Emergency Glass Repair: What to Do When Glass Breaks

A broken window or glass door is stressful, especially at night or during bad weather. Whether it's a break-in, storm damage, or an accident, knowing what to do helps you stay safe and get things secured quickly.

Immediate Safety Steps

1. Stay back from the glass. Broken glass can have sharp edges you can't see, especially at night. Keep children and pets away from the area.

2. Put on shoes. Before doing anything else, protect your feet. Glass fragments spread further than you'd expect.

3. Use thick gloves if handling any glass. Work gloves or thick rubber gloves—not thin latex—provide protection when picking up larger pieces.

4. If there's been a break-in, call police first. Don't disturb the scene until they've documented it, and make sure the intruder is gone before entering.

Securing the Opening

If the weather's coming in or security is a concern, you need to cover the opening temporarily:

For small breaks: Heavy-duty garbage bags and duct tape can cover small openings. Tape on both sides if possible.

For larger openings: Plywood is ideal, but cardboard (multiple layers) works temporarily. Secure with tape or, for plywood, screws into the frame.

For sliding doors: A piece of plywood cut to fit the track can be wedged in place. Place a broom handle in the track for added security.

These are temporary measures. Even well-secured openings leave your home vulnerable to weather and intruders.

Cleaning Up Glass Safely

Large pieces first: Carefully pick up large pieces with gloved hands and place them in a cardboard box—not a garbage bag, which can be punctured.

Vacuum small pieces: A shop vac works best. If using a regular vacuum, expect to replace the bag afterward—glass can damage vacuum internals over time.

Damp paper towels: After vacuuming, press damp paper towels across the area to pick up tiny fragments you can't see.

Check the surrounding area: Glass travels. Check at least 15 feet in all directions, including furniture, curtains, and baseboards.

When to Call for Emergency Service

Our 24/7 emergency service handles situations that can't wait until morning:

Break-ins or vandalism—security is compromised

Storefront or commercial glass—your business can't operate

Severe weather coming with a large opening

Ground-floor windows or doors accessible from outside

Glass breakage involving a gas fireplace or other safety concern

What Emergency Service Includes

When you call our emergency line, here's what to expect:

Immediate response: We'll get a technician to your location as quickly as possible—often within an hour for urgent situations.

Temporary boarding: If permanent glass isn't available immediately, we'll secure the opening with professional boarding. This is much more secure than DIY solutions.

Measurement and ordering: We'll measure for replacement glass on the spot so production can begin immediately.

Documentation: We provide documentation you can use for insurance claims.

Insurance Considerations

Most homeowner and commercial insurance policies cover glass breakage from break-ins, storms, and accidents. Before cleaning up:

Take photos of the damage

Note the date and time

Keep police report numbers handy for break-ins

Save any evidence of what caused the break

We can work directly with your insurance company and provide the documentation they need.

After-Hours Contact

For emergencies outside business hours, call our main number: (613) 432-3106. The line connects to our on-call technician who can dispatch help immediately. We serve the entire Ottawa Valley region for emergencies.