created a temporary glass panel at our facility, and had the storefront secured before the 8 AM opening.

Temporary vs. Permanent Repair

Emergency service often involves two visits:

1. Immediate response: Secure the opening with boarding or temporary glass
2. Permanent repair: Custom glass ordered and installed (usually within days to a few weeks depending on type)

Preventing Future Emergencies

• Security film: Holds glass together when broken, making break-ins harder
• Impact-resistant glass: Options for high-risk areas
• Regular inspection: Address small cracks before they become big problems
• Proper installation: Well-installed windows resist stress better