Waiting To Have A Broken Window Replaced? What You Should Do Now

When a baseball, hailstone, bird, or other object comes crashing through your window, you know that you'll need a replacement window installed. And calling a repairperson as soon as possible means less time waiting with your home potentially open to the elements. But how do you deal with the broken window while you wait for your new one to arrive?

Cracked Window: Tape The Area

If the window is cracked but not entirely broken, you can test to see whether it will hold up until a professional arrives. Wear a pair of sturdy gloves and very carefully feel the cracked area. If it feels sturdy, you can gently place packing tape over the crack to keep it together – make sure to apply it to both sides of the window.

Broken Window: Clean Up The Glass

If the window is broken, the first thing you need to do is make sure no one will walk on any broken glass. Block off the area with furniture if you won't be able to clean it up right away. When you do clean up the glass, make sure to wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and, if possible, work gloves or gardening gloves. Use a thick trash bag or two trash bags together, and close off and dispose of the garbage right away when you're finished.

Cleaning up glass is a process of working from large to small. First, pick up and throw away any pieces of glass that are large enough to easily handle. Second, if on hardwood floor or tile, slowly sweep the floor to gather up smaller pieces. Next, vacuum the area to remove any remaining glass. Finally, for carpeting or any soft materials such as cushions, gently brush the area to loosen any glass stuck in the fibers, and then use sticky tape to pick up any glass caught on the surface.

When cleaning, make sure to work slowly and methodically. Vigorous sweeping can lead to small pieces of glass being scattered around. Vacuuming up glass too quickly may cause the glass to be pushed by the vacuum, scratching your floor.

Seal Off The Hole

Nailing plywood over a broken window is a sturdy solution, but it's probably unnecessary unless it will be a long time before a new window can be installed. For a short-term solution, thick plastic sheeting or even a garbage bag can work; either can be used in multiple layers for added protection. Cut the covering to the right size and secure it to the window frame, preferably on the exterior side, with packing tape or duct tape. To learn more, contact a business like Five Star Windows Inc.