How to Fix Broken Window Glass Temporarily: What You Can Do Before the Professionals Arrive

A broken window can be a major inconvenience. Whether it’s caused by a storm, an accident, or an attempted break-in, it’s important to act quickly to prevent further damage and keep your home secure. While it’s always best to call a professional for a permanent repair, there are several temporary solutions you can use to fix broken window glass before the experts arrive. These methods will help prevent drafts, improve safety, and protect your home from the elements.

1. Assess the Damage

Before jumping into any repairs, it’s important to evaluate the extent of the damage. If the glass is shattered into small pieces, take extra care when handling it to avoid injury. If only a crack is present, the repair process will be easier, but you should still act quickly to prevent the crack from spreading.

If you’re unsure about the safety of the broken window, consider whether there is a risk of it causing injury or letting in cold air, rain, or pests. Temporary fixes should address these issues until permanent repairs can be made.

2. Safety First: Remove Shattered Glass Carefully

If the glass is shattered, it’s essential to remove any loose or sharp shards before you attempt to seal the window. Follow these steps:

• Wear protective gloves to avoid cuts.
• Use a broom and dustpan to sweep up larger shards of glass.
• Vacuum the area to pick up any tiny pieces of glass that may be difficult to see.
• Carefully remove any glass edges still attached to the window frame. If they are sharp, be sure to protect yourself and avoid applying too much pressure.

Once the glass has been safely removed, you can move on to temporarily sealing the window.

3. Use Heavy-Duty Tape to Seal the Window

One of the easiest and most effective ways to temporarily fix broken window glass is by using heavy-duty tape. Duct tape or packaging tape are common choices because they are strong and adhesive. Here’s how you can use tape to seal the broken window:

• Clean the window frame: Make sure the frame around the broken window is clear of debris and dirt. This will ensure that the tape sticks securely.
• Apply the tape over the break: Start at one edge of the window and press the tape firmly across the crack or shattered area. If the glass is completely broken, apply horizontal and vertical layers of tape to hold the shards together. You should cover the entire area to prevent drafts and keep glass pieces in place.
• Smooth out the tape: Make sure the tape adheres well to the frame and glass by smoothing it out with your hand. Press down on the edges to ensure no gaps are left.

Using tape to temporarily seal a broken window is a quick solution, but it will only last until the weather or external factors cause it to loosen. Be sure to replace the glass as soon as possible.

4. Plastic Sheeting as a Temporary Fix

If you want to keep drafts and rain out of your home while you wait for professional help, plastic sheeting can be an excellent temporary fix for broken window glass. Here’s how you can use plastic sheeting to secure the window:

• Cut the plastic sheeting to size: Measure the size of the broken window and cut a piece of plastic sheeting that’s slightly larger than the window frame.
• Secure the sheeting: Use heavy-duty duct tape or painter’s tape to attach the plastic sheeting to the window frame. Make sure to press the tape along all the edges so that it sticks well and seals the gap.
• Check for air leaks: Make sure that no drafts are coming in through the edges. You may need to reinforce the plastic with additional layers of tape to secure it properly.

While this solution is effective in protecting your home from the elements, it is not a long-term solution. The plastic sheeting is vulnerable to tearing or loosening, especially in harsh weather conditions, so it should be replaced with proper glass as soon as possible.

5. Use a Cardboard or Plywood Cover

For a sturdier temporary fix, you can replace door glass with a piece of cardboard or plywood. This method works best if the frame is still intact, and the glass has shattered or fallen out entirely. Here’s how to secure your window with cardboard or plywood:

• Cut the material to size: Measure the window and cut a piece of cardboard or plywood to fit the opening. If you are using plywood, ensure the material is thick enough to withstand wind or rain.
• Secure the cardboard or plywood: Use screws, nails, or heavy-duty tape to attach the material securely to the window frame. Make sure the edges are sealed properly to prevent air from leaking in.
• Seal any gaps: Once the material is in place, use weatherstripping or additional tape to seal any gaps around the edges. This will help keep your home insulated and prevent drafts.

While a piece of plywood will offer better protection than tape or plastic sheeting, it still is a temporary measure. Be sure to schedule a professional repair as soon as possible to replace the broken glass with a permanent solution.

6. Secure the Window for Safety

Even if you have temporarily sealed the broken window, it’s crucial to ensure the window is secure, especially if the break occurred during a storm or break-in. Here are some additional steps to improve safety until your window is fixed:

• Lock the window: If possible, lock the window to prevent it from being opened, especially if the broken glass is near the ground or accessible from outside.
• Cover the window with a board: For added security, you can place a board across the inside of the window to prevent further breakage and deter burglars.
• Alert others: If you have children or pets, make sure they are aware of the broken window and avoid going near it until the repair is made.

These safety measures are important to protect your home and family while you wait for professional assistance.

7. When to Call the Professionals

Temporary fixes are helpful, but they should only be seen as short-term solutions. If you have broken window glass, it’s important to schedule a professional repair as soon as possible. A professional will replace the broken window with the right type of glass and ensure it’s properly installed and sealed. Whether you need to replace door glass or a window in your living room, a certified expert will ensure the job is done correctly and safely.

Quick Fixes for Broken Window Glass

While waiting for a professional repair, you can use these temporary solutions to protect your home from the elements, increase safety, and prevent further damage. Whether you choose to use tape, plastic sheeting, cardboard, or plywood, each method provides a temporary shield against drafts, water, and intruders. However, always remember that these fixes are not permanent, and you should schedule a professional repair as soon as possible to restore your window to its full functionality and security.

Key Takeaways:

• Duct tape and plastic sheeting can temporarily seal broken glass, keeping drafts and rain out.
• Cardboard or plywood can be used to provide more durable protection until professionals can replace the glass.
• Always ensure the window is secure to prevent further damage and protect your home and family.

By taking these steps, you can manage the situation effectively until the broken window glass is properly fixed by professionals.