A broken window in winter can be detrimental to your health and your property’s structure. It overworks your HVAC system because it allows heat escape. It also allows moisture to seep into your walls as snow and sleet enter your home. This can lead to severe water damage and mold growth.
There are several ways you can quickly fix a broken window to prevent damage. From boarding the window up to using a temporary film, we are here to protect your home. Here are some quick solutions to temporarily fix your broken window:
- Contact Emergency Board Up Services
Emergency board up services are the quickest and most efficient way to fix a broken window. The board up company will assess the damage done to the window and take out any leftover shards. They will then use durable sheets of plywood or steel to barricade the window. The wood or steel is attached to your window frame using screws or bolts.
Boarding up a broken window prevents external elements such as snow or rain from causing water intrusion in your home. This is because the boarding up materials are layered tightly to prevent gaps. It also deters vandals and intruders because they won’t be able to easily compromise the materials.
Additionally, paying for emergency board up services counts as mitigation of damage. If you plan on filing an insurance claim for the damaged window, you can receive reimbursement of the costs from your insurer.
- Use Heavy-Duty Plastic
Heavy-duty plastic sheets or a see-through tarp can be a great temporary solution to fix a broken window. These materials are better than cardboard which can dissolve if it rains or snows. Additionally, plastic offers the additional advantage of visibility like a regular window. This way, you can see what is going on around your home.
Clean the area around the window to get rid of glass and other debris that may make your task difficult. Then get a measuring tape to measure the width and length of your window frame. Once you have the right measurements, you can cut the plastic or tarp to the exact measurements.
It is best to cut about one or two more inches than your window measurements. This ensures that the material extends a little past the window, ensuring extra coverage. You can then use a power drill or some tape to secure the plastic or tarp to your window frame.
- Install a Temporary Window Film
Temporary window films are great at holding shattered pieces of window glass together. If your window glass is shattered but still in one big piece, you can use a window film to reinforce it. This will prevent it from falling out and causing a home accident. It is not a permanent fix but will hold up for a few days.
Measure your window’s length and width before purchasing the temporary window film. You will find options at any hardware store. Cut the film according to your measurements and gently apply it to your window. Temporary window films are usually one time use so you can throw them away when you’re ready to replace your window.
- Apply Heavy-Duty Tape
If you are in a real pinch, packing or duct tape can help you fix a broken window. You can apply long strips across the surface of the window frame. Ensure you slightly overlap each strip to avoid tiny gaps. You can also layer each strip at least twice for a firm hold. Consider applying the tape to the other side of the window to give it structure.
You may also use sealants to fill any extra cracks that the tape cannot cover. However, this temporary fix shouldn’t be used for more than 24 hours. It is easy for intruders to tear down the tape and gain access to your home. Therefore, ensure you get a permanent fix as soon as possible.
- Utilize Fencing Services
Temporary fencing services are a great option to protect your home if a vandal or thief breaks your window. They provide additional protection by securing the perimeter of your home and preventing unauthorized access. This is especially important in areas with high crime or vandalism rates.
It is best to reach out to a professional to install the temporary fencing. It might not be as secure if you do it yourself. The professional will assess your home and determine the best kind of temporary fencing. They will also install and secure it, ensuring that it won’t be easily compromised. However, you will still need to replace your broken window to avoid water intrusion.
How Long Can You Have Temporary Window Fixes?
This depends on what kind of emergency window-fixing solution you choose. For instance, heavy-duty tape or plastic should not be used for weeks. This is because they are quite flimsy and can easily be ripped apart by animals or intruders. However, they are great for a day or two because they can repel water from rain, snow, or sleet.
Temporary window films should only be used for a few days. They also repel water but they can only hold shattered window glass for so long. The film may lose its adhesion and leave bits of glass around your home.
Emergency boarded-up windows can hold up for months. This is why they are the best temporary solution to fixing a broken window. They keep elements, intruders, and animals out while preserving your home’s aesthetic and value.
Nevertheless, once you have a broken window, you should find a permanent fix as soon as possible. Avoiding permanent fixes can drive up your electricity bill and also attract vandals to your home.
Conclusion
You can always temporarily fix a broken window before installing a new window glass. Try heavy-duty plastic sheets such as large garbage bags or tarps to secure the empty window space. You may also use lots of packing and duct tape as a makeshift window glass.
If you have recently suffered a burglary or vandalism that left your window shattered, it is best to opt for fencing services. Temporary fencing may not temporarily fix your window but it protects the rest of your home.
Emergency board up services can be a literal lifesaver when dealing with broken doors and windows. This is why at On-Call Board Up, we are always available to provide quality board up services. Give us a call today for emergency and preventative board up services.
