How to Handle an Emergency Window Repair
Every home has glass windows and if they break they can be a major source of trouble. It's not just a sloppy appearance, but it also exposes your home to the elements. You are also 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
It might be worth contact your insurance company to make a claim if the window broke was the result of a weather-related event or other external causes. This could speed up the process and allow repairs to be completed faster. It could also mean you can locate an repair shop that is "in network" with your insurance company, which can lower the amount you need to pay out-of-pocket.
Even if your insurance doesn't cover the damage, you should call to find out how much you may have to pay anyway for emergency repairs. This will allow you to budget for the costs and avoid any unexpected costs when it comes to paying the cost.
A broken window may seem like nothing to worry about but it could result in grave consequences for your family and you if left unattended. Children or pets that wander into the area could be injured by glass fragments. It is crucial to repair your emergency windows properly to safeguard your family from this type of damage.
Additionally, a window that is cracked could expose your home to burglary and vandalism. A 24 hour emergency window repair service is designed to offer rapid action when windows and doors are damaged which leaves your business or home 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 directly invoice your insurer and reduce the amount of money you have to pay out-of-pocket. You might be better off choosing a company that accepts a variety of payment methods like credit or cash. This will give you more flexibility when it comes to financing the repair and reduce the risk of being taken advantage of by unscrupulous tradespeople who could charge you a large amount.
You should search online for reviews and choose an experienced local window company that is well-known for its customer service. You might also want to determine if a company is endorsed by the trade association Checkatrade, which gives you confidence that they take a professional approach to their work and will treat you with integrity.
Contact the Police
Depending on the cause of your window breaking it may be necessary to notify the police right away. This is especially true if the window was damaged by vandalism or burglary. Contacting the police can assist in catching the criminal, as providing you with a report that can be used to submit an insurance claim.
After you have made contact with the police and insurer, you should take every step you can to safeguard your home until the glass repair is completed. Your home is at risk to pests and weather, which could put your family at risk.
If you have children, it is essential to keep them out of the area until the police arrive and make sure that it is safe for them to go into your home once more. If glass is broken all on the floor, it can be hazardous for them to walk on and could result in injuries.
You should also refrain from cleaning up the broken glass until the police have finished their investigation. You might find it difficult to make a claim with your insurer to cover the damage when you clean up the broken glass. Certain homeowners' insurance companies require photos and other proof to approve a claim. In addition, some insurance adjusters like to visit the home prior to making the decision to approve the claim. This is particularly common following an attack, as the insurance adjuster can verify the damage and the extent of any theft. They can then work with the homeowner to make sure that they're successful in recovering their belongings and money.
Cover the damage
A broken window can leave your home open to the elements, pests and bugs and even thieves. It can also pose an accident hazard for children who may slip through the glass, or for anyone else who could be in the area.
It is crucial to cover the break immediately with a board or other type of covering to avoid further damage and to keep your family safe. You should also contact the police to request an officer come and inspect the damage. This will enable the insurance company to cooperate with law enforcement agencies to try and recover any items that might have been stolen.
If the window was damaged by vandalism, it's also an ideal idea to contact the local police department right away so that a police officer can come over and view the damage and write up the report. This will help the insurance companies and law enforcement to identify anyone who is committing crimes and hold them accountable for their actions.
Covering the breakage by a board, or another type of temporary cover will not just make your home or business more secure but can also save you money. A broken window can cause your heating and air conditioning system to work harder to keep the inside of your home warm. Therefore, by covering the window, you can reduce the energy bills until the repair is completed.
Use plywood as a temporary cover to protect your windows from the elements until a professional can repair your emergency window. You can buy an item of plywood that is the same size as the window at most hardware and home improvement stores. Then screw it in place along the wood frame studs on both sides. If you don't own any plywood, you can still protect yourself by using a large sheet of plastic or tarp.
If double glazing repair Loughton in need of urgent window repairs, don't hesitate seek out a reliable glass replacement service. They can provide top-quality service and help get your home or business back to normal as soon as is possible.
Temporary Fix
If your window is damaged however, it may be possible to make a temporary fix by using tape. The tape will seal the crack and stop air from getting into your home. This is essential, especially if you live somewhere that has a cold climate.
Before trying to apply any kind of tape, ensure that you have removed all glass fragments from the surrounding area. This will protect your family and reduce the chance of being injured by the glass. Wear thick gloves and protective eyewear.
If you are able, also clean your windows. This will help the repair materials bond with the glass, leading to a stronger, longer-lasting fix. Depending on the type and size of your window, you may use either gasoline or acetone.
Another quick fix for a window that is cracked is to cover the glass with fabric. This will keep external light and bugs out of your home, yet still allowing you to look out. If you choose to do this, ensure that the fabric is big enough to cover the entire crack in the glass.
Finally, you should consider closing the window with a wooden board to protect your family from intruders and cold weather. This is a particularly good idea for families with pets or children in the home. Be sure to block off the space with a fence and put it where that pets or children cannot reach it.
Call an emergency window repair service as quickly as you can if your window is broken and needs to be repaired. They should be available around the clock and their customer service representatives should be able send an expert to your location as fast as possible. In addition, they must offer competitive pricing and top-quality workmanship. You shouldn't pick a company that uses inferior materials or doesn't correctly install the replacement glass. Additionally, their technicians should be experienced and trained in handling a variety of windows and glazing styles.