Temporary Solutions for Broken Windows: Safe ways to board up a window or cover a crack before professional help arrives
Broken windows can be stressful, whether it’s from a storm, accident, or attempted break-in. While you should always arrange professional repairs as soon as possible, there are safe, temporary solutions you can use to protect your home from the weather, pests, and intruders in the meantime. The key is to prioritise safety first, then create a solid, short-term barrier.
Step 1: Put Safety First
Before you touch the window, protect yourself. Put on thick gloves, closed-toe shoes, and, if possible, safety glasses. Broken glass can be hard to see and can fall unexpectedly, so clear the floor around the window and keep kids and pets away from the area. Never attempt a repair in high winds or lightning; wait until conditions are safe.
If there are loose, dangling shards in the frame that could fall with a light touch, gently remove them with gloved hands and place them in a strong container such as a cardboard box or thick bin bag. Avoid pulling on pieces that are firmly lodged, as this can cause more breakage.
Step 2: Secure Cracks in Intact Glass
If the glass is still mostly in place and just cracked, you can stabilise it temporarily.
For small to moderate cracks
Use clear packing tape or strong duct tape. Start at one end of the crack and run tape along the entire length, slightly overlapping the glass on both sides of the crack. Repeat on the other side of the glass if you can reach it, creating a taped “sandwich” that holds the pieces together.
For multiple fractures or spiderweb cracks
Apply tape in a crisscross or grid pattern over the entire pane. This reduces the risk of shards falling if the glass shifts.
For drafts or water seepage
After taping, cover the entire window with a sheet of plastic, a bin bag, or a plastic drop cloth. Tape the plastic securely around all edges to help block wind and rain.
These methods won’t restore strength, but they can buy you time and make the window safer until a professional replaces it, like Walton Glass.
Step 3: Boarding Up a Broken Window
If the glass is missing or shattered, boarding it up provides better protection.
1. Measure the opening
Measure the height and width of the visible opening plus the frame. Add a couple of inches, so your board overlaps the frame for a more secure fit.
2. Choose your material
Plywood is the standard choice. Aim for at least 1/2-inch thick for exterior windows exposed to weather or potential impact.
3. Cut and position the board
Cut the plywood to size or have it cut at a hardware store. Place it over the window from the outside if possible, overlapping the frame on all sides. If outside access is unsafe or impossible, you can attach the board from the inside.
4. Secure with screws
Use wood screws and a drill to fasten the board into the framing around the window, not just the trim. Space screws every 6-8 inches along the edges. Avoid nails; screws hold better and are easier to remove later.
For ground-floor windows, a properly secured board offers a temporary deterrent to intruders and a solid barrier against wind and rain.
Step 4: Short-Term Interior Covers
If you don’t have plywood, you can create a temporary interior barrier.
- Stretch a plastic tarp or heavy-duty bin bags over the opening.
- Back it with cardboard or foam board to add rigidity.
- Tape all edges securely with strong duct tape, pressing firmly into the wall or frame.
This won’t stop a determined intruder, but it will help with privacy, drafts, and insects until repairs are made.
Finally
Temporary fixes for broken windows are about safety and damage control, not long-term solutions. Protect yourself from glass, stabilise cracks with tape and plastic, and board up major damage with properly secured plywood when possible. Then, schedule a professional repair as soon as you can with Walton Glass to restore full security, efficiency, and peace of mind.